LovingVoid Habitica 01-03-2022

THREE WORDS - Robots, holograms, and hoverboards

"You called me because the Systems Alliance wants to talk to you?" EVA looked as unimpressed with her companion as she could get - the robot was leaning on the chair she typically sat at, levelling Alex with a rather accurate approximation of a deadpan. Alex could vividly picture a lifted brow on their companion's face. "Yes, EVA! You know, the top dogs at the Alliance? Like, the group that kind of represents humanity as a whole on the galactic stage?" "Mmhmm. You are aware that it's probably to both kiss up to you and posture, right? If you play nice with them, you won't have to worry about anything." Alex paused. "Posture? Why would they need to posture?" Even through the hologram, EVA's exasperation shone clearly in her body language as she swiveled the chair to sit down. "Because the invasion of Earth and Mars was a complete and phenomenal disaster, Alex, and right now there are only two people - two organics, really - who are actually able to combat it, and neither of them have been notably associated with the Alliance in the past - or rather, it's not public knowledge if you guys have been. You and Flynn are kind of like interlopers on their turf, but you're also showing them up so badly that it makes them look borderline incompetent. Not only are you guys stealing their stage, you're doing it so well that you pose a threat to their position on the galactic stage." Alex stared down at the floor in front of them, resting their chin in the palm of their hand. "Huh." "You don't really get it, do you?" "Not really." EVA leaned back in her chair, her nonchalance wildly incongruent with the tone of the conversation. "You remember those super old Iron Man stories, how Iron Man kind of shows up the US military by himself, straight out of the gate, and the government doesn't take too kindly to it for a while?" Alex nodded slowly. "That's you and Flynn with the Systems Alliance right now." Alex lit up with recognition. "OH." "Mmmhm. It's not great PR when one or two civilians can do what an entire fleet can't. They're going to be posturing to try to show that they still have control over the situation, and that they don't see you two as threats to their political influence." Alex relaxed. "Oh, okay. Is there anything specific that I'll need to do?" "Play nice, but don't make offers to give up your tech. Force them to see you two as equal and independent from them. Offer to collaborate, perhaps, but not join them." "Let them posture and puff up, but don't let them make demands." "Exactly. They're not the ones spearheading the resistance, and they're the ones who failed, catastrophically, at protecting Earth when it came down to it. Why should they be able to change what you're doing when what you're doing is working actually really well? If they want to work with you, either of you, they shouldn't be trying to guide you while you're on Earth, but rather you should be guiding them. Just because Earth doesn't belong to either of you doesn't mean it's not your turf while the invasion is in effect. Once everything's over, then we can rediscuss how to approach the Systems Alliance, but for now, don't let them push you around." "Hmm..." Alex's head dropped back onto their hand. "If it makes you feel better, imagine they're one of those rich brats from high school who uses hoverboards to get around. That should help you deal with them." Alex barked out a sharp laugh, hand dropping to their side.

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