The transport shuttle's hatch hissed open, revealing the bustling Phobos II transit hub. Nicholai Sequoia stepped onto the platform, his head abuzz from the sensory deprivation helmet he had worn during his trip to the hidden rebel base. He had a feeling that their alliance could be the turning point in their struggle for democracy on New Earth.

As Nicholai scanned the station's crowd, his eyes locked onto Inch Ghim. The young student of diplomacy's conflicted expression caught Nicholai's attention, and he knew that Inch was grappling with the same questions about democracy and power that had haunted him for years.

Inch, noticing Nicholai's gaze, hesitated before approaching him. "Nicholai, I didn't expect to see you here," he said cautiously.

"I could say the same for you, Inch," Nicholai replied, his voice warm but guarded. "You heading home?" Nicholai gestured towards the shuttleport.

Inch hesitated before answering. "I... no, I'm just walking. Thinking." Inch sighed, then shrugged. "I dunno. Beth Anne and I got into it. She has all these ideals that I don't think I can live up to. She keeps talking about democracy, but I dunno... is that best? Maybe people are idiots? Maybe they don't need a voice, just a strong leader?" Inch sounded less than certain about anything.

Nicholai nodded, understanding the turmoil churning inside Inch. "I know how you feel. Tell me, what do you mean by 'strong leader'?"

"Well," Inch began, " I've been hearing about these guys back on old Earth - Mussolini, Stalin, some 21st century President in the old United States..."

Nicholai suppressed a shudder. He knew where Inch was getting his history lessons. "What about them?"

"Those leaders... they took control, and their people followed. Their countries advanced quickly. They didn't have to deal with the chaos and indecision that democracy can bring, they had a strong, centralized governments that efficiently governed and made tough decisions in times of crisis." Inch said, his eyes distant as he imagined the possibilities.

Nicholai frowned, choosing his words carefully. "But at what cost, Inch? It sounds like you're talking about fascism. Fascism is a system that perpetuates inequality, oppression, and totalitarianism. Yes, those leaders may have brought progress, but it came with the price of countless lives, oppression, and the destruction of the very foundations of society. Can you truly say that such a path is worth it?"

Inch hesitated, his brow furrowed in thought. "I... I don't know. Maybe fascism is the only way to maintain order and stability. It prioritizes the nation and the state above all else. Strong leadership of a single individual can make tough decisions and ensure that the nation is protected right?"

Sighing, Nicholai countered. "Man, from where I stand, I see fascism as a dangerous ideology that leads to authoritarianism and the suppression of individual freedoms. Social democracy, on the other hand? Prioritizes the well-being of all individuals, not just those in power. It creates a more equal and just society."

"But I've heard," Inch said, still sounding unsure, "social democracy leads to a welfare state, where individuals are dependent on the government for their needs. It stifles innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to a stagnant economy. Fascism, on the other hand, encourages competition and individual achievement."

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Nicholai laughed, which made Inch blush. The third-year student from Sequoia held up his hand. "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you, It's just, well... it's simply not true. Social democracy prioritizes the needs of the many over the needs of the few. It provides essential services such as healthcare, education, and a safety net for those in need. This allows individuals to pursue their passions and achieve their goals without the fear of poverty or lack of access to essential resources."

Inch hesitated again. "I just want what's best for New Earth, and I'm not sure if democracy, or 'social democracy' is the answer. What if people can't handle it? What if they need someone to guide them?"

Nicholai put a hand on Inch's shoulder, his eyes filled with empathy. "Inch, the people of New Earth are not so different from the people of Earth. They, too, are capable of making informed decisions and charting their own destiny. It's true that democracy can be messy and imperfect, but it's a system that allows for growth, change, and the pursuit of justice. The alternative – a society ruled by fear and coercion – is a dark path I don't think any of us truly want to walk down."

As Nicholai spoke, Inch's gaze flickered with uncertainty, but also a glimmer of hope. He nodded slowly, mulling over the words. "Maybe you're right, Nicholai. I still have a lot to think about."

"That's fair," Nicholai said. "Something to ponder - what if there's another way? What if we could create a New Earth that values democracy and justice?"

Inch's eyes lit up, but a shadow of doubt still lingered. "That sounds... ideal, but how can we achieve that when there are people like Stanley NC who seek to control through fear and chaos?"

Their conversation was cut short when Inch's datapad chimed. His face paled as he read the message. "Stanley's waiting for me," he muttered, apprehension in his voice.

"Be careful, Inch," Nicholai warned, his gut telling him that Inch needed protection from Stanley's manipulations.

Inch nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude, before disappearing into the throngs of people. Nicholai, his curiosity piqued, decided to follow at a safe distance.

In a dimly lit private meeting room, Stanley NC paced, his dark eyes radiating both intelligence and malice. Inch entered, visibly uncomfortable, as Stanley greeted him with a predatory smile.

"Ah, Inch, you've made it," Stanley purred, his voice dripping with false warmth. "I've been thinking about our previous discussions, and I've found some readings that you might like."

Nicholai, observing from a hidden vantage point, listened intently, his heart pounding with each word.

Inch hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "Stanley, I... I've been thinking, too. About everything we've discussed. But I need more time to process it all."

Stanley's smile remained, but his eyes narrowed. "Of course, Inch. Take your time. Just remember that in a world like ours, we must choose our allies wisely. There are those who would have you believe that democracy and justice are the answer, but they are the same people who would hesitate to make the hard choices necessary to protect our society."

Nicholai clenched his fists, anger rising within him at Stanley's manipulations. But he knew that now was not the time for confrontation. He needed to bide his time and gather more information on Stanley's true intentions.

Inch nodded slowly, clearly struggling with the weight of his decision. "Thank you, Stanley. I'll... I'll think about it."

Stanly smiled, a smile dripping with charisma. "I'm glad you're taking the time to put thought into this. Shows real intelligence - I wouldn't want it any other way. You're one of the smartest undergrads I've met!

Inch beamed at the compliment. "What were those readings you had?"

"I can send them to your data pad. A couple of books I wanted you to read, like 'Meinkampf' by Adolf Hitler, 'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli, and '1984' by George Orwell. I believe they'll offer you some valuable insights into power dynamics and leadership." Stanley said, with a sly grin.

Nicholai, observing from his hidden vantage point, felt a chill run down his spine.