tlb wrote:cthia wrote:The MA is demanding peace. They used whatever means they thought necessary to get to the negotiating table. And there is no need for bloodshed, unless your actions bid it necessary. Accept the demands and we will return your Queen.
Call the demands whatever you like. What is implied is that the Galaxy knows Manticore agreed to the demands. And the Queen was returned no worse for wear.
You say the Malign is demanding "peace" in order to return the Queen. I think we are all in agreement that if "peace" is the only demand made, then the paper will be signed and the Queen will be returned.
Here is the part of the claimed Malign demand that I do not understand and I need your explanation: the Malign already has as much "peace" as they ever will get, because no one knows where they are except for the Renaissance Factor guards at their gate. So what additional "peace" have they achieved by this ploy? Meanwhile the kidnapping advertises to the galaxy that this criminal conspiracy exists (which seems to make them less safe).
Is this question unanswerable (because you seem to be ignoring it)?
Fair enough, but it isn't that I've been ignoring it. I have been busy. But do give me credit for attempting to work my way thru the queue, in case you haven't noticed the recurrent double, triple and sometimes quadruple posts I've made on recent occasions in a single thread; due in part to the inexhaustible supply of information I gained from Ruth's spy stint - in case you are not aware of the need to decrypt most of that information - in reference to the current trending posts. All fires that I started. I tend to make trouble for myself. Especially when many of the fires tend to be controversial.
At any rate, I did partially respond to it in dribs and drabs. But in a nutshell in an attempt to weave together the tapestry ...
The MA knows there is a possibility they might be discovered. So, this would be a preemptive strike to head that off.
It wouldn't matter even if the cease-fire was accepted in as much desperation that Saint-Just was feeling when Hamish was pushing deep inside Haven territory on a beeline for Noveau Paris. It wouldn't be the first time Manticore was short-stopped. But this time it would be for a very important cause. That cause being for both something and for someone who is truly worth it - truly worth almost any price or risk, short of surrender.
Those two things would be "The Honor of the Queen." And, the object of that honor, which all of you don't seem to realize is? THE QUEEN! Duh!
Actually there is a third element that I pointed out, that factors in with Malign design ...
The demands would be made in front of the Galaxy. The demand for peace. The Manticoran government has an important reputation to coddle. That reputation has stood them in very good stead. In many ways that reputation is, and has proved itself to be, just as important a resource as Project Gram. (I can list the many ways if need be. They are numerous.)
Not to mention the fact that if a ruthless enemy offers you peace in front of God and the Galaxy, you would lose respect if you denied them that chance. As was the politically motivated case - philosophically and psychologically - behind having to accept Saint-Just's offer. And...
And the fact that you seem to miss that the Galaxy will certainly blame you when your illogical intransigent refusal to accept that peace caused hell to rain down on the "entire" Galaxy. Not just you. Especially considering the fact that you literally killed your own Queen to accomplish something so selfish and illogical.
Not to mention the fact that you, most of your government and the entire line of succession is now in therapy because of the inability to look into mirrors.
And, an important metal - forged in fire - that has been the building and sustaining lifeblood of the MBS has been needlessly sacrificed.
Sacrificed for a few pawns. Pawns who were lost as well when they committed suicide. Which represents a negative gain in attrition and a woefully inferior position.
Literally thrown under the bus. The Soul of Steel.
Morale is shamefully looking good right now. As if.
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