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Aelia distrusts Irune more than anything, but Irune has information that Aelia can't exactly just ignore. With obvious ties to the IPC, the very people Aelia is out to get, Irune is just as dangerous as the IPC themselves. Nemesis already warned Aelia and Boothill that Irune could turn around and sell information from their own interactions right back to the IPC, which could put the both of them in danger.
But names of the IPC heads involved in the Aves Project. Names of the Stonehearts involved, of what the IPC has been doing in recent years, of a possible return to Aelia's ruined homeplanet.
Aelia does not trust Irune, but she has no choice but to turn to the information dealer - she's the only lead Aelia has.
A new friend (client)! Irune successfully bothered Nemesis into making them introduce her to Aelia and Boothill with the intention to sell them information. She knows the risks of sharing information from the IPC considering the duo's hatred for the organization, as well as the IPC's suspicion of her selling their information, but finds the ordeal amusing enough to hang on. Irune has tempted Aelia over to business by promising information on Aves and the IPC's new plans for her homeland, also hoping she buys other information off of her as well. All's fair in business, after all.
Diamond has many enemies of which the majority aren't memorable to him. Maybe vaguely remembers the Aves Project but simultaneously also is the head of so many projects directly or through his Stonehearts that he doesn't care. "You ruined my life!" "Do you know how little that narrows it down" meme but he's actually a horrible person.
One of Aelia's main targets, right after Stonehearts Obsidian and Opal. Diamond has destroyed so many planets both directly and indirectly through the Stonehearts' projects, and, even if Aelia takes down those from the Aves Project, the survival of Diamond ensures the survival of the Stonehearts and their machinations. Even if some planets survive, most don't.
She knows Diamond is powerful, and yet a part of her knows she'll never stop until she kills him.
A coworker and fellow Stellaron Hunter. Callista thinks Gwen is interesting- although admittedly she thinks all the Hunters are interesting. Their corruption is fascinating and she's tried half heartedly to try to heal it, although knowing full well that it wouldn't be effective at all. Callista thinks their relationship with Blade is super obvious (ironic, considering how clueless she is about Kafka although admittedly she can read both their minds but not Kafka's) and their dynamic just as intriguing as their separate characters are. She hasn't told them about her past- she doesn't really intend to either, considering how insistent Callista has been on avoiding bringing up the topic altogether. Can tell they're a bit uncomfortable around her but not super focused on befriending them either. "Ally" is a good word.
A fellow Stellaron Hunter, though not someone Gwen is close to, due to their general unease around Kafka. Callista had once tried to heal Gwen and their corruption, though her healing capabilities wouldn't have done much for it even if it was something that could be properly cured. Often sees Callista trying to heal Blade after Gwen reverses some of their corruption with his own life, though they're not sure what can be done other than just waiting for his body to naturally - or unnaturally, given the circumstances - heal the lost life itself.
Gwen sometimes wonders about Callista. She's... uncanny, in a way, though they haven't been with the Stellaron Hunters long enough to truly figure it out, nor have they been focusing on it.
Considers Callista an ally, but not exactly a friend - very few of the Stellaron Hunters are Gwen's friends, if she's being honest with herself.
Possesses incredible respect for the High Elder whom she fights and commands alongside. Feixiao is thankful of his wishes that the Yaoqing- and her, by extension- can find peace, but knows it is unlikely. Already dedicated to her future martyrdom, Feixiao holds little value in the small things in life, instead rather raring to go to battle and prove herself, but Shiyu is very insistent that she recognizes the small excitements of peacetime.
Shiyu has seen many Generals in his time as High Elder, although perhaps Feixiao is the oddest of the bunch. He wishes he could help her more, but many of her issues are from her circumstances and the low self esteem that she holds. Shiyu sincerely wishes the Yaoqing can find peace and no longer bear the weight of constantly pursuing the Abundance, so that Feixiao may be able to live happily- but he's hoped that about every single general he's worked alongside. Despite being much older than Feixiao, Shiyu respects her very much and considers her opinions very highly.
A reminder of her past and guilt. Cora remembers the Aves Project distinctly because it was one of the first assignments given to her by Diamond upon her entry into the IPC. Her involvement was only near the project's end, not making any decisions- she never got that much power- but delivering missives between Diamond, the Stonehearts involved, and IPC personnel. Seeing Aelia was a reminder of her past and the insurmountable guilt, the lives she has ruined in order to stay afloat herself. Trying to help by giving Aelia as much information as possible has helped, but Cora knows her guilt and actions will emanate forever. Honestly still a little afraid of Aelia- after all, Diamond convinced her that everyone impacted by the IPC will hate Cora and harm her.
Cora was only eighteen when the Aves Project neared its disastrous end, and Aelia has complicated feelings about it all. Cora had been involved, even if only slightly, but had panicked and apologized endlessly for her role, even going as far as to give up whatever information she knew without hesitation. Still, a part of Aelia remains angry - angry that there was so little that could've been done to stop her home's destruction, angry that a child was dragged into it and now bore the guilt of not trying to stop it.
She isn't sure if she can ever be friends with Cora. Not yet. In time, maybe, but for now, Cora is somewhat of an ally, able to give her and Boothill insider info about the IPC.
Thinks of his time in the Galaxy Rangers as honestly amusing. He thinks Nemesis' craze for justice is fueled also by spite and anger, which makes it easier for Cor to laugh at her. Genuinely felt nothing for Nemesis during his time with her despite the obvious feelings she had for him, and disappeared without a trace when his time in the Rangers got more dangerous than amusing. A little confused why Nemesis didn't try to kill him when they met in Penacony, and perhaps feels a bit of dread at her cryptic warning to him that his lies will fall onto him... He's also surprised that Nemesis read him perfectly- that there are people he cares for now- although in denial that he actually does feel for those people. But all a Masked Fool can do is laugh.
They were partners many centuries ago when Corbinian was part of the Rangers. She honestly doesn't remember very well what their relationship was like- romantic, platonic, whatever, but she knows that she did love him in some way. Nemesis was torn when Corbinian disappeared after the fight that scarred his face, and eventually came to realize that he was a traitor, even that he was a Masked Fool by following the vague traces he left behind in the infiltrations he did. Nemesis swore she'd kill him, but when they met again in Penacony, she was filled with an unbearable sadness and couldn't bear to do anything. But she knows that justice pervades, and Cor will have his due punishment arrive...
Irune is one of the many people that Diamond didn't bother seeing but still wanted things out of. Cora thinks Irune is shady, but at least she was friendly to her, unlike most people who Cora has to work with. She is somewhat aware of Irune's possible heritage and the fact that Irune had definitely worked with Aventurine to find any remaining Sigonians. Cora is incredibly cautious of Irune because she knows exactly how she works by exploiting fears, but can't help but to be tempted by Irune's offer- she knows she's endangering Siobhan and her Troupe by making an enemy of the IPC, after all.
Irune's association with the IPC is through the Strategic Investment Department, and therefore often corresponded with them through Zirconia. She thinks Zirconia is an interesting case and maintained friendly relations with her, although Zirconia didn't seem very interested. Congratulated her on her marriage and even gifted Zirconia a necklace. Knows that Zirconia is surprisingly irrelevant in the grand schemes of the IPC but is the first to notice and perhaps even care that she has distanced herself from the IPC. Has offered Cora a job as the manager of her information web in Asdana which might give her the protection she needs after fleeing the IPC, but not out of kindness- rather knowing that her intelligence and skills will be useful to her.
Tried to kill her when they first met because Irune was in negotiations with slavers (she was about to decline but caught them at a bad time). Currently receives information from Irune about the location of slavers yet is often irritated by her attempts to be "friends". Thinks of her as a "frilly parasite", dangerous because of the greed and ambition in Irune's eyes that feels entirely too similar to the slavers he slaughters.
Gives him information about black marketers and slaver locations in exchange for Nemesis not killing her and also whatever wealth he steals from slavers that is left after helping the freed slaves. Technically profits much less from working with Nemesis than with slavers, but Irune still has plenty of morality within her. Thinks he is eccentric and odd, but the most interesting of her clients, even though she only sees Nemesis very infrequently.
A fellow Galaxy Ranger, though one that seems far, far older than Aelia and Boothill themselves. Nemesis seemed rather... odd when Boothill and Aelia's relationship became clear to them, though Aelia has yet to figure out why. It was far before Boothill's time, so he offered little information.
Aelia is a tad wary of Nemesis, though that hardly surprises her - she's wary of anyone she deems far more just than herself, given her lingering guilt and regret over her actions on Aves.
One of the newer members of the Galaxy Rangers, whom he only met because of Boothill's call for the Rangers in Penacony. Considering most Rangers are lone wolves, he finds Aelia's and Boothill's relationship interesting, but honestly has little interest in general in anything that isn't torturing and killing her targets. Unconsciously incredibly envious of their relationship, because the partner that Nemesis yearns for is a traitor who never loved her.
They still want to help him the best they can, though after the attempted interview about their relationship with Dr. Ratio and the subsequent email Marcus accidentally sent him, they're kind of awkward when he's brought up. Offers to buy him groceries every so often.
Accidentally asked Dr. Ratio if he and Professor Sparrow were doing the devil's tango (he just really needed the bonus from the tabloid he works at oopsie). Former student (was in their class as an elective) and was a pretty decent student before he went off the rails because of Dr. Ratio's classes. Probably acts a little too much like Cor
Niobe doesn't like Marcus because he disses Dr. Ratio way too casually. She listens to him and helps him out on his study, but thinks he's a big meanie since he's mean to Dr. Ratio who is infallible in her eyes.
Has weekly sessions with Niobe where he helps record the nearly extinct language of Asfaleia with special interest in how an aristocratic child may have preserved the language differently. He thinks Niobe is amusing and used to be classmates with her in one of Dr. Ratio's classes last year, (jokingly) tormented by the fact that Niobe was far more successful than him
One of his graduate candidates whom he personally mentors. Thinks Marcus is incredibly amusing because of the chaos he accidentally stirs with his incredibly flippant attitude. The two both have some type of grudge against Ratio, too. Marcus is definitely one of Cor's favorite students, and feels a bit upset they will definitely part ways in the future due to Marcus' dedication to his family, which Cor honestly does not understand. Cool teacher-student duo though
Marcus' professor/graduate mentor whom he transferred to after failing out of Dr. Ratio's classes. He particularly studies extinct or near-extinct languages under him and has a very casual relationship- calling him "Prof". Cor's flippant attitude seems to perfectly match Marcus as he encourages Marcus' nearly chaotic behavior. He respects Prof but never really considered continuing to work in the Guild with him- his family has bills to pay.
Sparrow hopes they're okay. After everything, after Sunday and the Order and the Dream, they hope Shrike can come to terms with it and forge a path forward - and, to the shock of many, they hope Shrike and Sunday can continue forward as partners.
As much as Sparrow knows they'll never forgive Sunday, it is not their place to tell others they can't, and they believe Sunday will only be better if he has people to lean on - people who are willing to call him out and help him improve as a person, and get him the help and support he needs to better himself as a person.
Perhaps it is idealism. Sparrow doesn't care. Shrike is someone they hope to continue to call a friend, even if only in passing. They are one of the keys to a brighter future, in Sparrow's eyes.
Despite the incredibly limited interactions they have had, Shrike considered Sparrow important enough to them to reach out while being on the run- although admittedly perhaps out of boredom. They heard about Sparrow's engagement to Ratio and congratulated them, even though perhaps there is a dull ache in Shrike's heart that their turn for such happiness may never come. Shrike was surprised that Sparrow didn't instantly turn hostile towards them, considering the fact that them continuing to be with Sunday has turned much of Penacony against Shrike. They were also surprised that Sparrow voiced their hope that Sunday can find peace as well... there really are still good people in this world.
One of the only older Vidyadhara that has genuinely been kind to him. Langzi admires Shiyu very much for his kindness and the innate strength he tells lies within him. He's thrilled that Shiyu was willing to bring over Yaoqing preceptors to help him teach him how to fight, and is a little sad with the knowledge that he won't be able to stay for very long.
Protective of Langzi because his mistreatment at the hands of Luofu preceptors was not too dissimilar to Shiyu's treatment by his own. Sees him almost as a nephew of sorts, and is incredible gentle with the young Vidyadhara. Shiyu has encouraged Langzi's desire to grow stronger to protect his family by bringing several Yaoqing preceptors he has trained to the Luofu in order to teach him combat befitting that of a Vidyadhara.
Langzi is always excited to meet new people, especially a higher level Vidyadhara with horns and a tail. Thinks Meizhen is very cool and respects her although she's hardly older than him. Can relate to Meizhen in the burden of only being a shadow of their past incarnations, and loves to hang out with her, as if trying to give her some semblance of a childhood during her time here. Langzi doesn't understand the greater politics and issues that Meizhen may be entangled in, but he thinks that being her company might be able to help
The young Vidyadhara she met on the ceiling of the General's house. While she finds him calling the General's fiancée "mom" rather confusing, she can't help but feel some jealousy and guilt. Did she have a parental figure like that? Did she want one? Even now, she's not sure, but Langzi is sweet and kind, and despite what he's been through, has the joys of being a child. That's something Meizhen hope he gets to keep.
She lost that childhood, and she doesn't want someone else to as well.
A fellow High Elder. Shiyu has met Meizhen's past incarnations and worked with them plenty. He is surprisingly protective of young Vidyadhara, which includes Meizhen and wishes for her safety and well being. Shiyu understands the stresses that she must endure as someone born to protect a plague mark. After the incident with the reveal that Meizhen was on the Zhuming, he was even willing to extend his stay in the Luofu to help sort out her situation. Sees her as... a niece of some sort, and would go out of his way to help her.
Caelorum Venti, the High Elder of the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Meizhen last met him when she was very, very young, so she only somewhat remembers him. It was enough for her to fear him when she saw him on the Luofu, but also enough for her to feel safe in his arms when the Cloud Knights came after her. Considers him a guardian of sorts, as the oldest High Elder she knows personally.
She wants to apologize for what she became in her attempts to escape the Zhuming and find help for what she fears and experienced, but a part of her fears bringing it up will remind everyone that she stole and abandoned her post overseeing the Primordial Flame. Especially with her fears surrounding what the Flint Emperor might do.
Selected her as his assistant mostly because he knew that the fact she was trying to use him to flee Clockwork would mean she would be fully under his thumb and his to control- no one would come help her. Gave her the name Zirconia forcibly (mocking her- she's only a shadow of himself) and coerced her into her marriage with Aventurine (by threatening her place). Consistently emotionally abused her by telling her she is as despicable as she is, and using the threat of people who hated him who targeted Cora as a reason for her to stay shackled to him. Doesn't even see her as a useful pawn- just an amusing one that he keeps around because of his ego, a demonstration of his power and influence.
Her boss. At first she saw him as her salvation, but realized he used her the same as her father did to her. He molded her to his desires- her name, behaviors, personality, and appearance. Works very efficiently for him in fear that he will cast her aside one day, leaving her with nothing. Greatly afraid of him and is incredibly quiet around Diamond. Currently is petrified at how he will react to Cora refusing to come back to Pier Point and abandoning her post. There is a tiny part of her- which she constantly berates- that foolishly wishes that Diamond did actually care for her like a daughter.
One of Sparrow's peers during their time in Clockwork. Sparrow fears they set a dangerous precedence when they sabotaged their societal debut, not wanting anyone to get hurt because they looked up to the rebellious Fitzroy who had nothing else to lose. They want Cora to be happy - she deserves to be happy, having made it off of Clockwork - but they're not sure if they're capable of helping her.
After Penacony, Sparrow has been trying to keep in more constant contact with Cora, especially now that Cora has Siobhan in her life. It's nice to see their old friend finally start to live the life she deserves after all of the hardship the two endured throughout the years. They're proud of Cora - in a way, Cora is far stronger than they think they ever could be.
The Eden family works under the Fitzroy family, so the two knew each other when they were in Clockwork. Cora looks up to Sparrow and wished she could have been as bold as them, but didn't sabotage her debut. Instead, she fled Clockwork and joined the IPC- although perhaps her situation has ended up a lot more tragic than Sparrow's. Has nothing but great admiration for Sparrow and blames them for nothing. Still somewhat reserved about her situation with Aventurine towards Sparrow after realizing that their relationship with Ratio is far more genuine. Perhaps she is envious of them, although she's always impossible to read- although after Cora has found what she can call peace in her life with Siobhan, she can be fully happy for them without neglecting herself. She hopes they can continue consistent contact even after they leave Penacony
Feixiao feels true regret at the thought of how her lack of control over her own soldiers endangered Yaling's life, and easily threw her pride to the side to apologize to her and General Jing Yuan upon her knees- along with the fear of a war within the Xianzhou. Apart from that interaction, Yaling is the very representation of Feixiao's envy of General Jing Yuan. She, too, wishes that she could live a peaceful life even as a General, and have the privilege of affording a lover. Feixiao hopes they will never meet again.
Yaling finds Feixiao rather intimidating, knowing full well what the Yaoqing General is capable of. She left the fate of the traitors who tried to harm her in the hands of Feixiao, and for that, a part of her feels fear - yet she also knows that Feixiao has been more respectful of her than half of the Luofu over her blindness, treating her with the same respect as anyone else. Is it wrong for Yaling to say she wants to see Feixiao again someday?
Who?
Callista helped raise and teach Starling while she lived under Kafka. She was very attached to Starling and protective of her, teaching her how to fight. Saw a little bit of herself in Starling, because both were "destined" to be involved with a Stellaron. In a way, Starling is the more successful version of Callista, being successful in how she can now hold the Stellaron in herself. She was very agonized when they had to wipe her memory and send Starling to the Astral Express. Calls Starling "Stelle" like Kafka does. After Starling joined the Astral Express, the two have never met, but Callista makes the time to often watch her from a distance during every point in her journey. Knows that Starling has the disposition of a hero and is very unlike herself, but personally finds pride in Starling's tendencies for destruction
Thinks he's cool because he doesn't tell her that she's stupid (like Dr. Ratio). They both dislike the IPC and Starling happily tells Cor stories about how she has beat up members of the IPC. Also enjoys hearing about his pranks on the IPC. Probably the best relationship with him from the Intelligentsia Guild, and they exchange letters sometimes, although letters to the Astral Express are always tricky to deliver
Has found Starling amusing since she heard how she attacked Diamond of the IPC and also threatened Ratio. Her penchant for destruction is somewhat admirable, and reminds him of his own love for chaos. The two scheme to make the IPC as uncomfortable as possible
A little afraid of Niobe, because she doesn't think she could defend herself by attacking her back if she has another episode. Niobe is the first of Kafka's "victims" that Starling has encountered, which has thrown a wrench in her vision of Kafka. Being so desperate for her mother's attention, Starling has unconsciously idolized her and excused any wrongdoing she could have done. Seeing Niobe's scars and deep trauma makes Starling feel incredibly guilty and see Kafka in a different light. Has reached a tentative agreement with Niobe, but knows that Niobe hates her and keeps her distance. Doesn't like to visit the Intelligentsia Guild because of her and Dr. Ratio.
When they first met, Niobe immediately connected her to Kafka due to the jacket she was wearing and attacked her (albeit somewhat unconsciously). She didn't cause any real damage because Dr. Ratio and Professor Cor interfered, but Niobe has never reflected any apology for attacking her in the first place. The two have somewhat reached a tense understanding, but Niobe noticeably leaves the room when Starling enters. It is fortunate the two will not cross paths often, because Niobe loathes her for her connection to Kafka, the woman who destroyed her home planet.
Ratio's star student, who Cor often laments is too nice and bright to be under that mean old Veritas, and should instead study with him instead. He seems vaguely fond of Niobe although obviously more invested in his own direct students. Unlike others in the Intellegensia Guild, does not question her legitimacy as his student, since that prick is so picky with his own students that he definitely does not make mistakes. On many occasions, he has taken to chaperoning Niobe when Ratio wanders off with Sparrow, roping her into his pranks against the IPC or Ratio.
Another professor of the Intellegensia Guild. Niobe seems to be suspicious of Cor because of small odd behaviors she has observed when he thinks no one is looking, and is probably the closest of anyone to finding the truth about him. She's warmed up to him considerably the past few months, but still gets offended whenever he offers her to be his student instead. Niobe was taught to be more fluent in the Standard language by Cor and is currently undergoing a project with him to record her native language from Xin-35.