Video

[bindsthedead]

I'm sure you've all heard the news about Debrecen. What the government did was unnecessary and disproportionate- killing thousands of civilians is something I'd expect from the Russians, rather than our hosts. And the fear resulting from that invasion is causing those in power to make choices that are- ill advised.

[For all her outward calm, there's tension in Sabriel's voice as she speaks. She might not make her anger and outrage evident, but it's there, simmering below the surface.]

Did you know, the people of this world have a saying- those who don't remember history are condemned to repeat it? There's so much paranoia right now- so much fear. But I think we can do something about it.

I know some of us saw that vision of the past- the fear, the paranoia, the brainwashing. That was what things were like before the previous group of imPorts arrived- and when they changed things, they did so by using both public goodwill and allies within the military and government. And the people in charge back then were far worse than those currently in power. The current government isn't brainwashing their own citizens, at least. And people are eager to listen to us- if we speak up, especially in a way that appeals to them, our words will have an effect.

And we need to do some investigation of our own- we need to find out if things are really as they seem on the surface, or if there's something more going on.

Comments

[mightthinkthat]

History is always bound to repeat, remembering often isn't enough, but action is. It's tempting to run away from our problems. Leave it to someone else to get their hands dirty. But that'll only make things worse.

So I guess what I'm saying is, I'm interesting in knowing how you intend to proceed in investigating?

[bindsthedead]

Things won't resolve on their own, that much is clear.

I want to go over the information available and see if they'll let us interrogate some of these spies ourselves. I'd also like to form stronger links between RISE and the FBI, and see what information and resources they can offer.

[mightthinkthat]

I wouldn't mind a look myself. Anything you need from me, I'll provide.

[bindsthedead]

Thank you. Having an ambassador on our side might be helpful.

[excessivehubris]

[ Charles watched this with a pensive expression on his face. It made him think of some of the things he'd picked up from the Soviet soldiers, while he'd had access to their minds.

Unfortunately none of that was something he'd discuss over an open network feed. Instead, he said simply. ]

Wise words and I hope this is not going to be a case of trying to speak within a hurricane.

[bindsthedead]

Hopefully not. But some of us can control the weather, I think? [Sabriel offers a weak smile.]

[video]

[medalsome]

I would be interested in hearing any results of investigations that manage to turn up anything. I'm not much for searching, myself, but there's gotta be some answers out there.

When I went to Mexico as a diplomat back in January I never would have imagined the government here would have been willing to retaliate quite like... that. I feel like I put a lot of confidence in a friend that I should haven't have trusted.

[video]

[bindsthedead]

I can't believe everyone in the government supported this. Some of them must have understood how it would make the situation worse.

[medalsome]

It makes them all look bad. It almost makes us imPorts also look bad, though I'm sure some other countries will know we had no part in it, even if we're... guilty by association.

... I hate this.

[bindsthedead]

The international reaction seems to be... mixed, to put it mildly.

[video]

[protects_the_small]

So far, neither side has shown that they can wage war honorably. I can't say the idea of fighting for either.

[If she is fighting for the safety of civilians on one side, what happens to the ones on the other?]

[video]

[bindsthedead]

Judging from this world's history, honor has had little place in recent wars.

[video]

[protects_the_small]

[The disapproval comes off the screen in waves]

How very convenient for them that we can't stay truly neutral.

[video]

[bindsthedead]

At least you understand that. Some imPorts are still clinging to that hope.

We've seen how Russia will treat us. But as much as I disagree with America, we have more of a chance to change their minds than we do Russia's.

video;

[helpline]

Killing thousands of civilians is a tried-and-true tactic of war no matter what side you're on. [ the Doctor's keeping his voice level but man he just sounds a bit tired. ] This universe doesn't have the Time War, but it certainly had World War II.

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[bindsthedead]

Yes, I attended school in Heropa for a bit- that was one of the things they taught us about.

It's still... hard to wrap my mind around. That it's a normal part of waging war in this world.

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[helpline]

It's a normal part of waging war in every world. As soon as people manage to come up with something that kills on a large scale, they'll use it.

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[bindsthedead]

Causing that much death can't be a good thing, but if it's how every country fights- why are both sides so eager to fight?

[darwinatrix]

War isn't kind. If you're going to strike, strike hard.

You know my opinion on the rest.

[bindsthedead]

I admit, I'm... unfamiliar with many forms of modern warfare. Most of them would be either useless or counterproductive in the Old Kingdom, so I didn't see much point in learning. I have a lot to catch up on. [She won't argue with Olivier, but the bombing doesn't sit right with her.]

[darwinatrix]

The nuclear weapons that exist here put a wrench in the mix, but tactically it's sound. If your enemies feel that you're too weak-hearted to attack something because civilians might get hurt, they'll build all of their strategic locations in the middle of cities and use their people as a shield.

It's cowardly and weak. If you refrain from attacking, you'll only encourage that behavior. They'll see it work.

[bindsthedead]

Were the military sites really distributed in such a way that wiping out the entire city was the only option?

text; sorry for the deleted tag! i was trying to figure out how to make it IC

[112ounces]



you know what?

i don't see what the big deal about it is.


text;

[bindsthedead]

A city was destroyed. Thousands of lives were lost. It's not unnatural to be upset that it happened.

text;

[112ounces]

so?

the russians hold american cities hostage.

trying to use us into their weapons, so more people die down the line.

what did you think it would happen?