paradisa | 98.5 - got more to give than you've got to prove (broadcast)

[the usual Leonard Cohen tune plays for a little while ... and then is interrupted by the crackle and buzz of radio static. a moment later, it's replaced by this album, which Mark lets play underneath as he broadcasts]

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd here it is, Monday night, time for the latest edition of what's goin' down here in questionably beautiful Castle Wonderfuck! I'm sure you all enjoyed the nice little festival we've had the past few days, learned a lot about some pretty badass heroes ... I know I did, even if today ended on a really fucked-up note. Anyone know what the deal with that giant wolf thing was? I saw it outside the window and decided I'd just be a spectator, today ...

And hey, before I get to the meat of this week's food for thought, let's give a nice Monday night welcome to Senri, Edward Elric, Wheatley, Yukiko, Connor, Murphy, and Christina.

Okay, people, we've got some serious business to get down to tonight. It's come to my attention that we ... don't actually have a set system of rules for this place, and people've taken their sweet fucking time deciding on one because of ... I dunno, political bullshit about everyone's worlds being different, and some having magic, and some not, and some being in these really awful wars where some stuff's easier to get away with and ... you know, bla bla bla bullshit city. So yours truly has decided to do you a nice little public service and get the ball rolling. You might not agree with all of 'em, and I might'a missed something, but it's a fuckin' start, which is more than I can say we've had in the year and chump change I've been here. Ladies, gents, and critters, I give you....

The Ten ComMarkments. [told you he'd do it, Maladict. he's got his journal open, too, so that the words are dictated in as he reads them. once they show up, he'll add the proper embellishments]

1. Thou Shalt Not Kill Or Maim Other Residents.
(Your ass will get locked up like Fort Knox. If you don't know what that is, look it up.)
2. Thou Shalt Not Help The First Gens Fuck Shit Up.
(They're assholes. We don't care if you hate the castle as much as they do, just don't fucking take it out on us.)
3. Thou Shalt Not Use Magic To Fuck With People.
(It's right up there with killing and maiming and will also get your ass locked up.)
4. Thou Shalt Not Use The Microwave For Other Than Its Intended Purpose.
(Just because you don't know what you're doing doesn't mean you get to deny people the chance to eat Hot Pockets.)
5. Thou Shalt Not Wreck Shit In Town.
(People who live there work there, you know. How would you like it if someone fucked with your shit?)
6. Thou Shalt Not Harrass The Townspeople.
(Really, what did they ever do to you?)
7. Thou Shalt Not Use Thy Losses As An Excuse To Be A Dickhead.
(If you honestly couldn't help it, we get that, but seriously, people. Don't fake it, either.)
8. Thou Shalt Not Compromise the Safe Zones
(.... But why would you really wanna do it?)
9. Thou Shalt Not Steal.
(Nine times out of ten you can wish it up, anyway, and if you can't? It's probably okay that you don't have it to begin with.)
10. Thou Shalt Not Help Anybody Break The Other ComMarkments.
(It's just not cool. And you could probably get locked up for that, too.)

And there you have it! C'mon, discuss! Let's turn this into somethin' we can all actually use!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

When did I say you didn't matter? That's very telling, that you'd immediately jump to that.

You were the one who insinuated that no one was gonna take me seriously, sister. I didn't need a shrink back home, and I don't need one here, so don't even start.

[shrink what ... she's not a mage, she's not about to shrink anything!!]

I did not insinuate. I was stating a fact.

Check your facts again. I've got a decent number of people actually discussing these with me instead of just telling me it's a shit idea. Wouldn't it be a better use of your time if you did the same? ...

[and with that, he switches tactics, putting the DJ persona away] … Please. I don't know your name, but I recognize your voice. You're one of the people around here who has common sense, especially a out this stuff. If we're gonna ever have any kinda order or justice here, we need the help of people like you. I know they're not the fanciest words, but that was to get people's attention. And now that I have it....

I don't know this stuff. Sure. I admit it. But you do. Between your brains and my will.... we might actually get people to listen.

[The shift in attitude does not go unnoticed, but it sets Alleria slightly on edge -- is he trying to hide something? Or to manipulate her in some way? To change stances so quickly in the heat of an argument ...

She squints at the pages, suspicious, quiet while he speaks as well as for a short time after.

When she does speak again, her voice is pitched almost imperceptibly lower, and the words come slower, as if she's trying very hard to choose them carefully.]

The problem with desiring order and justice in this place is that not all residents agree on the definition of such things. And so they spend countless hours, days, weeks -- years, most likely, judging by how old this place appears to be -- arguing, trying to find something that will appease everyone.

This is an impossibility, to appease everyone. And so nothing is ever accomplished.

You will only have people listening to you if they like what you are saying -- or if they are vehemently opposed to it.

[A pause.] And my name is Alleria.

[no, Alleria, he's just a teenager. this kind of thing happens a lot]

Thanks, Alleria. And ... I guess that's what I mean ... I'm not sure how to walk that line, find something that everyone can get behind. I mean, not everyone even hates this place, y'know...?

... I'm sorry I started out kind of an asshole. I ... I'm used to havin' to defend myself a lot.

[Adolescence for elves lasts like 40 years, so they're a little more even-keeled as a rule! Humans are weird.]

It helps to not shoulder the burden all by yourself. I have discussed with Hinata the possibility of a council of rotating persons -- either elected or volunteer -- to vote on such matters as rules or otherwise governing matters. But I have not suggested it to the populace solely because of the way things are received here, as you have noticed. [she's seen all the angry replies you've gotten, bro!] The way things are decided now seems to be very much a matter of "first come, first served," which is certainly not the best way to run anything.

[She smiles a little, assuming "asshole" is some kind of term for a "mean person" --] I know; that was evident. Perhaps you'd do well to channel that defensiveness into something more constructive.

Hinata? I don't think I know her... d'you mind if I talk to her about it too? It's a really good idea. Somethin' separate from the Peace Patrol, made up of normal residents who can't really fight for themselves ... give 'em a chance to still have a voice ...

Indeed, I can only wonder at why it was not brought up sooner. In Quel'Thalas, we have a council that is separate from both the military and the Farstriders. Each segment handles situations for which it is best suited, and when there is a crisis of course we all band together to come up with a solution.

Ah, Hinata -- she's a bit shy. Dresses similar to Ino; they are apparently of the same world. Both Hinata and Ino are very intelligent females and would likely be very helpful in planning any sort of council.

98.5 - got more to give than you've got to prove (broadcast)

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