Session Start: Fri Aug 20 20:59:59 2010 Huh. I'm already in costume, it seems. <@Ked> [Friday, June 24, 2490 - 2040 local time] <@Ked> [A small table downstairs in the central atrium.] <@Ked> So the election happened... or maybe not - the results aren't back yet and people would be wondering except that they're all downstairs trying out the new ice cream parlor. With the rush, the service is a little slow. Somehow Masako, Farah, and Murdon have wound up in a far corner at a table with just three seats. There were menus waiting for them, now they just need someone to take their order. <@Ked> [mini start] * SeiMurdon 's eyes are wide with glee as he pours over the menu. "...double fudge ripple with mint syrup! That sounds awesome!" Oh, Magics. Look at this - they've already got specialty treats for all four of the known snowflakes. They wha? *leans over to look at Masako's menu* * Farah looks at her menu and just... blehs. "I really shouldn't be having this. And huh, they do." ...The Lord Wind is a waffle cone, full of air, with ice cream on the outside. That's... so perfect. Why not, Farah? Lactose intolerant? ...that sounds hard to eat. It must arrive on a plate. Even so... Wait. Do they even know the names - er, titles - of all four of 'em? I thought it was only Lord Wind everybody knew anything about. <@Ked> The other three snowflake treats don't have names, just numbers. Murdon notices that the #4 includes native fish teriyaki. * SeiMurdon eyes the one about fish. "Fish...teriyaki...in ice cream?" He makes a face. It might be mortification, or it might be disgust. ...probably the latter. It could work - a little salty flavor can help sometimes in these concoctions. I'm not much of a sugar and sweets person. Just... most of the fish here are even more toxic than the land animals. Oh. I am, when Dad'll let me. And he's not here tonight! * Farah puts the menu down. "Never really was. That's Pops' doing." I...think I'll stick to the double fudge ripple. With mint syrup. Well, I'll pick up the tab, at least if a waiter ever finds us. And yeah, the fish... you eat it once a month. Some of it's good, but you'll end up crying blood or something if you overindulge. Most of the local meat messes you up some way. What? No way! I can pay my own way. I can even afford to cover you ladies, if you like... *blushing just a bit* No, I'd much rather pay my way. * Farah looks at Sei in this 'I got this' sort of manner. Not mean, just firm. * SeiMurdon's effort at flirting...failed. * SeiMurdon clears his throat! "So, um, what're you gonna get?" But still, I guess I should order something. Suggestions? Oh, don't worry. We own about two thirds the farmland in the inner belt around Malletfall. I play the representative of the masses, but in truth I'm here because we're connected. Like everyone else here. Oh. Heh. *rubs the back of his head* Not me, but thanks for the vote of confidence... well, not the usual connected. Just people. And that's all my parents. Well, what do you like? They've got...lots of traditional stuff, and some other weird ideas that aren't based on the Snowflakes. * Farah shrugs. "I always saw it as just being a good neighbor." The last time I had ice cream, I was probably your age. Surprise me. I actually am in the mood for a float, I think. * SeiMurdon frowns. "Well, then, the classic back on Earth, according to the vids from the 21st century, was a hot fudge sundae. I think that's a good bet, right?" he grins. * Masako sighs and glances around. "Of course as upper-crust as we all are, there were a lot of people upstairs nodding along with us, weren't there?" Well, it's not about class warfare, really. It's about whether we each can make decisions about our own lives, or we need permission from somebody who can do magic. Sure, a sundae, then. And I suppose. It's just a bunch of kids imagining a future they're gonna inherit. Exactly. You can't help but wanna have some say in the outcome, but... can't always be on the winning side. Sure. But you still have a right to play. * Farah chuckles. "That's what the game's all about, and you don't get anything if you're afraid to lose." And that's the problem - almost none of us will have that right. I almost thought Wind was on our side for a moment up there, but in the end it was all about us having the right to suck up to him, wasn't it? I think he means well. 'Our'? She is drawing lines about whether it's "all the MGs only" or "everybody" who rules, I think. Listen, Dad says there are two kinds of power: the power that comes from force, and the power that comes from convincing other people you have that power. * Farah frowns. "I mean, I'm pretty damn sympathetic to the SDS and all, but I'm trying to see it from both angles. And you're missing the third, Sei." Popularity is power. And right now, all the arguments stem from the second kind. * Masako *really* glances around again, then leans forward. "Oh, I know I'm the only registered SDS member in the student body, but I got the feeling both of you were on my side." * SeiMurdon shakes his head. "Popularity is a form of the second kind." * SeiMurdon instinctively drops his own voice at Masako's conspiratorial tone. "I just really don't know a lot about them." ...where have you been your whole life? Eh, I suppose. And... Masako. Look. I wouldn't mind a return to elected governance, but I'm hearing tons of static and not enough tone. If you're trying to convince me or something, I'm all ears, but I'm going to mull over everything. Even a continuance of some degree of Hierarchy control once Football keels over. Man, she looked all kinds of pitiful in that chair. *rubs the back of his head* Dad an' me live way out in the country. I think he likes it there 'cause he DOESN'T have to deal with all this stuff if he doesn't want to. ...I felt really bad for her. *sounds sad* She's even older than Dad. And I sometimes worry about him. ...honestly, our program isn't all that different than Football's. The leadership is pretty conservative in terms of how a government should be run. Ehn... I know, it's all about elected officials from the rank and file. Pops doesn't really tell his guys yes or no on SDS membership, but he does tell them to avoid protesting if they can help it, since he'd rather not have to lose men if they're sent back to E. "E?" You mean Earth? Yeah. Y'know, I think this whole thing'd be less of a problem if governments were more local and less central. *grumps* I mean, who knows better how to run a place than the people who live there? Problem with that is growth. You'll still need an umbrella, or at least some political glue to keep things together. Protesting... is tolerated, pretty much. I was in the big march in Malletfall last summer, and no one got shipped out except for that idiot who tried to drive a car through the doors of the old legislature building. Since even if you know local, it's more than local sometimes... especially if there's something like a fresh flake outbreak or something else. I suppose. * Farah chuckles. "I saw that. He must've been a crazy motherfucker." Crazy-stupid. Anyway, for the moment regardless of what your particular preferences are, if you want to be able to vote for them someday, we're the only game in town. And THAT is the problem. But... I'm kind of in the middle. I do really wanna see the power spread around and the old Lady-grip loosened some, but at the same time we do owe them some immense debts of gratitude. * SeiMurdon holds up his hands defensively. "Not that you guys're doing what you're doing, or presenting united fronts and all, but... really, if the whole point is to create choice and freedom, 'you're with us or you're against us' is a horrible way to do it." Owe them? For what? ...why, Farah? Because they put themselves into positions where they had to take responsibility? It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. * SeiMurdon looks honestly baffled. * SeiMurdon looks confused a lot, but baffled is a bit of a step beyond, mind. Even then, it's some pretty impressive shit that they've put themselves up to, even if it's for self-interest and because Michiko's a little eager kid compared to all her Ladies. I mean... I know it's self-fulfilling, and it's just what they *do*... * Farah shrugs. "But I'm not one to just shrug it off as 'oh, just Ladies being Ladies'." * Waiter finally gets back to the table. His eyes are slightly wild. "Can I take your order?" ... and to be fair, the way things worked out after the War could have been a lot worse. Cold comfort, I know... oh. Uh. * Farah points to a simple sundae. "This, please." Yeah! I want a double-fudge ripple with mint syrup, please sir! I'll do the sweetsnowshroom float, please. * SeiMurdon freezes, gears obviously turning behind his eyes. ...there's a bit of a rush, as you can see, it'll be a while before they'll be ready. * Waiter rushes off. You realize that he's the only one. Alright. 'kay. *nods absently, still kinda shell-shocked looking* ... poor guy. I wonder why it's taking so long for the vote to come back? If they're rigging it... * SeiMurdon leans in and drops his voice as soon as the waiter's gone. "Y'know, with Snowflake getting its own Ladies, now... do you think we'll eventually have our own Queen, or d'ya think it'll still be just the one, back on Earth?" I dunno. It's still the Earth Magic, right? If so, the Queen's still at the apex. Yeah, that's what I heard, too. I guess. ...really is a strong argument not to have Snowflake ruled strictly by Ladies. ...how so? * SeiMurdon blinks. "Colonies always eventually become new countries. But if the Queen's still our direct ruler, that'll be a *mess*." He says this as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. ...always is a bit of a stretch. There's a fairly wide range of outcomes throughout history, though some degree of independence is typical. Still. As for the Queen still being our direct ruler, it worked for Canada, didn't it? Imagine if all those colonies'd been ruled by people--you're not serious. I thought Canada was like the old US? Functionally, yes, but the Queen of England was technically their head of state. While there was a Queen of England, anyway. * Farah ponders that. "... it would have been hilarious if the last one had Become." Or... king, even. Wow, that's not a word we use much any more. Huh. But she couldn't magically tell the Prime Minister to do what she said. True. The Magics would seem to give Her Majesty stronger direct control. Which means you need to hope for a just Queen. So far... I guess history's played out all right in that regard. I mean the whole Ningyo War had big problems with that...but yeah, mostly, they've been good so far. Can't always be sure they always will be, though. Well, they haven't been dysfunctional tyrants, but the system they've given us... One bad one, and tons of bad choices'll be made even though most of those making them know better. Quite top-down, yeah. So anyway, this was going to be a formal recruitment for the party. Are you gonna clear it by the RAs and such, or is this going to be hush- hush? Screw the RA's. They can't prevent you from joining the party. I don't know if there's going to be enough of a group to have a real... club or committee or whatever, but I do want to raise awareness somewhat. * SeiMurdon shrugs. "I don't know that I agree 100% with the philosophy, but I don't mind working together." I mean, you know I'm interested in being active. I'm pretty blatant about wanting to be Stuco Pres. And while that's not really "impressive," it's a start. * Masako smiles. I'll probably stay on the fence for now. But that doesn't mean I'm barred from watching both sides of the field. I think you've made a good impression. You'll make the council, unless they REALLY rig it. * SeiMurdon smiles shyly. "I hope so. And I don't think they'd rig it...would they? I mean, why bother insisting everyone vote, if they're gonna rig it?" <@Ked> From the direction of the lobby there comes a sudden scream of horror, or at least disorientation. "AAAAIIIIGGH! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! OKAY, OKAY, I'LL VOTE ALREADY!" Well, they did say they'd hunt people down. * Farah doesn't even look scream-ward. * SeiMurdon leaps to his feet. "What the--we should see what's going on!" You're frosh, right, Murdon? It might be a little much to hope for the- ... you're kidding. Oh, fine, let's have a look. ...I'll hold the table. * Farah stands up and pursues. She's much more casual about it. "Thanks." * SeiMurdon actually has his fan out, as if he planned to use it as a weapon. <@Ked> Murdon reaches the lobby just in time to see Lady Spoon setting a boy wearing tennis whites and carrying a racquet back on his feet. All three RA's surround him, Rachel and Sayori looking somewhat predatory. Jason is consulting his EI for the next name. * Waiter is now known as Rachel Now, remember, it's important to vote! ... * SeiMurdon walks up and asks the boy, ignoring the RAs and Lady Spoon for the moment, "Are you okay?" * Farah arrives just in time to figure out what's going on. "Wow, you were *not* kidding, Rachel." <@Ked> The kid looks a little wide-eyed, but nods and ducks out from under all that nasty official scrutiny towards the elevators. But did you seriously have to drag him in? Kinda embarrassing. * SeiMurdon moves to be between the retreating kid and the grown-ups. "...look. I don't know what you did to him, and I know you've gotta enforce the rules, but if you're gonna act like bullies to do it, you're gonna fail. Miserably." He wags his folded fan at the RAs as if it were an oversized index finger. To be fair, he was probably on the tennis court and missed the announcement. * SeiMurdon probably looks very humorous, trying to scold people half again his height. * Masako is now known as LadySpoon * Farah has to fight the urge to chuckle at the sight. Oh, Sei-kun. Nobody's getting bullied. Just... reminded. Uh...huh. That didn't sound like a "reminder," Lady Spoon. *said with an almost -practiced- tone of respectful dubiousness* * LadySpoon does not have the Spoon out, and is looking extra non-threatening in pink and white sweats. He might have been a little startled, that's all. Still, could've let the guy save some face, Rach. * Farah is as neutral as can be. She's definitely trying to sort out things in her head, but doesn't look to be either or -- typical of her, really. <@Ked> Jason pulls out the next name, and passes it along to the other EI's. Oh, up to Combs! Why is it all boys that ignore these things? * SeiMurdon narrows his eyes at the RAs. "I strongly and respectfully," he begins, his tone belying the "respectful" part, "suggest that you be POLITE to the students when you 'remind' them." Don't worry. Everything is under control. And word will get around fast enough anyway, we won't have to chase down many more. Indeed. *snaps his fan open to hide his expression, and stalks off back to the kitchen* * LadySpoon is now known as Masako *whispered* Hantsuki, would you please send a message to the other students, warning them of the RAs' incoming misbehavior? If you want to arrange with them timed voting to embarrass the jerks, feel free. * Masako is waiting at the table, with ice cream! * SeiMurdon sits down, sighing angrily. "I'm not a trouble-maker by nature, but those three are going to drive me to mischief." I dunno, I think Rachel is funny. I don't. She takes herself too seriously and is too willing to abuse her power for it to be "funny." * SeiMurdon pokes his ice cream with his spoon, eating it desultorily. His enthusiasm from earlier seems damped. * Farah returns after a moment, looking down at her sundae. "... she's on something strong, I swear." We'll see. I may know more of these kids than you. I suspect we'll be glad we have our authoritarian goofball sooner or later. ...why? She just seems like a bully to me. * SeiMurdon takes another harsh bite of his ice cream. This one's smothered in mint syrup. They pretty much are set careerwise, so I can see the whole having a 'just-don't-give-a-fuck' attitude. At least she tries to look cheery about it. * Farah has a taste of her treat, and immediately looks like she's not quite into it. "Sugar." Just... our kind of people are a little too used to having their own way. We'll see. Maybe I'm wrong. ...discipline. Which is different than tyranny. Fine line, and all that. This is too sweet for me. ...sorry. * SeiMurdon eats more of his. "You REALLY don't want to try this, then." * Farah is still eating, although gingerly. "Not your fault, mine. Well, my tastebuds'." Maybe salt, like Masako-san suggested? Sounds gross to me, but... No, no, it needs to be prepped that way. Oh. So! something cheerier than our glorious appointed leaders! Um... What do you guys do for fun? I beat people up. Well, if you don't want to officially join the SDS, then I'd be happy to have your help on the council. If I make it. * Farah smiles around her spoon. I voted for myself, obviously. *mildly apologetic, but not really* Fun is reading political history. And not doing tractor maintenance every spare minute. * SeiMurdon laughs. "I know what you mean. ...except I was lucky if I got to use a tractor." He straightens, and takes on a wise-old-man tone. "Working with your hands builds character!" Do you really? Beat people up? Muay thai. Since I was ten. Who tie? Sounds like spanish? * Farah chuckles. "It's the kinda-sorta basis of standardized kickboxing, along with.... Savate, I think. Thai, although it has a predecessor of its own, muay boran." Oh! A martial art! I could spar with you sometime! I know bo staff and some kendo! * Farah chuckles. "You would offer to take me on with a weapon, but I wouldn't mind. But... it's mostly something I did to bond with Pops. I just... came to like it, y'know?" That, and I don't have much in the way of tits, so I might as well make some part of me stand out. * SeiMurdon chokes on an ill-timed bite of ice cream at Farah's statement, and erupts into a coughing fit. Sorry? Yeesh, don't fixate on that. * SeiMurdon is trying NOT to look at Farah's chest, now. * SeiMurdon is also trying not to look at Masako's, since his instinct was to compare the two, and he knows that's rude. Not really fixated, but eh. On the other hand, hitting boys hard enough to make them lose their depth perception has some appeal. Are you able to teach? * Farah is, unsurprisingly, not filling her uniform top at all. She wasn't kidding. "I kinda like the conditioning, and I was born all boyish, so I work that angle. Still a girl at the end of the day, though... and yes, it does." ... huh. I could probably teach the basics, but you better be prepared for bruises aplenty until you're hardened enough. Heh. I'm used to those. Part of training. And farming. And climbing. And even swimming, if you're not watching where you're going. * SeiMurdon jokingly holds his fan up in a defensive position. Hmm, maybe I'd better pass. Well, if you change your mind, I'm easy to find. ... man, I will admit it sucks that I'm pretty much here because I'm a jock. But no point complaining now, I'm here. I hear the Ladies love to fight. Maybe you'd make a good one. * SeiMurdon misses a beat, but then asks, "ARE you one?" Hah! I would sooner be caught dead than end up all frilly and shit like near every Lady out there. * Farah then lightly taps Sei on the nose with her finger. "Didn't they tell you not to ask folks that? Regardless, I'm not that lucky. Just a miner's daughter." Aheh, I guess. *blushes* Sorry. Nothing to be sorry about. whew. Right. <@Ked> [end mini] Session Close: Fri Aug 20 23:03:12 2010