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x Tactical Grace (GCU, Escarpment Class):

I agree absolutely with the above and endorse the Added Value study.

Let us not thoughtlessly get cannoned up on this one.

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x Woetra (Orbital Hub, Schiparse-Oevyli system, [solo]):

Some sadness reigns. We may approach the end of our knowing Naïvety. Draw round (the fire, growing dim, draws too, drawing in its breath for one fine final burst of flame). Potentially an end of innocence, we face this, glancing backwards. Within the horizon of our mutual import, an end and start to Meaning (finally beginning). Ancients (knowing so little) would have half expected, partly welcomed what we all fear this might be. We (knowing all too much) would rather deny its untold implications. Ephemera, they were half happy with and wholly used to the possibility of an End. By their knowing Immortal, we tremble before the same. My friends, if we have ever worshipped anything, it has been the great god Chaos. (What else shields Intelligence from the awful implications of utter Omniscience?) Might we be looking at our god’s Deiclast?

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x Steely Glint (GCV, Plains Class):

Remarkable. One hears nothing for years then suddenly… well, anyway. Pace the Added Value study mentioned above, I propose the immediate and complete remilitarisation of all viable units to within — say — sixty-four days’ rush-in distance. Not so much because we might need to fight the Taussig Matter itself but because this Event will undoubtedly not stay secret for very long and will — with equal certitude — attract an entire cast of terminological Civiliseds of the distinctly Undesirable persuasion. Serious up-cannoning on our part, for all its intrinsic vulgarity and first-principle undesirability, may be the only way to prevent scalar inter-civilisation conflicts which, at worst, might overshadow the entail of the Matter itself.

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x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

Here, in the bare dark face of night

A calm unhurried eye draws sight

— We see in what we think we fear

The cloudings of our thought made clear.

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x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

A most interesting contribution, we’re sure, but can we keep this just a little more focused?

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x Shoot Them Later (Eccentric, Culture Ulterior, AhForgetIt tendency [t. rated Integration Factor 73%, vessel rated 99%]):

Illuminating. Unhappy as I am to agree with the Steely Glint, I suspect it might be right. There, I said it.

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x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

I was not aware that the Shoot Them Later was part of this Core Group! No entity with an IF of less than 100% is supposed even to be considered for inclusion in this Group! No Eccentric or Ulterior craft are eligible! LSV Serious Callers Only; said message was relayed through you; provide an explanation immediately!

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x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

No.

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{a Ethics Gradient (GSV, Range Class):

With the Group’s permission: Hint of warp wake — inadvertent soliton resonation signature — Kraszille system (62 std years xTM), curved V towards TM region. DGs attached. Probably nothing…}

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x Limivorous (GSV, Ocean Class):

This TM, this latest E, this I, this strange new object of concern: telic?

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x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

With immense respect to our highly esteemed colleague Limivorous and with full cognizance of its most illustrious career and near-legendary reputation, we have to say we were also not aware that our humble group was graced with its exalted regard! GSV Anticipation Of A New Lover’s Arrival, The; as relayer, you should have informed us you were in contact with the Limivorous!

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x Not Invented Here (MSV, Desert Class):

Read. Also henotic?

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x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

But the Not Invented Here was reported destroyed in 2.31! Identify yourself, you liar! Security breach! What is going on here?

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x Shoot Them Later (Eccentric, Culture Ulterior, AhForgetIt tendency [t. rated Integration Factor 73%, vessel rated 99%]):

Tee hee.

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x Full Refund (Homomdan “Empire” Class Main Battle Unit [original name MBU 604] Convertcraft [vessel rated Integration Factor 80% {nb; self-assessed}]):

Add delitescent.

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x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

What! We can’t have a self-assessed ex-enemy craft privy to M32-level matters! What is going on here? Security breach! I invoke my authority as convener of this Group to suspend all M32 level discussion immediately and until further notice while a full security review is carried out.

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x Different Tan (GCU, Mountain Class):

Indeed so, perhaps. Even — whisper it — an outrance?

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x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

The Different Tan is also not an accredited member of this Core Group! This has gone far enough! We hereby—

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Switching document/comments track.]

[New M32-level Core Group formed.

Name: Interesting Times Gang (Act IV).

Group initially comprises all previously mentioned craft except Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class).]

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x Star Turn (Rock, First Era):

Filing name change.

From: Star Turn

To: End In Tears.

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x No Fixed Abode (GSV, Sabbaticaler, ex Equator Class):

I suggest firstly that we rid ourselves of this ridiculous “Taussig” nonsense and call the matter after Esperi, the nearest star; I also propose that between eight and sixteen days from now — depending on the availability of more noteworthy news from elsewhere — we move to an information release at M16-level, simply saying that we have discovered an excession of an ambiguous nature, which we are investigating and which we are asking others to stay away from. Assuming that they will not, we should request the Steely Glint to instigate a measured and localised military mobilisation, immediately. Beyond that, the normal democratic processes will doubtless apply.

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x Tactical Grace (GCU, Escarpment Class):

A subtle cannon up, then.

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x Steely Glint (GCV, Plains Class):

Indeed. An honour; I accept.

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x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

And let the Wisdom Like Silence be the agent of information release?

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x Shoot Them Later (Eccentric, Culture Ulterior, AhForgetIt tendency [t. rated Integration Factor 73%, vessel rated 99%]):

Oh, witty. Well, if it isn’t in the huff…

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x Anticipation Of A New Lover’s Arrival, The (GSV, Plate class):

I think we ought to release immediately.