Difference between revisions of "Mallitics - Part I - RPLOG"
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Mr. Whiskers chortles lightly and says, "Though, I don't think they'll be the ONLY individuals helping with maintaining the peace. So many trained agents these days, it shouldn't be difficult to find trustworthy citizens to step up and help their fellows!" There's a similar murmur of assent before they look to Catty, and the host twirls her mike, nearly dropping it, snatching it tighter before she says, "Mmmn, alright. Any questions specific to individual members or some of the programs that have been in action?" as she looks towards the audience.<br> <br>Miru continues writing down the answers, seemingly not even slightly perturbed by the inflammatory comments of the mayor of Cat Town. The okami purses her lips in deep thought as she hears another deluge of answers, looks like politicians are better at surviving an apocalypse than cockroaches. "May you elaborate on that, Mister Whiskers? Are you asking for more citizen participation in policing, or are you more for establishing other organizations to perform policing in Fairhaven...and if so, is it because the K9s are more independent from Big Three influence?" The okami said as she glanced down her notes again, looks like it will be time to bring out the heavy guns soon. <br> <br>Arthur thought for a moment. True, it was community effor that started making Fairhaven a better place. But what the Colonel and Van Beak seemed to skip was: where the money to get the equipment and pay the people came from? Also, none of them seemed to address his question, if Zephyr owns the means of production, why would they part with it? The same could probably apply over Woodfield and RSX... | Mr. Whiskers chortles lightly and says, "Though, I don't think they'll be the ONLY individuals helping with maintaining the peace. So many trained agents these days, it shouldn't be difficult to find trustworthy citizens to step up and help their fellows!" There's a similar murmur of assent before they look to Catty, and the host twirls her mike, nearly dropping it, snatching it tighter before she says, "Mmmn, alright. Any questions specific to individual members or some of the programs that have been in action?" as she looks towards the audience.<br> <br>Miru continues writing down the answers, seemingly not even slightly perturbed by the inflammatory comments of the mayor of Cat Town. The okami purses her lips in deep thought as she hears another deluge of answers, looks like politicians are better at surviving an apocalypse than cockroaches. "May you elaborate on that, Mister Whiskers? Are you asking for more citizen participation in policing, or are you more for establishing other organizations to perform policing in Fairhaven...and if so, is it because the K9s are more independent from Big Three influence?" The okami said as she glanced down her notes again, looks like it will be time to bring out the heavy guns soon. <br> <br>Arthur thought for a moment. True, it was community effor that started making Fairhaven a better place. But what the Colonel and Van Beak seemed to skip was: where the money to get the equipment and pay the people came from? Also, none of them seemed to address his question, if Zephyr owns the means of production, why would they part with it? The same could probably apply over Woodfield and RSX... | ||
− | While Arthur was lost in thought, the rat-skunk hybrid got the mic and made a very interesting question, "Yo, wassup? So, any of you dudes got, like, plans to bring electricity around? We can't rely on batteries and small generators forever, man! And I mean, like, the whole plan, where to get the cool parts, where to build it up, y'know!"<br> <br>Cookies flicks her tail in annoyance, resolving to let the non-answers speak for themselves to the other survivors present. The message she meant to convey has been conveyed to those who need to hear it. In the meantime, however, her attentions turn in whole to Earnest Hamm, of whom she has kept close tabs on through her less over-the-table connections. More than any of them, Hamm makes her stomach turn. The mocha catgirl eventually takes the microphone and, staring at him dead-on, begins: "Mister Hamm, you recall a little thing called the Jim Crow laws, don't you? What preventative steps would you personally take in the name of equality, acceptance and civility to prevent something like that ever occurring again in the future of our great, COLORFUL country?" The question is a little strange, all things considered, but it's meant for him. Just for him. | + | While Arthur was lost in thought, the rat-skunk hybrid got the mic and made a very interesting question, "Yo, wassup? So, any of you dudes got, like, plans to bring electricity around? We can't rely on batteries and small generators forever, man! And I mean, like, the whole plan, where to get the cool parts, where to build it up, y'know!"<br> <br>Cookies flicks her tail in annoyance, resolving to let the non-answers speak for themselves to the other survivors present. The message she meant to convey has been conveyed to those who need to hear it. In the meantime, however, her attentions turn in whole to Earnest Hamm, of whom she has kept close tabs on through her less over-the-table connections. More than any of them, Hamm makes her stomach turn. The mocha catgirl eventually takes the microphone and, staring at him dead-on, begins: "Mister Hamm, you recall a little thing called the Jim Crow laws, don't you? What preventative steps would you personally take in the name of equality, acceptance and civility to prevent something like that ever occurring again in the future of our great, COLORFUL country?" The question is a little strange, all things considered, but it's meant for him. Just for him.<br> <br>Mr. Whiskers broadens his smile, "That lattermost comment hit it rather nicely on the head. K9 is a subfaction of Zephyr, meaning the group itself is supported rather directly by Zephyr Inc. The organization wouldn't be the police force, but I'm certain its members would do such as part of the community. But, they're not all that large. To police an entire city and more? Tehre would certainly need to be more than just them willing to, and it shouldn't be limited to just them, either. Tehre are plenty who are deserving and able. After all, we four here aren't the government as a whole, either! We're but representatives of those working towards sewing the government together, tlaking with the community, finding out what concerns there are and bringing them to those else who've their skills applied towards making the community better. Like a well-glazed ham, it takes time and many applications of the good, sweet stuff. When working to make many in a kitchen, well, you'd have quite a few chefs, and so long as all know how to apply the glaze, any one of them can check and put it take care of the issue. Just got to organize who's checking and so o and so forth. Governing." |
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+ | Van Beaks chimes after Mr. Whiskers, though addressing the rat's question, "There are efforts along those lines. Research is being done to establish effective resources, like solar power and reestablishing a citywide grid, but such efforts take time. Both the research and the coordination to repair the grid and ensure it'll function with the current climate in-bubble. Thankfully, more and more people are stepping up, and efforts are being coordinated, such as with the sewers and the roadways. It's simply a matter of time before we've returned the city to being amenable with ammenities to all within. Some efforts to clean the streets of the wilder elements would certainly help the efforts," She looks towards Miru, "and, I'm certain dilligent folks earnest in policing would be a boon towards the Fairhaven patrols." Mr. Hamm gives a little chuckle to himself, but Earnest is his name. | ||
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+ | The chuckle does die, though, as Cookies strongarms the poor rat, who falls down limp in a daze under the violence applied. Poor girl, but at least she has a view up Cookies'... breast undersides as they jostle and jiggle with the feline's vehemence. Earnest sets his jaw, an expression of restrained anger crossing, those piggy eyes flashing briefly before he shakes his head, "My dear woman, it's apparent that you wish to take a stab at my checkered past priod to P-Day. For one who doesn't want the politics to be like the past, you certainly are mud-slinging. Yes, I was a member of a hate group. But, I'd seen the error of those ways long ago, prior to even Promethus Day, which we so recently had the anniversary of. Living in the past is a terrible thing, but leanring from it is what is most sage. Since you know that about my past, though, obviosuly from your earlier comments, you deigned pretend you didn't know any of the current, it seems you do live in the past and haven't learned form it yourself. Please, Ms. Mayor, if you would stop making a spectacle and try to be a PART of the community instead of an island, no matter how large and round the island may be." He motions with his hands towards her and cracks a bit of a smile across his prcine face, "I let my actions in the community speak for themself. Have you met my wife? Prior to P-Day, she was a strong, Jamaican-born woman, and today, she's quite the spitfire. I'm thankful we both survived, even if our forms are quite different these days, and she's now a he."<br> <br>Miru quirks a brow at the response before looking at the rat next to her. The okami had certainly kept hold of the microphone for a while, but she was not going to give it up anytime soon. Miru did also afford a glance to Cookies acting on certain information, and the okami did make an effort to note down Hamm's apparent 'redemption', need to look his wife up now. With the answers done, the lithe canine eyed the fat cat like a predator ready to pounce. "First of all, Mister Whiskers...the K9 unit are beholden to the Prommies, thus the idea that they are supplied by Zephyr is a falsehood unworthy of you. Furthermore, it is public knowledge by now that the K9s are supplied mostly by their current rich chief, and supporting subfactions. However, the message in essence is admirable. We should not allow one single group control the police force." Miru said as she licked her supple lips, "But while we are at the topic of police officers and glazing ham. You are known to be a connoisseur of fine foods. Apparently, this hobby of yours have led you to skim from public funds in Eureka. Can you please address the authenticity of these accusations?" <br> <br>Arthur listened to the answers. Again, a lot of talk and little actual information. 'We're working on it' is as good as nothing. The rat-skunk dude besides him wasn't satisfied either, but simply decided to leave, seeing that all there was going to be there was honeyed words, community action this, effort that. | ||
+ | The catfight between Cookies and Hamm seemed to suddenly swing in the pig's favor, given how he maintained his cool. Old way politics, that's not the problem, he knows the problem lies in that big tower in the middle of the city. They control too much stuff, tangible and not. He decided to stay to see if there was anything else worth listening to, but his hopes weren't high.<br> <br>Noragnir listens to the various replies watching as one of the runners passed hir up in the crowd, and so this shi spread hir wings to get his attention. Shi took the mike bring it to hir lips as hir eyes scan the four. "This is for the one with the most medical experiance." Shi says softly as hir tail flicks around hir causing a few people near hir to jump back. "I am a trained doctor, and I have noticed the city only has one real hospital. With a few trauma rooms scattered here and there." Shi says softly taking a breath a bit of smoke escaping hir mouth. "Are there plans to put together more well put together medical centers?"<br> <br>Cookies, a little more politely this time, takes the microphone as it comes her way, arching her brow sharply. "Mister Hamm, while I can appreciate why this line of questioning might evoke such an emotionally charged response, I don't appreciate that comment about my pregnancy one bit. Unless that was meant to refer to the breasts I feed literal dozens of children with, of course, which is no better." She grits her teeth for a moment, then continues. "Furthermore, taking your 'checkered past' into consideration, my question is very important to you and your future as a political figurehead in Fairhaven, is it not? This is not an attempted assassination of your character, sir. This is a perfect platform for you to make your new ideologies completely clear to everyone who may have very legitimate concerns." She tugs on her cheongsam emphatically and good GOD those tits bounce hypnotically. "So I'd like to reiterate: What steps are you going to take, as a literal reformed member of the KKK and thus someone who is clearly knowledgeable on the effects of prejudice in a community and the operation of such groups, to prevent hate groups from establishing a hold on Fairhaven and the government you plan to help build? Anti-mutant groups and species supremacists are prominent in the world of today, and growing. They will have a vested interest in a new government. You can help us combat them with your experience, can you not? So how are you going to move forward with that?" The mic is passed, again, more gently than before. She's trying really hard to keep her cool under this pressure, but she is such an enormous hot-head.<br> <br>"But, I work primarily in Clairmont and Fairhaven, when did-," Mr. Whiskers says before his eyes widen as recollection hits him. A sour expression touches across Earnest's features, and he looks towards Van Beak. With a click of her beak, she says, "So... that would explain where the petty cash had been dissappearing to. I'd thought it was one of the interns getting those extravagent snacks that all those receits were for." Her eyes pinch on either side of the base of her beak, and the puffin's shoulders roll, "You're going to have to settle with those receits, Mr. Whiskers, at the very least... or, is there anything else we should be aware of...?" Her head tilts a bit, scrutnizing him. Rather than taking this somewhere private, it seems the others are fine with an open airing of what might have happened. | ||
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+ | The flustered feline furrows his lips, "But, but... have you even /tried/ the food at that little deli on 5th? It's so divine, I..." He stops and then lets out a heavy sigh, "No... no, you are right. I fully intended to pay back the petty cash, I swear! I mean, isn't that what it's there for?" "Though the proper channels, yes," admonishes Van Beak, clacking her beak, "and, we certainly will get it settled to rights, but, there are still other concerns to be answered." Anotehr couple clacks of irritation from the Puffin before Earnest gives her a light pat on the shoulder in reassurance from teh shock. | ||
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+ | Colonel McGruff peels back her lips a moment before shaking her head, and she then leans in, "To answer the question about the Medical Centers... with how the nanites work, serious injuries seem to be the worst issues as opposed to casual incidents. Making sure there are hospitals to help treat those serious injuries as well as transport to bring those hurt to them is always a high concern with the issues of aggressive ferals. Even with the policing of the streets, incidents could still occur, and there are always the areas outside of the city, nearby, who might need to come in and seek attention." She adjsuts her coat and scoots in close to the table again, the recent debaucle still fresh on her mind as she does her best to compose herself, hand reflexvively brushing across a spot in ehr coat worn from there often being something beneath but not present now, perhaps a square item form teh shape of teh worn spot. She continues in her husky voice, "As for the K9, I'm certainly of agreement with your sentiment," and she motions towards Miru, "that no private group should be in charge of such a role, no matter how wealthy and capable. It'd be like having a private security company with its own internal politics and rulings serving as the police to a city. That wouldn't take a good enough bite out of crime without strings being attachedd, and we want to avoid that." | ||
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+ | As she sits back, Earnest leans forwards, addressing Cookies, "Thank you, Ms. Mayor. I appreciate the opportunity to address your question. The easiest part of that is because thsoe involved in the government are so diverse to begin with, but, even then, there are those such as myself who would be able to recognize such hateful actions or policies, such segragatory injustices, and I would be among those to voice against it. We wish for this to be a true, representative government and not like those of the past that claimed as much, only to use electorals and others underhanded tactics of pushing their own agendas and interests. I believe in a transparent government... Thus, in cases as with Mr. Whiskers, there is at least a paper trail." There's a little squint as he gives the feline a hard look, and Mr. Whiskers seems chagrined.<br> <br>Miru quickly juts down some more notes as the ever so wonderful representatives resolve everything in public. "So, there will be no investigation to see if there is more embezzlement occurring, nor are we discussing how if there is a paper trial has this not been discovered before? Also, what independent body do you have to deal with such cases?" The okami asks, cheerful as always. "Furthermore, how come all the representatives here today are linked to Zephyr Inc. The Prometheans do also share Fairhaven, and they are even more numerous than agents and employees for Zephyr, how come none of the representatives here today represent their interests?" Miru added quickly, journalist just trying to get answers here, not insinuating for corporate interest at all.<br> <br>Arthur decided to leave, as he wasn't going to learn anything useful there. Seeing the fat tiger admitting to his gluttony with embezzled money was totally worth it, though. And those lovely, gigantic breasts of the Cat Town mayor, oh boy, that's enough to dream about for a whole month! He certainly wanted to try his luck, but given how hot headed and angry Cookies looked, he knew it'd end up badly for him. That journalist girl was doing a great job, he thought, given how well informed she was. Might be a good idea to try and get info with her in the future. But alas, all those things would have to wait, he had other things to do.<br> <br>Noragnir sighs at the answer shi got from the colonel on the topic of medical centers had been what shi expected. Shi exhaled a small cloud of freezing shadows hir tail flicking in annoyance as she waves to the person with the mike. "Colonel don't you think it might be a bad idea to build our medical facilities on how the nanites work now that could very well change suddenly?" Shi asks her tail waving slowly again hir voice clear of any emotion. "After all supernatural forces walk the world again they could easily unleash something nanites couldn't just fix."<br> <br>Cookies does still give Hamm an untrusting, sideways sort of glare. Hard for her to believe that some redneck skinhead could turn around, but before P-day it wasn't something she'd ever really seen in her life, and the hard-headed cat is so set in her own ways she's pretty sure everyone else must be, too. She can't help but notice Miru working it like a pro, though, soon staring in a mix of admiration and perplexment at the reporter for maybe a little too long. Finally, she's settled down enough to ask another, more neutral question when she gets her hands on the mic again: "How will the representatives handle sovereign entities within the bounds of the bubble, such as Cat Town? To that end, just how much of Fairhaven is planned to come under the new establishment's jurisdiction, both initially and eventually?"<br> <br>"Oh, there WILL be an investigation done," says Van Beaks with a tart look towards Mr. Whiskers, "and, the ledgers read the petty cash withdrawals, and the end-day amounts matched up. Unfortunately, the signature was less legible than it should have been, but, it was petty cash. It was interesting that the signature was different from the normal one used by Mr. Whiskers here, though, but it WILL be investigated." She looks towards Miru, the puffin's cutely chubby sheeks working at a smile, but beaks make it difficult, "at present, it's peer-monitoring and enforcement through trust and responsibilities. The less trustworthy a person, the less responsibilities given and the more peers will monitor them. We're working to create an internal affairs group, but the need to maintain tranparency while working such makes for difficulties ironing out the details." | ||
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+ | Colonel McGruff speaks up to take up the next portions of the reporter's questions, "The venue itself is part of it, and the fact that we're not trying to distinguish ourselves as to what factions we've been in, too. This isn't the only talks occuring, and other representatives are speaking in other areas of the city at various locations at various times. All the better to get a wider sample of interests. So many different schedules exist and so many sub-factions and sub-cultures are around the city. To really, truly effectively represent all the people, we have to less focus on factions and more on the people within them. There will be talks over at New Dawn directly, and it's best to have some more local to the area of the venue for the talks there." | ||
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+ | And she takes a look over at Noragnir and blinks, ... How the nanites functions would change? I'm not sure what you're talking about, there. Their function's been fairly the same, and our usage of them's only advanced. Thanks to developments, we have the ability for qualified, trained users to repair decapitation, something unheard of prior to P-Day. If some changes should occur in the funciton of nanites, then, yes, there would certainly be efforts, but since we're focusing on the more severe cases, the easier cases of daily ills are quite possible with clinics rather than hospitals. So, if such a hypothetical thing were to occur, those who need check-ups for the normal sicknesses and such can be established rather easily enough by comparison to hospitals." | ||
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+ | Earnest nods at Cookies' question, and he says, "Since everything is being built around a sense of community, a sense of people working to aid people to not just survive, but to live together, we would encourage those within our city to respect our wishes and the peace we're trying to maintain. Diplomacy is always the best option, but the need for a police force is part of what happens when diplomacy would fail, such as with the ferals, but with less hostility, I would hope, since both parties can speak and work together. The focus would be to protect the people. As for the nearby areas, that will depend on the local governments and how they decide. If they want to work more closely with what we're developing or maintain their autonomy. I, personally, hope that we all can work together and build a network of smaller communities into a larger one still to the benefit of all, but there's no forcing that sort of thing." | ||
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+ | Catty pipes up, "Representatives, people of Fairhaven attending, I'm sorry to say that the time has grown long, nd we have to cut for a recess! Don't worry, though. There will be more time for your questions later!" She dances across the stage, a little spin in her step, and she nearly trips herself on the microphone's cord, but she hops a few times before disentangling herself, "Please enjoy the Mall's vendors and be sure to come back when you hear the gong!"[[Category:RPLogs]] |
Latest revision as of 04:51, 20 January 2018
Participants
Date
19/1/2018
Log
The usual murmur and hub-bub of the Mall's at a higher kilter to helter skelter as various of the Mall Rats bum about with a few actually being productive with the sound equipment and lights. There must have been promises of some good herb or scrap. A long table is set up on the rugged stage, and four seats are occupied.
The first is a Plump Tiger with a snug-fitting two-piece suit hugging his form and a pair of glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. In front of him is a sign reading "Mr. Whiskers". Beside him, next in line, is a Puffin in like attire, her colorful bill quite festive in comparison to her business suit attire. Before her is a sign reading "James Van Beak". A Prim Piggy dressed in an old white suit with navy vest and a string tie sits next, and before him is a sign reading "Earnest Hamm", and in the last seat is a woman in a dusky trench coat and rumpled dress shirt, a Hound with a ready smile on her jowled lips. Before ehr is a sign reading "Colonel McGruff".
Overseeing the guests on stage and the crowd that's grown and milled before the Mall stage is a Fluffy Kitten with especially full, fluffy fur and hair both. She speaks into a handheld microphone, "Hello! Hello! Is this thing on? Hi there! I'm Catty Grantson, and here we have several of the leading figures in the growing political climate. Today, we're going to have a public debate where you, the audience will be posting questions. In a few minutes, we'll be pulling form the crowd for questions. How is everyone today?" Her voice chipper and ecstatic.
Miru is already there! The okami is a flurry of activity as she makes phone calls to get information about those supposed ?leading figures?, and go over her notes. This journalist was dead set on making this first batch of would be politicians receive the full attention of the citizens of Fairhaven. At the moment, Miru was standing as near to the stage as possible, camera in hand and taking some pictures.
Arthur heard that there was going to be a debate with politicians. He wasn't sure what that was all about, as he didn't think any of that would actually matter, given how Zephyr seemed to have the true power in the region. Still, might be worth listening to them and, who knows, maybe he can ask some hard questions.
Arriving there, the dark elf found a lot more people than he expected. Maybe because it was inside Mall Rat territory, or maybe people actually expected something useful to come out of it. He tried to get as close as possible to the stage, in case he decided to lift his hand to ask anything.
Noragnir moves quietly through the crowd the dragoness making sure hir wings were pulled tight to her to avoid the crowd. Shi had co,e after hearing of the news of a political figures something shi remember from before p-day. Shi could only hope this group would not be like the once she remembered from her youth, but shi knew something like war never changed.
Cookies is among the crowd, dressed in a black, silken cheongsam with an intricate, twisting floral design in gold. She looks none too pleased, arms crossed under her enormous bosom and amethyst eyes locked on the stage in an icy and evaluating stare, but she remains quiet for the time being. By the look on her face, there's no doubt she's got uncomfortable questions brewing in that pretty kitty head of hers already.
Some of the crowd actually respond with cheers and cat-calls and wolf-whistles, amongst other animal-namesaked oral antics, at the announcer's active warming up for them whilst others simply mill and look around. On the stage, Catty flounces with her assets jouncing within her snug attire, crossing across the length of the stage to address the audience furthest stage left, "Alrighty, then, as you can see, we've a couple runners in the audience. Just raise your hand if you've a question, and one of our runners will get to you with a mike for your question!" She points out to several of the more dilligent rats about the audeience area, walking back across the stage while pointing them out.
OThe foursome shift about in their seats with Earnest smoothing down his lapels and the Colonel adjusting her coat. Van Beak adjusts the microphone in front of her to make sure it's angled suitably to her beak. Catty moves center stage again, "So, let's see a show of hands! Who has any pressing questions about the shifting climate in politics today? Please make sure to say which attendee or attendees you're addressing before asking the question when the mike reaches you!"
Miru put her camera away as the event begins to pick up steam. The reporter gives the crowd a scanning gaze, noting the mayor of Cat Town among others before she looks back at the stage. The moment the cat mentions questions, Miru immediately bites her lower lip in poorly masked excitement as she energetically jumps up and down with her hand raised, at least that makes up for her short height. ?Reporting for INU, I have several questions!? She says in her melodic, accented voice.
Arthur waited a bit for others to make their questions before he raised his hand. It took a while, but he was in luck, as one of the rats approached him and gave him the mic. "Uh, hello? Hello, um, so, my name's Arthur and, uh, I'd like to ask how much, er, how much work can an elected government do before Zephyr steps in and dictates what should or should not be done." For some reason, the elf felt a rush in his heart after making that question, which might explain his slight stutter.
Noragnir frowns in thought raising a clawed hand to have one of the runners come up to hir handing the mike over. "Yes this is for all of you just what kind of programs do you have planned with sane survivors who aren't linked with one of the big three?"
?First question, to all four candidates, the four of you are linked to Zephyr. And so far a good number of survivors have showed interest in forming new governments with more independence from the Big Three. Aren?t your links a deterrent to achieving this goal?? Miru said as she opened her notebook in preparation for the answers.
Cookies lifts a hand and waits for the mic to come her way. Once it's in her hands, those eyes move from one politician- one walking, talking joke- to the next. "Hello. I am the Mayor of Cat Town, Cookies. This is for each attendee," she states flatly. "Who are you, that bear so few scars? Where were you, while the rest of us were sifting through the ashes of America, and who are you to take the reigns when so many of us have fought and bled and died for our communities?" She clutches the microphone a little tighter for a moment, choking back gods-only-know how much more vitriol before handing it off.
The questions are listened to, and those on stage nod. Since all were addressed with them, Earnest Hamm looks to the others and asks, "Mind if I start in?" His voice has a distinctly Southern twang to it, but softened due to time on the coast. The others give their assent readily enough, and Earnest leans closer to the mike, "I think I can safely say that most of us up here are only beholden to Zephyr in that we survived because of them and have been using their resources for the past decade. When it comes to a government body, a true government, the corporate entity is not a part of that. In fact, with some of my work in other cities, the towns are becoming more self-sufficient, and Fairhaven has become truly top among them. Once we've stabilized, there will be no need to be under ephr's resources, and we can be as our own entity, a community." He motions towards Noragnir, "This will benefit expecially those who've been surviving on their own without the benefits of those resources provided by the factions. But, of course, any such community will have its laws, regulartions and such in order to maintain the support for all beholden to that community."
Sitting back, he looks to his companions to see if any of the others want to add anything. Mr. Whiskers leans in, levelling his microphone, "To add onto Mr. Hamm's statements, to be a government on its own is to not be a part of Zephyr's faction. At least, not in the sense of them making laws, policies or anything of the sort. Within the beginning, there may be some conflicts of views, but we're already working to garner resources and better the city so we need not rely on the Corporation entity."
With that, Van Beaks and Colonel McGruff give like assent, nodding before the most aggressive question is addressed. It's Earnest who speaks up again, "As for your concerns towards who we are and why we've been working to help establish the government, Ms. Cat Town Mayor," there's a hint of mirth in his voice when he says that, "we are those who've been helping the community for some time. Not in the aggressions of combat like the majority of agents have done, but as voices of the people. Several of us are members who've worked in the clinics and education in Eruka, Clairmont, and other growing recivilized areas. We're just doing what we have already been doing for a decade, now, or weren't you aware?"
The others give a like nod beofre looking to Catty. Taking the cue, she turns to the Audience, "Alright! More questions, more questions! Let's here them, folks!"
Miru is a flurry of activity as she hits down the questions and their answers, glancing the question-askers as well briefly to note everyone of them. With the first set done, Miru takes the mic again and eyes the four politicians, server ell, next question. Given that all four of you seem to be connected to Fairhaven...please tell us what is your opinion on the K9s, and how would you try to incorporate them into any new government in this city?sow economicScreenings
Arthur looked over to each person as they made their questions and was doubly surprised when he heard of the Cat Town mayor, first for the title, second for the huge size of her breasts! Oh, what he wouldn't give to lose himself there! It took a good five seconds before he managed to shake away the lusty thoughts, though anyone who paid attention to him noticed the obvious arousal.
As he listened to the answers, he found them... Less than satisfactory. Although he wanted to press the case further, he didn't he'd be chosen again, but the mutant to his right, a rat-skunk hybrid, wanted him to get picked again. "Hey, hey dude, why don't you ask them how they expect to get independant from zee if they're the ones supplying stuff?" Arthur gave some thought to that and kept his hand up until the mic came over again.
"Uh, sorry for kinda pressing in on this, but, um, where do you expect to get most stuff? I mean, Zephyr still has, uh, they still have most of the working technology, they kinda have a monopoly on supplying stuff that works, won't that be a problem? I mean, I mean, why would they help when they could simply force everyone to rely on them for most things?" The elf was worried that he sounded rather dumb asking that, like he didn't pay proper attention to the answer given. Might as well shut up for the moment.
Noragnir frowns at the answers her tail tapping the ground a sign of annoyance that didn't show on hir face. Shi had been right they were just like the politicians from before p-day, and it drove hor mad as shi raised hir hand once more to take a mic. "I was born before p-day and remember how the goverment was back then, but this is a new world are you going back to that old way, and if so do you really think that wise given how diffrent the world now is?"
Cookies waits a little less than patiently for her next turn with the microphone. It's practically snatched out of the hands of the person bringing it around. "Eureka, Clairmont, 'recivilized areas'. So in other words, you've been working in the places with the least risk and the highest reward, where the help is the most abundant?" She narrows her eyes in an intense glare. "Exactly what do any of you on this stage know about life outside the comfort of walls and constables that qualifies you to make determinations for people like us? People who've been living and scrounging in the literal ruins of a country destroyed by an incautious government, run by wealthy men and talking heads?" She gestures to the mall in general. "What do you know that a man like, say, Rod doesn't understand a hundred times better about what WE want and need?" The microphone basically has to be pried from her hands by the time she's finished. She's still seething, but she's making an effort to calm herself down.
This time, Colonel McGruff speaks up, the woman's voice rather husky and deep, "In case you aren't aware, there have been strong efforts to farm, to irrigate, to clean the sewers and roadways. Have you noticed how pleasant the roads are these days? The lowering costs of goods and transport? We've been working to do this as a community. I'm sure many of you are particpating in it like we are, too. We're not some 'upper tier' or anything like that. We're just using our talents to govern and guide for all of our benefit."
She scoots her seat in a bit, straightening herself up, and Van Beaks chimes in nasally, "This can't be the old government, intrinsically. We've no executive office or electoral college or anything of the sort. This is a government more like what exists within a city, with a council of representatives of the community who listen to the community and take in their concerns and use their experience nad know-how in order to function and enable the community to grow and prosper. Much of the efforts being done aren't being done with Zephyr's funds, but with the efforts of various individuals as part of this city, not as members of the corporation."
Colonel McGruff seems about to respond to the reporters questions about the K9 before Cookies' inflammatory statements come again, and she gives a shake of her head, replying in her husky voice, "Ms. Mayor, just because we've worked on places that were hewn from the same chaos in areas that WEREN'T supported so directly by a corporation like Zephyr, you think they were easier? I'm not sure where you're drawing your logic, but, no, that wasn't the case. And, after they prospered, do you think we only worked there? Please, give the community more credit and less accusations without founding." She motions to the rat near Cookies, "If you've no actual questions rather than unsubstantiated accusations and outright slander, please, let others who have genuine questions about how to help the community have a chance."
After that, she turns her attention back towards Miru, and her husky voice has a more amiable tone when speaking to the reporter, "I've personally seen some of the work the K9 sub-faction has been doing in efforts to maintain the peace. Granted, some of their members have done some questionable acts in the past, but with their shift in leadership, they seem to have gotten the issues under hand. It's wonderful to see citizens on patrol, and I'm certain such dedicated individuals will be a boon to the burgeoning community."
Mr. Whiskers chortles lightly and says, "Though, I don't think they'll be the ONLY individuals helping with maintaining the peace. So many trained agents these days, it shouldn't be difficult to find trustworthy citizens to step up and help their fellows!" There's a similar murmur of assent before they look to Catty, and the host twirls her mike, nearly dropping it, snatching it tighter before she says, "Mmmn, alright. Any questions specific to individual members or some of the programs that have been in action?" as she looks towards the audience.
Miru continues writing down the answers, seemingly not even slightly perturbed by the inflammatory comments of the mayor of Cat Town. The okami purses her lips in deep thought as she hears another deluge of answers, looks like politicians are better at surviving an apocalypse than cockroaches. "May you elaborate on that, Mister Whiskers? Are you asking for more citizen participation in policing, or are you more for establishing other organizations to perform policing in Fairhaven...and if so, is it because the K9s are more independent from Big Three influence?" The okami said as she glanced down her notes again, looks like it will be time to bring out the heavy guns soon.
Arthur thought for a moment. True, it was community effor that started making Fairhaven a better place. But what the Colonel and Van Beak seemed to skip was: where the money to get the equipment and pay the people came from? Also, none of them seemed to address his question, if Zephyr owns the means of production, why would they part with it? The same could probably apply over Woodfield and RSX...
While Arthur was lost in thought, the rat-skunk hybrid got the mic and made a very interesting question, "Yo, wassup? So, any of you dudes got, like, plans to bring electricity around? We can't rely on batteries and small generators forever, man! And I mean, like, the whole plan, where to get the cool parts, where to build it up, y'know!"
Cookies flicks her tail in annoyance, resolving to let the non-answers speak for themselves to the other survivors present. The message she meant to convey has been conveyed to those who need to hear it. In the meantime, however, her attentions turn in whole to Earnest Hamm, of whom she has kept close tabs on through her less over-the-table connections. More than any of them, Hamm makes her stomach turn. The mocha catgirl eventually takes the microphone and, staring at him dead-on, begins: "Mister Hamm, you recall a little thing called the Jim Crow laws, don't you? What preventative steps would you personally take in the name of equality, acceptance and civility to prevent something like that ever occurring again in the future of our great, COLORFUL country?" The question is a little strange, all things considered, but it's meant for him. Just for him.
Mr. Whiskers broadens his smile, "That lattermost comment hit it rather nicely on the head. K9 is a subfaction of Zephyr, meaning the group itself is supported rather directly by Zephyr Inc. The organization wouldn't be the police force, but I'm certain its members would do such as part of the community. But, they're not all that large. To police an entire city and more? Tehre would certainly need to be more than just them willing to, and it shouldn't be limited to just them, either. Tehre are plenty who are deserving and able. After all, we four here aren't the government as a whole, either! We're but representatives of those working towards sewing the government together, tlaking with the community, finding out what concerns there are and bringing them to those else who've their skills applied towards making the community better. Like a well-glazed ham, it takes time and many applications of the good, sweet stuff. When working to make many in a kitchen, well, you'd have quite a few chefs, and so long as all know how to apply the glaze, any one of them can check and put it take care of the issue. Just got to organize who's checking and so o and so forth. Governing."
Van Beaks chimes after Mr. Whiskers, though addressing the rat's question, "There are efforts along those lines. Research is being done to establish effective resources, like solar power and reestablishing a citywide grid, but such efforts take time. Both the research and the coordination to repair the grid and ensure it'll function with the current climate in-bubble. Thankfully, more and more people are stepping up, and efforts are being coordinated, such as with the sewers and the roadways. It's simply a matter of time before we've returned the city to being amenable with ammenities to all within. Some efforts to clean the streets of the wilder elements would certainly help the efforts," She looks towards Miru, "and, I'm certain dilligent folks earnest in policing would be a boon towards the Fairhaven patrols." Mr. Hamm gives a little chuckle to himself, but Earnest is his name.
The chuckle does die, though, as Cookies strongarms the poor rat, who falls down limp in a daze under the violence applied. Poor girl, but at least she has a view up Cookies'... breast undersides as they jostle and jiggle with the feline's vehemence. Earnest sets his jaw, an expression of restrained anger crossing, those piggy eyes flashing briefly before he shakes his head, "My dear woman, it's apparent that you wish to take a stab at my checkered past priod to P-Day. For one who doesn't want the politics to be like the past, you certainly are mud-slinging. Yes, I was a member of a hate group. But, I'd seen the error of those ways long ago, prior to even Promethus Day, which we so recently had the anniversary of. Living in the past is a terrible thing, but leanring from it is what is most sage. Since you know that about my past, though, obviosuly from your earlier comments, you deigned pretend you didn't know any of the current, it seems you do live in the past and haven't learned form it yourself. Please, Ms. Mayor, if you would stop making a spectacle and try to be a PART of the community instead of an island, no matter how large and round the island may be." He motions with his hands towards her and cracks a bit of a smile across his prcine face, "I let my actions in the community speak for themself. Have you met my wife? Prior to P-Day, she was a strong, Jamaican-born woman, and today, she's quite the spitfire. I'm thankful we both survived, even if our forms are quite different these days, and she's now a he."
Miru quirks a brow at the response before looking at the rat next to her. The okami had certainly kept hold of the microphone for a while, but she was not going to give it up anytime soon. Miru did also afford a glance to Cookies acting on certain information, and the okami did make an effort to note down Hamm's apparent 'redemption', need to look his wife up now. With the answers done, the lithe canine eyed the fat cat like a predator ready to pounce. "First of all, Mister Whiskers...the K9 unit are beholden to the Prommies, thus the idea that they are supplied by Zephyr is a falsehood unworthy of you. Furthermore, it is public knowledge by now that the K9s are supplied mostly by their current rich chief, and supporting subfactions. However, the message in essence is admirable. We should not allow one single group control the police force." Miru said as she licked her supple lips, "But while we are at the topic of police officers and glazing ham. You are known to be a connoisseur of fine foods. Apparently, this hobby of yours have led you to skim from public funds in Eureka. Can you please address the authenticity of these accusations?"
Arthur listened to the answers. Again, a lot of talk and little actual information. 'We're working on it' is as good as nothing. The rat-skunk dude besides him wasn't satisfied either, but simply decided to leave, seeing that all there was going to be there was honeyed words, community action this, effort that.
The catfight between Cookies and Hamm seemed to suddenly swing in the pig's favor, given how he maintained his cool. Old way politics, that's not the problem, he knows the problem lies in that big tower in the middle of the city. They control too much stuff, tangible and not. He decided to stay to see if there was anything else worth listening to, but his hopes weren't high.
Noragnir listens to the various replies watching as one of the runners passed hir up in the crowd, and so this shi spread hir wings to get his attention. Shi took the mike bring it to hir lips as hir eyes scan the four. "This is for the one with the most medical experiance." Shi says softly as hir tail flicks around hir causing a few people near hir to jump back. "I am a trained doctor, and I have noticed the city only has one real hospital. With a few trauma rooms scattered here and there." Shi says softly taking a breath a bit of smoke escaping hir mouth. "Are there plans to put together more well put together medical centers?"
Cookies, a little more politely this time, takes the microphone as it comes her way, arching her brow sharply. "Mister Hamm, while I can appreciate why this line of questioning might evoke such an emotionally charged response, I don't appreciate that comment about my pregnancy one bit. Unless that was meant to refer to the breasts I feed literal dozens of children with, of course, which is no better." She grits her teeth for a moment, then continues. "Furthermore, taking your 'checkered past' into consideration, my question is very important to you and your future as a political figurehead in Fairhaven, is it not? This is not an attempted assassination of your character, sir. This is a perfect platform for you to make your new ideologies completely clear to everyone who may have very legitimate concerns." She tugs on her cheongsam emphatically and good GOD those tits bounce hypnotically. "So I'd like to reiterate: What steps are you going to take, as a literal reformed member of the KKK and thus someone who is clearly knowledgeable on the effects of prejudice in a community and the operation of such groups, to prevent hate groups from establishing a hold on Fairhaven and the government you plan to help build? Anti-mutant groups and species supremacists are prominent in the world of today, and growing. They will have a vested interest in a new government. You can help us combat them with your experience, can you not? So how are you going to move forward with that?" The mic is passed, again, more gently than before. She's trying really hard to keep her cool under this pressure, but she is such an enormous hot-head.
"But, I work primarily in Clairmont and Fairhaven, when did-," Mr. Whiskers says before his eyes widen as recollection hits him. A sour expression touches across Earnest's features, and he looks towards Van Beak. With a click of her beak, she says, "So... that would explain where the petty cash had been dissappearing to. I'd thought it was one of the interns getting those extravagent snacks that all those receits were for." Her eyes pinch on either side of the base of her beak, and the puffin's shoulders roll, "You're going to have to settle with those receits, Mr. Whiskers, at the very least... or, is there anything else we should be aware of...?" Her head tilts a bit, scrutnizing him. Rather than taking this somewhere private, it seems the others are fine with an open airing of what might have happened.
The flustered feline furrows his lips, "But, but... have you even /tried/ the food at that little deli on 5th? It's so divine, I..." He stops and then lets out a heavy sigh, "No... no, you are right. I fully intended to pay back the petty cash, I swear! I mean, isn't that what it's there for?" "Though the proper channels, yes," admonishes Van Beak, clacking her beak, "and, we certainly will get it settled to rights, but, there are still other concerns to be answered." Anotehr couple clacks of irritation from the Puffin before Earnest gives her a light pat on the shoulder in reassurance from teh shock.
Colonel McGruff peels back her lips a moment before shaking her head, and she then leans in, "To answer the question about the Medical Centers... with how the nanites work, serious injuries seem to be the worst issues as opposed to casual incidents. Making sure there are hospitals to help treat those serious injuries as well as transport to bring those hurt to them is always a high concern with the issues of aggressive ferals. Even with the policing of the streets, incidents could still occur, and there are always the areas outside of the city, nearby, who might need to come in and seek attention." She adjsuts her coat and scoots in close to the table again, the recent debaucle still fresh on her mind as she does her best to compose herself, hand reflexvively brushing across a spot in ehr coat worn from there often being something beneath but not present now, perhaps a square item form teh shape of teh worn spot. She continues in her husky voice, "As for the K9, I'm certainly of agreement with your sentiment," and she motions towards Miru, "that no private group should be in charge of such a role, no matter how wealthy and capable. It'd be like having a private security company with its own internal politics and rulings serving as the police to a city. That wouldn't take a good enough bite out of crime without strings being attachedd, and we want to avoid that."
As she sits back, Earnest leans forwards, addressing Cookies, "Thank you, Ms. Mayor. I appreciate the opportunity to address your question. The easiest part of that is because thsoe involved in the government are so diverse to begin with, but, even then, there are those such as myself who would be able to recognize such hateful actions or policies, such segragatory injustices, and I would be among those to voice against it. We wish for this to be a true, representative government and not like those of the past that claimed as much, only to use electorals and others underhanded tactics of pushing their own agendas and interests. I believe in a transparent government... Thus, in cases as with Mr. Whiskers, there is at least a paper trail." There's a little squint as he gives the feline a hard look, and Mr. Whiskers seems chagrined.
Miru quickly juts down some more notes as the ever so wonderful representatives resolve everything in public. "So, there will be no investigation to see if there is more embezzlement occurring, nor are we discussing how if there is a paper trial has this not been discovered before? Also, what independent body do you have to deal with such cases?" The okami asks, cheerful as always. "Furthermore, how come all the representatives here today are linked to Zephyr Inc. The Prometheans do also share Fairhaven, and they are even more numerous than agents and employees for Zephyr, how come none of the representatives here today represent their interests?" Miru added quickly, journalist just trying to get answers here, not insinuating for corporate interest at all.
Arthur decided to leave, as he wasn't going to learn anything useful there. Seeing the fat tiger admitting to his gluttony with embezzled money was totally worth it, though. And those lovely, gigantic breasts of the Cat Town mayor, oh boy, that's enough to dream about for a whole month! He certainly wanted to try his luck, but given how hot headed and angry Cookies looked, he knew it'd end up badly for him. That journalist girl was doing a great job, he thought, given how well informed she was. Might be a good idea to try and get info with her in the future. But alas, all those things would have to wait, he had other things to do.
Noragnir sighs at the answer shi got from the colonel on the topic of medical centers had been what shi expected. Shi exhaled a small cloud of freezing shadows hir tail flicking in annoyance as she waves to the person with the mike. "Colonel don't you think it might be a bad idea to build our medical facilities on how the nanites work now that could very well change suddenly?" Shi asks her tail waving slowly again hir voice clear of any emotion. "After all supernatural forces walk the world again they could easily unleash something nanites couldn't just fix."
Cookies does still give Hamm an untrusting, sideways sort of glare. Hard for her to believe that some redneck skinhead could turn around, but before P-day it wasn't something she'd ever really seen in her life, and the hard-headed cat is so set in her own ways she's pretty sure everyone else must be, too. She can't help but notice Miru working it like a pro, though, soon staring in a mix of admiration and perplexment at the reporter for maybe a little too long. Finally, she's settled down enough to ask another, more neutral question when she gets her hands on the mic again: "How will the representatives handle sovereign entities within the bounds of the bubble, such as Cat Town? To that end, just how much of Fairhaven is planned to come under the new establishment's jurisdiction, both initially and eventually?"
"Oh, there WILL be an investigation done," says Van Beaks with a tart look towards Mr. Whiskers, "and, the ledgers read the petty cash withdrawals, and the end-day amounts matched up. Unfortunately, the signature was less legible than it should have been, but, it was petty cash. It was interesting that the signature was different from the normal one used by Mr. Whiskers here, though, but it WILL be investigated." She looks towards Miru, the puffin's cutely chubby sheeks working at a smile, but beaks make it difficult, "at present, it's peer-monitoring and enforcement through trust and responsibilities. The less trustworthy a person, the less responsibilities given and the more peers will monitor them. We're working to create an internal affairs group, but the need to maintain tranparency while working such makes for difficulties ironing out the details."
Colonel McGruff speaks up to take up the next portions of the reporter's questions, "The venue itself is part of it, and the fact that we're not trying to distinguish ourselves as to what factions we've been in, too. This isn't the only talks occuring, and other representatives are speaking in other areas of the city at various locations at various times. All the better to get a wider sample of interests. So many different schedules exist and so many sub-factions and sub-cultures are around the city. To really, truly effectively represent all the people, we have to less focus on factions and more on the people within them. There will be talks over at New Dawn directly, and it's best to have some more local to the area of the venue for the talks there."
And she takes a look over at Noragnir and blinks, ... How the nanites functions would change? I'm not sure what you're talking about, there. Their function's been fairly the same, and our usage of them's only advanced. Thanks to developments, we have the ability for qualified, trained users to repair decapitation, something unheard of prior to P-Day. If some changes should occur in the funciton of nanites, then, yes, there would certainly be efforts, but since we're focusing on the more severe cases, the easier cases of daily ills are quite possible with clinics rather than hospitals. So, if such a hypothetical thing were to occur, those who need check-ups for the normal sicknesses and such can be established rather easily enough by comparison to hospitals."
Earnest nods at Cookies' question, and he says, "Since everything is being built around a sense of community, a sense of people working to aid people to not just survive, but to live together, we would encourage those within our city to respect our wishes and the peace we're trying to maintain. Diplomacy is always the best option, but the need for a police force is part of what happens when diplomacy would fail, such as with the ferals, but with less hostility, I would hope, since both parties can speak and work together. The focus would be to protect the people. As for the nearby areas, that will depend on the local governments and how they decide. If they want to work more closely with what we're developing or maintain their autonomy. I, personally, hope that we all can work together and build a network of smaller communities into a larger one still to the benefit of all, but there's no forcing that sort of thing."
Catty pipes up, "Representatives, people of Fairhaven attending, I'm sorry to say that the time has grown long, nd we have to cut for a recess! Don't worry, though. There will be more time for your questions later!" She dances across the stage, a little spin in her step, and she nearly trips herself on the microphone's cord, but she hops a few times before disentangling herself, "Please enjoy the Mall's vendors and be sure to come back when you hear the gong!"