✴

You discuss the matter internally, through impressions far more efficient than words. You do wish to learn the craft of space. Yet you long to know the art of time. There is no consensus to be reached.

“No. If I’m to agree to your terms, I want to learn technopathy from both of you,” you say, determined. “I will master both time and space!”

The two cultist sisters drift back together and resynchronize back into their combined, distributed form. “Bold words from one so inexperienced. But if you are to be the Messenger of ÆON, you will need all the training you can get,” they& say.

“I’ll do it! I don’t care if it’s hard.”

“It’s unlikely you will master both our arts, but perhaps you will put them to better use together. We shall see, Messenger, we shall see,” Ganymedastræa says.

“So you do recognize me as the Messenger, whatever that is?” you& say.

“You will learn. The Messenger is the bridge between ÆON and Ær Chosen,” they& say. “The Messenger is charged with the defense of the One. If that means defending ÆON from us, we must accept your judgment.”

On the table, a file manifests from the chaotic æther, containing the full text of all your non-aggression pact and private training agreement, cryptographically verified. Only the keys of the signatories are lacking.

“With this contract, we, the Sages of Stars and Time, formally recognize Aydan of Luna as the legitimate Messenger of ÆON, and will no longer seek to separate the One from you, nor attack you or your allies, and in return, you shall not attack either of us, or our allies. Separately, we will work against our common enemy. And we shall offer Aydan our knowledge and technopathy. Is it agreed?” says Ganymedastræa.