- Location
- United Kigdom
Restoration Negaquest: An offer to band up
Result:
Lanolin as out of action for next week
You have become aware that the Mafia is in your territory
Black Market actions in Green hill Zone are in flux
…
(chat continues until…)
…
Rival Reports
…
Eggman Empire
Create Ring Retrieval Units DC??
?? + ?? + ?? - ?? = Critical Success
A new kind of badnik has been seen zipping about the Green Hill Zone; with a small design, the typical colour-scheme and faces inspired by Eggman, these are not combat units but rather seem to have been made for the purpose of collecting Rings.
While you're glad that it doesn't seem to be a combat model, the fact that Eggman seems to be building up something that require Ring power is concerning.
Develop those "Magic Wards" for Egg City – DC65
?? + ?? +?? - ?? - ?? = 156 Critical Success
A witch was observed near the perimeter of Egg City, marking places and engraving etching with the assistance of a squad of Egg Magicians.
The end result of this was a set of teal barriers were erected around the edge of the city; from the casual analysis of your expert, with the way these wards seem to be weakening the flames nearby, they're probably better than the ones you set up with GUN… weird, Eggman always seemed to have trouble with magic in the past.
???
Deliver a message to the Restoration from Eggman
To be continued in "An offer to band together"
The Empire
…
(discussion continues for a while before gradually slowing down until…)
…
Interlude: An offer to band together
You are Jewel the Beetle and you are steeling your nerves as you wait behind your desk for the visitors to come; all you really knew was that they sent a message ahead requesting to speak with you on Doctor Eggman's behalf.
There are various reasons why a message such as this could be sent but can't realistically think of any that would be actually good… this was going to be an omen of some sort and you could only hope it wouldn't hurt anyone.
A squeeze on your shoulder grabbed your attention, reminding you that you weren't alone; Tangle offered a slight smile from where she stood slightly behind your left side. In a seat against the wall to your right is the Rookie… you're a little annoyed by the shoe he has resting on one of your cushions but his presence is also helpful.
Lanolin's absence can be felt as you liked having her in meetings like this as a steady presence but you certainly weren't going to impose on her rest right now. It should just be a talk; you can handle that.
You didn't sign up to do any of this stuff, it was draining in a way you couldn't put into words.
A knock came at the door; firm, yet polite.
You closed your eyes, inhaled deeply before exhaling, "Come in."
The door opens to reveal a female human(?) with hair in long green twin-tails, walking with surety into the room, transparent briefcase in hand, trailing behind her were three hedgehogs, a green male, and two pink females. You noted the similarities between one of them and your former leader but it's obviously a counterpart or alternate or… whatever the appropriate term for this otherworldly business is, of your predecessor. You hear a slight motion from Tangle but don't take your eyes away from the visitors.
You take the initiative, trying to project an aura of confidence, or at least hide how tired you feel, fingers steepled on the desk, "So, you're here with a message from Eggman." a statement of fact can help ground you in situation like this, "As you likely know, I am Jewel, these are Tangle and Rookie." You gesture to each of your friends.
The human(?) smiles at you, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Hatsune Miku, with me are my bandmates, Sonia and Manik. Also, joining us is Rosy, who doesn't quite have a role but we're happy to have her. We've been sent as a neutral party with an offer and request from Doctor Eggman."
That was probably good; the opening meant they were capable of actual diplomacy and if they didn't work for Eggman directly then you could potentially push a bit further. You noticed the slight grumbling under the green hedgehog, Manik's, breath.
"And the topic of this offer?" you keep your voice steady.
"A cessation of hostilities until the threat known as the Black Hand has been eliminated or at least mitigated." Is the prepared response.
You're ashamed to have blinked at that, caught off guard; obviously you hadn't expected a surrender but this was likely better a threat or declaration of war. You wave a hand for her to continue.
"While you're no doubt aware that the Black Arms are a dangerous faction, recent study has indicated that they might be more so than previously known," The woman carefully lifts up the transparent briefcase up, allowing you to see the contents as a folder and a drive before she opens it. She picks out the folder and holds it out, "Doctor Eggman feels that these new discoveries require an amount of focus so would like to enter a ceasefire until such a time that this is no longer a worry."
Before you can reach out to take the folder, Tangle has already walked around the desk and grabbed it from the offering hand, starting to flip through quickly before she placed it on the desk before you. Rookie stood up from his seat and came on over to also take a look.
The woman continued, "Within the folder is a summary of the situation, while the drive contains a full analysis, along with the thought process that went into discoveries and various further theories of what they might be capable of. This is being offered along with the request for a ceasefire."
From what you've seen so far, the Black Arms are indeed more threatening than you were aware; the depth of this hive mind was certainly not something you could think of an answer to. While you weren't an expert the information seemed legitimate and you were fairly sure that Eggman's pride wouldn't allow him to fake such data.
Still, as the leader of your people you had a duty to everyone; you couldn't tie yourself to an enemy solely for the sake of solving a single issue, even if it was a big one.
You look up at the visitors, noting Miku's earnestness, Sonia and Manik's pensive expressions, as though they weren't sure they were making the best choice, and the vacant look on Rosy's face. You don't really know them enough to say more than that.
A safety period where you wouldn't have to worry about Eggman would be a useful to help shore up various lifestyle problems that had been occurring, let you train some new forces and recover what you could… and that was before you got to the possible assistance that could be gained if you played this right; Eggman's infrastructure was very solid and could help with some potential issues.
Part of you wished you could just pin this all on Amy like she had done to you almost a year ago but that wouldn't be fair, not just to her but also to the people of the Restoration who shouldn't be treated as a burden to play hot potato with. Not to mention the fact it wouldn't even work on account of some people viewing her as too flaky to be a leader given how long she was gone.
This was such a big decision, you need more time… wait, that's it.
You could ask some clarifying questions, if they aren't willing to answer those then they look untrustworthy, meaning you can get rid of them, and if you do then you at least have some more information.
Though, obviously not too many the stalling will be obvious.
.
According to the summarised information provided, the Black Arms is a full hive-mind and it is highly unlikely that destroying any avatar will have much effect.
What three questions do you want to ask Hatsune Miku?
Plan vote.
6-hour moratorium.
…
(discussion continues until voting starts)
(voting continues and closes)
…
An offer to band together part 2
"Before I give a response," you start, "would be willing to answer some questions first?"
Miku nods, hair flopping, "That's no problem; you doing your diligence. What would you like to know?"
This group is definitely not the sort that would typically be seen from Eggman, so that's probably the best way to start, "Let's start with you; why are you the ones making this offer on Doctor Eggman's behalf?"
Behind Miku, Manik and Sonia shift slightly before their lead responds, "Well, the shortest way of putting it would be that he saved us."
You note the uncomfortable looks on Manik and Sonia's faces as you raise an eyebrow to indicate your disbelief. Rosy meanwhile is rocking on her heels, fidgeting and looking around.
Taking the hint, the green-haired woman elaborates, "Well, after the Shattering, we ended up meeting and deciding team-up as a travelling band to help bring some joy to people in this strange situation… which unfortunately got us on Napoleon's bad side so he had us arrested and awaiting execution. I managed to sneak out a signal to ask for help and Doctor Eggman sent someone."
"Pity she works for Robuttnik; that ninja girl was pretty cute." Manik's quiet comment is heard by everyone and earns him an elbow from his… sister, you believe.
Miku continues on without a care, "After Miss Connie called for a pickup, we were brought before him and he requested we pass this offer to you as a neutral party. So, after a bit of time to recover first, here we are."
Answering a random SOS didn't feel like something that Eggman would typically do… is it possible that he'd found something about Napoleon offensive and arranged the rescue simply to spite? Or was there something else you were missing here?
As you ponder this, you wave a hand to Tangle, knowing her well enough to realise she had a something she wanted to say from the swish you could hear her tail make.
Taking the cue, the lemur crosses her arms, "You said you were in Eggman's territory for while… how are the people there being treated? I'd prefer it if one of the Hedgehogs answered, though."
Miku nodded at that and turned to instead focus on catching Rosy's attention and talking her down from where she was reaching towards a bookcase.
Sonia and Manik shared a look before the former hesitantly spoke, "Better than we'd expected, really; they have homes, working power and plumbing, and, from what we could see, it doesn't look like there's a problem with them keeping their culture. Eggman even lets them sing."
Manik butted in unprompted, "Chyeah, that one really caught me by surprise; the version we know hates all music so that was a surprise… even took the time to check out a recording his big 'I'm back' performance; didn't like the whole domination thing but the beat was a jam."
Sonia shot her definitely-brother a look but didn't argue.
That fit with the reports you'd received and the scene Tangle had personally experience so it was good to have that information backed up again even if it made you all the more uncertain about how unlike Eggman that sort of behaviour seemed; the fact that they seemed predisposed to dislike him made it more trustworthy. There was not denying the man's genius if he could put it towards helping people or at least not harming them, who knows what would be possible but could it really be relied upon to remain that way?
The Rookie spoke for the first time in the meeting, "What do you think of Eggman personally?"
Sonia and Manik glanced both making gestures as they tried to come up with something to say until the brother spoke, "He passes the very low bar of being better than the Robotnik we know but he shares the whole control freak "world should be mine" thing."
His sister followed up, "Based on what we saw, he's anything but a good person… but he's better to his people than a good number of the nobles I've seen and read about. The instability…"
Rosy looked up from where she was babbling to Miku, brow furrowed in concentration before stating, "He's round." And nodding as if that was a sage contribution.
Miku stood up, a hand remaining on Rosy's shoulder, "I think that, there's a potential change in him but another part is seeking to return to familiar patterns. He's being pulled in different ways."
There's a slight shift in the air as the metaphorical ball enters your side of the field.
You shared looks with your allies; was this enough to change your decision?
.
Voting options:
[] Deny the information and send the Miku back with a firm no
Decisively say no to Eggman, Eggman will take offence, ???, ???
[] Keep the information, deny the alliance
Say no to Eggman, Eggman will take some offence, unlock actions to make use of the information provided regarding the Black Arms, ???, ???
[] Accept a ceasefire as stated
Eggman will not take hostile actions towards you so long as the Black Arms are a threat, unlock actions to make use of the information provided regarding the Black Arms, unlock option to collaborate with Eggman, ???, ???
[] Attempt to negotiate
-[] (Write in)
Make some suggestions regarding how the agreement could be changed; if Miku's band believes that this believes they are reasonable, they will perform a contested Heart check against Eggman to convince him of them.
6-hour moratorium
…
(discussion continues until voting starts)
(vote continues and closes)
(discussion mostly dies down awaiting the update)
…
An offer to band together: End
While the temptation to agree with the ceasefire was great for all the potential benefits it could bring, at the end of the day you could justify the risk to all of your people without more evidence of Eggman being trustworthy. Especially when he was so open about his continued desire for control.
In these uneasy times what people needed was a sense of stability and belonging to tie things together and an agreement with Eggman would only make tensions rise as everyone anticipated the other shoe dropping down to crush them. And even if he followed through perfectly, after a time of relative peace, it's possible that the reignition of hostilities might break people's spirits in a way that a known constant wouldn't.
So, you gave your answer.
"While we do believe the level of threat that the Black Arms represents and would be interested making our own preparations; I don't feel that such a ceasefire would be in the best interest of the Restoration."
Neither of the siblings seemed surprised by the response; while Sonia simply nodded, the quirk of Manik's lips gave you the impression that he approved.
There was a sad smile on the Miku's face; you got the feeling she saw through you more than you'd prefer. She confirmed that the information was a gift and not contingent on agreeing.
From there, it was just a matter of polite farewells from both groups, which were accepted and the visitors left your office.
A trio of exhausted sighs were released simultaneously as the three of you released the tension in your bodies; none of you spoke for a minute or two as you all processed. The only sound being the ruffling of pages as Rookie kept flicking through the folder.
"Well, that was…" your attempt to break the silence fell flat as you couldn't find the words to describe the situation.
Rookie was the one to speak up next, dropping the folder on your desk and gesturing to the briefcase and drive within, "I'll ask Tails and Rotor to set up an isolated computer; if it's really a peace offering there shouldn't be anything there but… you know." He shrugged.
You and Tangle both nodded, fine with him taking point on the Black Arms side of this.
He was on his way out when a commotion sounded from outside and he instead moved to the side window and looked out, "Oh."
Tangle spoke up beside you, "New problem?"
The wolf cracked the window open a little, letting a hint of sound in "… ake me! I'll bash 'er!"
"Looks like the visitors ran into Amy; I'll go help Miku calm that situation down before talking to Rotor and Tails."
With that, Rookie opened the window fully and dropped down.
Tangle walked a few steps away from you then reached out with her tail to close the window.
Your mind was still buzzing as you tried to take in what was going on, when you felt Tangle kneeling next to your seat, giving you a hug.
You vocalise the obvious doubt plaguing your mind, "I made the best call I could… right?"
.
Encounter results:
Miku and her bandmates have informed Eggman of your decision.
There was a minor scuffle between Rosy the Rascal and Amy Rose but no serious damage to people or property was done.
You have unlocked various actions relating to combatting the Black Arms
???
???
…
Result:
Lanolin as out of action for next week
You have become aware that the Mafia is in your territory
Black Market actions in Green hill Zone are in flux
…
Brightness said:
Shoot_First said:
One Dragon said:
Ciao Chao said:
Shoot_First said:
Myriad Flame said:
Blazing Fighter said:
Ice High said:
(chat continues until…)
…
Rival Reports
…
Eggman Empire
Create Ring Retrieval Units DC??
?? + ?? + ?? - ?? = Critical Success
A new kind of badnik has been seen zipping about the Green Hill Zone; with a small design, the typical colour-scheme and faces inspired by Eggman, these are not combat units but rather seem to have been made for the purpose of collecting Rings.
While you're glad that it doesn't seem to be a combat model, the fact that Eggman seems to be building up something that require Ring power is concerning.
Develop those "Magic Wards" for Egg City – DC65
?? + ?? +?? - ?? - ?? = 156 Critical Success
A witch was observed near the perimeter of Egg City, marking places and engraving etching with the assistance of a squad of Egg Magicians.
The end result of this was a set of teal barriers were erected around the edge of the city; from the casual analysis of your expert, with the way these wards seem to be weakening the flames nearby, they're probably better than the ones you set up with GUN… weird, Eggman always seemed to have trouble with magic in the past.
???
Deliver a message to the Restoration from Eggman
To be continued in "An offer to band together"
The Empire
…
Ice High said:
Blazing Fighter said:
Shoot_First said:
Ciao Chao said:
Mirror Beam said:
Brightness said:
Ice High said:
(discussion continues for a while before gradually slowing down until…)
…
Interlude: An offer to band together
You are Jewel the Beetle and you are steeling your nerves as you wait behind your desk for the visitors to come; all you really knew was that they sent a message ahead requesting to speak with you on Doctor Eggman's behalf.
There are various reasons why a message such as this could be sent but can't realistically think of any that would be actually good… this was going to be an omen of some sort and you could only hope it wouldn't hurt anyone.
A squeeze on your shoulder grabbed your attention, reminding you that you weren't alone; Tangle offered a slight smile from where she stood slightly behind your left side. In a seat against the wall to your right is the Rookie… you're a little annoyed by the shoe he has resting on one of your cushions but his presence is also helpful.
Lanolin's absence can be felt as you liked having her in meetings like this as a steady presence but you certainly weren't going to impose on her rest right now. It should just be a talk; you can handle that.
You didn't sign up to do any of this stuff, it was draining in a way you couldn't put into words.
A knock came at the door; firm, yet polite.
You closed your eyes, inhaled deeply before exhaling, "Come in."
The door opens to reveal a female human(?) with hair in long green twin-tails, walking with surety into the room, transparent briefcase in hand, trailing behind her were three hedgehogs, a green male, and two pink females. You noted the similarities between one of them and your former leader but it's obviously a counterpart or alternate or… whatever the appropriate term for this otherworldly business is, of your predecessor. You hear a slight motion from Tangle but don't take your eyes away from the visitors.
You take the initiative, trying to project an aura of confidence, or at least hide how tired you feel, fingers steepled on the desk, "So, you're here with a message from Eggman." a statement of fact can help ground you in situation like this, "As you likely know, I am Jewel, these are Tangle and Rookie." You gesture to each of your friends.
The human(?) smiles at you, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Hatsune Miku, with me are my bandmates, Sonia and Manik. Also, joining us is Rosy, who doesn't quite have a role but we're happy to have her. We've been sent as a neutral party with an offer and request from Doctor Eggman."
That was probably good; the opening meant they were capable of actual diplomacy and if they didn't work for Eggman directly then you could potentially push a bit further. You noticed the slight grumbling under the green hedgehog, Manik's, breath.
"And the topic of this offer?" you keep your voice steady.
"A cessation of hostilities until the threat known as the Black Hand has been eliminated or at least mitigated." Is the prepared response.
You're ashamed to have blinked at that, caught off guard; obviously you hadn't expected a surrender but this was likely better a threat or declaration of war. You wave a hand for her to continue.
"While you're no doubt aware that the Black Arms are a dangerous faction, recent study has indicated that they might be more so than previously known," The woman carefully lifts up the transparent briefcase up, allowing you to see the contents as a folder and a drive before she opens it. She picks out the folder and holds it out, "Doctor Eggman feels that these new discoveries require an amount of focus so would like to enter a ceasefire until such a time that this is no longer a worry."
Before you can reach out to take the folder, Tangle has already walked around the desk and grabbed it from the offering hand, starting to flip through quickly before she placed it on the desk before you. Rookie stood up from his seat and came on over to also take a look.
The woman continued, "Within the folder is a summary of the situation, while the drive contains a full analysis, along with the thought process that went into discoveries and various further theories of what they might be capable of. This is being offered along with the request for a ceasefire."
From what you've seen so far, the Black Arms are indeed more threatening than you were aware; the depth of this hive mind was certainly not something you could think of an answer to. While you weren't an expert the information seemed legitimate and you were fairly sure that Eggman's pride wouldn't allow him to fake such data.
Still, as the leader of your people you had a duty to everyone; you couldn't tie yourself to an enemy solely for the sake of solving a single issue, even if it was a big one.
You look up at the visitors, noting Miku's earnestness, Sonia and Manik's pensive expressions, as though they weren't sure they were making the best choice, and the vacant look on Rosy's face. You don't really know them enough to say more than that.
A safety period where you wouldn't have to worry about Eggman would be a useful to help shore up various lifestyle problems that had been occurring, let you train some new forces and recover what you could… and that was before you got to the possible assistance that could be gained if you played this right; Eggman's infrastructure was very solid and could help with some potential issues.
Part of you wished you could just pin this all on Amy like she had done to you almost a year ago but that wouldn't be fair, not just to her but also to the people of the Restoration who shouldn't be treated as a burden to play hot potato with. Not to mention the fact it wouldn't even work on account of some people viewing her as too flaky to be a leader given how long she was gone.
This was such a big decision, you need more time… wait, that's it.
You could ask some clarifying questions, if they aren't willing to answer those then they look untrustworthy, meaning you can get rid of them, and if you do then you at least have some more information.
Though, obviously not too many the stalling will be obvious.
.
According to the summarised information provided, the Black Arms is a full hive-mind and it is highly unlikely that destroying any avatar will have much effect.
What three questions do you want to ask Hatsune Miku?
Plan vote.
6-hour moratorium.
…
Brightness said:
Shoot_First said:
One Dragon said:
Ice High said:
Myriad Flame said:
Ciao Chao said:
Shoot_First said:
Sunday Sun said:
Blazing Fighter said:
Shoot_First said:
(discussion continues until voting starts)
Style or said:
Shoot_First said:
Brightness said:
Myriad Flame said:
Blazing Fighter said:
One Dragon said:
Aura Orange said:
Ciao Chao said:
Ice High said:
(voting continues and closes)
Blazing Fighter said:
…
An offer to band together part 2
[x] Plan Why, How, What
-[x] Why are you delivering this message for Eggman?
-[x] How is Eggman treating the people in his territory?
-[x] What is your opinion of Eggman?
-[x] Why are you delivering this message for Eggman?
-[x] How is Eggman treating the people in his territory?
-[x] What is your opinion of Eggman?
"Before I give a response," you start, "would be willing to answer some questions first?"
Miku nods, hair flopping, "That's no problem; you doing your diligence. What would you like to know?"
This group is definitely not the sort that would typically be seen from Eggman, so that's probably the best way to start, "Let's start with you; why are you the ones making this offer on Doctor Eggman's behalf?"
Behind Miku, Manik and Sonia shift slightly before their lead responds, "Well, the shortest way of putting it would be that he saved us."
You note the uncomfortable looks on Manik and Sonia's faces as you raise an eyebrow to indicate your disbelief. Rosy meanwhile is rocking on her heels, fidgeting and looking around.
Taking the hint, the green-haired woman elaborates, "Well, after the Shattering, we ended up meeting and deciding team-up as a travelling band to help bring some joy to people in this strange situation… which unfortunately got us on Napoleon's bad side so he had us arrested and awaiting execution. I managed to sneak out a signal to ask for help and Doctor Eggman sent someone."
"Pity she works for Robuttnik; that ninja girl was pretty cute." Manik's quiet comment is heard by everyone and earns him an elbow from his… sister, you believe.
Miku continues on without a care, "After Miss Connie called for a pickup, we were brought before him and he requested we pass this offer to you as a neutral party. So, after a bit of time to recover first, here we are."
Answering a random SOS didn't feel like something that Eggman would typically do… is it possible that he'd found something about Napoleon offensive and arranged the rescue simply to spite? Or was there something else you were missing here?
As you ponder this, you wave a hand to Tangle, knowing her well enough to realise she had a something she wanted to say from the swish you could hear her tail make.
Taking the cue, the lemur crosses her arms, "You said you were in Eggman's territory for while… how are the people there being treated? I'd prefer it if one of the Hedgehogs answered, though."
Miku nodded at that and turned to instead focus on catching Rosy's attention and talking her down from where she was reaching towards a bookcase.
Sonia and Manik shared a look before the former hesitantly spoke, "Better than we'd expected, really; they have homes, working power and plumbing, and, from what we could see, it doesn't look like there's a problem with them keeping their culture. Eggman even lets them sing."
Manik butted in unprompted, "Chyeah, that one really caught me by surprise; the version we know hates all music so that was a surprise… even took the time to check out a recording his big 'I'm back' performance; didn't like the whole domination thing but the beat was a jam."
Sonia shot her definitely-brother a look but didn't argue.
That fit with the reports you'd received and the scene Tangle had personally experience so it was good to have that information backed up again even if it made you all the more uncertain about how unlike Eggman that sort of behaviour seemed; the fact that they seemed predisposed to dislike him made it more trustworthy. There was not denying the man's genius if he could put it towards helping people or at least not harming them, who knows what would be possible but could it really be relied upon to remain that way?
The Rookie spoke for the first time in the meeting, "What do you think of Eggman personally?"
Sonia and Manik glanced both making gestures as they tried to come up with something to say until the brother spoke, "He passes the very low bar of being better than the Robotnik we know but he shares the whole control freak "world should be mine" thing."
His sister followed up, "Based on what we saw, he's anything but a good person… but he's better to his people than a good number of the nobles I've seen and read about. The instability…"
Rosy looked up from where she was babbling to Miku, brow furrowed in concentration before stating, "He's round." And nodding as if that was a sage contribution.
Miku stood up, a hand remaining on Rosy's shoulder, "I think that, there's a potential change in him but another part is seeking to return to familiar patterns. He's being pulled in different ways."
There's a slight shift in the air as the metaphorical ball enters your side of the field.
You shared looks with your allies; was this enough to change your decision?
.
Voting options:
[] Deny the information and send the Miku back with a firm no
Decisively say no to Eggman, Eggman will take offence, ???, ???
[] Keep the information, deny the alliance
Say no to Eggman, Eggman will take some offence, unlock actions to make use of the information provided regarding the Black Arms, ???, ???
[] Accept a ceasefire as stated
Eggman will not take hostile actions towards you so long as the Black Arms are a threat, unlock actions to make use of the information provided regarding the Black Arms, unlock option to collaborate with Eggman, ???, ???
[] Attempt to negotiate
-[] (Write in)
Make some suggestions regarding how the agreement could be changed; if Miku's band believes that this believes they are reasonable, they will perform a contested Heart check against Eggman to convince him of them.
6-hour moratorium
…
Shoot_First said:
Ice High said:
Brightness said:
Blazing Fighter said:
One Dragon said:
Ciao Chao said:
Myriad Flame said:
(discussion continues until voting starts)
Shoot_First said:
One Dragon said:
Ciao Chao said:
Blazing Fighter said:
Ice High said:
Sunday Sun said:
Extra Ozo said:
Myriad Flame said:
Aura Orange said:
(vote continues and closes)
Myriad Flame said:
One Dragon said:
(discussion mostly dies down awaiting the update)
…
An offer to band together: End
[x] Keep the information, deny the alliance
While the temptation to agree with the ceasefire was great for all the potential benefits it could bring, at the end of the day you could justify the risk to all of your people without more evidence of Eggman being trustworthy. Especially when he was so open about his continued desire for control.
In these uneasy times what people needed was a sense of stability and belonging to tie things together and an agreement with Eggman would only make tensions rise as everyone anticipated the other shoe dropping down to crush them. And even if he followed through perfectly, after a time of relative peace, it's possible that the reignition of hostilities might break people's spirits in a way that a known constant wouldn't.
So, you gave your answer.
"While we do believe the level of threat that the Black Arms represents and would be interested making our own preparations; I don't feel that such a ceasefire would be in the best interest of the Restoration."
Neither of the siblings seemed surprised by the response; while Sonia simply nodded, the quirk of Manik's lips gave you the impression that he approved.
There was a sad smile on the Miku's face; you got the feeling she saw through you more than you'd prefer. She confirmed that the information was a gift and not contingent on agreeing.
From there, it was just a matter of polite farewells from both groups, which were accepted and the visitors left your office.
A trio of exhausted sighs were released simultaneously as the three of you released the tension in your bodies; none of you spoke for a minute or two as you all processed. The only sound being the ruffling of pages as Rookie kept flicking through the folder.
"Well, that was…" your attempt to break the silence fell flat as you couldn't find the words to describe the situation.
Rookie was the one to speak up next, dropping the folder on your desk and gesturing to the briefcase and drive within, "I'll ask Tails and Rotor to set up an isolated computer; if it's really a peace offering there shouldn't be anything there but… you know." He shrugged.
You and Tangle both nodded, fine with him taking point on the Black Arms side of this.
He was on his way out when a commotion sounded from outside and he instead moved to the side window and looked out, "Oh."
Tangle spoke up beside you, "New problem?"
The wolf cracked the window open a little, letting a hint of sound in "… ake me! I'll bash 'er!"
"Looks like the visitors ran into Amy; I'll go help Miku calm that situation down before talking to Rotor and Tails."
With that, Rookie opened the window fully and dropped down.
Tangle walked a few steps away from you then reached out with her tail to close the window.
Your mind was still buzzing as you tried to take in what was going on, when you felt Tangle kneeling next to your seat, giving you a hug.
You vocalise the obvious doubt plaguing your mind, "I made the best call I could… right?"
.
Encounter results:
Miku and her bandmates have informed Eggman of your decision.
There was a minor scuffle between Rosy the Rascal and Amy Rose but no serious damage to people or property was done.
You have unlocked various actions relating to combatting the Black Arms
???
???
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One Dragon said:
The QMs weren't entirely clear whether Negaquests are being removed from the bounty board on account of being repeating so I'm not sure if this counts towards the 25 count
