bravenewworld | 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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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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