Idealism

[not_the_deer]

[Tobia is watching a news bulletin. What is it about? Conflicts being ended; it's about how OZ and White Fang ceased hostilities. And Le Garite and De Metrio. And the Moonrace. And how A-LAWS stopped fighting and are probably getting disbanded. White Chalice's is not mentioned once, but its involvement is heavily hinted at between the lines.]

That Treize guy kept his promise after all! I knew we made the right decision.

Humans are violent by nature, but somehow we're closer to world peace than ever! Terrorist groups are still present, but from ongoing conflicts, isn't only the fight between the Clans left? Maybe, when all of humanity is at peace, Kairos Aspida will seek peaceful cooperation as well.

Comments

[not_the_deer]

Huh? Sure. What do you want to tell me?

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"If..."

He looks sheepish and leans forward.

"If you were planning on engaging in a solo operation to bring the mutual war efforts of the Clans to a halt...how would you go about it?"

[not_the_deer]

Hmm... Ending a conflict in a single operation isn't easy, especially if it's a solo one...

[Thinking, thinking.]

You guys have that honorable challenge system, right? Can the stakes be anything you can think of?

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"Theoretically, Aff." Matthew says, frowning in thought.

"However, most Clan Mechwarriors will decline a challenge Trial if the stakes are too ridiculous, or if the other side is clearly trying to exploit their sense of honor..."

Matthew nods to himself. "In the end, it all comes down to what they have to gain: what could I offer them if they won a challenge?"

[not_the_deer]

Simple. If they win, Clan Wolf surrenders to them. But if they lose, then they have to surrender!

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"What?" Matthew says, blinking in alarm.

"Aff, I suppose they would be interested in that...but there is no way the leaders of Clan Wolf would agree to such a thing, especially if the offer was made by a ex-Jade Falcon!"

Matthew starts pacing back and forth. "What? What could I surrender to the forces of Jade Falcon that it is my right to–"

[gurrenbrigbonded]

Matthew stops mid-stride. And slams a fist into his palm.

"Of course!" He exclaims. "If I win, they have to call off their war with Clan Wolf and the natives of this world for 3 years. And if they win...I will grant them the secrets of Spiral Energy!!!"

[not_the_deer]

Do you actually know how to pass that secret?

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"Maybe!" Matthew declares proudly.

[not_the_deer]

I see. So it's not a matter whether you know, but whether they think you know.