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bravenewworld2015-06-06 12:15 am
bravenewmods) wrote in bravenewworld2015-06-06 12:15 am
Entry tags:
Victory...
The reports come in from all sides.
"The gates are secure!"
"We've got the prisoners here, safe and sound. We're bringing them back to join the rebels now."
"The munitions factory is clear of Gigas troops!"
There is, of course, one distinct exception.
As news of the various successes across the city trickle in, the Gigan representative's expression becomes one of unrestrained rage.
"You don't know what you're doing, you complete fools. You listen to me - stamp out these wretched mages or you'll live to regret it."
But there is only so much she can say with her support in shambles. Turning on her heel with an icy scowl, Valeria storms out of the room. The remainder of the Gigan troops are escorted out of the city within the next 48 hours.
Before the celebrations can become too much extravagant, however, the command center quietly relays news of what had occurred in the tunnels to all the outside forces that had come on Sanctuary's behalf. While the natives of the city are certainly overjoyed, an air of unease descends over their saviors...
The next day, General Ironborn convenes a public mission debriefing. At his side stand the members of Team Evolution, Rory Donnachaidh and Ryuuko Nishimura. All three look equally somber.
"People of Union, Caldera, Citadel, Refuge, and Sanctuary... We're happy to say that we've successfully driven Gigas out of the city. After forty years of occupation, Sanctuary is finally free." ...A pause as scattered cheering breaks out across the square. "But as you all know by now, a troubling new situation has come to light. One which has caught us unaware. After discussion, we have determined that we cannot make a decision until we have spoken with the Council of Magi and the ruling parties of every city involved in this effort. We will continue to station our men here until such time as we can reach a decision.
"That said, we declare our primary mission over. You are all free to return home. We couldn't have done it without you."
They step back now, though they remain on the scene in case there are any questions. It seems to be a vaguely unsatisfactory end to a great ordeal...
"The gates are secure!"
"We've got the prisoners here, safe and sound. We're bringing them back to join the rebels now."
"The munitions factory is clear of Gigas troops!"
There is, of course, one distinct exception.
As news of the various successes across the city trickle in, the Gigan representative's expression becomes one of unrestrained rage.
"You don't know what you're doing, you complete fools. You listen to me - stamp out these wretched mages or you'll live to regret it."
But there is only so much she can say with her support in shambles. Turning on her heel with an icy scowl, Valeria storms out of the room. The remainder of the Gigan troops are escorted out of the city within the next 48 hours.
Before the celebrations can become too much extravagant, however, the command center quietly relays news of what had occurred in the tunnels to all the outside forces that had come on Sanctuary's behalf. While the natives of the city are certainly overjoyed, an air of unease descends over their saviors...
The next day, General Ironborn convenes a public mission debriefing. At his side stand the members of Team Evolution, Rory Donnachaidh and Ryuuko Nishimura. All three look equally somber.
"People of Union, Caldera, Citadel, Refuge, and Sanctuary... We're happy to say that we've successfully driven Gigas out of the city. After forty years of occupation, Sanctuary is finally free." ...A pause as scattered cheering breaks out across the square. "But as you all know by now, a troubling new situation has come to light. One which has caught us unaware. After discussion, we have determined that we cannot make a decision until we have spoken with the Council of Magi and the ruling parties of every city involved in this effort. We will continue to station our men here until such time as we can reach a decision.
"That said, we declare our primary mission over. You are all free to return home. We couldn't have done it without you."
They step back now, though they remain on the scene in case there are any questions. It seems to be a vaguely unsatisfactory end to a great ordeal...
no subject
Rory's smile fades somewhat.
"Regrettably, we did not. The secrets of the Magi were not divulged so easily." A pause as he bows his head. "Might I ask you a question? ...Would it have changed your decisions here if you had known?"
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He glances towards where Ironborn is deep in conversation with the members of the Council of Magi.
"The situation would not be any different than now."
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"There are certain parallels to be drawn, no? ...But perhaps you ought to consider it another way."
He beckons back towards the city.
"For forty years, you and the people you love have toiled under the rule of a hated oppressor. Those who dissent are taken away, never to be seen again. Rumors spread that your enemy carries out terrible experimentation upon your people.
"For forty years, you are entirely ineffective... and finally, after long toil and work, you see a glimmer of a chance to save your people - and simultaneously, a chance to exact some measure of revenge."
A poignant pause.
"Would you take it? ...Would you judge those who would?"
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"...No. I wouldn't do it like that. Free my people and my city, yes. But no way would I ever sink to doing anything like what they did."
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He had expected Right's answer, of course. It was what he had come to expect from the people of Union.
"Perhaps what we ought to feel is relief that we did not have a need for choices like that."
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"And even if we did, I'm sure we would've found a third or fourth option anyway."
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That was, perhaps, he thought, the fundamental difference between Union and the rest of the world. Blinding optimism... and in a way, a merciless lack of sympathy for those who could not hold to such ideals.
"But what's done is done. It is time to think about the path forward - this, too, is an evolution in the progress of your people. The question is not, 'what should you have done', but rather, 'what are you to do'?"
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Tamago nods in agreement on the last part. Yes, going home is good; she misses being home with everyone.
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"I think I shall do the same."