[If nothing else, these... creatures? have managed to find some very sharp people. Eric isn't sure if he can include himself alongside them, but he'll die before he admits that out loud.]

Beings that can pull anyone they choose from outside space and time are one thing, but this - but this does not have the same feel as - oh, never mind. If we are to face a losing war, we do have the right to know what it is and why it must be us, right?