The plan had never been to surround himself with people. The plan had always been to live quietly, separated from the rest of the world. Watching but never truly being a part of it. But he allowed himself to become involved, a part of a larger group, he allowed himself some connection.
It hadn't been difficult to find out that people were looking for him, nor was it difficult to keep them from finding him. They were far too busy butting heads to put in the effort needed to find him. They were too focused on being the first to get their hands on him, on being the ones to control the end of humanity. It allowed other groups to come in and plead their case. The quieter groups who weren't so loud as to ward him off. It gave him a chance to hear their purpose and their beliefs without feeling like he was being lured into a trap.
One group in particular knew all the right things to say. They knew how to quell the fears he hadn't even expressed to them. If he had family (he does. He has perfectly normal, kind-hearted parents who had no idea what they were bringing into the world) it would be seen to that they were able to continue living peaceful lives. Though Eunji has tried to keep his connection to his parents quiet, it was only a matter of time before people learned of it and used it against him. Threatening the people he cares about would be an inadvisable way to win him over, but some people will do anything in their pursuit of power.
As with his parents, they said he would have a place to live as he wished and a place where he would be shielded from the greedy, grasping hands of others. They would keep him a secret for as long as he wanted.
It's been some years now since he first decided to throw his lot in with them. He lives as one of their many, posing as a lower ranked leader. The bottom of the top. Few know of his true nature, his real place among them. They see him as he means them to. That is, until they've proven they can be trusted with more. Once they can be trusted with a certain level of responsibility within the organization, a certain level of leadership, they can be trusted with Eunji.
One such young man has proven himself time and time again. His strong belief in what they stand for as caught many eyes, Eunji's among them. One of Eunji's more devout followers. That young man is who he and some of the other leadership are waiting for now. His presence was requested. They wished to speak to him privately. When Hanbin arrives, he'll be invited in to where a selection of the leadership is sitting, waiting for him. Eunji sits at the far end of the line they've formed across the room, his distance from the centre denoting his station. It's only temporary this time, however. Just until Hanbin is invited into their inner circle.
Hanbin is just the sort of person ripe for this specific kind of cult. He grew up in a deeply religious home that made deferring to leadership without question a cornerstone of his life experience. As he grew older, his faith waned a little. Or rather, it was redirected. Honestly, if he hadn't stumbled into this cult, he probably would've become an outright eco-terrorist.
Humanity, he believes, left to unchecked grown and expansion is the cause of basically every problem on Earth. Has any other organism ever had such devastating effects on the entire planetary ecosystem? None that he's been able to discover. None that aren't eventually checked by nature's own systems. Maybe that 90s movie wasn't far from the mark when one of the character's described humanity as a virus.
So a cult revering an extinction entity? That was right up his alley. And it gave him a more law-abiding focus for his interest in saving the planet. Or, well, rather one that wouldn't end with him directly harming his fellow humans. Instead, his focus has been on opening their eyes, on helping them see how vital it is for humanity to check itself. Voluntary human extinction is the goal. Or, eventually, involuntary will happen. But so much suffering for them and every other living thing would come first.
Hanbin's been nothing less than devoted to the cause since day one of his initiation to it. He's been good at pulling people in. People who may not have even given this group a second shot have been swayed by his charisma and logical arguments. Apparently, leadership has taken notice of his successes, too. He arrives promptly, dressed in his usual business casual sort of attire (dark grey slacks, a lighter grey button down). His eyes skim the line of people waiting for him (mostly familiar faces, though he can't say he's particularly close with any of them) and he nods his head in greeting.
Once Hanbin enters the room, he's greeted by all of those in attendance before some of those in higher ranking positions begin to explain the situation to him. They lay out how much he's contributed to their organization and point out the strength of his faith in what they stand for. They speak of how well he's done with increasing their numbers, how instrumental he's been in that regard. He's been one of their best, even. With all of that in mind, they'd like for him to join them. He's proven himself capable of taking on the responsibility that comes with a leadership role. He's proven himself worthy of having a seat among them. He has an important role to play in seeing their goal through to the end.
Eunji rises to his feet and makes his way over to where Hanbin stands. There's an almost feline grace to his movements, to the way he glides across the floor and comes to a stop in front of the young man, his hands clasped behind his back. Someone of Eunji's apparent station are normally quiet during meetings like these. They are there more as witnesses. Their opinions get voiced before the meeting is ever held with the member in question. Their votes are cast behind the scenes. The official offer (it's up for debate whether it's a real offer or an expectation) comes from the highest ranking leaders in attendance.
Yet no one bats an eye when Eunji moves toward Hanbin. There is no concern for Eunji seemingly not knowing his place. They simply watch and wait.
While Hanbin has never been present at these sorts of meetings prior to this very one, he's heard how they go. He knows it's the senior-most leader present at any given time to extend the offer. That it's Eunji who asks for his acceptance (and that no one seems remotely fazed by him taking control) not only surprises him, but it also tells him everything he needs to know about the situation.
Eunji is a much more important person in their hierarchy than the rank and file know. It's a secret he'll keep, whether told to or not. It seems to be implied that he should.
Whether stated outright or merely implied, Eunji's importance is a secret Hanbin will be expected to keep. Considering the contrast between how Eunji conducts himself out among the others, and the way he is here, in private, should show that his importance is not something everyone is meant to know. It's expected that he keep the secret, but Eunji will also appreciate that he does as well.
Hanbin is being trusted with this information. Eunji is trusting him.
"I'm grateful that you've decided to join us," Eunji says with a quick nod, then reaches out his hands for Hanbin to take. The question is will Hanbin take them, or will he notice the expression on a few faces behind Eunji warning him away? Whether Hanbin decides to take Eunji's hands or not, the meeting continues. Eunji takes a half step to the side so he's no longer blocking Hanbin's view of the other leaders as they explain to him what will be expected of him moving forward. His new duties and responsibilities. All of that is delicately and expertly interlaced with compliments and reminding him of his importance to the organization and what they stand for. Complimentary statements among the increased expectations, kind words interspersed with warnings.
It's only once they're certain of Hanbin's understanding (they'll be watching him in the early days of his new role anyway, and ready to step in to correct as necessary) that they get up to begin filing out of the room. They offer him no opportunity to ask questions (they don't allow for themselves to be questioned) but rather leave once all they've had to say is said. Eunji remains, however. He continues to stand before Hanbin, eyes locked on the young man's face. A silent expectation that Hanbin will remain here with him. Him and no one else aside from two men left standing in the front corners of the room. As much as they speak of trusting in Hanbin's loyalty to the cause, they're not so trusting as to leave him completely alone with their messiah.
"I've been watching you." 'I' not 'we'. No more speaking as the group. The group is gone. It's just the two of them now. Eunji is speaking for only himself now. "I've seen you prove your loyalty and dedication time and time again. Some people join us with good intentions, but you can easily see their doubts. As much as they want to believe, they don't trust that we're capable of what we say we are. We have to prove ourselves to them." Eunji shakes his head again, this time an almost shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I don't believe you've ever doubted me or what I'm capable of."
Silence follows. He lets the words hang in the air, giving Hanbin the time to process the subtle yet not so subtle reveal of Eunji's true place in the organization before he says it outright.
The others are suddenly of very little concern with the revelation before him. While it isn't outright stated, Hanbin can make the logical leap that Eunji true role in the cult is that... he is the extinction entity they all revere. Why else hide his leadership status? It makes sense with how he takes the initiative among all the highest ranking leadership.
That must be it.
That knowledge (hope?) shines in his dark eyes as he takes Eunji's offered hands with reverence. A light squeeze as if he can convey that the secret is safe with him. He'll do nothing to endanger Eunji's privacy. As long as only a small circle of people know who and what he really is, Eunji can still have a normal life, still walk among others. Hanbin understands the weight of the responsibility being entrusted to him. He understands the honor he's been granted.
Of course, their moment of understanding is brief. He lets Eunji's hands slip away when he moves so the meeting may proceed. He nods in solemn understanding each time a new detail of his new role is revealed. It's as expected. New duties, new responsibilities. All of which he'll work hard to achieve and maintain.
Once everyone files out, Hanbin sees Eunji still there. Even with a leadership role, now, he's the lowest among them. It's not his place to leave until everyone has or until Eunji gives him permission to go. Instead, he speaks directly and personally to Hanbin. No longer is he speaking for everyone. Only himself. And, oh, what he says solidifies what Hanbin thought when they first spoke today.
"Belief is a tricky thing. In some, doubt can be used to make their faith stronger. In others... Very few come into the fold as true believers. I think we, humans, want to believe, but we've grown cynical. It's easier to let doubt in. It simply has to be addressed on each individual's level."
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first official meeting
It hadn't been difficult to find out that people were looking for him, nor was it difficult to keep them from finding him. They were far too busy butting heads to put in the effort needed to find him. They were too focused on being the first to get their hands on him, on being the ones to control the end of humanity. It allowed other groups to come in and plead their case. The quieter groups who weren't so loud as to ward him off. It gave him a chance to hear their purpose and their beliefs without feeling like he was being lured into a trap.
One group in particular knew all the right things to say. They knew how to quell the fears he hadn't even expressed to them. If he had family (he does. He has perfectly normal, kind-hearted parents who had no idea what they were bringing into the world) it would be seen to that they were able to continue living peaceful lives. Though Eunji has tried to keep his connection to his parents quiet, it was only a matter of time before people learned of it and used it against him. Threatening the people he cares about would be an inadvisable way to win him over, but some people will do anything in their pursuit of power.
As with his parents, they said he would have a place to live as he wished and a place where he would be shielded from the greedy, grasping hands of others. They would keep him a secret for as long as he wanted.
It's been some years now since he first decided to throw his lot in with them. He lives as one of their many, posing as a lower ranked leader. The bottom of the top. Few know of his true nature, his real place among them. They see him as he means them to. That is, until they've proven they can be trusted with more. Once they can be trusted with a certain level of responsibility within the organization, a certain level of leadership, they can be trusted with Eunji.
One such young man has proven himself time and time again. His strong belief in what they stand for as caught many eyes, Eunji's among them. One of Eunji's more devout followers. That young man is who he and some of the other leadership are waiting for now. His presence was requested. They wished to speak to him privately. When Hanbin arrives, he'll be invited in to where a selection of the leadership is sitting, waiting for him. Eunji sits at the far end of the line they've formed across the room, his distance from the centre denoting his station. It's only temporary this time, however. Just until Hanbin is invited into their inner circle.
no subject
Humanity, he believes, left to unchecked grown and expansion is the cause of basically every problem on Earth. Has any other organism ever had such devastating effects on the entire planetary ecosystem? None that he's been able to discover. None that aren't eventually checked by nature's own systems. Maybe that 90s movie wasn't far from the mark when one of the character's described humanity as a virus.
So a cult revering an extinction entity? That was right up his alley. And it gave him a more law-abiding focus for his interest in saving the planet. Or, well, rather one that wouldn't end with him directly harming his fellow humans. Instead, his focus has been on opening their eyes, on helping them see how vital it is for humanity to check itself. Voluntary human extinction is the goal. Or, eventually, involuntary will happen. But so much suffering for them and every other living thing would come first.
Hanbin's been nothing less than devoted to the cause since day one of his initiation to it. He's been good at pulling people in. People who may not have even given this group a second shot have been swayed by his charisma and logical arguments. Apparently, leadership has taken notice of his successes, too. He arrives promptly, dressed in his usual business casual sort of attire (dark grey slacks, a lighter grey button down). His eyes skim the line of people waiting for him (mostly familiar faces, though he can't say he's particularly close with any of them) and he nods his head in greeting.
"You wanted to see me?"
no subject
Eunji rises to his feet and makes his way over to where Hanbin stands. There's an almost feline grace to his movements, to the way he glides across the floor and comes to a stop in front of the young man, his hands clasped behind his back. Someone of Eunji's apparent station are normally quiet during meetings like these. They are there more as witnesses. Their opinions get voiced before the meeting is ever held with the member in question. Their votes are cast behind the scenes. The official offer (it's up for debate whether it's a real offer or an expectation) comes from the highest ranking leaders in attendance.
Yet no one bats an eye when Eunji moves toward Hanbin. There is no concern for Eunji seemingly not knowing his place. They simply watch and wait.
"Do you accept?"
no subject
Eunji is a much more important person in their hierarchy than the rank and file know. It's a secret he'll keep, whether told to or not. It seems to be implied that he should.
"I accept whole-heartedly."
no subject
Hanbin is being trusted with this information. Eunji is trusting him.
"I'm grateful that you've decided to join us," Eunji says with a quick nod, then reaches out his hands for Hanbin to take. The question is will Hanbin take them, or will he notice the expression on a few faces behind Eunji warning him away? Whether Hanbin decides to take Eunji's hands or not, the meeting continues. Eunji takes a half step to the side so he's no longer blocking Hanbin's view of the other leaders as they explain to him what will be expected of him moving forward. His new duties and responsibilities. All of that is delicately and expertly interlaced with compliments and reminding him of his importance to the organization and what they stand for. Complimentary statements among the increased expectations, kind words interspersed with warnings.
It's only once they're certain of Hanbin's understanding (they'll be watching him in the early days of his new role anyway, and ready to step in to correct as necessary) that they get up to begin filing out of the room. They offer him no opportunity to ask questions (they don't allow for themselves to be questioned) but rather leave once all they've had to say is said. Eunji remains, however. He continues to stand before Hanbin, eyes locked on the young man's face. A silent expectation that Hanbin will remain here with him. Him and no one else aside from two men left standing in the front corners of the room. As much as they speak of trusting in Hanbin's loyalty to the cause, they're not so trusting as to leave him completely alone with their messiah.
"I've been watching you." 'I' not 'we'. No more speaking as the group. The group is gone. It's just the two of them now. Eunji is speaking for only himself now. "I've seen you prove your loyalty and dedication time and time again. Some people join us with good intentions, but you can easily see their doubts. As much as they want to believe, they don't trust that we're capable of what we say we are. We have to prove ourselves to them." Eunji shakes his head again, this time an almost shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I don't believe you've ever doubted me or what I'm capable of."
Silence follows. He lets the words hang in the air, giving Hanbin the time to process the subtle yet not so subtle reveal of Eunji's true place in the organization before he says it outright.
no subject
That must be it.
That knowledge (hope?) shines in his dark eyes as he takes Eunji's offered hands with reverence. A light squeeze as if he can convey that the secret is safe with him. He'll do nothing to endanger Eunji's privacy. As long as only a small circle of people know who and what he really is, Eunji can still have a normal life, still walk among others. Hanbin understands the weight of the responsibility being entrusted to him. He understands the honor he's been granted.
Of course, their moment of understanding is brief. He lets Eunji's hands slip away when he moves so the meeting may proceed. He nods in solemn understanding each time a new detail of his new role is revealed. It's as expected. New duties, new responsibilities. All of which he'll work hard to achieve and maintain.
Once everyone files out, Hanbin sees Eunji still there. Even with a leadership role, now, he's the lowest among them. It's not his place to leave until everyone has or until Eunji gives him permission to go. Instead, he speaks directly and personally to Hanbin. No longer is he speaking for everyone. Only himself. And, oh, what he says solidifies what Hanbin thought when they first spoke today.
"Belief is a tricky thing. In some, doubt can be used to make their faith stronger. In others... Very few come into the fold as true believers. I think we, humans, want to believe, but we've grown cynical. It's easier to let doubt in. It simply has to be addressed on each individual's level."