IC Contact Post

[mathemagier]

[Screened calls go straight to voicemail, where an impatient recording answers]

You've reached Dr. Hermann Gottlieb. Leave your name, number, and business if you expect a return call. Thank you.

Comments

[dendarii]

Oh, he's obviously fine. I assume you share everything with him anyway.

[mathemagier]

It's difficult not to, such as we are. I project less than he does of course, but often it will seem as if we share the same memories, and knowledge that one of us has will bleed over without realizing. I was desperately grateful for our neutralizers, else I likely wouldn't have managed to keep the ring or proposal secret for long.

[dendarii]

That is ... very intense. Not even Gregor and I are like that.

[mathemagier]

The Drift, yes. It is very.. revealing, and binding. In a way now, our marriage will be a formality. But the intent behind it remains sincere.

At some point, I would be interested in discerning the differences between your connection with Gregor and our Drift. We are both endlessly curious, having been surrounded by Pilots for so long.

[dendarii]

I would be open to running a few experiments if you like.

[mathemagier]

Well that certainly appeals to us as scientists. So long as they're not too invasive, I should think. I'm sure the results would be enlightening.

[dendarii]

Well we wouldn't want them to be invasive either. Let me ask Gregor.

[mathemagier]

I've read numerous reports on the Drift, but Newton has more of a background in neurology of course. Between our knowledge and yours, we should be able to work out simple tests to compare effects through. Exercises of a sort.

[dendarii]

A shame you couldn't just connect directly.

... I don't suppose one of you would be interested in swearing yourselves to me for the day?

[mathemagier]

[That doesn't sound ominous]

How does that work?

[dendarii]

You swear to me as your liege lord. Become temporary Barrayaran subjects. And then you take it back.

[mathemagier]

Yes, I gathered that much. But how does one effectively revoke a binding oath?

[dendarii]

I can release you from it.

[mathemagier]

[Newton probably wouldn't need much more than that to go forward with it, but Hermann's a bit more exacting before jumping into anything]

I see. So upon that hypothetical oath, what happens exactly?

[dendarii]

You get linked into our network, so to speak. Being liege-sworn to me, that means you're in contact with myself and Gregor.

... Potentially my father too. But he's usually very quiet.

[mathemagier]

You're all connected there?

[dendarii]

No, just along liege relationships. So - Gregor is a given, since he's the Emperor. Swearing to me puts you under me, but also under my father.

We don't leave all of them open all the time. I really only have Gregor's that wide - the rest are more like a door being crackd open.

[mathemagier]

Even so that sounds... highly complex. How do you manage different levels of empathy to such a degree? What sort of influence does anyone in these relationships have over one another?

[dendarii]

It's a lot like living in a house together. If you want privacy, close the door. And perhaps hang something on it if you don't want to be interrupted.

[mathemagier]

That's disconcerting. I could ask Newton, but we don't know how our bond may affect your.. hierarchy. And Newton has never been subtle or particularly reserved, it could be uncomfortable for everyone involved.

I suppose I should in that case, but the idea doesn't particularly appeal on a personal level.

We'll discuss the possibility.

[dendarii]

Of course, of course. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the options.

a bit later

[mathemagier]

Don't know why I bothered asking really. Of course he's interested.

[dendarii]

Ha. Well. Think it over for yourself, then. And I'll check with Gregor.

[mathemagier]

Yes, of course. Let us know when you think would be best. We may yet try some exercises first.

[dendarii]

[ A few days later, Miles responds. ]

Ah, Gregor's not comfortable with it. For good reason I suppose. I am open to other scientific experiments if you've need of me, though.