002 ☆ voice;

[precludes]

[They will argue about moral choices until the city burns away. The choices here are ugly, and knowing the outcome regardless of their actions makes them uglier.

She never does this. Oriko has always believed that action is better than telling. People don't listen to soothsayers; truths must be learned on their own time. Never once has she simply come forward with information like this - everything was a speech, a story, a revelation, pulling threads and nudging.

She sounds, frankly, cold. Detached, but hoarse.]

What I have to say is brief, if you will hear it.

Here is what is going to happen:

There is no conceivable escape for Exiles at the shoreline. The fate they will meet there is no different. Guns wait for them, and death.

Don't send them down there indiscriminately, rashly, unless you send them knowing that.

Comments

voice;

[eyecaptivating]

...You're really sure about that? Really, really sure?

voice;

[precludes]

So long as they flee there without guidance, alone. You'd try, if you were so afraid, wouldn't you?

The line of fire there is deep. I do not expect any of them should know how to circumnavigate it.

voice;

[eyecaptivating]

Ah, I guess I can't really say I wouldn't...

But... But does that really mean no one could help them?

voice;

[precludes]

I don't... [Frustrated, Oriko reaches out again, looking. Absently, she continues:]

If one were to find an oversight in their ranks, an opening...

There could always be a gap.

But...

[Persecution wouldn't end at the border; they must all know that. It's not enough, not yet.]

voice;

[eyecaptivating]

But... But it'd still mean they could survive, doesn't it? Doesn't it?!

I-if we could just... If we could just take advantage of a gap!