fandomhigh | Practical Philosophy, Monday

"It's been quiet," Ender said. "This week."

An important modifier on Fandom for sure.

"I'd say for most of us that's a relief - a respite, in fact," he continued. "There is often so much excitement here that the moments of calm are very welcome. On the other hand, for some of us, life on Fandom is a lot more banal and quiet than what we're used to. I've seen people wound up tight because they hadn't fought something in a few weeks. I've seen people go stir-crazy in the quiet."

Like him, but he wasn't about to add that.

"There's apparently a room crafted by scientists that is the quietest in the world. You're supposed to be able to hear your own heartbeat when you sit in it. Most people don't last more than half an hour. Of course, some philosophers would tell you that facing the quiet simply means facing yourself, deprived of all distractions. That that's the way wisdom is born."

His mouth quirked.

"What do you think?" he asked. "Is silence a friend, an enemy, a boon or just something that happens? Do you prefer the quiet or the excitement?"

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"Wiggin answer," Cade muttered with a half smile on his face.

Ender quirked a lopsided smile right back at him. "How does Fandom do on that scale?"

"Well, you're more of an expert on Fandom than me," Cade said, "but if more than a few weeks go by without something karking insane happening, I start worrying that the place is cooking up another dungeon."

"But the dungeon is noise, too," Ender noted, "You did say you'd rather have that."

"At least then I know what I'm facing," Cade said. "It's better to know than the fallout or the build-up."

"Sure," Ender said, "Then you can act, rather than think."

Cade shrugged. "It's what I prefer."

Coming as no shock at all to anyone who'd met him.

"Maybe," Ender said, "But it might kill you some day."

Not worried, just matter of fact.

Maybe just a little sad.

"Everyone's gonna die someday, Ender," Cade replied.

"Not that fast," Ender said. "And certainly not on this side of twenty."

"Maybe," Cade said. "I'm not really seeing what's so great on the other side of twenty."

Ender's expression softened. Anger made a bid for its place within that mix of emotions as well, but he didn't let it get too close. "You will," he said. "Come see me after class."

Practical Philosophy, Monday

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