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[power_of_yes]

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[power_of_yes]

[The breach was rattling, and honestly, he really just wants a goddamn drink. Or four. Talking to this guy is not on top of the list. He knows the likely answer, and he's not in the mood. But he has to maintain, so - ]

We can speak now, if you'd like.

[lone_horse]

Would you like me to come to you or would you rather come to my cabin? We can also take a booth in the dining hall. It’s up to you.

[power_of_yes]

You can come here, if you'd like. Level 2, Room 15.

[lone_horse]

I'll be there soon.

[ And soon enough, he'll be there at the door, knocking politely before folding his hands in front of him. He has the booklet the Admiral gave him on Bliss with him, for all that John won't be able to read it. He can and he's marked it in a few pointed spots so he won't forget anything. ]

[power_of_yes]

John opens the door to his ranch home, giving him a tired smile and a small nod of greeting. He's not looking forward to this, but he doesn't actually want to turn him away.

"Come in," he tells him, taking in the booklet, glancing back before leading him to a comfortable couch and chairs arranged around a table. He takes one of the high backed black chairs and sits down.

[lone_horse]

He nods and looks around before turning to John.

"You have a lovely home here. Thank you for having me."

He will remove his shoes at the door, of course; hopefully that's all right. Then he's heading towards the table and sits down.

"I asked the Admiral for information on your... item. He gave me this," and he taps the booklet mildly before turning back to John.

"I've read it, but I also wanted to talk to you about it."

He doesn't look disapproving or angry. Well. Anymore than he always looks a little angry.

[power_of_yes]

"Thank you," he says, making no mention of his shoes. John's in his socks and clean workout clothes, having just come back from a shower, but he doesn't seem put out by that. "What does the booklet say?" he wonders. "Might be more than what I know."

[lone_horse]

Kiryu's expression lightens a little at that and he nods.

"I wanted to go over it with you, since I wasn't sure if that was the case."

He puts the booklet on the table and dips his head in apology.

"I had him put it in Japanese so I could read it."

But it's clearly marked and noted. He didn't just read it and dismiss the whole thing. He was thinking this through.

"The first thing I saw was this: the potential for nerve damage. Were you aware of this, John-san?"

He doesn't sound accusatory. He just sounds concerned.

[power_of_yes]

John can tell that Kiryu is worried, so he leans forward, frowning. "Of course. There are always risks in what we do. But there's risks in alcohol, in pot, in cigarettes. We take those risks for reasons."

[lone_horse]

Kiryu blinks a little and watches him for a moment before he continues.

"It can also potentially cause amnesia and delirium." He doesn't mention the vivid hallucinations. He'd bet that's the part that's useful. His tone is mild and even. "As well as cause damage to the eyes, making them unable to dilate properly."

He doesn't ask this time. He wants to see what John says.

[power_of_yes]

"That's what happens to the Angels," he tells Kiryu and there's a scoff to his tone. "Does it talk about the aggression, too?" he wonders. "How they are desensitized to pain? That's in very high, very concentrated doses. To the ones who take too much. Who lose control."

[lone_horse]

He pauses, and he nods. Because that's in there as well. He was getting to that. Because he could very much see how some of those things could be seen as enhancements. Nothing he'd agree with but that isn't the point right now.

"It says it can happen with repeated exposure. As well as highly concentrated doses."

He looks to John.

"Angels?"

[power_of_yes]

"Angels. It's what we call the ones who lose themselves in the Bliss. Who can't handle it. Who are overexposed," he says softly, testing out the lies because he's not sure if the brochure talks about his world or simply the drug.

"My sister, Faith. The one who developed the drug? She takes care of them mostly, so I don't quite know much about them. Only that it happens with too much exposure. When they bathe in it daily, drink it daily, live in the world it creates."

[lone_horse]

Only the drug. If someone was clever, they could discern things from the information, but Kiryu isn't the sort of person to do that. He'd rather find that out from John. What John says and what he doesn't say.

"Is there some sort of natural spring that produces it in your world?"

Because uh, otherwise? How does that happen?

[power_of_yes]

"No, it's made from Bliss flowers," he says. "It's mass produced in Faith's region. There are people who can steal it, though. We have guards, but - " He shrugs, sitting back. "Sin causes men and women to do many things."

[lone_horse]

Mass produced?

"Is there a reason it's mass produced? It sounded like you only needed a small amount from what you said."

[power_of_yes]

"Because of the Collapse," he says easily. "There is only one of me. After the Collapse, the Bliss flowers on the surface will die. We don't know how long we will need to stay in the bunkers. We don't know, when we come out, if the soil will sustain the flowers. So we are making as much as we can now to stockpile it."

[lone_horse]

He nods and there's no disapproval, no suspicion from that. Instead, what he moves onto is-

"Another element of what's in here is that it can permanently affect the mind, will, and senses of a person."

He looks to John.

"Have you considered what use of this may bring when you take into account the things that happen here?"

[power_of_yes]

That answer is very, very easy.

"Yes," he tells him, and his answer is firm. "After the breach? After the flood? Yes."

[lone_horse]

He's a little surprised how quickly that answer comes. But he doesn't say anything about it. Instead, he nods.

"May I ask a somewhat sensitive question?"

[power_of_yes]

John seems surprised by the request, but gestures for him to continue. "Go ahead," he says, tilting his head to the side. "There doesn't seem to be such a thing here."

[lone_horse]

He winces a little, because yes, he's noticed that. But he'll still do his best.

"I've never had religion as a major part of my life." He's actually kind of intensely opposed to it, on a personal level. But he? Is not John. And part of his beliefs involves a firm appreciation for choice and independent thought.

"But I spoke to a friend on the subject, a religious item that could have potential complications. And they pointed out that there are items that are useful, helpful, but not necessary for certain rituals, and other items that one can't be without to perform a ritual. I realize you have the right to keep your beliefs to yourself, but can you tell me which one this is?"

[power_of_yes]

"Atonement," he answers softly. "There are steps to the Atonement and the Bliss is helpful for the Cleansing." He runs his fingers through his hair. "Essential sometimes, but not always."

[lone_horse]

He listens... and then he nods.

"Is there a specific reason Bliss is used over any other substance?"

He gestures to the booklet.

"It doesn't say that it's specifically addictive. But you've said that there are those who expose themselves to huge amounts. Is there something I'm missing?"

[power_of_yes]

"It can create hallucinations," he explains. "Some can get lost in it. Some would rather live in a hallucination than their reality, I suppose. I have never felt that urge."