A long string of questions was already forming in his mindāif Joshua really did know things about the experiment, then Varian wanted to ask all about it.
But all the questions died in his throat.
āā¦What you wantā¦is to go back home, right?ā
Varian glanced away, a hint of conflict in his eyes. He should be jumping at the opportunity, he knew; he had to go back to finish what he started and rescue his father. This was why he was rebuilding the automatons, to attempt an overthrow. But now, he wasnāt entirely sure that really was what he wanted. Heād built up so much here, and if he were to leaveā¦it would all be for nothing.
ā¦Maybe if they found a way together, it could become possible to go back home with his memories intact, and then come back. That would be ideal.
āWellā¦Iād like to help you if I can, if you want me to,ā Varian replied eventually,Ā āI am working at Peridotās right now, though, so, uh, not sure if Iād be able to be around all the time.ā
That's straightforward enough.
"Ultimately, I want to see if we can manipulate that system so should people choose, they can go home. Should they not, then they can stay here. The scientists had an experiment involving this decision a while ago-- though, of course, things weren't as they appeared to be.āĀ Itās as tender a memory as the prick of a porcupine, so heās done little to revisit the event aside from still carrying the guilt of it all. Though he goes quiet, Joshua resumes his speech reinvigorated once more.Ā āThe bottom line is, they can handle processing requests like that. They've shown it themselves.ā
Then he pauses, finger tapping his chin in thought.
"Of course, I know asking you to join me is a very high request. I'm not asking you to dedicate your life to me, just know the offer's on the table, yeah?"