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    “Our purpose? I''m here gathering information on a case, what I still don''t understand what you''re doing here.”


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    “stopped you from finding out what it would be like.”


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    “a country and the country. You don''t know what ''country'' and ''city'' are, instead you have ''stations,'' ''tunnels,'' and ''warrens.'' No wonder your suicide rates are so high.”


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    “me the odds.”


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    is Rook''s own signature. Rook is pretty well-known around here, if he sent you to see Kharlyria, then you''d better be on your way.” He hit a button and the gates opened. “Once you get through security, go straight to the top floor. I''ll let them know you''re coming.”


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    “Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


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    “map?!” Asked Kyanite in surprise,


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    “st</sup> Ring Cooperative.”


    “What?!” The gasp rose from everyone simultaneously except for Travertine, who already harboured such suspicions thanks to the witness he''d patched up not so long ago.


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    “keeps nations from going to war? If nations believe they have more to gain by remaining at peace than by going to war, then they will remain at peace. What can convince two nations that they have more to gain by peace than by war? Interdependency. If two nations engage in mutually-beneficial business with one another, they may find war will upset both their economies and benefit no one.”


    “allowed to do business across the Line without going through all kinds of red tape.”


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    “have become deeply linked by all the trade being funnelled through the Cooperative. For example, the Republic is not self-sufficient in terms of food while the Union produces a surplus. Cooperative businesses import it from the Union, then export it to the Republic—some of that goes on right here in Ragnarok. The Union, meanwhile, isn''t self-sufficient in hydrogen. Without fuel for their trains, their civilian economy would fall apart along with any hope of an effective war effort. There are hydrogen deposits elsewhere, but they''re further away and therefore much more expensive—as is producing hydrogen through electrolysis. The Republic, of course, is rich in hydrogen.”


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    “on!” Exclaimed Comrade Sergeant with no small amount of excitement; “You said we should find a worthy competition, Comrade Kyanite!” With that, he headed for the door,


    “civilised competition!”


    “more civilised than a kill-count competition?”