The Public Debates, Pt. 1

Clark: If we are done with this period of incivility, we have more questions to get to. Many Kaskadiens believe that a global conflict between the great powers is inevitable. If one were to break out, how would you respond? Mr. von Sykes, given that you were rather rudely left out from the prior discussion, so I believe you should start. Mr. Halliday, I would request you to be more courteous to your fellow candidates.



Von Sykes: I strongly stand by the concept that a war can only be won by strong leaders, and therefore I believe siding with the monarchs of the Tholish people, and Sadalen is our sole option. I believe we can support them through supplies, if not the ability to deploy our so-called “King-slayers” after the leaders of our enemies.



Fairbairn: So-called? I witnessed them achieve that lofty title myself. I believe our best option is to provide monetary and industrial aid to our like-minded allies, nations like Sheen and Magdalenum should get the supplies they need to defend themselves and their borders. Our priority should not be attempting to project force across the Ringsea, it is simply not feasible.



Rivers: I do not believe that even that is safe, complete, and true neutrality is the only solution. Sadalen, the Divinium, we should step aside and let the powers decide what they may, it does not affect us.



Fairbairn: And turn our backs on our allies! Our brothers in arms who allowed their volunteers to fight and die for what we believed in? We may not be able to fight for them, but we can at least give them a fighting chance!



Rivers: You think this is the War of Liberation, a single, rogue king against an army? You are lost in fantasy even more than Haliday, both of you are lost in idealism, and you aren’t willing to see the bigger picture. Trying to fight a bear will get you gored.



Halliday: And if I’m armed? We have the might in both agriculture and industry to sustain the fight against those who would threaten our allies. At present, yes we are outmatched and outgunned. The concept that we should accept this fate is absurd, especially if war truly cannot be prevented, men in asylums would be the type to take it, not a brother of nations and our fellow man. Force is only countered by equal force, and be it Sadalen, Magdaleum, or even the lowly criminals of Dunwik, we must be able to apply the force necessary to right the ship.



Von Sykes: I believe you are all from an asylum, Halliday, not just Mr. Rivers. This is not just a Bear standing before you, this will be a proper army. A single man with a rifle will not challenge that.



Halliday: I would never claim to march into battle alone, but at least I can say I would march. Mr. Fairbairn, I believe would answer much the same way.



Von Sykes: I would march, but never alongside you. You, Fairbairn, and Rivers want nothing more than the destruction of freedom for our people yet lie to the Kaskadien people that you want them to dream of it. Home rule will not come with the slow inaction of a senate or house in war, we must have a single strong leader in power.

Fairbairn: In a threat against our Republic, I believe nothing more than the unilateral unity of our people will occur. Six or seven million guns in a single, united volley against any who would oppress us. I do not wish for war; I have seen enough bloodshed to know that war helps no one.



Haliday: I have seen more than my fair share of blood too, Fairbairn, but force is sometimes the only answer, even if it is undesirable. Liberty is for all men, women, and children to have, or liberty doesn’t truly stand before us. Even if Fort Clements, the Valley, Douglas, the whole country has liberty, we don’t truly have it, as Dunwikki slavers still deal in human lives, or serfs are forced to toil away for little benefit for themselves. Such a future will not be handed down with peace, it must be taken from an iron fist with a bloody hand.



Rivers: Then you will have killed us all, braver than some kingdoms, but lost to the Archives of Lustria all the same.



Clark: Well, this will be our intermission, please wait for our commercial break hosted by Watney Motors!