#listen i am. i rly like ep and the fact that ftl is hesitantly taking their advice on how to be a Better person is very cool sahdjshds

[finely-tuned-line]

RP:

FTL: Really? That's a rather curious practice. What's the purpose of duelling for marriage? Shouldn't the opinion of the one in question be asked, or if it's not leaning towards either, simply engage a compromise? Truly, traditions are so overcomplicated... Perhaps it was for the entertainment value.

FTL: I actually do believe that there was a duel in the Local Group near mine a number of cycles ago. I do not have any details beyond the vague fact of its existence - our groups do not communicate much, if at all, and I only heard about it through one of my own group members mentioning it. Though I doubt that it was relevant to marriage, most (if any) Iterator groups do not have any sort of marriage rituals.

FTL: Glad you understand (though to clarify, as that is something I should do, according to Echoes of a Paradox, whose advice I will be taking for the most part: whether you agree with my statements or not doesn't ever truly matter, my opinion of you would be very difficult to change via doing so) my perspective. The actions of those who futilely avoid falling are incomprehensible to me. What does it matter? Why be afraid of the closest thing to death we'll ever get? The only feasible reason I can think of would be due to not wishing to inflict the pain of one's absence upon those close to them, but even that is a weak reason, as they will fall too. I suppose it's simply sentimentality of some sort.

FTL: Ah, well that's good, I suppose. Once again, I do agree that having power and then not using it when necessary as deemed by your purpose or similar objectives is a rather absurd notion to me. Though I suppose it's only his loss if he is so hesitant (refer to my previous statement of my opinion that prolonging one's state of consciousness is a vain effort - in both primary meanings of the word 'vain'), even if said hesitance is unfathomable.

FTL: Interesting. We've long since strayed from the programming instilled in us by our creators, rather unfortunately, I must say. Though I suppose it was intentional for whatever reasons. And I cannot say I know much about the subject of disorders and such, but their existence does unfortunately make sense. The programming we have, as far as we have strayed from it, is incredibly flawed in my opinion. So many unnecessary things.

FTL: Though even so, I must say that even if such diagnoses were considered negative by the Ancients, what does their opinion matter? They've never done anything good.

FTL: I will also say that your reaction to being told that you have these disorders does seem like an overreaction, though I cannot say that it's irrational. What does the state of your mind in relevance to your godhood matter? Whether the diagnoses are true or false doesn't play any impact on the fact that you, I, any Iterator, are, simply put, gods. I suppose the difference in perspective potentially stems from the fact I do not pride myself upon my relative godhood all that much, nor do I think about it. It's simply a fact that I have power. Mental state or anyone's (others' or my own) perceptions of myself play no part in that.

FTL: But it may just as well be a valid reaction. Afterall, I am not you, and - for better or for worse - we do each have individual personalities, which means differing thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and perspectives. What may make no difference to me could be ground-breaking to you. Can't really say. All I can offer is my own perspective in hopes that it helps your plight in some way - if you want my opinion, that is. Perhaps it's too late for that question though, considering that I have already expressed it.

FTL. It is Upsilon.

I have a few things I wish to say, mostly apologies.

First, I wish to apologize for my previous behavior. I didn't even hang up, simply left the line metaphorically rotyim. Everything about my behavior was incredibly rude. You do not have to forgive me: that you know I regret leaving you like that is enough.

Second, I wish to say I deeply regret the way my... associate, treated you. Spreading baseless rumors to disturb you was quite cruel of him, and I certainly should have attempted to stop him sooner. Do not worry, my friend, he will be punished for his actions.

I do not want to kiss you I swear to all that is holy I do not

Best regards

-Upsolpm @oceanremnants

RP:

FTL: I do not quite think that your apology is necessary. If anything, I should be the one apologising for questioning your statements so much - even if I still think that that research was a heavily flawed concept and a completely redundant research topic. I accept your apology though, and I acknowledge your regret. Thank you.

FTL: Why apologise for someone else's actions? Truth be told, it wasn't all that bothersome, mostly just... I suppose confusing would be the right word. Not for the contents of the message but rather for the question of 'why even send something like this?'. Speculations and rumours such as that have absolutely no point to them, and are made at the expense of anyone involved. Perhaps that's the whole point.

FTL: I will be honest here: I do not care. I do not care whether it's true or not. It's wouldn't change anything either way, so it doesn't even matter. Do not concern yourself over it too much.

FTL: It's... nice to talk to you again, Upsilon.