004 - video [un:plantogetit]

[traumaticus]

Greetings, it's me. Richard Plantagenet, the duke of Gloucester.

It seems like the last the events of the last month truly shaken up our community in more ways than just one. And on top of that it appears that the council is back on the move once again, trying to subdue us 'the chosen' under their thumb. There might not be much that we can do in the face of such horrors but i do not believe we are entirely powerless either.

But first things first. If any of you find your housing situation compromised, please, come to the inn. We will allow anyone in need to stay free of charge. However, I must warn you that the standards aren't quite what they used to be with the resources running low, which leads me to my next point.

I call everyone who is willing and capable to gather and join me in the cleaning up and rebuilding our city. The roads are still filled with rubble and debris from the fight and some areas seems to be completely blocked off. Similarly, I will call everyone who is interested in defending our city to join me and the defense squad with patrolling around the borders and woods nearby in case of the monsters still lingering around. The game and other wildlife seems to have left the their usual area, so we need to make sure that it is safe for them to return here if we want to thrive as a community.

As for my last point.

I am aware that not all of you might trust me or have the most positive views on my actions here. Still, I wish you to listen to what I have to propose to you and take it in your heart without being clouded by prejudice and hear me out.

When my homeland was met with great injustice my noble father, the duke of York, took upon his shoulders to set things right. He rallied the people, raised the banners and brought upon a storm like no other to sweep across our country. All just to remove the tyrant, the false king from his pedestal. When I look at the way our state in this city I must admit that I feel compelled to do the same and urge us to take our fates to our own hands. The Council and this AI-entity might loom above us like Gods, but that does not mean we ought to outright submit to them. I am aware that we have already into our own groups and formed affiliations. But I truly do believe we are strongest when we are together and united.

Which is why I propose the following: that we, the Chosen, would form our own governing body. A council of our own, if you will. I do not suggest that we follow one true leader, as I believe that to be fruitless in our situation. However, we would greatly benefit from having chosen representatives to gather and bring out the issues that we might be facing as a community, so that we could coordinate our efforts to match our best interests and needs.

This is, of course, just a suggestion. I would love to hear what all of you think of this.

Comments

voice; un: altius

[chimericalclaw]

[Most of this, Altius would consider standard fare; reasonable offers of help and general requests for assistance in efforts that would ultimately aid them all.

But then... well. That's an interesting idea indeed. But is it a good one? The jury is still out on that.]

Do you think a Chosen government of any kind would make a difference? I have my doubts that our captors would acknowledge such an effort, given their lack of respect for the judicial process, but I suppose I could be mistaken.

[traumaticus]

Nay. I can't say that I believe our captors would care much. For now at least.

But tell me, Altius. Just because God does not see nor hear you will you just roll over and stop moving? Rather than surrender and submit to the whims of fate I would rather defy and seize it to myself. I believe that together we can achieve it.

voice, un: howe

[manifestering]

[Unfortunately he's not here to be helpful, so:]

Self-important and egregious.

[traumaticus]

Pardon?

video | un: cupcake

[bulleting]

[Interesting. It's not like it's not something Caitlyn hadn't thought about before, but with any governing body comes a whole lot of issues. How would they be chosen? Elected or otherwise? It would be wise to ensure everyone was represented in some way, that everyone had a voice at the table. What about when people left? Were altered? Sentenced? Did they need to step back during those times, to avoid outside influence?

It sounded...messy. Coming from someone who had been thrust into power and leadership in her own world, not something she was eager to handle again, but would, if necessary. She was one of the longer lasting Chosen around, these days. That kind of experience counted for something, even if she hated the idea.]

I have my qualms, but a way to unify us doesn't sound unreasonable. We would just need to find a way to do it that would benefit all Chosen, not just those that sat at the table. And with plenty of safeguards.

[traumaticus]

Of course. I agree that there needs to be careful planning and discussion on how we achieve this. It would do no good if we let the corruption and greed take place among our numbers.

Text; private un: eyeofzaun

[conflictresolution]

No doubt your father would be proud of you standing up as he did and honoring his legacy with such formal and formative speeches. While there is concerned that the mundane opinions of small-minded suspicious Chosen will stand against you, I believe you are on the right course of action.

We move from chaos to tragedy to blight in this place. There is no control, nothing we have that allows us to keep a steady hand of our own fates.

I would consider supporting you in this enactment of a Council of Chosen. We must have control, Richard. We must take it from our overlords and hold it tightly.

[traumaticus]

I thank you for such kind words, Silco. I can only hope to do my father justice with my actions. There will never be quite as noble and righteous soul as his.

[Oh. All this forward talk about 'control' tho...]

Your support, as always, is greatly appreciated. It is important for us to remember who the 'control' is for. Otherwise we will not be better than our captors.

audio; un: QUEENOFZAUN

[opheliac]

I'm moving my SNAX Machine near the Inn tomorrow. No touchy!

[and not acknowledgement of what he just said.]

[traumaticus]

The what?

voice; un: spartan

[melnik]

Good to hear from you, Richard. I'm sure you already know you have my help at your disposal for keeping the city safe during clean-up...

[ There is no question he'd have been focusing on that anyway, but if there is anyone he'd take further suggestion from, it would be him. More importantly though. ]

So you've decided to speak on this council idea. What is it that prompted you?

[traumaticus]

[Oh hey! If it isn't one of his favorite people in this place]

Well met, colonel. I knew I could trust you. There are no words to describe the gratitude I feel towards you for all the help and support you have provided to keep the inn save and standing.

I am glad that you remember our prior talk. The reason I wanted to bring it up out in the public is because I truly do believe we need to do something. We have gone through yet another violent disaster and found ourselves vulnerable and open. I do firmly think we need to organize and begin to take control of our own fates.

However, I can tell that my suggestion is taken in bad faith and twisted into something that it is not. But I suppose push-back was only to be expected.

[abandonware]

[Hm.]

i can help with cleanup and defense.

[It's not her place to question humanity, she thinks. But a "Council" makes her uneasy, makes her think of secrets passed up channels that others would not see.]

a council...
i don't get it. if an ai controls all the programs here, they're not going to listen to us. they're following networked commands.

has anyone tried finding it? the ai.

[traumaticus]

[Oh hello. It's the weird girl from the training grounds.]

thank you. i believe you are also part of the defense squad, no? your help will be greatly valued.

i agree with you about our captors not listening to us. but that is not the point. we may be just ants when compared to them but even ants have their own society and way to work. all i wish is for us to come together and decide about our actions together so that we might flourish.

and that perhaps, the next time a violent disaster comes our city we are more prepared and unified. no more dangerous rogue attacks or desperate measures.

as for the ai. i am not sure. but i believe a man named fandaniel has made a recent breakthrough in the case.

video ; un: echo

[individualized]

[There's a very petite-looking girl who seems to be in her teens on the video. She's fairly subdued in her emotions.]

I will defend the city. I am familiar with such work.

I do not have any experience with governing, but I agree that allowing one entity to control others should not be permitted.

[traumaticus]

[Good thing that Richard has more or less become desensitized to these... little girls claiming to be capable in combat. Because otherwise he would just have to find a polite way to say 'no thanks.']

Thank you. Every pair of hand is welcomed. Is there something you specialize in?

I am glad that you agree with my sentiment, miss. What do I want is not to establish a body of elite that serves one force, but a group of selected representatives who could bring light to the issues and problems that we might face as a community.

voice; un: ushiromiya

[entreats]

[ Oh. Ugh, even. First some of her favorite people disappear, and then, when she's already in a bad mood, she has to see a message that definitely does not improve her mood. If there's any sort of talk Ange doesn't enjoy.. ]

What kind of improvement do you possibly think a government could bring to this place?

[traumaticus]

[oh hey, it's this girl. Richard remembers her quite well and was kinda expecting her to slide in.]

I suppose that you could call my proposal a 'government' if you wish. What I wish to bring into this place and among our ranks is safety. We are currently scattered and formed our own small groups but I believe we are stronger when coming together. That way we can focus our attention, energy and efforts where it is needed the most. Like, rebuilding the city and making sure everyone has food and shelter.

But instead of these decision coming from just from person down to masses, I believe it is better that a group of people will gather and talk at the issues at the hand.

Does this sound unreasonable to you?

video; un:curtaincall

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel rubs his chin thoughtfully, then...]

A fool's notion! Absolute buffoonery!

But terribly amusing, and for this I thank you. I needed that smile today.

[traumaticus]

[Oh. Hello there, clown.]

To which part are you referring to, my good sir?

voice; un: grimreaper666

[rebellions]

[ Ah, there it is. Ragna was already skeptical of the idea of the defense squad, seeing that as an attempt to seize control over the population. After all, every tyrant starts by building an army, no? And this post only reaffirms his suspicions. In the end, it's always about power, not what's the best for the people. ]

So instead of submitting to the Council, we submit to you and your merry band of puppets? Yeah, fuck that. You can stick that idea up your scrawny ass.

[traumaticus]

That is not what I am suggesting.

voice; un : shortstack

[jaganshi]

This is the most longest-winded way I have ever heard someone beg the masses to pick them.

Best each other in battle to prove who is best suited for a position of power and get it over with.

Regardless of the decision, I will not bow my head to a human.

[traumaticus]

You seem to have misunderstood my message. This is not about subduing anyone under someone else's thumb or make them bend a knee.

Contest of arms and skill is one way to decide a leader, yes. But in a place like this it will do more harm than good. Just because one is skilled with sword does not mean they are skilled at leading.

Then to what would you bow your head down to?

voice, un: kuwabara

[machizumo]

Why would people not trust you? Or have negative views or whatever.

[traumaticus]

If I am to be completely honest, I am not sure. Previously whenever I have suggested that we organize and begin to defend ourselves against the threats as a coordinated group I have faced opposition and criticism. A simple suggestion to teach the Chosen how to wield a weapon and defend themselves seemed to raise suspicion.

Maybe my world simply works differently to others.

voice; un: suzumiya

[uncommonsense]

[ everything sounds so screwed up, and the idea itself is sound! how would there not be a counter-council like this, really? ]

It's a good idea if you can get everyone to agree to it. Otherwise you're going to wind up with some people who don't feel like they're being heard. Having a group of representatives makes sense! It all depends on who they are and who they represent.

[traumaticus]

I am relieved to hear that you agree with me, miss. And yes, if this is not something that the majority of us wants then it will have no merit. Stealing the power by force is nothing but an act of tyranny and would act against our best interests.

Do you have someone in mind who'd work as representative?

voice, un: fauna

[nightwild]

I know a lot of this is my fault... I'll be clearing rubble and stuff. If you see an armored monster helping move crap off the roads, that's me, so don't attack.

The other part... That seems totally pointless.

[traumaticus]

Why do you think that?

audio; un: shades

[laserguy]

[Oh it's this guy again. How's Whitey doing--]

I didn't see the council when Jerry took me to the courthouse. Just figured to let you know. [Not that it means the council doesn't exist at all, but...]

But I've been helping with the cleanup of Aldrip. And I'll help defend when things start going bad. [...] I can probably do a patrol or two around the woods too if needed. Make sure everything is clear.

[He doesn't know what to say about the whole council of Chosen though. Guess that's fine?? He's not really into the whole government stuff. Long as they put people on the council that don't entirely suck.]

[traumaticus]

Well met, Summers. It is good to hear from you. I would not expect anything less from the leader of the x-men. Your people will be great help in the process of rebuilding our city. As for the council, my experiences were similar. My trial happened within a dream.

Do you know how to hunt?

text; un: goo

[mightymorphin]

well I still think it's a good idea. the point is to make sure we have some organization, people! we can't be a united front against threats or against the simulation if we're all running around doing our own thing.

[traumaticus]

it continues to warm my heart to see that there is another individual who shares my concerns and hopes for this place, morph.