maskormenace | 25 ⚜ Video

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25 ⚜ Video

[Crane sends the address out at 3pm sharp. He stands hunched against a wall with a bundle of files in his arms. Those with an eye for detail might notice math problems on a public whiteboard on the right; peppered with numerous red corrections that range from simple corrections to veiled insults.]

What affect have our ambassadors had on our lives?

[He turns his attention to the camera, eyes hooded. His tone is calm and polite but with a measure of boredom to it.]

Do we possess the same rights as native people? Does the government provide adequate care? Is it safe where we live? [In Maurtia Falls especially.] Who enacts the laws that rule our lives? Who legislates for education and social security? Ambassadors are our representatives - yet they are intimately acquainted with the culture of our hosts. Does this cozy arrangement mean they are politically trusted because they don't ask questions and challenge official stories? In simple terms, what do our ambassadors do for us?

[His fingertips grasp his chin.]

Also, one last question: who amongst us might earn your future nomination? Count Dooku, perhaps? Now there's a man with a political mind...

[Koma-san June 2016. Never forget.]

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[That's.....a whole lot of questions that she has no idea in which way to respond nor understands most of those keywords. What is any of that?]

Um, I didn't even know we had ambassadors representing us. And by your first question, their imPorts like us too?

[A slight pause.]

What's a...social security? Is it some kind of police force to protect us from the natives of this world? Because I don't really agree with that...

[Crane folds his arms over his chest before switching the feed. He resists the urge to chuckle, and slips into his professor's voice - which he straightens with calmness and politeness.]

You're totally correct to disagree. You're correct about the ambassadors being imPorts like us, in addition. But you're completely wrong by definition. Social security is a system that provides money to those in need. The disabled, unemployed, elderly and so on...

[The actual definition of social security was impressive on its own, but his calm and very professional tone will definitely add more effect than if it was explained normally. Nike was impressed by such an idea, it really sounded foreign and simply...]

A-Amazing! I never would've though that a situation like that would ever exist. To give money to those who truly need it! Is it normal for the government to be so generous without asking for anything in return? I mean, I don't think we need it because we're given jobs and the chance to take lessons if you're young enough, but is it fair for us to be given that same offer as the other natives?

[Since she's always been unregistered, she hasn't realized that the government already gave the registered imPorts a form of it in weekly allowance.]

Yes. Let's consider your first question. Is it normal for the government to be generous without asking for anything in return? No, of course not. No government supports any cause without expecting a return on its investment. By providing social security to native and imPort alike - though only those registered, I'd observe - it upholds something called a "social contract".

If you do not think it fair, you can simply return all your benefits...

[She'll listen to his explanation, finding it a little disheartening to hear his clear distrust in a government not having a generous spirit to it, but then again she doesn't blame him neither. This form of government was interesting, but it was nothing compare to the ones back in her world that was filled with sincere interest and more affection.]

I already gave all of my benefits away. My current living arrangement is only possible due to a friend inviting me to live with him, I have a job that accepted me for my skills and wasn't provided by the government, and I am not given any special perks as those who are registered. It takes me twice as long to go from one city to another without having someone make an excuse to search and pat me.

[Which is happening less and less unless there was new security that was too enthusiastic in the chance to perform their "duties". ]

But I do agree with you though. I believe they are holding those who are registered under a "social contract". A sort of agreement to allow them certain freedoms and perks as long as they "volunteer" to work with them in whatever it's needed for their war or objectives. We're just a weapon to them....

To them and those beneath them.

[He says correctingly, voice sliding down a note in tone, losing some of its edge. He sounds, well, not approving, but not disapproving either. A work ethic is something he appreciates - tries to engender - but it isn't his style to congratulate people for what they should have developed by themselves.]

But it appears you are a proactive individual. Seeking to make your mark in this world without being dependent on somebody standing over you... to make everything easier.

[An observation's as good as a compliment.]

Perhaps things wouldn't be so bad were more people the same.

[Even if it doesn't sound like a compliment, she will smile a little at the observation.]

I have my family to thank for the work ethic. They taught me from a very young age to never rely on others for help, not after finding a way to do it on my own first or going through every possible option. Independence is important, it offers more freedom, even if you need to work twice as hard to obtain and keep it.

[At least, that's the way she was taught to look at the situation as. It may not be an easy one, but it was a righteous one. She lives for justice and doing what's correct for her and those surrounding her.]

Maybe. I think if more imPorts were willing to reject this world's help, then maybe the government will feel more reluctant to listen to our pleas and find a better compromise that everyone can agree with. One that doesn't seem as manipulative as the current situation we're in now. [And here comes a more thoughtful tone.] I just don't really know where or how to suggest an idea like that. It sounds a little hollow, right?

Mmm, yes.

[He sighs placidly and slides his fingers underneath his chin. A finger scratches his nose, distracting him from thinking about getting involved. The truth is she's a promising piece of work, but he has to behave himself, now.]

Do you have any idea where you would like to start? It may surprise you to know this, but I am used to offering advice and guidance on matters that affect young people.

[His college students. Who he trapped in "extra credit experiments" BUT LET'S NOT TALK ABOUT THAT.]

I can tell! You do strike me as the scholarly type. I just didn't think you were like...a counselor of sorts too. That is, if I got the right word to describe it....

[Just like she can easily imagine him in the world of politics too. It does make her wonder if he was one or both. But his question over the best way to start, it will leave her in a more thoughtful silence. Truth be told she knows little about this world's politics; however she has been doing some form of research -- be it listening to a podcast, the opinions of other people, and studying more about it by watching videos online explaining more about it. And yet, all she can really say earnestly is.]

I don't know. For now, at the very least, I don't know where to even begin in wanting to make little changes. [To be quite fair, she'll point out.] Usually, I would scope the area and get a general idea from the public over the way they view us all as. I can sense there is a lot of mix feelings on the subject about our involvement with this world's politics. I'd like to learn the reason for those feelings. Is there something about the situation that they find unfair? What would they prefer for the situation to be like? Then slowly work my way from there. After all, this world doesn't belong to us, we have no right to be treated in a more favorable way compare to a normal citizen that was born here and who's life is on the line by the decisions we make. After all, once we gain the trust and confidence of the majority of the natural citizens of this world, then we may be able to do more and gain more wiggle room to really make a positive contribution or create a more harmonious relationship without any manipulation involved. [With all that said, she'll look down and wonder.] ...um, do you think it'll be possible to do anything with that info I just gave you?

[He's still listening on the other end of the feed when she finishes, already considering every word, her opinion, her observations, and spinning them into a predictable pattern of behavior. He holds his tongue and tries to control a sudden urge of nausea.]

I believe it will be possible to make yourself multiple friends and enemies. [He speaks calmly, with an older man's air of concern for the young.] Which is... the unfortunate reality of opening yourself up to the reality that people endorse such unfairness. In a real sense? It's entirely possible for you to use those emotions and thoughts to get out there into the world to make a positive contribution. If you're not frightened of a little work, that is.

[His warning sounds a lot like the ones Livi had once given her. In order to remain by his side as his partner, his queen, then she needed to allow herself to be the perfect target of persecution, insults, and other issues that can weight and destroy her. It would seem, by his opinion and advice, that she needed to do the same for this world. Allow herself to get hurt to make a noticeable difference.]

I don't mind. Getting hurt or working hard too. It hasn't scared me away yet.

[She'll get pensive once more.]

I'll have to think about this a little more. If I figure out a plan, I'll let you know to ask for your insight about it. You may be my best bet in getting the confidence to do it too. [A pause.] You don't mind that, right, mister?

[This poor, sweet child.

Still, at least she appreciates him! For his insight and confidence-building skills. Of course, of course.]

Not at all. Might I have the pleasure of your name?

Oh, right! It's Nike. Nike Lemercier. Nice to meet you.

What's your name?

Doctor Jonathan Crane.

[The title is important!... to his ego.]

Pleasure meeting you.

It's a pleasure to meet you too, Doctor Crane. Thank you so much for honoring me with today's discussion.

[She definitely caught the importance concerning the matter. To the point she fell back into her royal mode in way of speaking formally which is quite a rare sight. Then again, Livi and Neil had a way in keeping her from interacting directly with anyone...]

I'll definitely keep your name in mind for whenever I need advice next time.

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