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墨書 Inktalez
Leo and Mike sat on a comfortable sofa, each holding a cold bottle of beer. The room was softly lit, but the tense atmosphere of the news report on the TV screen couldn't be concealed. The news anchor, with a professional and calm tone, was introducing the contributions of different mercenary groups in the recent battle against Xyphos.
Leo set down his beer bottle, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Well, these mercenaries have made quite a contribution. It seems they're not just freeloaders. If this kind of power could join the fight against the Insect tribe, our chances of winning would greatly increase."
Mike's mouth involuntarily twitched, he placed the beer bottle on the coffee table, and then frowned and retorted, "Can you really trust these mercenaries? They live for money. Today they may be fighting for humanity, but if Xyphos offers them enough reward, tomorrow they could become our enemies."
After listening, Leo fell silent for a moment and then said, "I know what you're worried about, but I don't think it's that simple. Even mercenaries have their own bottom line and standards. If they really turn to serve Xyphos, not only will they be wanted by the Interstellar Federation and all of humanity, they will also lose a large number of partners and resources, which would be a huge loss for them."
"Do you think mercenaries care about this?" Mike sneered, "They only care about money and survival, they don't have any noble moral concepts. For them, wherever there is profit, that's their battlefield."
Leo picked up a beer bottle, took a deep breath, and said seriously, "Even so, I still believe that in this war between humanity and Xyphos, we need all possible assistance and strength. Whether it's the Interstellar Federation or other mercenary groups, as long as they can fight against Xyphos, they deserve a certain level of trust and support from us."
Mike pondered for a while, finally setting down the beer bottle and saying, "Maybe you have a point, but I still think relying on these uncertain factors is too dangerous."
Both of them fell silent for a while, lost in their own thoughts. Leo finally picked up the remote control and pressed a button, switching the channel to an entertainment program.
"Maybe we should take a break for now and not dwell on these heavy issues," Leo tried to lighten the mood.
Mike smiled slightly and seemed to relax a bit. "Okay, let's change the subject. But I still have to say, this issue is something we will have to face seriously sooner or later."
Leo nodded, "I agree, this is a problem we will have to face someday. But at least for tonight, let's just enjoy some ordinary happiness for now."
Leo held the remote control and switched through channels one by one. He hoped to find a program that would temporarily make them forget about the issues of war and mercenaries, but it seemed that every channel had some degree of content related to war.
"Look, another human victory report," Mike pointed to the excited reporters and burning Insect tribe remains on the screen. "They always make things sound too good, as if the Insect tribe will just disappear with a snap of their fingers."
Leo continued to flip through the remote and finally landed on a movie channel, only to be disappointed by yet another war propaganda film, filled with overly romanticized heroes and unrealistic tactics.
"Ha, I've seen this movie," Mike couldn't help but sneer, "The protagonist took out the entire Insect tribe army with just a handgun, as if they were paper tigers."
Leo sighed, gave up the search, and placed the remote back on the coffee table, "Looks like there's nothing good to watch tonight."
As the beer bottles dwindled, a sense of heaviness permeated the room. Despite their attempts to find solace by flipping through channels, it seemed increasingly clear that the war and all its associated issues were an inescapable reality for them.
Finally, Mike picked up the remote and pressed the power button. The screen instantly turned black, leaving behind a quiet room and an indescribable weight on both of their hearts.
"Maybe this is better," Mike put down the remote control and gazed out the window, "at least we don't have to be deceived by those distorted information and reality."
Leo nodded, understanding Mike's meaning, "Yeah, sometimes facing reality, no matter how bitter, is better than living in illusion."
"Mike, do you know how this war actually started?" Leo asked, his eyes fixed on the starry sky outside, as if seeking the answer there.
"Not entirely sure. There are many versions, but most believe it was Xyphos who initiated the attack, seeking to expand their territory and resources," Mike replied.
"I have always had doubts about this explanation. After so many years of war, have we ever tried to understand them? Their social structure, culture, or even their beliefs?" Leo said.
Mike was a bit impatient, "Are you saying that we need to understand the cultural background of a group that attacks us and slaughters us?"
"No, what I mean is, perhaps we need to have a more comprehensive understanding of this war. We always see them as enemies, but we rarely try to understand them," Leo said.
"Understanding the enemy is certainly important, but not to sympathize with them, but to more effectively eliminate them," Mike said decisively.
Leo changed the direction of the question, "What impact do you think this war has on humanity? Besides death and destruction."
Mike thought for a moment, "This war has brought us together, no longer divided by countries or races. But it has also brought fear, making us more suspicious and distrustful, not only of Xyphos, but even of our own people."
Leo nodded, "That's exactly what I wanted to say. This war not only affects our relationship with Xyphos, but it has even changed us. Do you think it's worth it? Exchanging so many lives and countless destruction for an uncertain future?"
"I don't think we have a choice, Leo. When you're attacked, you can only fight back. It's a basic law of survival," Mike said firmly.
"But we can also choose how to fight back, right? Whether it's total annihilation or finding a way for both sides to survive. That's what we need to decide," Leo said at last.
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