[Video]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi was nervous as hell as he started the video, looking like he was trying to hide behind his glasses. It wasn't working of course, and he was trying very hard not to look directly at the camera, busying his hands with the papers he had in front of him. ]

U-um... I-I realize I haven't made an official announcement of what I want to do as ambassador, s-so...

[ Oh he's painfully nervous. Adachi reached up, tugging at the collar of his shirt, and the camera catches the glint of a gold chain underneath before his hand shifts, placing itself over something attached to the chain underneath. It seemed to be enough to calm him, and he glanced down at the papers in front of them, before setting them aside. ]

I told someone once that the only reason I became a cop was so I could legally own a gun. [ He shrugged a little sheepishly at that. ] That was a lie, more or less; I think at some point, no matter how briefly, we all entertain the naive thought of being a hero. But a hero isn't a profession; we realize that eventually, and unfortunately here, it's encouraged to the point of obsession. It's a label that's forced on everyone, no matter how young or how unsuited they are for the responsibility.

[ He turned back to his paperwork then, pushing some of the pages out of the way. ]

We need to show the native population that we're just... normal. Many of us were just powerless humans before we came here. Even those of us that had powers before we came here, or were not human before coming here, many of us were our world's version of normal, or at the very least, not uncommon. I thought at first that community outreach would be the answer, but it needs to be something more than that. We need a permanent installation that will allow for natives and imPorts to interact and form bonds on a regular basis, to allow us to show the world that we are just people. We need to erase the illusion that we're just here to be a supernatural force to fight against whatever problems are aimed at this country and us.

While we're reaching out to the natives, we need to look in on ourselves too. Many... [ He trailed off a moment, that hand going to the charm under his shirt again for a moment, before he cleared his throat. ] I know there are a number of us that come in at the point of death, or where death is inevitable. If the government is going to pull support and personnel from Cape Canaveral, then we need to step up. I want to set up a crisis center to help those suffering from the trauma that comes from death, that will help to serve those coming in, as well as those that may come close to or die while we are here. I want Nonah to be the flagship for this, and I would work with Ambassadors and mental health professionals from other cities to makes sure that everyone is covered.

[ He took a moment to look over his paperwork again. ]

I agree with candidate Tailgate; more needs to be done for the non-humans that come in to this world. Since Nonah is a city of industry, it's the perfect place to set up a haven for the sentient mechanicals that come here, and even if I were elected, I'd welcome Tailgate to help make that a possibility. But we need to do more; there are many different species of individuals that come in here, that have needs that extend beyond what humans need. They should not be forced to remain in a human form just so they can live a comfortable lifestyle. I propose to work with those individuals to see what it is they need and to make it happen, and encourage the other ambassadors to do the same. We need to work together, not just with natives, but with each other, to make a more peaceful world here a reality.

[ Adachi paused, taking a deep breath. This next part probably wasn't going to set as well, but it needed to be said. ]

That also means we need to take responsibility for ourselves as a whole. As things stand right now, the punishment for imPorts that commit acts of violence and terrorism is far insignificant, and nothing proves that more than the two months Count Dooku is serving for conspiring against the government. We all know that we would never get away with such a short amount of time on our own worlds, and we shouldn't use the lenience of the local government as an excuse to get away with such crimes. When elected, I would propose stricter penalties for those that commit crimes; penalties that better match the crimes committed. And if the government will not agree with this change, then I will encourage that organizations such as RISE be responsible for ensuring these penalties are carried out.

[ Adachi let out another deep breath. ]

I know that's a lot, and there's a lot more that needs to be done. I admit, I don't have a plan for all of it yet, but that will come with time. For now, it's a start; an experimental push to help us come together with the people we share space with, and hope that we can prevent organizations and other countries from viewing us as a threat.

Thank you all, for listening. And I hope to thank you again on the twenty-seventh.

[ He inclined his head in a small bow, before ending the video. Responses might take a bit; he needs to cling to his dog to hug away the stress from getting all that out. ]

Comments

video

[riddleman]

Vigilante judicial system? That's a brilliant idea.

[His voice could not be any dryer.]

Where do I sign?

[sleight_of_hand]

[ He could do without the sarcasm, thanks! ]

It's not a vigilante system; RISE is an established and recognized organization of imPorts working for the betterment of others.

[riddleman]

[Too bad, he got so much sarcasm to give.]

And now you want them to be recognised as being able to be jury, judge and executioner? That's a lofty goal.

You'll be an impartial judge, I'm sure.

[eloquentness]

[ Iris claps softly, beaming straight into the camera - ]

That was great! [ She means it, too. Even from just the one interview they had, she could tell that he had great ambition, and possibly the means to carry it out. ] Good luck, Adachi.

You know you've got my full support.

[sleight_of_hand]

Thank you, Iris. I'm sorry it took this long to put my thoughts to words.

[eloquentness]

Hey, no need to apologize. It takes time to figure out how you're gonna say it.

[ Plus, once he started, he was great! ]

It's like my professors used to say: the first draft is never, ever the last.

[canonized_demon]

So if the government doesn't agree to your ideas, you want to have it carried out with vigilante justice? That's a ballsy move kid, -especially- for a cop.

[sleight_of_hand]

As I mentioned before, RISE is an organization recognized by the government. It's less vigilante justice and more trying to find a way for a proper punishment for crimes to be delivered without the 'hero' bias that we're forced to have.

[canonized_demon]

Recognized is different from sanctioned omae...not I necessarily disagree. Sometimes you gotta work around the rules.

[She didn't so much work around rules as shatter them willy-nilly, but baby steps.]

[Video]

[generalgrievous]

An interesting speech...

Is this your true face? Your true thoughts and feelings on these matters?

[His tone is contemplative and curious. This is a different Adachi than he's used to seeing but from recent events, to him, it seems that their relationship is changing and gaining more of an understanding.]

[sleight_of_hand]

Not used to seeing me out of detective mode, hunh?

[ He can't help but grin a little; he didn't blame the guy one bit. ]

I'm not going to be naive and say that my opinions aren't going to change as time goes on and circumstances change, but yeah, this is the real me. Or at least the 'me' I'm trying to be.

[generalgrievous]

Then I wish you luck with your goals.

[He appears subdued, even a little sad. Yet gravely polite.]

[video]

[codeofiron]

["Just normal," huh? The attention is one of the worst aspects of living here, for Brandon. The apparent expectation and evident admiration even though he's done nothing.]

A "permanent installation"?

[sleight_of_hand]

Yes; like, um...

[ Adachi paused, his face scrunched in thought. ]

America on my world had these little youth centers that had different kinds of activities going on. There was a song about it, I think.

But the idea is a gathering place where natives and imPorts can meet up regularly as equals.

[codeofiron]

[He's seen a few charity institutions set things like that up, back home. Most didn't last, but that didn't mean the idea was bad.

Brandon nods.]

A place would be good. [A pause, before he elaborates.] Since people come and go a lot.

[Video]

[itcanwait]

If you get the position I'd love to work with you for non-human imports. And if I get in, the invitation to help goes to you too.

I like your point on tougher punishment, I think that one's pretty important too.

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Don't mind the dorky smile, Tailgate. Robots are cool. Even weird ones that wear mesh and apparently have robot boyfriends. ]

I'd be happy to help.

And yeah; I've seen quite a few people get away with some nasty stuff. [ LIKE CRANE. ] It needs to stop.

video;

[attainment]

[So, in other words...improved imPort-native relations, more support for trauma victims and non-humans in their own community, and harsher sentences for imPort criminals.

They're mostly things Barnaby has heard before. Unfortunately, many of these issues don't seem likely to significantly change. But he can't fault people for trying...even if Adachi's nervous energy doesn't usually lend itself well to politics.

One thing in particular does stand out, however. And Barnaby can't help but chime in with a question of his own:]

When you say you'd like natives to view us as normal, whose version of "normal" do you mean?

video;

[sleight_of_hand]

Just... respect us. Acknowledge us as human, or in the case of someone who isn't, respect the fact that where they come from, they are what's normal.

[ He paused. ]

I guess, basically, don't label us as separate from who we are as people just because the government is enforcing this 'hero' role on us.

video;

[attainment]

Just because an imPort exists in this world, doesn't mean natives should expect them to put themselves in harm's way. That's what you're saying, correct?

[A sentiment he agrees with, quite honestly. But he's not sure if improved relations between imPorts and natives would be enough to change any of those labels.

With that in mind, then adds:]

What are your thoughts on registration, in that case?

[Text]

[stretchy_girl]

Shh don't tell anyone because it's supposed to be a secret ballot, but I voted for you Tohru.

:D

[Text]

[sleight_of_hand]

You probably shouldn't say that publicly, but thanks. I appreciate it.

Re: [Text]

[stretchy_girl]

You're welcome!

video.

[functusofficio]

[ Her smile is small but pleased. ]

This is much closer to the sort of approach I would expect from you and your intelligence. And I have to say, some of these ideas are quite interesting. I do not completely agree with you on them all, but there's real merit in most of them.

I'm interested in the idea of helping Imports arriving who suffer from the trauma of death -- it seems like it would be something that could be done under the purview of Chilton's hospital, but I am hoping to bring more attention to that. I'm glad it's something you've considered as well.

video.

[sleight_of_hand]

That means a lot, coming from you.

[ Look, he gets that she's not interested, but that doesn't mean he can't be a little bit of a flirt. ]

I've... known a few people who've gone through this, and they've basically just had to deal. They shouldn't have to; they need help to cope, probably on the same level as PTSD sufferers.