capeandcowl | 28th Lie, Video

[Boyd is standing behind his desk at Rossum HQ, a fantastic view of city visible through the window behind him.]

I want to announce that as of Monday August sixth, Rossum and Global Protection Services will no longer be doing any business with any current, or future signatory to the ImBargo Act. All current leases and licenses for Rossum devices, technology, medicine, and research will be terminated. Furthermore companies that do business in these countries that license Rossum technology will not be allowed to use, or supply that technology withing the borders of those countries. I am also withdrawing any and all funds we have invested in the infrastructure of these nations. If I as a person am not welcome on their shores then I will not allow them to benefit from the hard work of my employees, or my money.

I am aware this will negatively affect many people and for that I am sorry, but because these nations refuse to extend to us a basic human right and seem to view us as a threat, I feel I have no other option. It is only one short step from banning us from their territory to seizing our assets and I will not endanger my people, or my company by leaving open facilities in places I think that could happen. If and when these nations change their minds and attitudes toward ImPorts I will be happy to reopen business with them.

I would also like to ask all other business owners, ImPort and Native, to join me in this boycott. Together we might be able to convince them of how wrong this Act is. Thank you.

[Later on in the evening this message is released to all major new outlets.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The opening volley may not be violence, this time. We all need to remain wary. Things have a habit of biting us when we're not paying attention. Yet, I would still advise caution.

I don't see how you had any other choice in the matter, sir. To sit back and do nothing is to be seen as weak. We do not want them to believe they've got us over a table here.

I know and we only have so many eyes and ears. We need to find some way of getting ahead of Vulcanus for a change. We're always reacting and on the defensive.

General, I want you to look into embedding some of our native agents into Germany and England. Probably someone we already have there so it will simply look like they are choosing to leave the company so as to stay in the country. I want them to keep a low profile for the most part and simply report back any developments in the situation with Vulcanus they can. If they can find an opportunity to get us any information on this technology they are claiming though then I want them to act. We'll give them whatever they need to make that mission a success, but we need that information.

Understood. I will go through the roster of people already on the scene and choose some I think would manage this mission without bungling it. Then I will set up a communications chain with fail-safes, since I am unable to be there in person.

[sigh. Just when he thought he was out, it drags him back in again]

I am in complete agreement. This community is reactionary, not proactive. And that is why we didn't know this Act was being prepared overseas until it was too late.

So we need to shift the situation to our favor. First step I think, is I need to expand my contacts with the government here. If Vulcanus tries that bill here I want to be able to kill it before it ever reaches the floor. With some shored up political support our options will open up.

What else do you think we could do to change this game?

I will leave the politics to you, and others more experienced and capable in handling them. I am the rook to be moved on the chessboard, not the king, in those situations.

The first thing that needs to be done is to verify whether Vulcanus actually has devices that can scan and identify Imports. The entire progression of strategy hinges on whether or not that is a fact.

Then that's the task I'll leave to you. Hopefully the native agents will be able to turn something up without us having to risk anyone being exposed by infiltrating one of these countries to test that theory.

If that's what you need to do though, I'll do everything I can to make sure you succeed.

[snort] I stand out far too much, even if I attempt to wear civilian clothing. A better test would be running through someone entirely nondescript, someone who passes well as a native and isn't heavily known outside our network. If no one makes an attempt of their own volition, I will look around for someone willing to be recruited for a test.

Here's hoping the native agents can take a crack at it so we don't have to resort to that.

I don't expect you to do everything personally General, but the attitude is appreciated. Sometimes I know the best thing is to trust your judgement in getting the right people in the right place and that's exactly what I'll be counting on with this operation.

Mm. Your confidence is appreciated.

I only select people if I think they can handle the job and you haven't given me a single reason to believe other wise about you. I know you know what you're doing. Micromanaging would only hurt things.

Then I will continue to work to live up to your expectations, sir.

I know you will and thank you.

28th Lie, Video

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