bindsthedead | IC CONTACT POST

That's all I'm asking for. I'm not here to fight their war or whatever the hell they've got going on with Russia.

But they've got my friends. And I trust you the most with this kind of thing, you know? You kept us alive in Pan's jungle. More than any military.

...

And if that's what they're gonna think, let em. But I'll be fighting as a person, not as a little weapon. America will see that.

And if Russia retaliates by murdering their hostages? Or dropping bombs on Nonah?

Even if we say we're on no one's side but our own, that we're not fighting for America, we're getting involved in their fight. Do you care more about telling America they can't order you around, or saving your friends?

Look, I'll talk to Major-General Armstrong. If we're working under RISE's direction, we won't need to worry about dealing directly with the military so much.

[Why'd you have to go and mention Nonah? His loyalty to that city has been budding for awhile now, and it's not until then that he realizes the idea of it being bombed--ESPECIALLY BOMBED, considering back home--is a very real concept. His fist clenches.]

America has never been there for us back home. They left us to die and wither away in our own nuclear wasteland. The only reason they care at all now is cause Russia stole a bunch of weapons. People.

I can get us them back--I know I can. But fighting with soldiers under an American flag is not how I'm gonna do it.

[But there's a soft, resigned sigh.]

I appreciate it. I've given my services to Bonnie--dunno if you've spoken with her.

The America from your world and the America in this world are not necessarily the same countries. The military, the people- none of them know or understand what happened in yours, unless you tell them. Does holding it against them really make sense?

[But she's not here to talk politics, or discuss history.]

I'll talk to her and Olivier. Because even with powers, we're going to need resources- resources RISE can give you. The Major-General's strict, and she'll want to know what you're doing and possibly some degree of control- but she's competent, and she's worked with the military enough that they're likely to give her what she asks for.

[She's right, this is best saved for later, isn't it.]

I'll do whatever Bonnie thinks. She told me to trust her. [He realizes what that might come with, and hurt pride should probably be the least of his worries right now. But it exists, and it's all he's got to call his own in this world.]

[His lips purse behind the feed, his voice losing its edge.]

I'm trusting you, too. We've worked pretty well together so far.

Then let me tell you- what RISE asks for is worth what they'll give you in return. Yes, it's a tie- however loose- to America. But it also means resources, intel- and if they're in space or in the Siberian wilderness, what we'll need to reach them is nothing we can get on our own.

And in the long run... The last group of imPorts changed things by finding sympathizers in the military and government, and helping them get into power. Maybe we should think about doing the same thing, if we can't trust the lot we're dealing with.

[The fight's slowly taken out of him, an exhale sounding through the feed.]

...Yeah. I'm good, but there's not a lot of shuttles to lift around here. Getting them back's not gonna be easy.

[But he feels he has to say this now.]

My loyalty's to you, Bonnie, and RISE.

I'm just the guy who'll get the job done.

Well, telling Armstrong you'll be loyal to RISE is one way to get in her favor.

She can be abrasive, and she likes military discipline, but she values competence and loyalty. Show her those and she'll help you.

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