Quote:"The hell I can't. And it won't even be just me. Once the other SMOFs know that it was you that ratted Jet out they'll form ranks against you. So play nice or else you'll have your ass handed to you on a silver platter."
M Fnord Wrote:That's funny, 'cause from where I sit (and the VVS Central Committee in the back of my head nods along in agreement) it really looks like Ben is the one ratting Jet out to Maico in order to make himself look clever - and so he can get his bully on.
I am disappoint.
Official Stellvian response, if this happens as presented:
"Let me get this straight - Ben Rodes told you everything you need to know to complete your story, then threatened you with SMOF retaliation if you were to publish it?"
"That's an oversimplification, but it isn't wrong."
"I see. I think it's time to teach Ben that the SMOF aren't a monolithic bloc, and that it's a bad idea to threaten a reporter." Noah picked up his telephone and pushed one speed-dial button. "Kagome? Noah here. New orders: You and Safety are on detached duty, effective immediately and until further notice. Maico Tange is about to publish a story, and she'll need both visible and stealthy bodyguards once it hits the Interwave." He hung up and turned back to Maico. "I'll pay their room, board, and salaries, of course. And I'll make things good with Jet. Somehow."
"Isn't Safety your ... rather small secretary, Noah?"
"She is, but she's also an excellent shot. Remember the old adage: Even angels carry bows."
"Yes, of course."
"Oh, if you can wait here for a couple of hours, you can stop spending money on passenger tickets for a while. I'm going to detach the Lanster from Odyssey for Kagome and Safety's use, and it would be silly for you and them to ride in different ships."
"Why are you being so generous to me, Noah?"
"Because I believe in freedom of the press."
"You asked me to stifle this story, Noah."
"That's right - I asked you, and you're completely in your rights to say 'no.' I didn't order you, or threaten you."
"I ... see."
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."
- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012