>>@KEBECHET | TO: @ALL.

[agogenpc]

By now, you may have noticed some among your number missing. I can assure you they are being well taken care of with what supplies we have in this time of war.

Our struggle here is drawing to a close. I presume both sides would like to avoid further loss of life. The Empire-- the Regency, as you call us-- certainly would. I myself grow weary of slaughter, especially this senseless murder of my soldiers.

This can be ended. I do not have the credentials necessary to surrender. You do. Call off this useless struggle. Your people will be returned to you.

Of course, if you have questions, I beg you to ask them while we have the time. This transference into your network will not last for long.

[ooc Discuss surrender here! Threadjacking welcome.]

Comments

@SHITZU

[cutlery]

I must admit, this is a surprisingly pleasant request for surrender. I would imagine they're far more charged than this most of the time.

Yet unfortunately, I personally refuse. As a matter of numbers, a surrender for a handful of soldiers is a poor bet. But if there is more to it than simply that, I would be interested in hearing it.

[agogenpc]

My division is trained in diplomacy. Another fact that's been obscured from you, no doubt.

What, precisely, do you find more precious than the lives of your comrades?

[cutlery]

That would not be a surprising, to be honest.

[ It's all he says on the matter, but he hasn't been like. Super thrilled. With how COST isn't very forthcoming with their terms, considering he's heard of a few caveats in the past few days. But it's all he'll say, since the implied offer is much more interesting. ]

That depends. Are you asking out of curiosity, or are you hoping to strike a bargain?

[agogenpc]

Perhaps both. It depends on your answer, doesn't it?

[cutlery]

Certainly. It would be unwise to agree without knowing the exact terms you were bargaining for.

But to that, may I ask why you are pursuing this option? You said you wish to forgo further loss of life, but forgive me for finding that surprising. Why does it matter to you?

[agogenpc]

Pursuing is an overstatement. When I am not attempting negotiation with hostile terrorists, I am an information gatherer. Know thine enemy.

[cutlery]

Fair enough. The same could be said of you, that said. It is a matter of perspective, so perhaps I should have asked my question differently. Why are you certain that your cause is just?

[agogenpc]

Because I have seen the alternative, and it is terrifying.

And you?

[cutlery]

Correct me if I am wrong (as I do worry about how much I may be misinformed about), but you mean the natural state of things, correct? Conflict and chaos rather than the peace the Regency imposes.

But to me, whether it is just or not does not particularly matter. It only matters who asks first and what they are offering.

[agogenpc]

No. Anarchy and bloodshed as COST deems necessary to achieve 'freedom'.

At least you are honest. Far moreso than many here I've seen, pretending their objections are for a righteous cause.

[cutlery]

I see. Is that why the approach so far has been rather conservative, relatively speaking? Not that I am complaining, mind you, but I have been surprised by it.

Though which of the two sides is "right" is hardly for me to judge, I would guess that they do at least think so. Belief is hardly dishonesty.

[agogenpc]

Conservative? Excuse me if I doubt your context for comparison. Most COST operatives are left intentionally in the dark for the benefit of their superiors.

Then we are at an impasse.

[cutlery]

Other wars, essentially. I may have been expecting more ruthless tactics, since they are more common in my experience.

Though for my own benefit, if I may ask— If we are left in the dark, what enlightenment can you share? I am quite curious about any pieces I may be missing.

[agogenpc]

And what wars are these?

COST's other activities, ones far less justifiable than the ones you've no doubt been told about. The creatures my operatives meet in the field are inevitably the most bright-eyed, almost endearing in their ignorance of the organization holding their leashes.

[cutlery]

Ones I imagine you may be familiar with, but unfortunately that is is not information I am inclined to share, all things considered. Another impasse, but such is the nature of conversation with two people meant to be opposed to each other, I suppose.

Which does make it a bit ironic to ask, but what activities would those be?