[video] el minha - a discussion

[rootbound]

[after the Syndicate and the King have sent their messages, the Circle's watches light up with a third unceremonious communication -- but hey, at least it's someone from their number this time. Vern's scowling, but his tone's even enough.]

Hey.

Astoria wants us to change things here, right? I submit that the best way to do that is to take advantage of what we are. I know a lot of us have been getting to know people and getting more involved with the city, but when it comes down to it, we're neutral outsiders. Sometimes you need those, in a place like this: people with clear eyes and no strong prior investment except maybe a general wish to not see the people of this city offing themselves.

I've got a proposal. I don't know all your powers and backgrounds, but I know we've got a pretty good range of skills and capabilities here. I think we'd do well to split ourselves up. Some of us can concentrate on mediating -- break up fights in the street, take care of those who get caught up, try to damp down things before they can blow up into fights in the first place.

And some of us go figure out what in the hells the truth is behind this. I think a lot of us figure this poor child's death was preplanned in some way -- I certainly overheard talk that pointed to that myself -- but we're not sure exactly what the angle is here. Are the Syndicate just trying to kill the King? Take control of the seat of power? Some of us have figured out that there's no obvious natural water sources that would support this city, and the King's got some sort of blessing -- if the King controls the water, is that the power that's being fought over, rather than the actual throne?

Let's find out, and then let's figure out a way to use that to calm everyone down. If that takes locking the Crown and the Syndicate leaders in a room until they kiss and make up, or some kind of public broadcast, let's make it happen.

If you're up for this, we can form groups and take objectives. I'm not a great organizer, but even I can figure out where you're most likely to be useful if you need help.

And if you'd rather do your own thing -- well, go ahead. I'm not your leader or your mother.

[...he pauses as something obviously distracts him, eyes going briefly unfocused behind his glasses, listening to something that can't be seen on the screen]

Ah, and the King's just told me not to trust the Guard, and to find someone named Jalin, and now he seems to be occupied and won't tell me any more. So that's an extra complication. Anyone recognize that name?

Comments

[Voice]

[spaceforged]

We need to get anyone seeking shelter to safety somehow. That should be a major priority regardless of what group you're part of.

I'd suggest from here on we're on high alert. Be sure to take a partner with you as often as you can.

[Voice]

[rootandbranch]

Which group do you think you'd do better with, Shiro? I'm not really sure where I'd fit on either of them...

[Geir's still thinking through this. the one thing he knows is he's not particularly worried about getting hurt, at least for the moment.]

[Voice]

[spaceforged]

[...It takes him a moment of thinking to decide. Much as he'd like to investigate.]

I'm going to buy the investigators as much time as I can. I'll fit better with anyone talking down the guard. ...I know Jalin. I might be able to get him to talk to me.

[In a lighter voice he adds.]

And if I'm out stopping the fighting people have a large Lion they can hide behind on their way to safer ground.

[rootandbranch]

I think you'd be good at that!

[there are no doubts in his mind on that front -- Shiro's always come across as very steady to him, so this seems like a natural choice. but one thing he said sticks out to Geir...]

A bunch of people are saying they know this Jalin guy now. What's that all about? Who is he, what is he like...?

[spaceforged]

He's an interesting guy. Doesn't tell you much when you talk to him and yet I get the feeling if I knew him for years I'd be picking up a lot more than just what his words appear to be on the surface.

He clearly cares about the people of the city but not the city itself. He has his reasons for staying and managing the Fighting Ring. The ring is entirely voluntary and everyone within it are more like a team than...other rings I've been to.

[He pauses, thinking again.]

And I think you'd fit very well in either group. It depends on which part of this team you want to back up and which of your skills you want to use.

[rootandbranch]

[something Shiro said stood out to him there. he zeroes in on it.]

Wait-- say that again. He cares about the people, but not the city? What's the difference?

[spaceforged]

He doesn't want to live here. He wants to travel and explore the world but, he can't for reasons he won't tell me. I'm thinking it's Kathashun.

[rootandbranch]

That's a difference they have. Kathashun told me that the people and the city are one and the same.

[Geir's tone is serious and speculative.]

Shiro-- can you show me a picture of Jalin? I want to find him.

[spaceforged]

Give me five minutes. [There's a rustle of paper and scratching. Then it switches to video. He's sketched out a decent likeness of Jalin.] I don't have any photos on hand or a camera. I don't bring anything to the Ring but myself and a sword.

He usually sticks about the fighting ring but he comes and goes. Hopefully he's there today. We need answers.

[rootandbranch]

I'll ask him myself, too. If that goes nowhere, I'll just land on fights and break them up, I guess.

[the frustration in Geir's voice is nearly palpable.]

Why is everyone so cagey about everything?! Wouldn't it be a lot easier if everyone just said what they wanted?!

[spaceforged]

[That's a question that has a lot of weight. But he's not entirely sure how to answer it.]

...in some ways, yes it would be. In others it would make it pretty difficult. Some things people don't want to share because of how it will change the perceptions of those around them.

Sometimes they're trying to protect someone else. And that's just a few reasons. They're not always right to do so, no. But we can only work with what we're given or can read in others.

[rootandbranch]

This is just part of dealing with people, huh...

[Geir's breath hisses out between his teeth -- a sigh with a bite in it. after a too-long pause, though, he finally, reluctantly, grumbles a reply.]

I guess it must be. Fine.

[not particularly gracious, but at least it sounds like he's accepted Shiro's answer for now...]

[spaceforged]

I know. It all seems so complicated and is. I wish I had a better answer for you.

[Geir really did sum it up. It's part of dealing with people. He sighs. His own frustration is subtle, but it's present.]

But you're right in this case. It would make things a lot easier if everyone involved had been forthcoming. We can't do anything about it but believe me. I'm frustrated too.

[rootandbranch]

[that confidence is enough to make Geir pause. his reply, when it comes, is quieter.]

Sorry. I didn't mean to complain...

[Voice]

[sunborne]

I'll help out in trying to keep the peace between the factions. I hope maybe they'll be willing to hear me out when I'm, like, super big.

Is there anywhere in particular that we should take the civilians to? They might not feel comfortable going back to their places if, you know, it's in territory they don't wanna be in.

[Voice]

[spaceforged]

We need to find and secure a place to take them to. For now possibly around the sapphire. But we need a shelter of some sort.

Or we'll paint too big of a target on them by own activities.

[Voice]

[sunborne]

Seriously? They'll get targeted because we're just trying to help them find shelter?

That isn't fair. [ daylight's voice gets heated at that point. ] I- That isn't- Argh!

[Voice]

[spaceforged]

Yes, it's not fair. [His voice remains calm. Because it has to be.] But we'll do everything we can to deal with this before it gets worse than it already is.

While we're out there listen for any rumors you hear. No matter how small they could help us keep everyone safe.

And I know this is frustrating but, we need to remain calm.

[Voice]

[sunborne]

[ the calmness in shiro's voice combined with the words that came off as authoritative to daylight helped calm the agitated galateion.

though it can’t be seen, daylight nods frantically along to the more-or-less orders. ]

Right. Rumours. I’ll keep my audials tuned for them when I'm out. [ he already knows a few places to start and, once again, finds himself wishing he was at least the size of a humanoid being. sneaking around is not going to be easy but he'll try. ]

I hope we can help them out in this. This is a good city. I don't want it to fall when there's a way to stop this. [ a pause. when he speaks up again, he sounds uncertain and surprisingly small. ] We can stop this, right?

[Voice]

[spaceforged]

[He can't make promises. He learned that lesson the hard way. But...he believes they can make a difference here. That confidence is there despite his own voice going softer.] If we work together I think we can.

There's a lot happening in our favor. This war just started. We're not considered opposition. To name just a few of those advantages.

[Shiro falls briefly silent.]

It's not going to be easy but, few things are.

[Voice]

[sunborne]

When you put it like that- [ -it makes sense. it makes sense and eases the anxiety and worry that bubbles and roils in his tanks. he, at the very least, stops fidgeting now to meddy's relief. ]

And we're going to check on El Minha from time to time, right? We're not going to leave and just... never check up on them? [ if there was one thing daylight thinks the lornful light could approve on in regards to its own peacekeeping missions? it would be how it kept tabs on the worlds and people they've come across.

which is to say they didn't keep tabs on those they helped. daylight didn't like that and doesn't like the idea of this happening regarding the city too. ] This doesn't feel cut and dry, you know? The whole mess. They might need help again.

[Voice]

[spaceforged]

I agree. We should bring this up with Astoria. If we're really supposed to maintain balance...we'll have to keep it up.

[It doesn't sit right the idea of leaving El Minha to fend for itself from the moment of extraction. He's a Paladin, his job is to defend and protect.]

[Voice]

[sunborne]

[ siiiiigh. daylight doesn't attempt to hide his worried little huff. ]

Here's hoping Lady Astoria is open to the idea since we are supposed to be bringing peace to everywhere we go.

I just- Hrumph! I wish we could talk to her now. It's... kind of weird we can't communicate with her.

Before, I tried asking her if it was alright to get her a souvenir but I never got a reply. [ well. that's kind of a lie but not? how does he explain this- ] I think I felt her response? So at least she gets our messages and tries to acknowledge it. I just don't think us playing a game of emotions charade is a viable option, you know?

[Voice]

[spaceforged]

We will have to ask her why we can’t contact her directly on missions. If we can find a way around that it will do all us some good.

[Playing emotion charades and long distance telephone won’t do them any good.]

She did ask Keith to bring her one. Something living. He got her a small cactus. [It shouldn’t be funny. But he knows Keith and it’s hilarious in light of who bought it.]

[Voice]

[sunborne]

Oh! So she does want a souvenir while we go from place to place. [ daylight's mood shifts to being something more cheerful now because thank goodness! now daylight is glad he managed to snag her a gift during his snooping about the marketplace. ]

Maybe she wants something to add into the forest…? Or maybe she wants a friend! I know someone got a lizard from betting— [ he helped in that! he’s pretty proud of being useful in that very important mission. ] —so she’s going to get a lot of stuff when we come back.

If Keith needs help with the cactus, let me know! If he got a succulent-type of cacti, I could help out in taking care of the little fella.