190① △ video

[retropolis]

[ Wherever he is, Nelson isn't at home; the scenery the camera captures as it turns on illuminates that easily. He isn't at home or even in Heropa, but rather Cape Canaveral's Air Force Space & Missile Museum, sitting outside the blockhouse on a bench. He's dressed not in a suit and tie for once but a blue-and-white polo t-shirt with an American flag pin affixed where the polo decal would be, and though he looks tired (circles under his eyes) he speaks with the steady confidence and enthusiasm he can always manage when he's in his element. As always, his posture is impeccable. ]

According to the calendar, today is President's Day. [ He smiles even more for saying it, turning his head briefly to admire the sunshine -- it's a beautiful day, and (in his opinion) he's in a beautiful place -- before he turns back toward the camera. ] Which I bring to everyone's general attention because it's not only a day of remembrance. At least it shouldn't be. We also ought to use today to reflect upon ourselves and what we've done that we can be truly proud of -- not just for ourselves but for our country as well. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

[ His brow furrows mildly then and he clears his throat, understanding he has to elaborate. Already his ears begin to go red, his body growing tense and flustered already even before his mind gets there. ]

... I know not all of us come from the same place, of course. B-but while not everyone here may be American, there's no reason we shouldn't all stand together as long as we're here. It's irresponsible to let ourselves grow divided when we have a real duty. Y-you know, what's happening here now is what was happening to the world I know... it's more important than you might think, unity. Having a united front can mean the difference between life or death, no matter what your contribution is.

[ And a breath. Good job, Nelson, very inspiring, for sure, totally. He rubs at his wrist where the tattoo would show were it not broad daylight, but it's not a long pause, because he doesn't want to lose his courage for the rest of it. After another breath he pushes onward: ]

It won't always be what you'd like it to be. Sometimes you will have to make compromises... or sacrifices to pursue what you really believe in. You might have to fight and you might have to hide. But at least you won't be alone.

[ Exhale. His fingers fidget nervously. ]

I-I hope you can all understand what I'm saying.

[ Straightening his shoulders he offers his audience a very somber salute, having very clearly depressed himself. ]

United we stand, divided we fall.

Comments

audio.

[prearcadian]

[.............buddy. did you get that speech out of a recruiter tent.]

Sure, there's reason to not stand together. A lot of reasons.

audio.

[retropolis]

[ He hesitates, then asks dryly: ]

Such as what reasons, sir?

[prearcadian]

Forced unity. You can't just drop me off somewhere and say "too bad, now you have to do what we say" and expect me to climb right on board. That sort of teamwork breaks more than it fixes.

Voice

[viced]

Hell, Mr. Gardner, we have more in common than we think we do half the time.

[ Is he speaking for Nelson's sentiments, or imports as a whole? Who knows... ]

Hopefully, we can come together when it really counts. I know I intend to make sure that we have every opportunity to do so.

Voice

[retropolis]

Ah-- do we? [ He too seems uncertain of what to make of that, but he assumes it must be meant in a positive way. ] I certainly hope so, Mr. Hundred. We've only all got each other now, quibbling over something so simply seems ludicrous to me.

text; brainderp

[auntyquated]

What is it you do most strongly believe in, dear Mister Gardner?

voice

[retropolis]

[ Carefully: ]

I believe in the American Dream, of course. Achieving your goals through dedication and hard work and fighting for a better tomorrow.

audio

[guiloteen]

We were forced here.

[more emphatically:]

This is not my country.

audio

[retropolis]

[ Something about her tone is intimidating, even if he can tell it's a teenage girl speaking. He says carefully, so his tone doesn't falter: ]

As long as we're stuck here it is our home. Working against ourselves won't do us any good.

voice;

[waiting]

[ Oh boy, Nelson. He can already guess this post is going to provoke some interesting responses, if memory serves right. But that's not what he focuses on. ]

Something bothering you, Nelson?

voice;

[retropolis]

[ Were this video, Bradbury would see Nelson's deer-in-the-headlights expression at that question. Thankfully it isn't. He says with over-exuberance: ]

Bothering me? Hah! No, why on Earth would anything be bothering me? It's President's Day. Very inspiring, especially out here. Did you see my pin? They just gave it to me!

voice;

[iampretty]

If I may ask, what's a president?

[because dude, monarchies]

voice;

[retropolis]

[ Hans is lucky that he is pretty... ]

What's a President? The elected leader of our entire country, of course. Commander-in-chief to the United States Armed Forces. Today celebrates some of our country's founders. It's-- well, that's clear, isn't it?

voice

[noifsandsorbubs]

That was pathetic.

voice

[retropolis]

[ Wow, back into the woods with you. ]

No it-- that isn't true! I'm serious!

voice

[ropedin]

[ What a great introduction to actually using this thing!!! ]

You sound ridiculous. Are you going to do this every needless holiday?

voice

[retropolis]

I don't sound ridiculous-- take that back! [ Now he's going to fly off the handle. ] Why do you always have to undermine me? You're supposed to be on my side.

( video )

[youbastard]

That's a nice sentiment to have. [Nice and naive. She almost feels bad for him.] Are you alright?

( video )

[retropolis]

[ He smiles faintly, appreciatively, even though it's a little forced. Even a little respect means something to him. ]

Thank you, I'm glad someone thinks so. Whatever problems arise won't solve themselves just through our insistence that we shouldn't be responsible.

[ Then, hesitating, he nods uneasily. ]

Oh yes, I'll be fine. I wouldn't you thinking you need to worry about me, Ellie.

video;

[abadidea]

[When the video cuts on, Isaac's smiling, because really, he couldn't have said it better himself.]

I can't really say I have a lot of loyalty to my own government, but I agree. Maybe we don't all unite for the United States, it doesn't even exist when I come from, but we all have one thing in common: we all got pulled here against our wills and there's no way out but going along with them right now. We might not like it, but it's what we've got, that and each other. I couldn't have said it better myself.

video;

[retropolis]

[ Nelson's a little surprised about the agreement, though not unpleasantly. He smiles back, nodding in relief. ]

I appreciate it, sir, that's exactly right. I'm pleased that at least someone's willing to listen -- very pleased. What I'm proposing ought not be controversial, I can't understand it. We have nothing to gain from being our own worst enemies.

video;

[swordedpast]

Of course I can understand what you're saying, but that just means it's really crystal-clear that you're an idiot.

That is, if you're serious. This isn't some kind of joke?

video;

[retropolis]

There's no need to stoop to name-calling. I haven't insulted you.

[ He's indignant but not argumentative at this point. ]

There's nothing idiotic about wanting people to work together.

video.

[selfequipped]

[There are so many jokes she can make here. "You voted for Romney, didn't you?" "This is like Nightmare-Mode Captain America." A few others, too. But she decides to be a little less flippant and more to the point.]

They didn't pay you to say this, did they?

video.

[retropolis]

[ He doesn't know who Romney is, but he voted for Eisenhower. :')

He shakes his head, offended by the notion. ]

Of course not! I'm quite serious, this is what I believe -- I thought it might be inspiring.