Ajax Geopoulos's Questionnaire

1. What town or city do you live in? Why do you live there instead of anywhere else? Describe your home.

Link Answered before Ajax Geopoulos's first Contract.

[A small bird flies into a cave and tweets loudly until a lanky figure stirs]

Hm?

Oh hello little one. 

Did you come to have a look at the newcomer?

[The bird takes a quick flight around the cave, it is dark, damp, and cold. Several small boulders have been moved to form a rudimentary table and chair.]

[A man rises from a small pile of furs and stretches, bathed in the morning light shining through the cave mouth.]

*sigh*

What a beautiful view. 

Mother has outdone herself once again. Her glory and majesty apparent.

[The man stills and their expression seems to darken. The bird chirps nervously.]

If only the humans could appreciate her work as well. Perhaps Mother would not be in such agony, for they would surely see the folly of harming one so gracious and caring. Her compassion is boundless and her mercy everlasting.

[They bow their head in clear reverence. The bird clumsily attempts to mimic their motions.]

Thank you for your patience and generosity Mother. Guiding me to this cave was a blessing I did not deserve but I have had enough time to acclimate to the mortal plane. I must begin my training soon. It will not be long until I surely rid you of the illness!

[The figure stands with a wide grin and relaxed stance. The bird flies onto their shoulder.]

Now little one! Perhaps you could join me on my journey. I need to find food soon and I would not be adverse to sharing!

[They walk together into the wilderness as the cheerful chirps of a bird fill the forest air.]

2. How do you get your money right now? What do you spend it on?

Link Answered before Ajax Geopoulos's first Contract.

[The figure walks through the woods, unperturbed by the sight of wildlife and unbothered by the frigid morning air of the forest.]

[The glint of metal catches their eye, they turn to investigate and find a pristine quarter sitting atop a rock.]

Oh how curious? This piece of metal has been processed and shaped into a disc, strange. It must be one of the mortal currencies. Although I believe that they are quiet fond of gold this does not have it's telltale shine. Perhaps it is silver instead?

[With clear confusion the figure ponders the coin and it's presence in the forest. A few minutes pass as he evaluates it's purpose and worth.]

It would be best to keep any currency I can find. I may find a use for it if I need to barter with a mortal in the future.

[He pockets the quarter and begins to gently hum a song as he travels deeper into the forest. The wind begins to blow and the rustling of leaves seems to harmonize with the melody.]

3. Describe your Ambition. What are you striving for? How far would you go to achieve this? Would you kill for it? How close to death would you come for it?

Link Answered before Ajax Geopoulos's first Contract.

[A fresh day dawns as the sun rises, bringing with it chances for new beginnings. One such beginning is occurring for the newborn son of Mother Nature. His divine spirit is compressed and drained as it is transported, bound within a mortal shell. A blinding flash of light erupts from a clearing in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. A lanky figure lands with a loud thud and quickly collapses. Their body covered in a thick layer of fresh soil. Beside them lays a small booklet that reads "passport" and a small card that reads "Permanent Resident Card". The figure on the ground begins to shudder.]

*gasp*

*cough cough*

Ah yes. Breathing. I almost forgot the most basic of the mortal necessities.

[The figure takes several deep and drawn out breaths. Their expression relaxing as their body hungrily takes in the air. A peaceful atmosphere begins to form as the figure clasps their hands together to pray.]

Thank you Mother for your grace and foresight. For permitting me to travel to the mortal realm to attempt to alleviate you of your pain. This kindness will never be forgotten for as long as I shall live, the sacrifice of my divine spirit is a small-

[A sudden noise disturbs the serene feeling of peace. A low guttural rumble erupts, seemingly originating from within the young god. Their hands attempt to claw and grab the source of the disruption.]

Ugh...this feeling. There is an emptiness within my core...am I...hungry?

[The trees appear the bend slightly towards the young man and appear to express concern. He quickly takes a knee and extends his arms wide to plead his case.]

Mother I assure you I am prepared for this! The mere needs of a mortal shall not overwhelm me!

[A hopeful and enthusiastic smile splits the young man's face in two. His energy abundant and optimism apparent.]

[6 hours pass.]

[The figure of the young god is splayed messily across a boulder. Their form covered in various debris from their attempts to forage for food. An arm weakly raises itself in the direction of a bush with poisonous berries. The clearing smells abominable as a result of the berries effect. A faint, trembling voice emanates from the figure. Each word struggles to surface, quivering with exhaustion and fragility. It seems like their very essence hangs by a thread.]

Curse you...foul bush. I have trusted your kind for the last time!

When I am relieved of the effects of your deceitful bounty I will...I will!

[The figure goes limp, their face contorting as they being to sob loudly. The figure's sobs erupt with the raw, unrestrained intensity of a child, each wail trembling with vulnerability and despair. Their cries echo through the forest, unguarded and primal. The weight of their sorrow has stripped away all pretense.]

I-*hiccup* am so-sorry Mother!!! I beg for your fer-forgiveness!

My j-journey will not end here! I swear it! I simply need...*sniffle*

Mother...may I h-have a hug?

[Tearful eyes gaze desperately at the ground, a young child seeking comfort from their Mother.]

[The ground softens, a nurturing carpet of moss and loam coats the floor of the clearing. The leaves murmur softly in the breeze, their rustling like a soothing lullaby. Ferns and wildflowers bloom in quiet clusters, their delicate forms lending the space a sense of life and warmth, like the gentle caress of a mother’s hand.]

[Red faced and embarrassed, the young man wipes his face of tears and dusts himself off. Shakily standing up he takes timid steps forwards through the forest in search of food. With newfound resolve he leaves the comforting energy of his Mother's presence to brave the wilderness once again. Knowing that the most she can provide for him now is guidance and comfort. No longer can she care for him directly so far removed from the realm of the divine. A quiet whisper carried on the wind drifts from the figure.]

Thank you Mother.

4. What was the most defining event of your life (before signing The Contract), and how did it change you?

Link Answered before Ajax Geopoulos's first Contract.

[A misty grove where sunlight barely filters through the canopy of trees miles tall and dozens of feet wide. A soft breeze carries the scents of earth and decay. Two beings stand opposite each other, their forms indistinct yet pulsating with energy. One much larger than the other bearing the distinct disposition of an exasperated mother while the smaller being displays the willful and naive temperament of a young child.]

[As their energies waver vivid flashes illuminate the expanse. A smog-laden city skyline emerges, its chimneys belching plumes of dark smoke into the air. It flickers, dissolving into a serene meadow, where young saplings sway gently under the golden sun. The scene shifts again, revealing an ocean thick with debris and lifeless waves, only to be replaced by a coral reef teeming with radiant new growth, a kaleidoscope of color and vitality. Each image bursts forth, sharp and fleeting, painting a tapestry of destruction and rebirth, a reflection of their contrasting opinions.]

Mother: The air thickens with soot, gray tendrils curling like fingers desperate to cling. The rivers choke on sludge, their currents slow and lifeless. Even the skies weep acid tears, burning as they fall.

Child: But sprouting from the cracks, bright green tendrils stretch skyward, their leaves unfurling like tiny hands catching sunlight. In the damp soil, mushrooms bloom in soft clusters, their delicate caps glistening with morning dew.

Mother: The oceans writhe, heavy with plastics that drift like ghosts, strangling the waves. Smoke rises in columns, blackened scars painted against the sky. The earth groans underneath the weight of its many scars.

Child: Yet amidst the ashes, a sapling emerges, its roots reaching deep to find life. Wildflowers scatter across barren fields, splashes of yellow, blue, and violet swaying gently in the breeze. The forest floor hums as moss carpets the stones, soft and alive.

Mother: Factories spit their poison, staining the wind with chemicals that linger unseen. The earth’s breath grows shallow, suffocating beneath layers of concrete and steel.

Child: Still, ivy climbs the walls of the abandoned, its tendrils wrapping tightly as if reclaiming what was lost. A single seed floats on the breeze, finding refuge in a forgotten corner where sunlight warms the earth.

[Their energies begin to settle for a moment. The grove seems to breathe with them, a rhythm of destruction and renewal intertwined.]

Mother: You remind me, child, that even where ruin dwells, hope finds its way. But the balance trembles, and the wounds run deep.

Child: And you remind me, Mother, that the roots of life hold strong, weaving through the cracks of despair. Together, we endure. Together, we must heal.

[Their forms blend briefly, the grove aglow with a fleeting, golden light before dimming again. An agreement is made.]

5. Name and briefly describe three people in your life. One must be the person you are closest to.

Link Answered before Ajax Geopoulos's first Contract.

[The young man walks through the forest clearing, a small sparrow sits on his shoulder. Both seem to be searching their surroundings for something.]

Ah! I believe I see the berries over there!

You have eyes like an eagle my friend! Perhaps I should call you Spot because of how well you can spot berries.

[Spot the sparrow chirps cheerfully and flies into the berry bush. The young man spends a few minutes picking the freshest berries available and storing them.]

Oh yes, this will do nicely for todays meal. 

This bushes bounty is plentiful! I must share my appreciation with Mother.

[The man kneels and prostrates himself before the berry bush.]

I thank Mother dearly for her kindness and compassion. 

Your presence and support are solace in my times of need and confusion.

Many thanks to you Mother.

[He stands and dusts himself off. Pondering the next steps of his journey to help his Mother.]

[The leaves at the edge of the clearing rustle. A large silhouette with loud footsteps is approaching.]

[An exasperated Park Ranger emerges from the trees, cursing quietly.]

Can't seem to find my &%#$ing way back...who the hell are you?

[The young man turns to him with a gleeful smile. Eager to introduce himself to the first human he has met.]

Hello! I am a child of Nature such as yourself!

Living among this forest in search of a way to relieve Mother Nature of her pain.

[The Park Ranger looks the young man up and down with a skeptical stare. Attempting to discern if he has been using drugs.]

Right, right...peace and nature and all that. Say son, you wouldn't happen to have an ID on you would ya?

Or at least a name I could call you by?

[The young man tilts his head curiously before bowing his head towards the Park Ranger and showing him an ID.]

This one greets you with enthusiasm, my name is Ajax Geopoulos!

May I know the name of the one before me?

[The Park Ranger cautiously approaches before reaching out to shake Ajax's hand.]

Sure kid, its Ranger Millerton. Listen, I got a bit turned around earlier today while doing my rounds.

You wouldn't happen to know how to get to the camping sites from here would you?

[Ajax perks up at the mention of the camp sites. With a spring in his steps he begins to lead Nate in the right direction before pulling out some dollar bills and coins.]

Ranger Millerton would you happen to know the value of this coinage here? I imagine the high numbers mean they are very valuable!

[Ajax holds a shiny quarter with the date 1997 displayed on the bottom. Millerton glances at the quarter before doing a double take as Ajax's words register.]

Hold on, I knew you were a hippie but you're telling me you don't know what a quarter is?

[As they walk into the forest the exchanging of questions can be heard fading into the distance.]

6. How was your childhood? Who were your parents? What were they like? Did you attend school? If so, did you fit in? If not, why not?

Link Answered after Contract 1, Company Picture Day

[Ajax is walking through the woods with the young sparrow he has come to call Spot.]

I have to say Spot, I was surprised at your show of trusts when you led me to your families nest. It isn't a small gesture and I want you to know I appreciate it.

In fact I feel as though I should reciprocate that trust in kind but...sadly I am unable to introduce you to my own family. They're a bit far away right now. Well, I'm a bit far away now. Regardless, I'd be glad to tell you all about my family!

[Spot excitedly tweets in response, not truly understanding his words but sensing his happiness.]

Well of course I should start with my Mother! She's the best! Her work is just...it's just amazing isn't it!

[He gestures widely to the surrounding forest and spins slowly, taking in the majesty of his Mother's work.]

She is extremely kind and just as forgiving. I know how brutal her Nature can be and the gentleness she handles me with can never be understated. My own connection to her Nature means I cannot forget it's...extremes, but that just makes me all the more thankful.

As for my Father...well I have to admit I don't know much. For all my efforts to ask my Mother about him she's been busy with her work. I understand of course but, well I do find it a bit strange that she can never find the time to explain. I love her all the more for still caring for and aiding me in my journeys.

Her greatest act of assistance was allowing me to view the mortal world! She shared her visions of its totality and while I couldn't comprehend it in it's whole I learned much from the time observing them. 

[He pauses and his shoulders slump. A slightly gloomy expression comes over him.] 

It would have been a bit easier to learn had I contemporaries to train alongside but sadly I am the only one...how would I say this. I am the only one "still in the nest" as you would understand it. Not having learned how to fly. In this case quiet literally although I'm sure in the future I will learn how. 

[Ajax's expression brightens as he sees a brightly colored berry bush in the distance. He begins to run towards it.]

Ah hah! And it seems I won our competition for today! Having found the first bush, its spoils are mine!

[Spot flies after him chirping loudly.]

7. Have you ever been in love? With who? What happened? If not, why not?

Link Answered after Contract 1, Company Picture Day

[Ajax and Spot are slumped against a boulder, a few feet away from a cleanly picked berry bush. Both have red juices smeared across their faces and seem content.]

That was a delicious meal my friend. I'm sure we are of the same mind given your enthusiasm when I shared them with you. 

Oh! Speaking of sharing, I should tell you about all of the wonderful new things I have learned and experienced while completing a Trial. Ever since I was put into this mortal body I have felt things that I never did before! Some have not been so pleasant but others have been incredible. I look forward to feeling more things in the future. I hear that anger and love are the most popular feelings among mortals. Perhaps someday I too will experience this while living among them. It should go without saying that I love my family and burn with anger at Mother's ailment but I...well. 

[Ajax spends a few moments gazing thoughtfully into the distance.]

Something about mortality makes them feel so much stronger than we do.

[He looks down at Spot contemplating something. Spot looks back at him, unaware of the thoughts racing through his head.]