Negotiation (
Synopsis[]
On the twelfth day of the voyage, Halkenburg's personal guards carry the Prince's casket along the funeral procession and up an enormous staircase as numerous soldiers remain vigilant. At 1:00 p.m., five of Tserriednich's soldier friends gather on Tier 3, where Otocin is surprised to hear that Borksen is missing. Another soldier confirms it and says that they last contacted her right before the funeral procession passed by her, with Momolly adding that that was around 30 minutes ago. Another soldier wonders if she was suddenly reassigned and was tracking someone suspicious. However, the first soldier reminds them that they all agreed to report anything unusual at all times, stressing that she would have contacted them if something changed.
The soldiers analyzing the situation
Momolly then says that they can only assume the worst, which is that Borksen was abducted, but she wonders who did it and what their motive is. Another soldier emphasizes that Borksen was a soldier on a mission, wondering how she could have been taken without a struggle and without anyone noticing. Momolly says that a team with multiple people working together could have achieved it since it makes the abduction easier. She explains that if they used something like a drug to immobilize her and then surrounded her with large bodies, no one would have noticed the abduction in such a dense crowd. Another soldier adds that if it was someone she recognized, that person could have pulled it off all on their own, adding that they could have feigned an illness and lured her to the hospital where accomplices would be lying in wait. Otocin speaks up and says that if the culprits are using Nen abilities, they might be able to control her with something similar to hypnosis. He then considers the possibility that the Heil-Ly abducted her so they can use her in an assassination attempt on Tserriednich.
After an awkward pause, another soldier says that there are several possible methods and that that’s the worst-case scenario, as Momolly suggested. Another soldier remembers Borksen foreseeing the dilemma of one of them being captured and whether they should really agree on not making any contact for negotiations and not attempting a rescue. A higher-ranking soldier on a walkway above them suddenly spots the group and wonders why they are all standing together, telling them to keep proper distance and stay on guard since the special security alert is still in effect. The soldiers then decide that until their perimeter security is over, they will need to think it over on their own and decide what to do.
Borksen waking up and seeing Morena
In the Heil-Ly's hideout on Tier 2, Borksen slowly wakes up and sees Morena sitting across from her. Morena welcomes her and says that she is in the Heil-Ly hideout, and Borksen says that she must be Morena Prudo, wondering what she wants. Morena hopes that she will become their ally, and explains that while it's not mandatory, there's a reason for it. She then uses an analogy and compares Borksen to a compatible donor, adding that they will do everything they can to convince her to join. Scanning the room, Borksen tells herself that she's not restrained, six enemies are around her, and her weapon was confiscated. She replies that it depends on the conditions and she can't give an immediate answer, telling herself that she can't remember anything. She adds that it's not a typical abduction, guessing that some power she doesn't understand was used on her and quickly realizing that it could be a Nen ability.
Morena tells her that it's wise not to answer immediately, but asks her to understand that the more she explains, the less likely it is that their side will be able to change what's to come. Borksen asks if that's a threat, and Morena playfully replies that it depends on how she interprets it. She clarifies that the longer the situation goes on, the more dangerous it will become for both sides. Borksen points out how convenient it is for Morena's side, and Morena says that while she isn't wrong, she shouldn't expect any decency from criminals. Morena then reveals a deck of cards and says that she decided on the quickest way possible and one that would also give Borksen some agency, stressing that this is her first and last compromise. She says that they will settle things with a negotiation game, laying the cards on the table between them and revealing that if Borksen retires from the game, she will lose all freedom except the ability to say "yes" or "no". Pausing at first, Borksen answers that she will listen to the game's explanation for now.
Morena beginning her explanation of the game
Morena then begins her explanation: the game involves a parent making a request to their child and continues until the child is left with an answer. She (the parent) has seven cards that are placed face up, and Borksen (the child) has five cards that are placed face down. The child selects one of the parent's cards first, and the parent responds. That card then goes to the graveyard. The parent then selects one of the child's cards and turns it face up. That card then goes to the graveyard. The process is repeated, and the child's last remaining card is their answer to the request. Borksen asks if the child has four "yes" cards and one "no" card, but Morena tells her to turn them over starting from the left side. Borksen finds a "Yes", a "No", and then a different card. Morena explains that it's the R, or Return, card which allows her to select one card from the child's graveyard and return it to her hand. She tells Borksen that if the R card stays in her hand until the end, she can exchange it for the card that will give her the answer she wants.
Borksen then turns over the next card, the Joker, and Morena explains that it can transform into either "yes" or "no", adding that if it's her last card, she can use it to express her intentions as well. Borksen guesses that it's only for show, but Morena wonders why she thinks that. Borksen reminds her that she had said that if she refuses to play the game, she would only be allowed to say "yes" or "no", and all other freedoms would be taken away. She guesses that it means Morena is starting with the prerequisite of "I won't let you leave until you say 'yes'", wondering why she should even play the game. With a slight grin, Morena tells her to turn over the next card, and Borksen does it slowly, eventually revealing the X card. Morena explains that it's neither "yes" nor "no" and means she doesn't have to give an answer. Borksen then asks if she can render the whole game invalid if it's her last card, and Morena confirms it, saying that if she has the X card, she can leave there without answering "yes" or "no". She also promises Borksen that they won't force negotiations on her again after that, even if they have the opportunity to do so.
Morena checking that Borksen understands the situation
However, Morena emphasizes that if another card forces a "yes" or "no" decision, Borksen will need to be completely resolved and take full responsibility for that answer, asking if she's okay with that. Borksen tells Morena that if she isn't even halfway through the explanation, then she can't give a definitive answer. Internally, Borksen says that from the explanation she has heard so far, she can already tell that the system doesn't work in her favor at all. She points out that because only one of the five cards is a "yes" that forces the child to follow the parent's request and there are more ways that the child can say "no" and leave the game, it gives the impression that the child's side has the advantage. She explains that this is the first trap, considering the "Yes" card first and saying that if she has it as her last card, it will mean becoming Morena's ally, which will mean being forced to obey all the rules that follow and will result in total defeat. She then wonders if she ends up with the "No" card and if it has the same amount of power as the "yes" card. However, she deduces that while it may seem beneficial at first, it will bare its fangs once the game starts, adding that it depends on the explanations of the "Yes?" and "No?" cards on the parent's side.
Borksen continues her analysis by saying that the explanation will reveal all the unfortunate things that could happen to her if she says "no", adding that this will continue until she simply thinks, "I'm better off just saying 'yes'." She argues that the "No" and Joker cards would then be pointless, which would leave only the R and X as valid options. She says that a 40% chance isn't too bad, but adds that that's the second trap. She explains that the number of cards working in her favor doesn't matter since in a system where the parent selects which of the child's cards to reveal, Morena can cheat as much as she wants. As Morena begins her explanation of the cards on the parent's side, Borksen then tells herself that the third trap is the worst of them all.
Morena explaining the "Power" card
Morena starts with the "Aim" card and says that if it's selected, she will explain the purpose of bringing her there and recruiting her as an ally. She hopes to be as concise as possible, but adds that she will gladly explain further if Borksen has any questions about the purpose. She then introduces the "Power" card and says that if it's selected, she will explain her ability, promising to explain it truthfully and with no deception even if it's beyond what Borksen can comprehend. She adds that as long as it's about her ability, she will discuss it for as long as it takes for her to understand. However, she reiterates that the longer the situation goes on, the more dangerous it will become for both sides, apologizing for having to speak so quickly.
Next, Morena introduces the "Question A" card that allows Borksen to ask questions as many times as she wants as long as they aren't about her purpose or ability. She adds that she can only give three answers to Borksen's questions: "yes", "no", and "yes and no". She then tells Borksen that if she wants to know more about a question asked with Question A, she can select the "Question B" card on a later turn, adding that as long as it fits within the scope of the question, she will explain until all her doubts are resolved. However, she clarifies that with Question B, only the last question from Question A can be asked, telling her to be careful how she finishes Question A. Borksen says that she understands, telling herself that she doesn't need the yes/no question cards and that she can roughly tell which one it is based on Morena's gestures, expressions, and tone of voice. She then says that she has something she wants to confirm about the way they answer, asking if she can try it now. Morena obliges, and Borksen suddenly states that Morena won't cheat at all during the game, asking if she would say yes or no.
Borksen asking if Morena will cheat during the game
While Morena's face doesn't change, Voconte and Gelato have a visible reaction to the question. Morena understands that Borksen wants to agree on a response pattern for negative questions, emphasizing how important it is to check in advance since misunderstandings can happen. She uses an example of cultures that, in response to the question "Didn't you do it?", answer, "Yes, I didn't." She explains that normally the speaker is considered the subject, so the response would be, "No, I didn't." She adds that for those people, they view the questioner as the subject and answer "Yes" as if to mean, "Your question is correct." She then guesses that it could be a remnant of their warrior society or a virtue of their hospitable culture. She adds that in some dialects, they use the reflexive pronoun "self" in a second-person context. Voconte jokes with Yokotani about how crazy it is, and Yokotoni apologizes, saying that he didn't even realize it was considered strange.
Borksen tells herself that the game seems to serve as both a rite of passage for recruitment and as an interview process, guessing that Morena uses the conversation to observe the candidate, evaluate their personality, intelligence, and suitability as an ally. She then asks for her answer, and Morena confidently replies, "No, I will not cheat." She also says that she is answering from her own perspective. Morena asks if she was clear, and Borksen understands, wondering what Morena is so angry about. Morena then moves on to the "Yes?" and "No?" cards, explaining that once Borksen is down to her last "Yes" or "No" card, she will explain in detail what happens next. She tells Borksen that if she wants to know something in advance, she can select those cards. Internally, Borksen is confident that Morena won't cheat, adding that it's clear she is the absolute master there based on her behavior and that of her subordinates. She also notes that while she exudes confidence, she also shows respect toward her in both her tone and manner, which indicates that cheating isn't allowed within the group itself.
Morena and Borksen ready to play the game
Finally, Morena introduces the "Deal" card and says that if she selects it, she can take a card back from her graveyard, as long as she grants a "small request" from Morena. She assures her that if she thinks the request is too much after hearing about the details, she can decline it. However, she reveals that it will then become her turn and the "Deal" card will go to the graveyard. She reiterates that the game ends when Borksen is left with one card, telling her that the last chance to select the "Deal" card is when she has two cards remaining. Having finished her explanation of the cards' rules, Morena asks Borksen to decide if she wants to play the game, and Borksen replies that she will if Morena accepts her one condition. Morena wonders what it is, and Borksen says that if it's okay with her, she will decide which card she picks from the face-down cards. Morena quickly agrees and says that it's happened before, asking Borksen if she is okay with Morena's side handling the shuffling of the cards. Morena then says that they will now begin the game.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Trivia[]
Intertextuality and References[]
A Famicom and Super Famicom behind Morena
- In the Heil-Ly's hideout, a Famicom and Super Famicom can be seen on a television stand behind Morena.
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