[Audio]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Anyone with some legal foreknowledge, please let me know: What steps must an ImPort make to take the Bar Exam in their state of residence? Since our keepers did not have the due diligence to snatch us with intact paperwork and relevant degrees in tow, I thought that might be something of a problem. However, since I've seen more than one individual continue other practices that require advanced degrees, I figured it couldn't hurt to talk about loopholes.

Comments

[driftsintobuffetline]

My understanding is that we keep our credentials regardless of whether the transfer brought over relevant paperwork or not. Given the extensive information they have on us upon arrival, I think it's fair to assume they know if we legitimately have a degree. No loopholes needed.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

That's encouraging to know. You'd think they would create additional barriers.

Does that imply, then, that we must have them verify our credentials for us? For instance the offices that brought us here are not also in charge of medical certifications, taxes, or the bar.

[driftsintobuffetline]

No one has questioned my credentials which is, admittedly, both flattering and worrisome. However, mine isn't like...a surgeon or psychiatrist, so no one's life hangs in the balance if I don't know what I'm talking about.

I assume if you need verification, they might find that data contained in the digital tattoo on your wrist?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Ah, yes. That thing. I suppose that makes sense.

[ Yeah guess who hasn't registered yet? ]

[driftsintobuffetline]

[I think you get the tattoo regardless, but registration status determines benefits or something. Don't quote me on that.]

That thing, yeah. I hate to think just how much data and tracking they do on us. I mean, consensual tracking would be one thing but between the nanites and the tattoos...man.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[ He's just imagining having a verification request rejected because he hasn't agreed to jerk off the military yet in the entire year he's been here. ]

Aren't we so glad they care about fostering our trust?

[driftsintobuffetline]

Oh they're real winners in that department. A+, guys. I mean, they don't even try to hide that. Most governments do. They put on a facade and do this kind of NSA shit behind the curtains.

Which makes you wonder...if this is what THIS government is willing to show us in the name of fostering trust and safety..then what is the even worse thing they have going on where we can't see?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I don't trust them to be competent enough to keep their own secrets for long.

[driftsintobuffetline]

I want to believe that, but incompetence can also be a ruse. I'm not saying all their failures have been calculated, or even some, but I wouldn't write them off as dumb enough to tip their hand. Underestimation is a good way to be blindsided.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

No, that is true. They're smart enough to bring all of us here and program our abilities however they wish but not smart enough to take down the Soviet Union. One can't assume they're inept in all other areas, I suppose.

[driftsintobuffetline]

Well, if their Cold War is like ours was...there was no take down anyway. You can't win in a nuclear war. Didn't you watch War Games?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Economic downfall can be influenced in rather subtle ways.

[driftsintobuffetline]

Tariffs, taxation, embargo. I know the theory, even if economics and politics aren't my practice, but I don't see anything too subtle about that, not with world super powers, even if you targeted indirectly through their satellite countries and allies. It's always a statement. It's always a power play. There are too many egos and analysts involved for it to go quietly under the radar. And if you mean espionage and hacking...data breaches hurt, but they haven't collapsed the economy yet.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Please remember in terms of subtlety we're comparing to a baseline of puppeting abducted superheroes and supervillains that are basically their own economy, what with the fan followings and merchandise.

Video

[ret2go]

I don't think getting a liquor license is that hard. You mean you have to take a test?

[Shantae, no.]

Audio

[cantwalkwithoutit]

...It's not that kind of bar.

Audio

[ret2go]

Oh.

...construction? The bar exam, the rebar exam... maybe they have to test you for those.

Audio

[cantwalkwithoutit]

The Bar Association licenses people to practice law.

Audio

[ret2go]

Wow, that's way different than what I was thinking!

Why do they call it a bar then?

Audio

[cantwalkwithoutit]

"Bar" is a very antiquated term for the legal profession as a whole -- when you can legally practice you are part of the group. There was some old tradition in initiation where students would cross a symbolic physical barrier to signify their admittance into the fold.

Audio

[ret2go]

Whoa. I never knew that!

I mean, I've never even met a lawyer before. Back home, most bad guys just need a good thrashing and a kick in the butt.

Audio

[cantwalkwithoutit]

In worlds like this, it is believed everyone deserves to be defended in court to the greatest extent one can.

Audio

[ret2go]

Why, though? If there's a pirate who's all causing havoc and raiding the city, isn't that more trouble than it's worth? Just kick her butt and send her packing!

Audio

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Because once you've defeated them the community they attacked wants their pound of flesh as well.

Also the justice system, in most cases, is ideally in place to determine guilt and degree -- some people are falsely accused, forced to act due to outside circumstances, were provoked, etc.

[morethan084]

Fake it till you make it?

[Probably not at all helpful but honestly kind of the truth. There were jobs Daisy has done here that she hadn't done back home. Like being a waitress or bar tending.]

Unless you already have a degree, then I guess just really put your name out there and hope you get some clients to give you good reviews.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

You actually have to provide credentials to represent someone in court. They check.

[morethan084]

Well like you said. No one here comes with their paperwork.

I'm sure if you just sound like you know what you're talking about, they'll hire you.

[Audio]

[radventure]

I don't suppose anyone's figured out how to bribe the Porter into dragging specific items from home, huh?

[Audio]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Not that I've heard.

[Audio]

[radventure]

God, I hope you don't have to end up going to college again, then.

[Audio]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

There might be some merit in experiencing law school in this world but I don't think it will be necessary.

[radventure]

If nothing else, I'm sure a few episodes of Matlock will be a great refresher. Or like, Perry Mason. I mean they gotta have one of those here, right?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I'm sure they do.

[radventure]

In all seriousness, though, I didn't know you were a lawyer back home. Or... if you told me, I forgot. Sorry if you did. Still, that's pretty cool.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

At some point. [ Gold was in his cursed memories anyway, and he did represent Mary Margaret later. ] But much of my work for most of my life has been about contracts. It's an easy line to slip back into.

[radventure]

Huh. So if I ever get one of those too good to be true offers, I can come to you to look over the paperwork?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I expect you to.

[radventure]

Mind you, best case scenario, I don't get into those situations at all, but I appreciate you'll be there to help me out.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Yes, best to avoid those situations altogether. What would your mentor think?

[radventure]

Probably something something destiny. Virgil didn't really ever seem to bother with contracts, just like... math. Probability and stuff.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Probably wise of him.

[radventure]

Wise was his whole thing. It was never really about getting me to do something, it was more about... trying to plan around what I was mathematically most likely to do anyway? However that works, I don't know.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

That makes perfect sense, actually.

[ Since y'know, he spent a good chunk of his life able to see the future. ]

[radventure]

Yeah. He's Lemurian, and they had this system of math that could calculate the future with freakish accuracy.

[ Then he gives a tiny proud grin. ]

That in mind, I was pretty good at throwing his calculations off every now and then just by being my fantastic self.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Or perhaps occasionally his math was flawed.