[003 | Video] On The Campaign Trail

[lastofthebog]

[ The video begins with Galla seated at a desk. There's sunlight streaming in through a window on one side, and behind her is a half-filled bookshelf. The subjects range from texts on world history and politics, to medical tomes, to some simplistic books on how to use computers and the internet. She had to get started somehow, okay? In any case, she's casting a confident and somewhat apologetic smile at the camera now. ]

I'll apologize in advance for adding to the coming onslaught of these announcements, but I would like to make it known that I will be running for the position Nonah's Ambassador. I believe my experience as a leader to my own country has left me quite qualified, and as I've already made it my intent to use my knowledge and skill to serve my fellow imPorts, I think I would be suited to an office that is made to serve you.

I understand that I am rather new in comparison to most of my competitors, but I've proven myself to be very adaptable. I come from an era without any of these modern technologies, and yet I am speaking to you today from this marvel of science. And, more importantly, I am dedicated to learning all I can about each of you to better understand the difficulties faced by us in this world; both individually and as a community. Many of you have seen my efforts in that regard already, so you will know that it is no empty promise.

My intent, should I be selected as your Ambassador, is to be your voice, first and foremost. It's true I have many of my own goals, but an Ambassador—any leader or ruler should be the realization of the will of their people. [ Here, her smile fades into a look stoic commitment. ] Should you have any concerns or desires apart from my own, I will do all in my power to make them heard. That is my promise to you.

[ With that moment of intensity out of the way, the smile returns. She even relaxes in her chair. ]

Next, as I have said previously, I would like to focus on strengthening our own community. I have seen much talk of native and imPort relations, and I believe that is an important issue to address, but I would first like to build the sense of connection and unity within our own community. I believe that as we come to understand each other and the many, many different worlds that we hail from, we will be better able to decide how we would like to connect to natives as a whole. Even more, if we are a united front in our requests and demands to the government, I believe we will have even greater successes. I had planned to tackle this issue in my current role as Multi-Cultural Events Coordinator, but I believe I can do even more as Nonah's Ambassador.

As for concrete plans, I can say that I will work to establish a system of support for unregistered imPorts. If the government will force us to register with them to access the full extent of their aid, then I will ensure there is an alternative within Nonah.

I also have strong objections to the way we are branded upon arrival, and will fight against the practice. [ There's a brief, sour twist of her mouth. ] It reeks of ownership, and it is no help to our relationship with natives to have us so blatantly marked as "other." This issue I think will be the most difficult to address, but I will do my best to make the American government see reason about it.

Now I'm sure that I've talked for long enough, so I will leave it at that. I do, of course, welcome any questions that you have for me.

Comments

audio

[devoutish]

The bit about the tattoos is appreciated. And the registration thing, as well.

[lastofthebog]

I thought as much. I am quite a fan of tattoos, but only when I choose them.

[devoutish]

[He turns on the video to show his hands, one of which has a little black crown along the side of it, near the thumb.]

I got these for a reason, but I've got no reason to have unsettled written along my wrist.

[So he agrees, basically.]

[canonized_demon]

Already makin' waves huh? You know what they say about the squeaky wheel and all that right?

[lastofthebog]

I haven't heard that one before, but I can make a guess as to it's meaning. It's a true enough sentiment, isn't it? Nothing will ever get done without taking some action first.

[canonized_demon]

I ain't gonna disagree with you there, these tattoos are a steaming pile of bullshit to be sure.

Thought everyone'd heard about squeaky wheels getting the grease...but I guess here I shouldn't count on anything should I?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I will certainly vouch for your adaptability.

[lastofthebog]

I do appreciate that. I'm sure it's difficult to believe it based on my word alone. I doubt I'd believe it myself if I hadn't spent the past month living it.

[slightlyoffchilt]

For what it's worth, I think you would make a particularly competent Ambassador.

[And he's not just saying that to dissuade people from voting for Starr.]

Adaptability being one of your many evident merits, of course.

video.

[functusofficio]

[ Padme's in straight up straight up professional garb, her smile pleased and open. ]

I am glad that you have chosen to run. I think you would make an admirable Ambassador.

Re: video.

[lastofthebog]

[ Galla bows her head in a respectful sort of gratitude, looking thoroughly pleased with herself by now. She hadn't been sure what sort of reception she'd have, being so new to this world. ]

I am glad to have your confidence. It is a high honor to receive it from someone who holds the position already. I can only hope I will be able to earn the confidence of the people as well.

video.

[functusofficio]

[ Padme had felt similarly, on her run, so she understands that. But she's absolutely sincere in being pleased, and it makes her happy to assure Galla she should be confident in her choice. ]

That you are willing and open to speaking to the people is one of the first ways to gain their confidence, and you certainly have that. I do not think, based on our conversations, that you will have difficulty in speaking to the people.

video;

[bespin]

Finally, some competent competition! If I wasn't running myself, you might have secured my vote.

[lastofthebog]

High praise from my competition! I hope to have an exciting match against you.

[bespin]

[ He gives her his most charming smile. ]

I'll try not to make it too easy for you. May the best candidate win.

Video; User name Link

[breaks_pots]

This is the first time he's seen the strange box he'd been given come to life with anything other than writing. It's kind of neat. He knew it was able to show him people at far distances, but this was the first time he'd seen it. Of course, he'd only been here a day. But still...

He tried to follow along with everything the lady with the nice face was saying but after a while it just started to get really complicated and boring. He set the box down and yawned, waiting for her to finish before he pressed the button he needed to and made his own image show up for her.

He was still sleepy from the listening, but he did his best to rub the sleep from his eyes and smile at her. His left hand lifting to wave hello.]

[lastofthebog]

[ Galla watches him with a curious tilt of her head, waiting a few moments for a question to come. But...after a beat or two pass without any question coming, she leans towards the camera with a faint smile tugging at her lips. ]

Good morning, young one. I hope that wasn't too much for you to take in. I understand it was quite a lot of talking.

[breaks_pots]

[He gives a single nod, then shrugs his shoulders, sitting up more properly and at as full attention as he could give while he was still getting the sleep to go away. He leaned forward and put his hands on his chin, inviting her to continue speaking. He wouldn't mind hearing what she had to say. Just... a little less complicated words. Which was hard to convey without a fairy to talk for him, but he hoped his open interest would make it obvious. It usually did with the Great Deku Tree. Well... used to.]

video;

[cognitivism]

[ He pauses, genuinely considering her words. ]

Truth be told, I don't think I've put too much thought into the "tattoo" we all have. The idea behind it has some rather negative connotations dependent on what world you are from.

Do you believe that we should be tracked by the American government through the registration system? Not everyone brought here is of the highest moral standard, unfortunately.

[lastofthebog]

I do not. Poor morals or not, it does not matter.

[ She lifts her arm, showing off the imPort tattoo. ]

Do they brand their own people in this way? Do they brand their criminals? What of the natives who had power thrust upon them as well? As far as I have been able to determine, it is imPorts alone who are marked in such a way. It is an abysmal practice.

Voice;

[foralways]

I appreciate your strong opinions. Having representation with purpose and drive is often better than some of the more directionless contenders we have at times seen in the past.

I would be interested in seeing how your platform continues to develop, should you win the position you seek.

[lastofthebog]

I hope that it continues to impress you. I suppose there is some risk in having a clear path of my own, but it would not have been fair to pretend I had none of my own goals in mind already.

[foralways]

There is a greater risk in not making intentions known. This creates a sense of trust with the community, so long as you stay with those intentions and follow through on any promises you may make.

I would like to hear more as you continue to give these plans form.

video;

[aberrant_type]

I myself found the forced tattooing disturbing. The locals aren't wrong to distrust us, especially if it's true we weren't brought here by their choice - they're getting a random sample, and some more unsavory types must come through with that. But a brand like this has such a high likelihood of being misused, I don't feel easy about it.

You sound ambitious. [That's not said in a disapproving fashion.] What kind of relationship would you envision as ideal between the imPort community and the locals?

Re: video;

[lastofthebog]

I could not agree more, and that is why I'm so against it.

As for my ideal vision, it is simply a time in which we and the natives can stand on equal ground. I would prefer a world in which neither one of us has more freedom than the other.