>> (=)"Crimson.Veil"

[Locksmith]

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from: Crimson Veil
to: Novak
subject: Another Question

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. . .




"You speak as if diplomatic relations are intrinsically beneficial. Or at least, you think I see them as such. Perhaps in some cases, that would be true."

"I understand why you made that judgment, though. Some of my friends in the message log you provided think you care about human squabbles — tyranny, cruelty, corruption, oppression, and the like. I think they're mistaken. I think your species, like any sentient being, cares first and foremost about its own well-being... Which may or may not depend on the circumstances of human life."

"In other words, I think they, however well-intentioned, are wasting their time on idle chatter. It's a mistake to think you're bound by the same emotional impulses as humans. Therefore, the only reliable cooperation between us must be anchored on a foundation of mutual benefit."

"Of course, exterminating mutual enemies is a valid source of such benefit. But this benefit is finite, and closer cooperation could turn other friendly groups, like the Order, against us. And they are extremely useful in helping us counter the Nomad threat. Therefore, I need to ensure that we can, at a minimum, keep your presence unseen."

"I would also very much hope that we will find other points of common ground, and soon."

"While providing a body whose design I know in advance makes things more predictable and controllable for me, I must admit I don't quite understand why you, Novak, are requesting it. Clearly, you have sufficient manufacturing capacity to construct an anthropomorphic avatar."

"What am I missing?"




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