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]

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.

[mathemagier]

Well that's understandable. I must say I'm a bit relieved. I don't have any idea of how either bond would affect the other and I prefer the Drift just as it is.

Newton will be disappointed, but I'll have him put that energy toward brainstorming alternatives. Before long, he'll be excited about one of those.

[dendarii]

That was ultimately his objection as well. And ... well, Newt and I would get carried away.

Is there perhaps something we could do with brain scanning?

[mathemagier]

[Yes, yes they would]

Yes, we could submit to a few different types of scans in an attempt to map out the differences in our neurology. Or if those are too invasive for comfort, design a few exercises meant to test those differences. It all depends on your time and comfort levels.

[dendarii]

Either or both would be perfect, presuming they're not painful or dangerous. I would like to examine this in one way or another - it seems a shame not to.