[Video]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ The video starts a little earlier than Adachi intended, because he's still trying to arrange the communicator on his desk. Riza's not making it easy for him, trying to get him to pet her instead of messing with his comm. He let out a faint noise, picking her up and placing her on his lap, the desk just hiding her from view. Her head popped up immediately, looking happy as Adachi reached to turn on the video, only to pause. ]

...oh, it's on...

[ His face turned red as he settled back in his seat, reaching down to push Riza's head back down. Adachi cleared his throat then, taking a deep breath as he put himself in serious mode. ]

Uh... well, this should have come up sooner, but I was trying to clear out any open cases I had before I made it official.

[ And the new ones that popped up. You all have some deep seated issues. Just sayin'. ]

So, I'm running for ambassador again, pretty much on the same platform as before, and the OTO's recent actions make it even more obvious that we need to work together with the natives more than ever. That they need to be on our side when the inevitable happens. Because they're not going to settle for just a failed nuclear strike, and we don't know if the next time will give us multiple second chances to get right.

I think that starts with revamping the registration system. Not all of us that are forced here are heroes or even hero material. Some of us don't even have powers that would be effective in a fight, yet the population sees us all as heroes, regardless. It's my intention to work with the government to encourage a 'hero system' that will separate those that can and will fight from those that don't want to.

That's the main goal, but there's more I want to do. I still want to ensure that imPorts coming in will be able to receive proper mental health assistance, particularly those that are coming in after death, or after a traumatic event. I also still want to make it easier for non-humans to not only have their own spaces, but have access to the items they need to survive. Just those two things are a lot on their own, and I would want to work with Ambassador Amidala and Ambassador Galla to make this happen.

[ He let out a breath, and Riza's head popped up from under the desk again, looking around for who dad was talking to. Adachi reached down, pushing her back down. ]

Considering recent events, I should address the elephant in the room while I'm at it. Some time in the last year, I admitted publicly that I murdered two women back home. I could give you a sob story about trying to keep the life I was promised on track, but it would be a bullshit excuse, even if it is true. The point is, I did something horrible, and if this place were different, I'd still be in prison for what I did.

But it isn't, and I was left trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life. If it weren't for the others I've met here, and the chances I've had, I doubt I'd be much different from what I was. I owe those people everything, even if the circumstances of our interactions weren't the greatest. And because of this, I've done more with my life here to make up for what I've done than I would have been able to do back home.

[ He let out another breath, Riza's head popping back up again. Adachi let out a sigh, reaching down to pet her head instead of pushing her down again. ]

So... that's it. That's why I'm working so hard, and why I'm doing this; I think this is the next step in my life to work toward. If you guys have any questions, just let me know.

[ He reached over to turn off the communicator, only for Riza to jump up a bit and grab his hand in her mouth. She didn't grab him hard, and was just holding his hand in her mouth. He looked down at her, exasperated. ]

...really?

[ Riza's tail came up, wagging happily in response. ]

Comments

Video

[lastofthebog]

[ Today, Galla is seated in a minimalist armchair in front of a set of bay windows, a steaming mug of some warm drink sitting on the sill beside her. ]

I had wondered when we would be hearing from you. [ She smiles tightly, much less combative now that they aren't in competition, but still hesitant given his sudden confession here. ] I am intrigued by your stance on mental health and your decision to join my stance on registration reform, however... [ The smile fades into a much more grim look. ]

I will admit I am no stranger to taking a life. I have lived through wars, sat in trials, acted in the defense of myself and others. It is always a dreadful undertaking no matter the necessity, however. [ Her brow creases, a frown settling into place. ] By your confession, it does not seem that you believe your actions to have been anything other than a crime.

Why should we place our trust in you rather than one of your law-abiding competitors? What, exactly, have you done to atone for your actions?

Video

[sleight_of_hand]

[ He expected her to show up, and he spares her a small smile. Though it doesn't last long, knowing the seriousness of what he was saying here. ]

That's because it was a senseless crime, Galla. There's no excuse for what I did, and I was done trying to come up with one a long time ago.

But it's why I've been working so hard as a PI, and I've stepped up when things have gotten bad. But more than that, I started before I arrived in this world. I've said I've kicked god in the face before -- that wasn't an exaggeration or a joke. When a god tried to destroy my world, I stepped up to help.

[ He let out a breath. ]

...the kid that captured me can vouch for me on that. He was there then, and he's here now.

[lastofthebog]

A child stopped you? A man who fought a god? He must be quite an impressive young man.

[ She inclines her head, thoughtful and curious at once. ]

What is his name?

Text

[urbanwhizkid]

[You know he actually gave the announcement a chance. Listened, with an attitude and a whole bunch of yeah sure whatever you say, but then Adachi reminded them all about the announcer and Saki and yeah any chance he had at Yosuke's vote went out the window. Sorry his shit reasons for murder are still killer.

So he gets the text response instead.]

No.

Text

[sleight_of_hand]

[ He's... honestly surprised he answered. ]

I don't expect you to support me, Hanamura. I wouldn't ask that of you.

Text

[urbanwhizkid]

At least you have some sense then after all.

Who knew?

Text - Private to Yosuke

[izanyagi]

[Yu was not going to step in. He can't completely understand Yosuke's pain, but at one point he has to speak to him, least Yosuke ends up in a hole like Adachi had dug himself into.]

Partner, do you need to talk?

Text - Private to Yu

[urbanwhizkid]

No, not at all.

[Can you hear the sarcasm in that text Yu?]

[ Video ]

[motorcycle_noises]

[ For his part, Tatsuya's sitting in a darkened room, the distant sounds of a video game playing in the background. There's something silver and glinting in his hand— a zippo lighter, if you look carefully enough. ]

How are you qualified to do the job? Especially after.....

[ After all those crimes you've just admitted to, though apparently not for the first time. ]

[ Video ]

[sleight_of_hand]

I was a detective back home, and I continued to work as a PI here; I know the law inside and out. Both sides of it.

[ Because seeing just how shitty the police really are gives you a whole different perspective. Especially when you're the one getting the shit beat out of you for telling the truth. ]

I've been a PI here for a year and a half. I've worked with a lot of people in that time, between other imPorts to native officials.

[motorcycle_noises]

So with your understanding of the way the law works, especially the way the law here works, you'd be able to move within the system to achieve your goals better?

[ There's an interested lilt to his tone. Tatsuya's got a pretty decent understanding of the police himself— both his brother and his father have been officers at some point in their lives. ]

[crimeboy]

[Akira sends a photo of himself with sunglasses on, flipping him off with both hands as he smiles, then just texts]

i already voted for u, nerd

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Akira please. ]

lol thanks son

[crimeboy]

yw dad

video;

[cognitivism]

An interesting point -- has anyone addressed the mental health of imPorts? It is a touchy subject. [ In America. In Japan-- no one likes to talk about demons in a closet. ] This would require a lot of work to find those qualified to assess the mental health and may become more invasive then needed. HIPPA may not apply to imPorts and may make the registration process more prominent in the minds of the government.

[ He smiles, however. Rather proud of the fact he's comfortable enough to come out and admit his crimes from home. Perhaps one day he'll have the courage for the same. ]

This is certainly a much better presentation of your platform then your previous run. Good luck, Adachi.

video;

[sleight_of_hand]

Yeah; it's a pretty big task. That's why if we do manage to get it off the ground, I want to work with the other ambassadors to make it happen. This way we can make sure all the porter cities are covered.

[ He beamed at the compliment then. ]

Thanks, Goro.

video;

[cognitivism]

There's a lot of things you must question for it -- as in how do you know who is qualified? We're all from different worlds, and each has it's own definition of what the qualifications are for health care providers. Even more so, are we going to work with the government to allow doctors to prescribe medication or just have therapy sessions?

It'll be a daunting task. I hope you are prepared for the amount of research it will take.

[ As much as he'd offer to work for Adachi as an aid, he wonders if that would cause too much of a conflict. ]

video

[izanyagi]

[Well he can't blame him for not trying again, it was admirable.]

Good luck, Adachi-san.

video

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Did he call this or what? Adachi glanced away from the screen, his face turning red. Yeah, thanks, he didn't forget that text message. ]

Uh... y-yeah. Thanks, kid.

[ Kid. Because Yu is a kid. And shouldn't be hitting on adults. ]

[ video ]

[nightmarist]

Jesus, this election's turning out to be a fucking riot.

[ video ]

[sleight_of_hand]

It, uh... is definitely an interesting line-up? Heh...

[ Now that he thought about it, it did kind of look like a no-win situation. Because you had two ex-criminals (one of which was criminally involved in the Constellation, he had no doubt of that), a god that gave of vibes like the gods back home, and... whoever the other guy was. ]

[ This was the kind of line up he'd expect for Maurita Fall ambassador, not De Chima. ]

[nightmarist]

I guess one way to make sure you're never held accountable is to make yourself seemingly indispensable to the imPort community.

[From the tone of his voice, he considers the so-called "imPort community" a joke as well.]

Video

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Jacob is squinting in the video because what is this round of Ambassador candidates even doing? This is the toughest choice he's had to make as an import voter, and not because all the options are really great.]

Well. At least you're being honest about it. That's something.

Video

[sleight_of_hand]

Heh... well, that's the idea.

[ Adachi paused, absently rubbing at the back of his neck. One day that nervous habit will go away. ]

I may be shooting myself in the foot by being honest, but I rather get it out there now.

Video

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Yeah. A typical politician would have tried to cover up the dirt, not air it out like this.

[He folds his arms, eases up on the squinting somewhat.]

So. These people who've helped you change. Any names I should know? A job this big, it helps to have good references.