first hymn; video

[cantic]

This is Locrian Sergeant Tear Grants of the Oracle Knights, home world Auldrant. I'm seeking whoever can give me information on the clinic; I'm a healer and I'd like to offer my services there.

[ She pauses before moving on to her next order of business. ]

The Initiative makes a convincing case for why we should willingly join their cause. "The United Earth will destroy our worlds as well"... At the very least, it makes for a compelling argument, particularly in light of the recent display of the United Earth's level of firepower. But how much of that is actually true?

It's not that I find the Initiative untrustworthy, but rather that they've given me little cause to trust them. Although recent events certainly make you feel compassion for their cause.

I'm presuming some of you have already gone on missions, so you have less biased accounts. Any insight you could give me would be appreciated.

Comments

video;

[outway]

Cooperation born of necessity, rather than trust. It may not be the most ideal arrangement, but sometimes such measures are necessary.

[ he's been thrust into more than his fair share of uneasy alliances. ]

A sergeant... so you're a soldier? I suppose you do give off that impression.

video;

[cantic]

Yes, with the Oracle Knights, the military body of Auldrant's main religion.

[ She might guess the same about him. He has a certain sense of propriety and authority to him. ]

It's not the most ideal arrangement. But I'd like to understand fully what such an arrangement entails.

video;

[outway]

I see. Interesting. I do not know of any religion's that have their own military, though I suppose some tribes are more in tune with such beliefs than others.

[ though that hasn't really been a factor since they've been united... ]

Though we're here to fight for the Initiative, it seems we're given great freedom in how to do so. It's strange... they would be more successful if they had a more disciplined, structured system.

video;

[cantic]

The Order operates both as a religious institution and as a political body. As unfortunate as it is, a military is necessary to back up any political authority.

You think so too? But to have discipline of autonomous soldiers, there needs to be greater transparency on their behalf...not to mention the issue of conscription without consent.

video;

[outway]

I see. It sounds far more organized than any religion that exists in my own world... [ in fact, it almost sounds more like a country than a religion, but whatever. ]

We have already been conscripted, whether we like it or not. Now it is merely a matter of making the best use of the forces at their disposal. I would rather be part of an effective force than merely an unorganized group of soldiers... I believe others would agree. Wars are won by a collective effort, not just through individual achievements.

video;

[cantic]

We can't expect those who aren't trained to a military lifestyle to suddenly put their lives on the line and participate in warfare.

video;

[outway]

In desperate times, all should contribute.

Perhaps not by fighting directly... but there are other roles for such people.