ten ☠ text

[lingeringfear]

Right. Okay. We need to get in front of this and make a plan. I'm the one who has to put my neck out there so I'm the one who has to talk about options.

If they've got Tranquility, they're probably using him in their machines as a power source until we get there. Now, if we can forget that this is all Sorrow's fault for a minute here, we've got to come up with a plan and he has some pretty good ones, so- here goes I guess.

First option is do nothing. We sit on our thumbs and probably let Tranquility die, but it means that we won't be handing over their ally and it means that we won't be playing into whatever trap they're setting for us. As much as I don't want to advocate for this one... well, if they're setting a trap and they want me there, I don't like my chances of walking away from it. This is probably the safest option, but- damn.

Second option is to go ahead with the transfer. I go with some of you, we give them Delight, we hope that they don't trap or kill us during the whole ordeal and get three gods for the price of one. I don't like this at all, but this is probably the best way to get Tranquility back safely- if we don't do this one then I can't guarantee that he'll make it out of there.

And the third was presented by Rage herself. If we assume that they're going to trap us, we go there and trap them instead. Rage can disguise herself to look like Delight and we go through with the transfer. They'll be expecting Delight to work with them- I hope- and so we'll launch a surprise attack during the exchange with Rage's help. We take them out, save Tranquility, keep Delight. If they're expecting this then we lose, big time- but if they're not, then we could win out more here than otherwise.

I don't... I don't really like any of these options. There's risking myself and then there's being stupid- but what other option do we have? I'll hear your concerns or alternate ideas if you have them, as well as any volunteers to go with me.

It doesn't need to be said that if we die at the meeting point... well, Hope won't be able to gather our essences or your bodies for a resurrection when it's so deep into the Null territory. For all intents and purposes, a death there would be permanent. Keep that in mind while you make your choice.

Poll #21277 Well?

This poll is closed.
Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 66

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What should we do?

View Answers

Do nothing, let them keep Tranquility
7 (10.6%)

Make the exchange, lose Delight, risk that they're true to their word
33 (50.0%)

Strike with Rage, risk losing Rage, Fear, and Tranquility in the battle
26 (39.4%)

[[Mod note: this is a major plot-related poll and the outcome will change the tone of the game as we head toward a potential endgame scenario. While we cannot simultaneously vote and take suggestions for radically different options, we can modify the voted plan based on character suggestions and comments. Please contact the mods if you have any questions!]]

Comments

[lingeringfear]

You're referring to a sneak attack before the exchange date?

Wouldn't that be more dangerous? Their tools are far more sophisticated than what most of you are likely used to. Between their automated defense systems and the fact that Tranquility will likely be kept in the heart of their fortress, I don't think a stealth mission will be any more likely to succeed than the presented options.

You weren't here last time they attacked. They're basically sentient machines with a vast array of firepower at their disposal. If we're doing the exchange on their own terms, who knows what they could throw at us. Fighting is extremely dangerous, and should only really be done if there's no other option, but Rage, as you can see, is insistent.

[marmoron]

I don't know if that would be more dangerous. That's why I asked.

A sneak attack before the exchange date would at least guarantee that the element of surprise is in our favor, which is something we might not have if we're going with Rage's plan if they're expecting foul play.

From everything that's been said about them, it seems they don't trust you which means it's a safe bet to assume they'll be prepared.

[lingeringfear]

True. I just doubt we can get into their base or fortress or whatever without being blown to smithereens by some kind of defense. They have tools that can explode your brain just by being in the same room as them- I'd rather not risk losing a strike team to that, where Hope can't revive them.

[marmoron]

[The reply's getting a raised eyebrow.]

And the Null developed this technology because.....? As far as I've gathered, that kind of weapon shouldn't work on you. Or does it.

[But perhaps he's getting sidetracked here.]

But duly noted. From the sounds of it, you most favor the second option presented as it avoids confrontation, correct? In that case, I want to know if you actually trust the Null to keep their end of the bargain. I've seen one too many hostage negotiations with hostile alien races go south before.

[lingeringfear]

The Null developed the technology to wipe out our host populations en masse to weaken us.

It doesn't matter if I trust them or not. They've backed us into a corner, here.

[marmoron]

So if everyone chooses to go with the option to simply hand Desire over and the Null go back on their word, we just lose Tranquility and Desire?

You are planning for a contingency for that by taking people who can fight if there's a breakdown in diplomacy, right?

[lingeringfear]

Well, I'm taking people who volunteer, so, yes.

[marmoron]

Who're you taking so far?

[He'd consider it, but man is he not going if it's a team of inexperienced people with limited battle experiece.]

[lingeringfear]

Eh... Nick, Ivar, the weird Spider boy, Ignis, and a few others.

[marmoron]

[Whether this group actually can work together as a team remains to be seen, but....]

Right. I'll take it into consideration.