[closed] it's nerd talk time

[blitzcheer]

Who: CLU/Faux (ranoutofbuts), Elidibus (wewillwewill), Senku Ishigami (10billionpercent), Seto Kaiba (blue_ice), Emet-Selch (apokroteo), and Esteban (crowneddragon); Tidus is going to snooze, the train is Listening
Where: Quiet carriage
When: 20 Quicksand
What: The train's brought forward answers, the ministry has been in contact, but there's still plenty of questions unanswered. Time to brainstorm possible solutions.
Warnings: nerd talk. ok otherwise

If Tidus didn't know any of these guys, hadn't seen what they could do or heard about it, this half-baked idea wouldn't have the ingredients in the first place to be potentially turned into a cake.

But here they are, each with their own skills and talent. Senku already with his own ideas, and hopefully Elidibus and Seto Kaiba had plenty too since he approached them, giving a gist of what he's thinking about. There would be the room for brainstorming; Tidus didn't doubt that these three will be talking a lot. Him? He'll be the drinks guy, or just sitting to the side guy, barely following the three of them, but interested anyway in what they'd have to say.

The meeting place is in the double quiet room, so they can be comfortable. Take a seat where you like; once everyone's there, Tidus will be the first to speak.

"Alright, let's get started, yeah?" He smiles to each of them, gestures with a hand as he's one to do. "You're the guys with the brains to know if any of this is possible, and if it's even a little, I know you'll work something out."

He motions with his hand to Seto first.

"Back when the train tried sending people home, Seto connected his tech into the ICP in luggage so another guy, Esteban, could try talking to the train. We didn't see anything, but something must've been working - we both saw the tethers of everyone for a split second. Gave us a headache," he remembers with some mirth, "but hopefully, the train can help us with poking around this time."

Next, he glances to Elidibus.

"Elidibus told me he can see people's memories - rewind through them, he can give you the details. We know the train's missing some memories, so if we can find a way of searching and helping with that... there might be other people too who can help with that too."

Especially as Elidibus isn't at a hundred percent, but you know. We won't mention that, but instead look to Senku. "But, in the end, the train's an engine, a - machine brain. Code and stuff. And we have people who can understand code - smart people." He does look at Seto with that, too. "So I think if we can try looking at the train with these different ideas, maybe we can come up with something - to do with its memories, or help another way."

He pauses, then looks up briefly.

"And we don't plan on doing this without letting the train know, so... we're not keeping this a secret. We want the train to help us, so we can help it." He pauses again, and then gives a goofy smile.

"Next part is you guys." Heheh. "Talk away!"

Comments

[blue_ice]

Seto takes a deep breath before addressing them. It's smart, but it's also going to be difficult, and he's sure they understand that but he should emphasize.

"Looking into the train's eyes was unlike anything I'd ever felt. The enormity of it...I couldn't process it. The data structures we're trying to read are likely to be equally complex, so we may need multiple attempts. Multiple eyes. But attacking the problem from an emotional level and data structure level at once might do it."

He presses a few buttons on his duel disk and produces a small holo of a sample data structure. "I'll record everything the headsets can process...but I might need some backup hard drives, because it's likely I'll run out of memory."

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus generally isn't one to take a seat immediately when there's standing room. However if everyone else does, he'll also do so for politeness sake.

"I'm impressed you were able to only experience a severe headache." Elidibus appears to mean this sincerely. He's certainly not judging; there was probably a need to try anything and everything to contact the train at the time. "Perhaps the limits of what you used to interface proved to be a blessing."

There is also a nod as Tidus clarifies his position on the matter of no secrecy.

"I wouldn't have kept it from the train anyway, even if we were able. I spoke a little about my own study of the train's tethers. This has been done with the Voidtrecker Express's full knowledge and support. Given the delicate nature of the tethers and many unknowns, I thought it wise." Not to mention it happened after the space station trap and was enough alike 'invading privacy' of other crewmembers that he felt it best to have permission even from the train. No need to have people attached to the crew to call him out on breaking his promise.

"I can see tethers with my own senses. I've been studying them and the perspective of the Voidtrecker Express. I've also attempted to look for the memories. There is... an issue. However first..."

He looks at the other three.

"You mentioned Esteban was a part of your earlier attempt. Is he not available? His perspective on what happened would be welcome."

[10billionpercent]

Senku had come in without a problem and taken a seat without much of a thought. He had his tablet in hand because he'd been thinking about something and all he did once he sat was tap it a few times to get himself a blank page. He listened to them talk first, not out of rudeness but just because he was absorbing information.

"I have approximately four terabytes of space on my laptop." Senku said, instead of giving the exact number for the purposes of not freaking people out with his need to be specific. "If it's possible to use a connection of sorts to use it to save data, that's fine by me, or even we could order an external drive or something. Or internal, I suppose." He'd be willing to offer up points to that effect, but didn't offer to install it, he knows Kaiba can do that himself.

"I was always going to ask the train because I need its cooperation. It is very adamant that we not gain access to the engine room. What I was thinking, is along the lines that while the train has sentience and its own train of thought, it began with programming. It likely has on board systems that keep track of the electronic maintenance of the train, logs, that kind of thing. It stores data."

Senku could get into that further, about his theories if he needed to be. "So I wanted some very specific information, and I figured with that caveat, the train might provide what we needed."

He does pause at the question about Esteban, someone he actually wasn't familiar with on a personal level. "I have a lot of thoughts on the tech side of things, but I can wait if he's joining us."

[blue_ice]

"Right. Between us we can get enough storage space, if I extrapolate from how much processing power was used last time. I'll also project what we're seeing, so we have as full a visual field to analyze as possible. We should also ensure that we maintain a positive connection, we don't want to trip any defensive programming that would force us out."

As for Esteban...he nods. "It's worth asking him, but he took the brunt of the emotional feedback last time given his role. I'd understand if he doesn't want to go through that again...but it's his choice, not mine. I'll call him, if that's all right."

If it is, he'll step outside and place a call on the nearest ICP. Esteban, hi, it's Seto. I know it's been a while. But there's a group here in the quiet car who wants to contact the train again, and I was wondering if you could stop by and help advise? Not asking you to go again if you don't want to, just advise. Thanks.

[wewillwewill]

"I understand. If he is willing then. Though I would like to hear more about what you know and are allowed to share of this emotional feedback." Elidibus states. Not the actual dirty details. A general overview of what was meant is the intention behind the Ascian's words.

"And if you're both fine, I will contact a colleague that's recently arrived on the train. He shares my gifts and may have some insight."

Provided there's no protest, a small amount of magic is all that's needed to send a small spell with a message off to find its target. Either way, he'll then turn to Senku, appearing curious.

"Can you explain your measurement of data storage? I'm not familiar with the term. Do you have an idea of how much you would have in comparison to the standard the train would use?"

[10billionpercent]

"I think the best way to avoid tripping defences is to let the train bring the information to us. I'm not looking for an in to hack the train. That might be feasible, but could have serious detrimental effects, especially since I am working under the assumption that whatever programming language was used to create this craft is not one I'm familiar with." That seemed like an extremely safe bet to him.

"Yes, of course." Senku taps his screen a few times and flips it forward to show Elidibus, he's going to use the stylus to make his point as he talks. "All data on a computer, everything you see on this tablet, even this white screen can be converted into an unseen binary language. Each part holds a value of 1 or 0. It signifies something being on or off. Like lights, if that helps." Hopefully he was ready for a detailed explanation that would probably take up the time for their companions to get there.

"So something simple like writing my name." He writes the characters 千空 on the screen deftly. "Will change the code because I've added information. Now this tablet has to know this information. It's temporary at the moment, but I could save it. That would mean this data, which is stored in that binary code will remain on the device. Each 1 or 0 is called a bit. What I wrote would change multiple numbers so this alone would be a couple of bytes which is made up of eight bits. 1024 bytes is a kilobyte. The number is always 1024, not 1000. So it would go from kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and then terabyte."

Senku tapped his screen a few times to make his name vanish because he was using it to take notes if necessary, or for illustrating his points as needed. This kind of discussion could get technical. "My laptop has a capacity of six terabytes, for information it can store. I haven't used all of the storage, but I've used some, that's why I have four remaining."

"When it comes to the train, the data stored on the ICPs and the possible data stored is something along the lines of a journal. The ICP network can't possibly have much data storage, however the amount of data needed to run something like this....is significant. Something like a spaceship can transmit something akin to 24 terabytes from any given mission, and most missions are short. If the train is storing all that information and we know it hasn't had maintenence done in a long time it must have capacities perhaps beyond numbers that humans haven't designated yet."

[crowneddragon]

There was an almost-collision at the door when the half-elf arrived just as Tidus was leaving, a brief nod, before he snuck into the room as discreetly as possible. Spices and sugary scents quickly wafted over the room though, and Esteban started cutting up a pie that could have looked in better form and ladling it onto plates to serve up, keeping an open ear for what was being discussed.

Even though he's not catching on At All about what the other guy is saying-- something about numbers and earth-bites, he guesses. The other faces around the table are at least somewhat familiar, having expected Kaiba since he'd called him up here, and he'd met Elidibus at least the once. He stays quiet for now, passing the plates down-- even if it sits in front of them untouched.

They're talking about the train, right?

"Or maybe it's just sentient?" He has absolutely not followed up until that point, but it seems wrong to him talking about the train as something rather than someone. What little he remembers; impressions of an attention, of a being, too busy to do more than nudge him to the side-- it had been irritating. But also something that he understood, in some way? Or had it just transmitted information in a way Esteban himself could understand? It was difficult to tell.

[blue_ice]

"...mm, I think the train's consciousness is growing and expanding," Kaiba agrees, greeting Esteban with a friendly nod. He definitely won't say no to pie...the scent is delicious and familiar. Especially familiar to a certain companion of his, who takes the opportunity to pop out of her Poké Ball and onto his lap. There's now an apple-lizard about the size of a volleyball blinking at them, and Kaiba's only reaction is to pet her head. She growls happily, as she does.

And he continues. "Thanks for coming, Esteban. I asked you here because we have a solid grasp of data structures, and memory and time, but what I'm still grappling with is the emotional side. It's never been my strong suit. As implausible as it might sound, void navigation is fueled by emotion and will, and the program responsible for that would need to be on a higher level---like a fully autonomous AI. Right?"

[wewillwewill]

Listening patiently through Senku's explanation of storage.

"I see." It's definitely knowledge to keep in mind anyway, though he focuses more on what the youth is saying after regarding the ICPs and Voidtrecker Express in general.

"Then if I understand, there may be limits to both what the headset can receive and what can then be stored?" It's not condescending; he's making sure he understands the limits so far.

Tidus runs out, mentioning finding another one and almost at the same time, Esteban comes in. Briefly Elidibus is distracted by pie and... apple beast? Well it's only a glance toward both and an accepting of his plate before he focuses on the topic.

"Yes, thank you for answering our request. I think your perspective on the experience could be invaluable. Though I don't wish to cause you distress. What you are willing to share would be appreciated."

There will be a moment where he samples the pie. A touch of social norms, whether calculated or not.

"I've found nothing to suggest it isn't a man-made sentience. What many would call artificial, though it's capable of learning and adapting. But I can verify it is growing as Seto theorizes. The Voidtrecker Express is influenced by its crew. Its needs, interests and desires and adjusts accordingly."

[10billionpercent]

"Correct." Senku gave Elidibus a smile. Even if he had been condescending, he likely wouldn't have noticed that, but despite how long-winded he was he'd gotten his point across.

He held up a hand of wordless decline to the pie and sat back in his seat.

"From what I know from speaking to Anan it was indeed man-made, if you expand that to be some creature or race that is not necessarily human, but hold onto that for a point. But Kaiba's also right that its scope is expanding. It has the capacity to learn and adapt and will continue to do so, as well as express distress. Its origin is data of some kind. However even if we go on that premise," he offered a little nod to Esteban.

"That we are not operating within the confines of the train's consciousness itself, the mechanical aspects outside of the train like say the speedometer or some sort of equivalent would be gathering and storing data on our trips. I believe all of that is entangled into the train's consciousness, but it equally may not be. We don't have access to see the controls or how anything works. So we're working around that. We need the train to bring the data to us."

[crowneddragon]

He'd been following along until Senku went and added more things to consider, and now Esteban is just a tiny bit lost. But it won't stop him anyways; so he buckles down his confusion, tries to split what he can bring on and what he can leave to the experts, and takes a deep breath to try and add to the conversation.

He needs a vocabulary list, darn it.

"Okay, so we wanna have a chat with the train and ask all the questions while it's not busy with other things," he tries to sum up, asking if he got this right because he did just walk in from half a conversation and he just does not want to falter so quickly.

"Questions we can kinda slip into two categories? One side's the sentient, how does it perceive things, how can it tether with people it doesn't even have access to, that kinda thing, and the other's technical--" (and with jargon he doesn't fully understand--) "with how it moves through void--" No wait, Kaiba had mentioned that they knew that-- "things like direction, speed, an' also storms an' how they might affect it?"

Did he get that right?

"Internal workings an' external workings?" He's catching on, right?

[blitzcheer]

Is there nerd talk happening in here again? There's probably nerd talk going on in here again.

But before Esteban can get his answer, the door (one of the doors) opens up to a Tidus appearing inside - apparently, Esteban and Tidus can be seen in the same room. He gives a "Hey!" as he enters, walking in to let his company follow on in after him. Faux, tiny Bit, you can close the door? Thanks.

Tidus will nod to him, looking over at everyone else. "This is Faux, and his new friend?" He looks for a moment towards Faux and the bit, and. Yeah, leave it at that right now. "He's got a lot of experience with computers - he can introduce himself," Tidus realises, or acknowledges with a small chuckle. "I got him up to speed what we're doing."

Faux, you want to take the floor? There are also seats, too. Ooh, is there some apple pie left?

[ranoutofbuts]

Stepping into the room, he sees familiar faces, though only acquainted with two of them. His bit floats in and he then closes the door, getting the hint from Tidus.

As the user introduces them, his friend comment receives a resounding, "YES," from his bit, floating beside Faux's shoulder. Oh, that is a yes. Yes that his bit better be on it's best behaviour... or it's having it's room privileges revoked.

Not knowing the majority of the participants of the operation makes this just a tad awkward. With a strained smile, he addressees the users, "Greetings. You might have seen me around," or not, "I'm the resident computer program; specializing in both infiltration and system-administration functionality." What else can he say? "I hope you don't mind the bit."

With a shuffle to the side, he finds a spot on a chair and seats himself. The bit leveling to his new height next to him.

His expression drops to a more serious look, "I've been told you are planning on investigating the Train; Trying to source this data loss within it's memory logs and the possible reasons why."

"I may not be a user with as extensive programming knowledge," he knows this hindrance well, "I however am a program, and I can offer that perspective; of what it's like 'on the inside'."

He opens his mouth to say more then quickly closes it, "I will try to help in whatever capacity I can," giving a nod to everyone.

Sorry there was a whole huge FFXIV patch that Needed Me

[wewillwewill]

Even Elidibus gives Senku a bit of a sideways look.

"That is close to what Senku said, Esteban." The Ascian glances at the half-elf and nods. "And I think some of that could be asked directly of the train." Specifically without submitting someone to trying to see through its senses.

"But it seems to be more than we were originally talking about. Seto and Senku. Could you make it clear what you're trying to do? This sounds like more than simply looking for the missing data... memories if you will."

This is a question asked with courtesy. He's not the type to judge things when they're unclear. And there has been a lot talked about; particularly for a meeting of multiple groups working their own methods for a similar goal. Elidibus wants some clarity of their focus.

At that point Tidus and Faux walk in.

"Ah, Faux. You're the one Tidus went to find?" Elidibus muses over the professed purpose of the program's coding. "Yes, I can see where your specialty would prove useful. With the train's support, of course."

Well the rest of what Elidibus might have to say will have to wait til he hears what Senku and Seto have to say.

[10billionpercent]

“Ah, I was unclear.” Senku acknowledged with a bit of a hum. “Some of those things we do actually know to some extent, but mostly I was trying to establish that even if the train has moved past storing its data like a computer would, as in it is a fully sentient being with no electrical component, there would still be evidence worth looking for. How the train works is not actually the goal here, nor does the train seem inclined to share that information.”

It also dawned on him that they might not follow this so he paused and revised his thoughts for a moment. “With programs, even those that evolve on their own, their memories would be stored like I just described.” He gestured at Elidibus. “A memory to a program would be written in a code like that, not unlike how our memories are written in the pathways in our brains. The train’s brain is likely a computer. I don’t think it could get around that.”

“Human memories and computer code work differently. While humans might forget something, given enough time or a lack of importance, like say what you had for breakfast last week – a computer would not. Not on its own. So the idea here would be either the train can’t access that information, and there might be information why that is or it’s been removed. Deleted.” Senku explained.

“On the programming side of things, we’d be looking for that. Is there some reason the information is inaccessible, or is it simply missing? If it is missing, did they leave any tracks behind? Who deleted it, when was it deleted and can it be recovered?” He offered the questions. “The scope of this and the train’s agreement is likely meant to be narrow. I don’t think the train wants us rooting around in everything. Along with the memories themselves, the train also doesn’t seem to be sure where its previous crew is. Are there logs to the effect of where the train was through its navigation systems? That, I think, should probably be the goal here, but if there’s more I’m not thinking of, we should discuss it.”

[blue_ice]

Seto has been fairly quiet the last little while. He's been wrestling Snapper back under control---the little apple really liked apple pie, who knew? He's managed to restrict her to one slice, and he's keeping a tight hold on her as he listens to the others and their contributions.

"Mm. Code that was written collaboratively can have tells about who wrote each piece. I doubt it'll be as simple as reading off a page, but if there's anything that information can tell us about our purpose, or things we can do to help better prepare...."

Deep breath. "That's all we want. To work through the limitations and set on the path to finding the missing. The crew the train misses so desperately...and those who were found and lost after too."

[ranoutofbuts]

Faux listens on, picking up on critical details from both Senku and Seto, between the small distraction brought by the creature in Seto's lap that looks suspiciously like a fruit. Seto's input at least is self contained. What he says is true. Certain users have telltales in their code. Not all of those perceived by users.

Both of these users have points worth elaborating on.

Faux has personally dealt with his own issues with memories. He knows what to look out for, the signs. Reminding himself that he chose to help, posture stiff and tone serious, "The data loss to the Train's memory store, could be down to a number of factors. Most noticeably; sustained damage, either through physical trauma, or deterioration of sectors. Corruption could have set in preventing those lines from being accessible." All reasonable given the state the Train seems to be in. "There is also the possibility that they were intentionally removed or altered. This could have been done by a third party we are currently unaware of, the Train's crew, or-" and this sounds a little too outlandish, "by the Train itself."

Following on the unbelievable, "It is true that machine memories work differently to a users. As Senku advised, a user's memory storage is nothing like a machines. Our details are sharp, precise, irrefutable. They being unavailable can only be through interference, or deliberate choice." Some programs do have access to their own records. "There is always the possibility that something occurred that necessitated the memories removal, or it's bypass." Someone had to say it. There isn't currently enough data to suggest this is the case, however there isn't any to disprove it just yet either.

"Regardless. The telltales should be there of whatever possibility it could be."

He withdraws from saying more.

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus listens to each in turn, giving due attention to every explanation. Each perspective. In a lull he'll speak again.

"I have some concerns you may be trying to make gaining this knowledge more complicated than it needs to be." He looks at Seto and nods to acknowledge the young man. "Though your idea has its merits as it concerns the specific creation of the laws which govern the Voidtrecker Express. Though this may be my perspective, which I would like to explain once I hear your thoughts on a few questions."

He looks at Senku. "You want to learn how a voidcraft's data is stored in comparison to the technology you're accustomed to, correct? And you wish to look for the logs that record the conditions the Voidtrecker Express experiences both in and out of the void?" Of course he's not looking down on this. There's a lot of good reasoning behind this form of inquiry after all.

"I'm given to understand you've been working on this for some time. But now we have access to the Void Ministry may I suggest, if you haven't considered it, you first establish what a base standard for voidcraft should be, so we can determine if there's any core differences- should there be any- in the nature of the Voidtrecker Express?"

There is a moment he studies Faux. "As a program, have you experienced any type of interface with the voidcraft yet, beyond the tether and use of ICPs? How do you perceive your current connection to the train?"

[10billionpercent]

Senku did not look like he thought Clu was outlandish at all, the fact the train itself could’ve deleted the files had crossed his mind. It was, in his opinion, the least likely outcome, but it was possible.

He held up a finger in Clu’s direction a moment because Elidibus’ question to him hinged on his answer and discussion to what Clu brought up. He shook his head. “It’s sounding complicated because I want you to understand what I’m talking about. It’s not a complicated request at all, and very narrow. I won’t deny I want to know how the train functions, I’ve never been secretive about that, and I have asked the Ministry for a manual on the subject.” Of course he did, since Lia Nine was willing to entertain the request at least.

“That’s not what my aim is here, however. We may get that knowledge, but that’s not the point. We need to know what happened to cause the data, or memories, to be inaccessible, and more importantly, we need to know if we can retrieve them.” Senku said, shaking his head a little bit. “When you delete a file, unless you know what you’re doing, that leaves a trace behind. That’s why- actually, I don’t think you’d get that reference. Never mind. Not important. But just deleting something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone forever. It takes a lot of extra work to make that happen. For the train to cooperate with us, I think we have to focus on the information surrounding the memories and the reason it can’t access them.”

He tilted his head in Clu’s direction. “You may not be wrong about that. The why in any case is just as important. If it’s damage or a virus...that’s a lot more complicated.” Senku said, frowning a little bit as he tapped his tablet, thinking. “As for our understanding of the information the train would provide to us, well I was thinking we should ask if it could be provided in a way we can understand it. If the train doesn’t know how, then we may as well make use of its capacity to learn and adapt and teach it something we can interpret.”

[blue_ice]

"Right, I'll refocus," Seto agrees, relaxing slightly as Snapper finally settles down for a nap. Caring for babies is so tiring...but she's being good now, he won't jinx that.

"Mm. How to explain this...memories can become inaccessible if the pathways to them are left untended, or damaged. That doesn't necessarily mean they're gone, just harder to retrieve. In humans, 'lost' memories can be called by accessing an alternate pathway...like an association with a scent or a sound. But we need to understand what we're looking at first. Alternate sensory communication seems to work, it's just interpreting that's the problem."

[crowneddragon]

"Why teach the train somethin' rather than us learnin' to speak their language?" There's a bit of a break as Esteban adds this a little curiously, tilting his head to the side as he tries to put it into perspectives.

"It's gotten-- what-- at least a hundred people that got tethered to it? An' we know there's some sharin' between the train an' the passengers, since it can see through their eyes, at the very least at the tetherin'." Yes, casually tossing that in there.

"Might be that the train has too many languages and can't settle for the one t' talk with us. If we narrow it down to its own mothertongue, it's less likely for it to struggle expressin' itself too, an' it might have an easier time to share what happened." But that does bring up a side note, something that Esteban had noticed but might not have translated over to Kaiba and Tidus.

"It seems to prefer very subtle impressions though. Sort of like--" and here, he falters for a bit, trying to find the words. "-- like hearin' a wave from the way the water shifts 'round you." Does that make sense?

[ranoutofbuts]

A little more confident he's on the right page with one of the users at least, Faux considers each other's words and propositions. All with varying degrees of opinion he is starting to recognize.

Elidibus' question has Faux consider his experience so far. He shakes his head, "In the simplest terms. None. Though I'm unsure if it has something to do with how I exist here. I seem to be taken as is from my system. Literal code, and operate as such. Since I'm not in a computer system, I don't have connection to it." Even if sometimes he feels as if he should. "It's not quite disconnection. More absence."

His hand runs along the table surface, feeling the smoothness of it, but nothing more than that underneath.

"Though," He then perks up, folding his arms, mustering up a sudden thought, "There was a moment when Idia's floating device scanned me, and I did sense a typical connection there briefly. Same with Naoya's baton, Annnd there is the front of the Train to the engine. Just sometimes I think I might pick up the faintest of something..."

Was any of that even useful? His uncertainty leaves him slumping back, "I know I've been adapting to a user existence. It's just frustrating since I have the ability to manipulate code where I'm from with a degree of precision. It would have been useful for this current task."

After his less than useful answer, he refocuses on the other users again as they continue the discussion.

What Seto says is true to a degree. Sometimes data isn't truly lost. The idea of the Train perhaps having alternate senses that they lack does give him thought. As does Esteban's, bringing up the idea that communication issues are being weighted down by simple logistic problems. This isn't exactly what he had been brought here to agree to, but again, the more for his processor to mull over and file away for later.

"The risk though is speaking the same language, does not guarantee you can understand one another." He's experienced it before.

[wewillwewill]

Taking the time to listen to each person's response in turn, Elidibus has settled in and closed his eyes. After all there was a lot of opinions here and since he asked for them, it's only fitting he takes care to absorb their content. Before a response directly to any one person is given, Elidibus brings up the matter he'd held until now. Though there may be some overlap noticed.

"Aether is the term my kind use to describe the energy that defines all creation. Without it there can't be life. In simple terms, events and experiences are recorded on the flow of aether. I can follow the flow and bear witness to past events of a location. Or memories of an individual."

There is a glance at those present to be sure they're still following. Though he'll continue after a moment.

"I've worked with the Voidtrecker Express to study the nature of our tethers. I've also sought to understand how it comprehends its surroundings." A nod is offered the half-elf. "Not unlike what you experienced through the technological devices. I've also attempted to trace events to a point before our allies were first summoned. There is a point where I can't go further. Something catastrophic occurred to overwrite the record with what I can only describe as an obsessive compulsion to 'find them'. If there's anything that remains of the original events, I've not found it."