ONE ⚠ video

[sonofabyte]

[ The video feed opens in a rather mundane fashion: an expressionless man sitting within the library in the Initiative Hold, his tablet on a desk in front of him as he pages through a book--a somewhat battered old volume of history. ]

I have two questions. I would appreciate some answers, if you could.

[ His voice is deep and serious, but also remarkably flat and toneless. ]

I understand that the other "Transports" here represent a wide variety of worlds. How many come from one with similar components to this one? A ruined Earth, or one near ruin, and a repressive absolute government guiding humanity in the wake of that disaster.

[ He closes the book and sets it down on the desk just out of the screen's frame. ]

The second question is simple. Can anyone recommend somewhere I can find decent coffee?

Comments

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[mgann]

That sort of thing leaking into other worlds is what we're here to stop.

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[sonofabyte]

Yes. I have no allegiance to this world, but if they intend to exploit mine, I have reason to fight.

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[mgann]

That's how I and others see it as well.

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[sonofabyte]

Do we have proof that it's true? Their intention to use other worlds for resources.

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[mgann]

We don't have any it's not. They have attacked this place before in an attempt to rid it of us, and for me, that's reason enough to fight back.

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[sonofabyte]

It's a convenient truth for the Initiative.

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[mgann]

Would you risk chancing it?

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[sonofabyte]

No.

[ A brief pause. ]

The United Earth is aware of the Initiative's existence, then.

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[mgann]

Yes.

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[sonofabyte]

What was their attempt to eradicate it like?

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[mgann]

[Which one???]

What are you asking about specifically?

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[sonofabyte]

I want your personal perspective on the force we fight.

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[mgann]

It will take strategy. Their numbers far outweigh ours. Strikes will take planning, and they have to be swift, decisive and with a specific purpose. Prolonged attacks would take their toll after a time.

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[sonofabyte]

[He's nodding.]

Fortunately, their strategy must be poor, if with their superior strength, they're aware of the Initiative's existence and it's still here.

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[mgann]

Maybe they don't view us as much of a threat. Or they aren't aware of too much.

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[sonofabyte]

There is no "not much of a threat" to a government like that. All threats must be removed. The second option is more likely.

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[mgann]

There's always the chance they have plans for us as well.

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[sonofabyte]

Yeah. That's very likely, but it would be a poor choice. We would remain a threat to them even if they tried to break us to their will.

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[mgann]

They might not believe that. Their power is likely clouding their judgement.

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[sonofabyte]

Then they won't retain that power long.

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[mgann]

No, they won't.