[Multiple Locks]

[forissancta]

[Locked to Wanderers]

You don't know me, and you have no reason to believe me. I'm just one man, with my beliefs and a few like-minded individuals, but this is something which concerns you all. It's my earnest hope that you'll give me a few minutes of your time, to read my words and to consider them.

Listen:

This was not an accident. Your

Comments

[nothingsodivine]

Really? Well, gosh Mr. Disembodied Journal Man, you've certainly opened my eyes. And here I thought we were just the wayward buggered of some pandimensional fuckery, but we're chosen now?

Okay, Oh Anointed One. I'll humor you for about four seconds. What're we chosen for exactly? Are we going to lead our people out of Chicago into a land of milk and honey? You want I should stand on the tallest building in the city with a couple of pretty engraved rocks with a message from the Rift? What? Look, we're just a bunch of displaced people with freakish alterations to our biology trying to survive. Nothing more, nothing less.

[forissancta]

"A bunch of displaced people", as you put it, who have thus far led to the downfall of a Neqa'el, completely changed the supernatural political landscape in Chicago, caused quite a bit of a commotion in Rome, stopped a plague, dealt with pollution of the Chicago sewer system... I could go on.

I have no guidebooks, Mr. Descant, and no holy destiny for any of you save that which you're already fulfilling by being here and acting according to your natures. And I'm hardly an anointed anything.

What I am is a man who sees patterns in these events, and who feels the Riftcomers should have options other than acting as pawns in a match between angels and demons. All of you have a great deal of potential, and are being treated, more often than not, as pawns in one political game or another.

I'm offering another option, and what support I and those who agree with me can lend.

[egyptiansoldier]

Wow, how original of you.

[forissancta]

I don't blame you for your scepticism.

From the tone of that response, it seems likely you're not interested in discussing the matter further, but if there are any specific issues you'd like me to address, I'm more than happy to speak with you about them at your leisure.

[weallendupalone]

Um, no offence? But I don't think that anything that, y'know, thinks would take some kid away from their family and their life at home and dump them in someone's fireplace in a different universe.

Just saying.

[forissancta]

And if the need was greater than that of one child, one family? What then?

It's not an easy thing to accept, and I have only my own belief and the events that have unfolded thus far to provide support for it. But given the extent to which Riftcomers have changed the current situation in Chicago, and those events will, slowly but inevitably, change the world.

And I most sincerely believe that if you're here, it's because you were needed. The reasons may not seem evident at first, but they are there. And they will continue to be there regardless of whether or not you accept any of what I have to say.

Necessity is not often a kind thing. But just because something is not pleasant doesn't always mean it's not good.

All the same, I know that separation from your family and friends must be painful for you. I didn't choose this for you, and I wouldn't wish it upon you.

I am sorry, Ms. Jackson. For me, the idea that there's a higher purpose in all the suffering that has come about is a comfort; I can take some solace in the thought that

[weallendupalone]

I just want to go home to my dad. He's got to be so worried.

[smithnjones]

[Locked]

Look I think it's great that there's another place for Wanderers to go to that is, as you put it, independent of political affiliation. I think many times Wanderers have been stuck in the middle, not sure what to believe or who.

I'm not sure that informing them that they're chosen and special is the best idea. It sounds... creepy and a tad bit insane the way you put it. I mean, how exactly are you planning to help them? Or anyone for that matter? Beyond the place to stay?

Are you a Nephilim? I've met two before. Don't know much about the kind though, except what I heard from Brando.

[Locked]

[forissancta]

Yes, I am a Nephilim. Emim, to be specific. I'd be happy to tell you more about us, and fill in the gaps in what you may have heard, if you like.

And the crux of the matter, Dr. Jones, is that, as insane as my beliefs sound to you, I do believe them, wholeheartedly. And I find it far better to be as open and honest about that as possible, before I offer any form of aid. Better an openly acknowledged lunatic than a shadowy figure with a hidden agenda

[Locked]

[smithnjones]

Thank you for your response

[Locked]

[forissancta]

I'd be happy to give you more information on us, either in person or via a locked journal post. What I know is a bit much to leave in a comment here, I'm afraid, but let me know which you'd prefer

[carmine_the_red]

I may be a 'saint', but I make no pretensions to holiness. There's a difference between divine and forgiven, after all.

As for the Rift...

I haven't changed. Not one bit. I had a gift, but I lost it quite a while ago. There's nothing an ordinary man can really do, bound as he is by so many limitations, not to more than just his immediate acquaintances. And...it isn't enough to save the world one policy at a time.

I appreciate your generosity towards all the newcomers, but I'm afraid I can't see your message as anything more than that. I kinda wish I could.

[forissancta]

The Rift changes everyone. I've yet to encounter an exception. However, the changes aren't always immediately evident. You may not be in a position to believe this yet, but I have every confidence that, eventually, you'll discover exactly what it's given you.

Likewise, although it's difficult to come to terms with being seemingly ordinary after having had abilities most humans don't... One word at the right time can change a world. Everything's ripples in the pond.

But I'm not looking for blind faith, or unthinking conversion, and polite, honest dissent is more valuable to me than either.

Thank you for saying your piece, and I'm always happy to speak further with you, if you'd like.

[carmine_the_red]

Been here a little over two months. Nothing yet. With respect, I'm not sure the Rift could do anything to me at this point.

I've been telling myself. I left a lot behind in my home dimension, though I don't think it'll miss me much.

I don't agree with everything stated above, but you seem to understand the mechanics here, and that's more than I can say for the few people I've run into, pleasant as they are.

Thanks.