veilbreak | tverin 001

It's been a long day, so I'll keep this brief. Dust is clearing on the ground, and this is what we know:

1. 2 of the 3 large drones dispatched for the Sterilisation event has been shot down, along with numerous patrol drones. Instead of the total eradication of Xitang, it's only been partially leveled. This is a win.

2. There were no fatalities, although we had 90 injured. I want to commend our ground teams (Ground Forces, Espionage, volunteers) for your efficiency. The Veiled are being taken to and integrated into surrounding Pres Cities courtesy of Recruitment agents stationed in the area.

3. We have commandeered an additional freight plane which will be vital in future relocation efforts.

We still do not know what triggered this, but I want to stress how big of a win this is. We prevented a devastating loss. We've been a nuisance to the Architects, but this changes things.

Take this win. Celebrate it. And then get ready to double down. We're showing them we're a major player, and I can't imagine them taking this lying down.

LEADERSHIP.

Kudos on the rapid coordination. Expect blowback.

[...] Aldana, Payne. Present your case. I need you to get everyone on board before we go to the rest of the resistance with this.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Troubling numbers, but I know you know that.

There's no such thing as a zero risk procedure. If I got caught up on numbers, we wouldn't have Neuroclast stability where it is currently.

You sound remarkably cavalier about this.

Would you prefer I be hesitant and indecisive? That would inspire so much confidence.

I would prefer you discuss both the side effects and the matter of human experimentation with a bit more sensitivity. You can't reasonably expect everyone to accept a blunt 'you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs' rationale when the eggs in question are human lives.

If this were that train metaphor, one side of the track has so many more people on it.

We can't lose our ethics, Nishad. That makes us no better than the Architects.

[…] I know, but no one would be going into it unaware of the risk versus reward.

Yes, I know. ~~But~~

If there’s only one way forward…

I've already told Taryn I'd think about it. I don't need you putting the charm on too, Nishad.

If I’m charming you without trying, that’s no fault of my own. […] I can’t imagine anyone is feeling uncomplicated about this.

I worry about Adrían.

I wouldn’t say he’s known for his […] warmth, but even he must have put actual consideration into the ethics of it. […] Maybe even especially him, given that he’ll be the one taking responsibility for what happens next.

It's more that it could be a slippery slope. But I suppose you're right.

It could be a slippery slope, but I also can't imagine that no one will be keeping him in check. I know of at least one man too charismatic not to listen to that's keeping a close eye on him.