We Have Come To Terms

[a_louse]

Batallion Zhar was kept by the Russian government on a leash for too long. It was only a matter of time until they broke free. Maybe now their fortune will turn around for the better.

I intend to let ESUN know about the way Russia treats its immigrants next time we talk. This is not how a professional government should act.

[Roger falls silent. Paradigm Corp at home is not exactly a paragon of virtue, either.]

Comments

[jianai]

Of course. You are a smart person mr Negotiator - may I call you Roger?

This is the same for Russia. It's a country with conscription, so it's fair that immigrants serve in the military just as native Russians.

It's not fair that when forced to choose between Russian regiments, "their own" to speak of, or immigrants, the leaders always choose the latter to send to the frontlines. But my point is that it's not a logical decision. It is the exact opposite of one.

It is motivated only by humanity's way of thinking.

[a_louse]

Miss Ren, was it? Yes, feel free to call me Roger, if you want to.

So this is the angle you've decided to take on, when it comes to this decision. Not the same one I had in mind at first. I'm not a fan of going indepth with discussing the motivations of dictators, you often discover things that would be better left undisturbed. Whatever the motivation was here, it doesn't change the final decision; and that decision was not one a professional government should take.

[jianai]

Oh, I definitely agree with that.

I just wanted to say that since this is a very human way of thinking, as long as humanity remains unchanged, the government will keep acting in such a matter.

Unless someone forces it to change its ways. Do you think you have enough political pull to achieve that, Roger?

[a_louse]

Pull? You seem to mistake me for either a visionary or a politician. I am neither. I'm a negotiator. Once in a blue moon I work for the Paradigm Corp, but that's it. I'm not a part of them, and I prefer to keep it this way.

[jianai]

My apologies, I have made a mistake it seems.

Before I make another one: negotiators are people who usually work for a client, don't they?

[a_louse]

Usually, yes.

[jianai]

Could I hire you if I need your services, then?

[a_louse]

If you can afford my fees, of course. I imagine UG will cover them for its members.

[jianai]

I am not so sure. The fee might be quite sizeable, considering what I am about to ask.

[a_louse]

I'm all ears.

[jianai]

Please do not lose your idealism, Roger. Your belief that conflicts can be defused with words - and when you see the opportunity to do that, follow on it.

This is what I want you to do.

[a_louse]

You don't have to worry about that. I am a man of principles; I will never abandon them.

It's always good to get some encouragement from a lady, however.

[jianai]

I'm glad I could fortify your beliefs, then.

However...

[a_louse]

However?

[jianai]

I think you'd like to know that I am not a lady.

[a_louse]

Really...?

My apologies. Appearances can be deceptive.

[jianai]

Please, don't worry about it. I am sure no offense was intended, and none is taken.

[a_louse]

Indeed. I am just surprised. But then, maybe I shouldn't be; I'm talking to a person with horns like it was nothing.

[jianai]

It's just another peculiarity of my body. I am a human-like being, but not exactly a human as you noticed yourself, Roger.

It makes me happy that people I met recently are, on average, very accepting of these unusual differences.

[a_louse]

Was it different in the past?

[jianai]

It's a matter of place and timing. I cannot blame people for being suspicious of a weird, horned person. Especially the more superstitious of individuals - I was accused of being the devil who came for their souls more than once.

[a_louse]

Superstition is nothing new in Paradigm either. People chalk up all kinds of things to spirits and gods.

[jianai]

Have you met any?

[a_louse]

A few. They were all remnants of old Paradigm, before everyone lost their memories. Nothing supernatural.

[jianai]

Ah, a scientific explanation. Human rationalism marches on!

[It's hard to say if Ren is being genuine or mocking.]