futurology | audio; un: PARTY.

Three things.

The first. I'm requesting if you know anyone of our group that was transferred during this mission at any point, whether it was already announced or not, to list them here. If you knew anything about them, particularly unique to them—information, capabilities, whatever—I'd ask you disclose the information, as well. [ he may be able to get the first part, at least, by looking it up but it helps to have confirmation from files that are not documents provided by ALASTAIR. ]

The second. I'd like to know of any of you that are of leadership status back where you come from, particularly if you are responsible for the lives of others. Militarily, politically, socially, whatever. [ not the time to be picky. ]

Lastly, what's the value of a life to you? Both your own and others around you and how far does that value extend? They say there's a time to kill and a time not to kill: what're yours? [ it'd be nice to know who the self-sacrificers are versus the kill-happy. and then everyone else in between. ]

...Allow me to introduce myself, if you don't know me: I'm Date Masamune, a daimyo from the north.

[ yes, he's got a different tone to this from the last time he addressed the network, but the serious nature seems necessary, if not because of the content but because of what they're all sitting in the middle of while they wait to leave chantes. might as well be somewhat productive. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, I think even a guardian has a place among that.

[ he doesn't mind her asking, either, although he takes a moment to try and word it without explaining too much that she may not care to hear as part of the answer. ] There are two types of warriors where I come from and I think this team ALASTAIR has put together is no exception: you have the ones that carry out their orders at all costs and then you have the ones that do everything to ensure the survival of the ones carrying out the orders... as well as the ones neglected by the former for the sake of success.

Those who ascend to leadership positions usually [ --not always, but usually ] have the capability to be both, but will almost always lean towards the nature of the latter. I want to know who exists here that will be more likely to ensure the survival of their companions versus sacrifice them for a goal. If nothing else, we have too many noncombatants, including children, that my concerns lie in minimizing loss of life due to our inability to work together and share ideals as a whole.

[ make no mistake, he's silently keeping tabs on the other group, as well, but he's also not interested in cooperating with lone wolves that will backstab. He may speak to many and engage casually, but his trust is incredibly hard to earn. ]

I would hope most people here would wish for the well being of their teammates in ALASTAIR. We were all taken from our homes. It only make sense that we try to team up and work together to get ourselves back home in the first place.

None the less, if there's anything I can do, I'm more than willing to help, even if my role isn't really of a 'leadership' status.

[But she's working on that skill set here.]

Yes, but I'm sure you've seen at least a few examples during this mission that we all have very different thoughts on how we should go about working to get ourselves back home. That's where it gets complicated: are keeping each other alive more likely to get us back home or completing the mission as told, regardless of who gets lost?

It's not the leadership part I'm interested in so much as the responsibility. I think you are more than qualified, Pearl.

Everyone here deserves to go home. No one gets left behind.

I-I mean, that's how I'd operate, at least. [Ahem, she itches the back of her neck before she steels herself. She\e pauses at his comment and a sound of a smile peeks through her voice.]

Masamune, you're too kind. I'm just doing whatever I can to help while I'm here.

"no one gets left behind". It's a saying amongst my troops, it is refreshing to hear it again!

No way. It's only the truth. You go out of your way so much to help here, but to you, it's just sort of the norm for you, right?

[He sounds so confident, and she can't help but smile even more behind her jewel.]

I could never leave my teammates behind back home. I'll be doing the same thing here. Every living thing is important.

It's just... what I do, I suppose. Odd reasoning, isn't it?

No, it's not. We are who we are. More than anything, that reasoning actually is the least odd of anything, when you think about it.

You have a point...

[Oh! She remembers something.]

By the way! How did your apology go with your friend? Are you on better terms?

[ —ah, yes! he never did get around to thanking her like he should have. how rude of him. ]

Oh...! It worked very well. Flowers did wonderful things along with apologies. [ he never would have thought... but hey...?! flowers for everyone all the time every time from now on. ] I meant to thank you for it. Please accept my gratitude now, even though it's late.

Oh please there's no need to thank me!

[She laughs gently and shakes her head, smiling brightly.]

I'm just glad things turned out better for you and your friend! I hope they liked the flowers.

She did, but I think it was less the flower and more the meaning behind the offer, as you said. So, I think you still deserve credit from me.

audio; un: PARTY.

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