video

[rathercommon]

Portugal, up till the nineteen seventies, was an empire - and it was a nasty one. It sent its citizens to die on foreign shores for years, just to keep up its glorious expanse of territory. It kept order with its secret police that kept down any disagreement. Only the rich and powerful were educated past the bare minimum; everyone else had to leave school to get to work. And then the military began rebelling, and the people joined in, and with barely any violence at all the government was toppled and the empire ended. They call it the Carnation Revolution, because the people put flowers into the barrels of those guns that never got fired.

[ Kitty clearly takes great satisfaction in this story as she recounts it from notes that she's taken. Though it might sound like it, this isn't a lecture, no real attempt at demagoguery: she elaborates a moment later - ]

Back home, this was the sort of thing they wouldn't ever let us know about. All our history classes were how brilliant our Empire was, all the good they'd done the world. How dark times were before our armies toppled all the tyranny spread all across Europe. Never mind that we just replaced that tyranny with our own.

[ Which ought to be bitter, but she's having too much fun with learning things to be really sour. She's more energetic than anything, peppy and garrulous. ]

Anyway. I just thought that was nice to read. There are so many bloody, awful revolutions throughout history - hearing one where people didn't end up being slaughtered was nice. I just wanted to share something nice.

[ And then, before she forgets: ]

Oh, and by the way, I've got a car now, and driving is actually really brilliant, so if anyone needs a ride anywhere, let me know. I do work a lot, so I'll need a bit of advance notice, but I can definitely take people to the grocery and to the airport and all that. [ Oh, and - ] Also, does anyone have suggestions close to Heropa to visit? Nothing stupid - I want places that are interesting or strange or where I can learn things. So don't suggest Disney World, because I'll just get cross.

[ A quick grin. So how many of you miss the days when she was subtle and quiet and not all chatty and energetic all over all the network all the time? Blame Mandrake. ]

Thanks.

{6th Transmutation; voice}

[braided_icarus]

New Year. New....resolutions, huh? I've never really...thought about that. I've been fixed with this one goal and other stuff distracting me that I never really thought about what I'd do afterwards. I hear back home that is all sorted though. I guess now is as good a time as any to think about it. Even if my options would be more limited back home.

[Given what his price is for keeping his promise to Alphonse. He's considering it worth it, even if that leaves him feeling unsure and lost at ideas on what to do beyond assisting as best he can in Al's recovery back home in the immediate aftermath of it all.]

So. Give me some ideas? What do you guys have for your resolutions?

[What is this concept of planning ahead beyond concerning himself with Al even. He needs help with this okay.]

Video

[exsithstential]

[Unlike his previous posts, rife with foreign with looking long jackets and tunics, Revan's working a sharp, dark suit and vest combo. ]

Good evening, fellow Imports. My name is Revan.

For those of you that haven't heard, this January of 2015 marks a historic occasion in our short but vibrant history on this planet. In an effort to further improve import-native relations, the Government is allowing members of our population to run for an official position within their structure.

[Is that why they're doing it? Oh well it fits the spin.]

This comes in the form of an Ambassadorial assignment to each one of the major Porter towns. These elected officials will become directly responsible for the well being of imports taking resident in the town for which they are stationed. As such they will also be given leeway to speak for and on behalf of their constituents directly to the government, as well as put into action plans to improve the nature of all of our lives as we band together in these strange times.

A daunting task, to be sure. But I'm certain we can all acknowledge the potential this holds for our futures. It's this hope that has inspired me to run for the office of the Ambassador for Maurtia Falls.

With your support I wish to act on your behalf to make sure you have a fair voice and fair representation in the world we share, and to see to it that imports of all disposition are provided the support and protection they need while they find their way.

If elected I will strive to ensure all imports are provided with basic care of all their needs upon importation. I will endeavor to keep you safe and shield you from the dangers that have already reared their horrific heads, and those that have yet to be seen. And I hope to build a bond of trust and cooperation with the Nation that has so graciously allowed us residence, and the world at large.

My first act as Ambassador would be secure support in creating an import care initiative, designed to provide for newly arrived imports and those that are in need of help. That way nobody is left to fend for themselves.

In my universe I served under the Galactic Republic, a Nation spanning hundreds of star systems, governing thousands of civilizations. For many years I served as a Commander in their fleet during several major conflicts, and as a peace keeper. While my military career is extensive, I found more joy in my role as an adviser for the Council that governed the Republic. It was here I saw just how enriching cooperation can be for a civilization and I hope we can all rally our individual strengths for a brighter tomorrow.

Please, I'm open to any questions you might have. I intend to be entirely available to not only the import citizens of Maurtia Falls, but of all cities, should there be a need.