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

[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.]

[a_louse]

It's not a matter of science, just facts. You can't deny what you've seen with your own eyes.