[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

[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...

[spaceforged]

Geir, it's okay. [His voice is gentler and far calmer than it had been.]

You're not wrong. A lot could have been avoided. This situation is a massive mess. I know a very diplomatically gifted princess back home that would have far stronger words for it than either you or I have said.

We'll all be grumbling or cursing about it before its over. And if it helps ease the pressure, I'm here to listen.

[rootandbranch]

[Shiro's been helpful enough, and his reply is far enough off base from what Geir, at least, feels the heart of his issue is, that he actually pauses to try to put together a better explanation. if he provides useful context to Shiro, maybe he'll get it better.]

I'm not trying to talk or be listened to -- I'm trying to ask. Sometimes things look wrong to me and I can't tell if everyone else thinks so and just isn't saying it. If they're not annoyed, I don't always know if I think they should accept things that way. I have to ask. And keep asking.

[he doesn't even realize how appallingly low empathy that makes him sound -- a casual betrayal of how out of touch he is with human social norms and the values that humans react to, the unspoken subtext of most conversations. at least he's trying.]

If you're frustrated too, and your princess would be, that's good to know... maybe we can do something about it.

[spaceforged]

...give me a second to process. [The reply knocked him slightly off balance. Though in hindsight he feels he should have known better. Every species won't mesh 100% and their focus is different. He's seen it enough times. Well.]

I think we can do something about this. ...And it's good to ask when you don't understand or are seeking more information. I won't always have the answer but I think I can help you find your own answers.

And I'll be a little more upfront about how I feel if that will help you.

[rootandbranch]

[Shiro can almost feel Geir mulling over that reply. his own answer, when it comes, is decisive.]

Thanks. That'll help a lot.

[spaceforged]

Just doing what I can. I'm glad I'm able to help. I'm going to go see what I can get out of Jalin.