video

[rathercommon]

[ Kitty's voice is a little strained. ]

Right, so...Hullo, Kitty here. And we've already had a bit of input on glorious-war and glorious-war-but-do-be-careful-about-it-because-the-Russians-are-a-bit-scary, and at this point everyone's probably like shut it won't you. But for anyone who's still out there and still listening, just...

This is hard for us. We've lost our friends. That's scary. But remember that no real harm has been done yet. They've been kidnapped, but no one's been killed. The situation right now is not that bad. But it has the potential to get so much worse if we let loose our anger. Remember, the weapons in the Russians' possession - and in the Americans' - can scorch the earth. Kill everyone. Everyone. It won't just be us who go if we escalate this war: it'll also be the little kids in the school down the street from you, and the girl who always remembers your order at the malt shop, and the bloody...puppies in the animal shelter.

So those of you who are thinking that it's time to go burn down Russian cities, or join up with the army as they march to destroy our enemies - close your eyes and think of the entire baskets of puppies and kittens that'll get scorched into nothing but atoms when this war gets stepped up and the bombing starts. Okay? So instead, maybe let's give thought to negotiation. Forgiveness. Stepping down the violence. Some of the kidnapped have gotten word out - I bet you anything they'll agree.

Comments

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[restingstitchface]

Everyone.

[The little kids in the school down the street from you, and the girl who always remembers your order at the malt shop, and the bloody... puppies in the animal shelter.]

Are you familiar with negotiations conducted before past wars? Some historians argue they are the cause of violence further down the line. You're also sounding frightfully strained. You should control yourself better.

[rathercommon]

[ ugH. ]

I've got a bit of a head-cold. That's probably what you're hearing.

[restingstitchface]

Probably? It is or it isn't.

You sound troubled to me.

[rathercommon]

[ A little sarcastically: ]

Well. My friends have been kidnapped. Think that's related?

[restingstitchface]

To a certain extent.

Care to talk about it? [Of course not.] I highly doubt your friends wouldn't appreciate your effort to be calm on their behalf. But I believe some caught up wherever they are would also appreciate actions instead of words.

[rathercommon]

Actions instead of words. Like...what, exactly? Going out and strangling some Russians and leaving their bodies as a warning? Is that the sort of thing you have in mind?

[restingstitchface]

[A sigh.]

That is not the sort of thing I have in mind, and you know it.

Don't be facetious.

[rathercommon]

So then what do you have in mind?

[restingstitchface]

To unearth as much information as possible about the situation. The demands being made - and these will exist, no matter what "our" government claims - are unlikely to be the demands the Russians want.

Then I might convince them to change their motives... or to shoot themselves in the head. Either choice leads to a good ending.

Better them than your friends, at least.

[rathercommon]

Right, only - I don't want the Russians to die, either, do I. I'd like this to be resolved without anyone dying. And also I think it'd be better if you didn't get involved.

[restingstitchface]

You are free to believe that. However, I don't need your permission. I am diverting myself from my former... tendencies. I'm sure you'll appreciate my efforts in due course.

[rathercommon]

Yeah? Diverting yourself how?

[restingstitchface]

By gestating new ideas. The government here intends for us to benefit society. If you're feeling concerned, why don't you break into my home and find out for yourself?

[rathercommon]

You're...encouraging me to break into your house.

[restingstitchface]

Suspicious? That's fine.

I'm encouraging no such thing, however. What you read as intent is merely observation on your habitual behavior. It's been so long since the last time you broke into where I was staying, you know.

[Never forget.]

[rathercommon]

Uh huh. Is there anything for me to find if I do break in?

[restingstitchface]

No. There's nothing here.

[rathercommon]

So why would I bother?

[restingstitchface]

Because you don't trust me. You cannot know what I possess by my word alone.

[rathercommon]

Yeah, except that you clearly are trying to make me go there, and like you said - I don't trust you.

[restingstitchface]

No you don't. Perhaps it would be better if I submitted a written invitation, then?