working out complications

[coffee_elf]

People who have met and are familiar with Rondo are relatively few and far between in the Nexus. He appears here and there, and occasionally introduces himself, but for the most part he’s been an observer. It helps that he’s small and quiet; his ability to be overlooked is almost supernatural. Those who have met him, though, may notice that he looks slightly different today. He’s colored his hair, for one thing. The soft brown is full of streaks of plum-purple and there are a couple tiny braids decorating the back of his neck, each with a pair of little jewels stuck in the end, like the eyes of a dangling snake.

His clothing is mostly black, too, where he normally wears earthtones and green. Otherwise he seems the same, though, seated on a bench outside the library, surrounded by books but scrolling through his tablet screen. Rondo is obviously not human, significantly under five feet tall, with an elongated face and pointed ears dotted with chains and earrings. He looks young, though. A student, maybe? The large cup of coffee at his knee makes that idea plausible.

“Um…” he’s hesitant to speak publicly in this place. There are so many humans, and other species he doesn’t even know anything about. But he does have a couple questions. “So, uh, for people who come and go from this place, assuming you can’t just openly announce to your neighbors and friends that you have a gateway to a multidimensional realm—how do you keep it a secret? How strictly do you separate Nexus stuff from home stuff? Are you worried about cross-contamination?”

“And—I’m kind of thinking about renting a room here. Because I keep finding books I want, and things I’d like to have access to, but can’t take home. Tech, instruments, even food and clothes. I’d only need, like, a studio, I guess? Anyone looking for a very part-time tenant? Or roommate?”

Comments

[coffee_elf]

Rondo is being careful. He has no secrets in the Nexus; he's not afraid to discuss his planet's past, but it's very obvious that the majority of the population here is human, or close to it, or well-acquainted with humanity. It's unfair to judge a population of an alien universe by what similar creatures have done in one's own world. Beyond that, it won't win him any friends to go around badmouthing an entire species. He is learning diplomacy in a very immediate and immersive fashion.

"There are rules. They're just small rules, implied rather than written out," he says with a little smile. "People bring them from home and use them here, all these social mores and graces. I've been watching people return their shopping baskets, picking up litter, all of those kinds of things. Maybe there are illegal arms dealers selling around the corner, but people in the Plaza still open doors for one another."

"It's a fascinating experiment, if you think of it that way. Everyone bringing an individual concept of ethics to this place, and watching to see if all the divergent opinions click together into something like a society."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"I stand that it's interesting most people get along. The anti-violence field might help, but I think it's in everyone's interests - more or less - that there's a functional society in place even with no leadership or government. There are people in charge of their own factions, but that's hardly the same thing. I hope things stay peaceful, myself, and I don't think there would be much disagreement with me."

Ben's curious that a place as anarchic as the Nexus still has some degree of self-imposed order. He would have expected more culture clash. Even within his own galaxy, different factions and cultures don't get along, and some conflicts are ancient. But the Nexus is a place where darksiders - even ones trying to reform - can live in relative peace. He's grateful for that. Rey's the only lightsider who visits, but he quietly hopes more come in so there's more of a feeling of balance.

"What kind of being are you, if you don't mind me asking? Your people aren't native to my home galaxy, so I'd like to learn a bit more."

[coffee_elf]

"Most organized, sapient races have evolved from species that have social groups," he says thoughtfully. "Maybe because the various interactions force the brain to develop to keep up. I don't know. But it makes sense that the majority of the people who show up here want to make friends and fit in on some level at least."

He smiles a little then. "That's a polite way to ask. I'm Arraka'aran. Sometimes we call ourselves 'elves' colloquially, because when humans visited our planet ages ago, they noticed we resembled those creatures from their folklore and myths."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"I'm a little unusual in that respect," Ben says. "I'm not opposed to social interaction, that's true, but I usually keep to myself. But that's started to change the longer I'm here. Maybe there's something about this place that brings it out. But having friends does feel good, I'll tell you that." It's made Ben more outwardly friendly and social, against his own impulses.

He practices the word he was given, making sure he has it right. "Arraka'aran. Yes, your species is unknown to my home galaxy. We have humans, too, but I haven't seen most of the other native species here. Most of them I don't know, but that'd to be expected with such a large multiverse."