( voice )

[vorbarra]

[ There's a moment of brief silence before he speaks, his voice even-toned and Russian-accented. ]

Some of you might know me as one of the candidates for De Chima Ambassador. Some of you have probably missed my involvement altogether, as it has been unfortunately minor. I'm announcing that I'm stepping down from candidacy, in an effort not to fracture the vote. If my opinion means anything to you, I'd like to encourage you to vote for Queen Lucy or Ms. Yayoi in my place, as both seem estimable, forthright women to me who will keep your best interests at heart.

Thank you.

[ And... that's it. He ends the transmission. Gregor really does hate public speaking, even if he's not bad at it. He's also lying completely about his reasons for stepping down, but none of the truth is a matter for the public. ]

Comments

Voice

[learntofly]

Wait—really?

[She sure as hell hadn't been expecting votes, much less an endorsement from another (ex) candidate.]

[vorbarra]

Yes, really.

Do you disagree with my assessment?

[learntofly]

Well no, of course not! But it's still...surprising. I guess.

[vorbarra]

Hopefully if you win you won't also be surprised.

[ He's teasing, really. Goodness but he feels better having this off his shoulders. What had he been thinking? ]

action

[dendarii]

[ Miles almost responds via video, but - really, it's easier to just come over and talk. It's not as though they're likely to be that far away from each other. ]

Everything all right, Gregor?

[vorbarra]

[ It really is easier in person.

If anything, Gregor seems lighter, his whole mental presence less heavy. ] Ah... it is now. I don't know if I really believed you that I could quit until I did it.

[dendarii]

[ That's ... good. That's very good. Enough that he's relieved rather than truly worried, though a touch of concern still colors his side of the link. ]

Well, there you are. Too many competitors? Not enough actual politics?

[vorbarra]

[ Ruefully, ] Rather the opposite. Too like actual politics-- all public scrutiny and little opportunity to make changes of actual consequence.

And... once I realized Lucy was running, any delusions that it had to be me dissipated.

[illuminescent]

Oh.

Gregor.

If you so truly wish it. But of course, should I win, I will promise that I will come to you for any advice needed, if you would be so generous to provide.

[vorbarra]

I would be honored to dispense any you would feel you might need. I know that if you win you will be nothing but graceful with the position, Lady.

[illuminescent]

Oh, I do hope that to be true, although I cannot say it and believe it so and not feel boastful, so I will keep my humility about me.

Although I will say, you would have made such an excellent Ambassador, sir.

[vorbarra]

I can only hope I would, [ he says ruefully, ] since it is such a small position compared to what you or I normally bear. If I couldn't live up to that, I'd feel badly for my people, humility or no.

But thinking how much I wouldn't mind having you or Ms. Yayoi as my representative made me realize it wasn't necessary for me to try.

voice

[quaerit]

Fracture the vote.

[ That's an interesting turn of phrase. ]

What worries you, Gregor?

[vorbarra]

As Emperor, I am the only person who may reign without inciting war. That's far from the case here. I would be pleased to be represented by either of them, so there's no need to take votes away.

[quaerit]

As Emperor, I know you're also new to democracy. Having more choice isn't a bad thing.

What if there are people here who'd be pleased with you?

[vorbarra]

Only new in the sense of being a participant. It does exist in the Nexus.

[ Quietly, ] I'm afraid they'll have to be disappointed in this case. I satisfy enough of that at home.

[voice]

[watch_me_burn]

[For once Kareen isn't visiting but with all the excitement lately she's glad to have a few days to herself. It's still a little strange being in a house of people and none of them being ordered to watch or protect her, but at least it's not so quiet anymore. There was something unsettling about having the Hamada boys not stopping by for their things every now and then.]

To be honest, Gregor, I find I am relieved to hear this.

[vorbarra]

[ He's still a little shy and at loose ends about talking to his mother, but for the sake of the conversation being public and not embarrassing either of them, he gathers himself as much as he can. ]

Ah... Probably not as relieved as I am to say it.

[watch_me_burn]

True. [A soft laugh.]

Politics in this world is different than our own, but I cannot imagine it being any less messy in its own way. While taking initiative is commendable, I would rather know you are doing it because you wish to and not because you feel obligated.

Voice

[dun_moch]

I am sorry to hear this, Your Majesty.

[All about the formal addresses for an Emperor like Gregor.]

I found the ideas addressed in your platform to be quite interesting indeed. I would have been happy to see them advanced further in our contest.

[Besides, an endorsement for Lucy is an endorsement for Baelish, and the Count certainly can't have that. At least Greg tossed some support Dooku's way during the public debate...]

[vorbarra]

[ Honestly, he's so tired of formal address that it was one of the things pushing him not to do this again. Gregor is supposed to be on vacation, he keeps telling himself futilely, in between episodes of kidnapping, torture, spying... ]

Thank you, Count Dooku. But I'm sure you'll be a more than adequate champion for those causes regardless of the outcome of the election.

[dun_moch]

[Dooku, meanwhile, suffers from that villain thing where they attribute their own selfishness and egotism to everyone else. On the inside, he's congratulating himself for being one of the only people on this backward planet to show the Emperor the proper courtesies.]

You are too kind, Gregor. Perhaps we will be able to work together on these matters further once I have won the election. Support from the Dendarii could open many doors for my agenda.

Ah, which reminds me: I am in your company's debt. The service Agent Texas provided during the recent attempt on my life was exemplary. I will tell others that the protection that your company provides is well worth the price.

video

[rathercommon]

[ Cheerfully teasing: ]

You know, I've been thinking about it, and I think you went for this just so you could quit, didn't you? You wanted to experience not being a politician.

[vorbarra]

[ He laughs briefly, in his quiet, reserved, public manner. ]

I have to admit, the feeling of being free to quit is... somewhat incredible. [ Lightly, ] I'll have to be careful not to get too accustomed to it.

[rathercommon]

[ She likes his real laugh better, but she'll take this one. This one is still cute. ]

That could get dangerous. You'll start working at jobs only to immediately quit them, just for the thrill of it.