bravenewworld | voice/action in caldera;

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voice/action in caldera;

This may not be news to those of us in the Advance Party, but I'm sure you've all heard by now. Things in Caldera are indeed grim, but there is hope thanks to our arrival. Now is the time for us to work together, not just as citizens of Union, but as sensible people and pokemon alike. We should all strive to resolve this conflict with as little aggression as necessary, though I imagine whatever actions we see from Gigas in the next few days will determine more of what'll happen next.

Regardless, we'll be sending caravans from here to Union where the Council, as you know, has agreed to provide them with shelter. I expect those who have decided to stay behind in Union will be able to assist with these efforts-- Remember, every able hand helps! Whoops, I've been talking for quite a bit, haven't I. [ He chuckles a bit awkwardly. ] O-obviously, it's all up to you.

[ filtered to the Swords ]

All available members of the Swords who have joined us in the Advance Party, barring those whose experience yields them certain rights, are to report to Garen, Ky and I for instruction on how to proceed in our aid of Caldera. While you're here, I want you all to keep in mind that each of you is an ambassador in a foreign city, and your actions reflect not only the Swords' but all of Union. So please be on your best behavior.

Those of you who have stayed behind are no less crucial to the relief effort, either. While we can hope there won't be any sort of conflicts with all the refugees moving in, it doesn't hurt to be vigilant. The presence of a few of our officers would no doubt help ease any tension between the refugees and our own citizens. I can't predict that there will or won't be any altercations, but remember it is our code to act on the Savior's behalf, in a way She would approve.

[ later, action ]

[ Hans is overseeing some role calls with the citizens, idly patting his ponyta's side as he looks over some of what has become Union's supply camp. He looks regal and noble and wow, he's just such a prince, all decked in his finest uniform. He's going all out with this appearance thing, his smile warm and easy. Though y'know, with that horse of his he actually looks a bit... relaxed, for once. Not a thing that tends to happen with him around pokemon. ]

I think I'll name you... Sitron. Do you like that?

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And what would you say is 'on our best behavior'?

[ Robin is this really the time-- ]

[ How many times has he heard this one-- Ah, but Hans speaks with conviction. Good thing this is voice, so Robin doesn't catch him rolling his eyes. ]

We're all ambassadors of goodwill in this city, and Caldera has been kind enough to let us into their walls and accept our assistance. I'd hope it wouldn't be too much to ask that we all behave in a way befitting a representative of the Savior. Isn't that why we all came here in the first place?

[ He only half-listens because he's already heard this. It's just amusing to hear them have to repeat this every time someone asks the same question.

But after the question is answer Robin will stop being a brat and actually start talking like a Swords. ]

Yeah, it is. And it looks like they need it. Now isn't the time to be thinking of ourselves or our positions besides being a member of the Sword. But if you need anyone to do something that doesn't look like they hold a title I'm your guy.

[ Hans sighs. ~~Damn kid, that's exactly what he meant, good eye.~~ ]

Obviously, helping people comes first. I'm just trying to remind everyone that for a lot of people, we're their first contact with Union. First impressions are extremely important, especially if we plan to stick around until things have been resolved.

[ There's a reason why he's on the Swords at his young age. Even if he doesn't act like it sometimes. ]

Right. Maybe any Swords who are better with people or don't look threatening should go and help with the refugees? While those who aren't good at handling people to play different parts.

[ Sure, he's only a youngin' in the Sword but he'll still offer his suggestion. ]

Good idea. We'll take that into consideration.

[ Hans replies, thankfully. ~~Upstart brat.~~ ]

Though for now Gigas has yet to make a move, so we're focusing on relief more than anything else. We'll hand out more orders as things develop... but our focus should be on protecting Caldera's citizens above all.

From what I can tell the Pokemon in this city are very volatile. I'm going to take a guess and say that no matter what we need to stay in a group. Going out alone at this time almost seems like a death wish.

Agreed. They have every reason to be startled, with so many strangers in their city, but they all seem very powerful as well. Not the best combination.

I'll make sure to tell anyone of our members to stay in groups if they can. That goes for you as well, of course.

Of course. I don't plan on dying here; I have a feeling this might just be the beginning of something even bigger.

I will add - and needless to say - be careful, it is good to help as much as you can, but do not overextend yourselves, after all "You cannot help others if you cannot help yourselves".

[Filtered to Hans]

I'll have to thank you for doing the speech this time around. Hopefully everything goes according to plan, but we have to be prepared if it doesn't.

It's no problem at all. I don't mind handling the PR side of things.

By the way, I managed to talk to one of Caldera's generals about the situation so far. It seems we'll be talking to a woman named Valeria, if we do manage to talk to anyone from Gigas. A man named Livius Cassius is supposed to be their general, but if the people of Caldera haven't managed to get an audience with him, we'll be hard pressed to do the same.

I thought I'd pass this information to Garen and the others as well-- I'd really like to see this situation resolved as peacefully as possible.

Valeria...? It would make sense they would bar outsiders from seeing their generals especially during times of conflict - after all, aggressors will always suspect everyone has a similar mindset to them.

[He nods in agreement at the passing of information]

It would be wonderful if that were the case.

It doesn't sound like they've had much in the way of communication even before the conflict started. One one end, it seems Caldera is coveted for its abundance of steel. On the other, Gigas would rather take what it believes is theirs rather than negotiate... This conflict might run deeper than we know.

[ If Caldera stays as stubborn as it is, how are they gonna even convince Gigas of anything? ]

Gigas is an extremely powerful nation-- by the looks of it, they seem to see themselves as an empire. I think we need to be careful how much we discuss with them, or else they might decide to 'reclaim' Union next.

[Pamela remembers this one from the Fon Fabres' party. She's recently bonded with a ponyta that must have been just about ready to evolve on its own because it's not a rapidash. It's proving to be an interesting experience. The newest member of her team, Hibiscus, is strong-willed, determined to prove himself, and doesn't get along at all with her glaceon, Pine.

She approaches with a slight smile. He actually seems to be sincerely happy with his new ponyta, rather than smiling for the sake of formality and manners.]

They really are magnificent pokemon, aren't they?

They truly are.

[ He likes horses, okay. ~~It's the Disney Prince in him.~~ He strokes down Sitron's muzzle, petting it slowly. He's bitty now, but he'll evolve in no time. ]

We were lucky to run into such a large group in the desert. They've been very kind to join us.

They're a great help in navigating around unfamiliar terrain, in particular.

[Even though hers seems set on showing her around all the terrain ever. Preferably at high speeds. She's had to assure him more than once that they can go for a good long run later, when things are more peaceful.]

Have you had the chance to see their evolved form yet?

[ Hans nods. His, on the other hand, has been nothing but calm and kind. Funny, with a guy like him-- but then, to everyone else, Hans seems just as nice as Sitron. ]

I haven't yet, no. Though I think there must have been some in that herd we saw...

They're a bit bigger with a horn in the middle of their foreheads, but otherwise it's not a dramatic outward difference. The rapidash could have easily blended in with a herd of ponyta.

[Particularly from a distance, and if they're walking around or grazing.]

The biggest difference is in their speed. I don't think I've ever encountered a faster pokemon. I suspect when the conflict between Gigas and Caldera is resolved that rapidash racing is going to become a trend in Union.

I see. I suppose I'll see for myself soon, as well.

[ Hans runs his hand down Sitron's fiery mane while his ponyta nickers happily. Soon you'll have your own fire unicorn, Hans! ]

Really, now? That does sound useful... They could help bring supplies from here to Union.

The more daring amongst them could help with a raid on the Gigas supply lines, too.

[Something Hibiscus would probably be all too eager to want to go for, which is why she's mentioning the idea while he's not in the immediate vicinity.]

Of course, it would be important to check and see how many rapidash the Gigas forces have...

I imagine their forces far surpass our own, not only in terms of numbers, but in technology as well. We may have just discovered Rapidash, but they likely have something even faster.

[ It's a grim thought. Hans doesn't really like the thought of being so outmatched... ]

That we know of, they've succeeded in overpowering at least two otherwise peaceful cities before... We'd do well to find out things like that before trying any kind of offensive.

[It is highly advanced technology, and Pamela has to wonder just how many lives have been lost to the Gigas forces. How much destruction has been wrought on the surrounding environment?]

That seems like something that could be established on a diplomatic mission. Just an offhand remark about how impressively fast the Rapidash are...and see if they say anything to indicate they've got any faster Pokemon or technology available to them.

[It's also a chance to observe with their own eyes just what the Gigas forces have.]

Good idea, I'll take that into account. Personally, I think it'll be important for us to establish a positive relationship with Gigas for the future, unless we want to risk having them on our doorstep, too.

[ The thought seems to make Sitron uncomfortable. Whatever Gigas is up to, it's not good news for pokemon like him. ]

The more common ground we can find with them, the better. I'm sure they can be reasoned with. If people and pokemon can get along, there's no reason why we shouldn't be able too, I hope.

The best way to do that would be to determine what the people of Gigas need that Union can offer them. Their military technology may be quite advanced, but they may be behind Union in terms of agricultural practices or medicine.

[Pamela may not be able to communicate with Pokemon like a Kindred Soul or Child of the Verdant Forest, but she can see a little unease in Sitron's body language. It makes her wonder if perhaps the Ponyta and Rapidash people have bonded with recently could shed some light on what's going on, if someone who can communicate more effectively with them spoke with them...]

As a researcher, I may be able to make some suggestions.

Well, according to those Team Evolution people from a while back, it seemed like Enlightened weren't as common in Gigas. I've heard they also seem to have some strange sort of class system, where certain people are considered "tools." One has to wonder what kind of strange technology they've made for themselves, with a society like that.

[ Hans strokes down Sitron's flank, shushing him softly. Hans can speak pokemon, since he's a shifter, but generally he prefers not too. Maybe he can sense that Gigas is no good. ]

That would be good. I only hope we're able to offer something they won't think they can take from us. It's only a few day's ride from here to Union, after all...

[That mention of Team Evolution makes Pamela visibly wince.]

I heard rumours that they had an Enlightened woman chained up. I know that the Earthquakes Union suffered a while back were because they forced an evolution on a bunch of Tyrantrum all at once. They seem more concerned with power than with the potential consequences of their actions.

[Although perhaps that's a weakness in and of itself that can be exploited if need be.]

I think it might be best to offer something that can be taught to them over time, rather than something material.

Precisely. If they're willing to go that far, there's no telling what they could do.

[ Bonds are power and Gigas has no bonds?? Who knows. Hell, even Hans can make nice with a horse. ]

It's very likely that we'll have to accept any demands they make, short of asking for a complete surrender. I don't know how willing the people of Caldera would be to do that.

[ Or the people of Union, for that matter. ]

I think giving in too quickly would be a bad idea. Conceding too early in a diplomatic discussion means they'll feel they should have asked for more.

[It's just basic human nature. Even if the diplomatic team goes in prepared to give Gigas most of what they want, it's not something she thinks they should reveal early. It's better to just hear them out, be very polite, but not show much of a response.]

Even if we have to give them what they want in the end, we don't want to make it seem desperate. The diplomatic talks might help stall things enough to get needed supplies to Caldera and to get the refugees out, though. Assuming they'll grant us an audience.

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