XX1 Entry

[roseofmay]

Sender: Beatrix
To: All
Subject: In Light of Affairs...

We continue to be in changing times. More bodies arrive. Things adjust. Days adapt. We evolve. I am acutely aware of the growing number of issues in our recent days. I support the notion of a council to deliver swiftly the consequences for those who would disrupt the way of life here.

I wish to propose an addition—

It seems it would be beneficial to provide preventative measures to otherwise ward against such happenstances. I served as my queen's military general in the world I hail from, though was also tasked with the guardianship of her, my princess, and the town in which I served. It is my belief that those of us with similar ability to defend and protect ought to do so for those who cannot.

I motion the addition of a properly-established guard, for protection of local citizenry. This may also be able to extend to other practises, such as escorting those who require assistance into dangerous or unexplored territories. It is likely that this would offer other advantages to the whole of society here as well.

Comments

Sender: Yujin Mikotoba

[professorbestie]

[Yujin feels this is a difficult topic to discuss; even more difficult than a potential council. The term "military general" is quite a jarring one to read, even if he knows that it's no more than a resume. Beatrix has made it quite clear that the intent is not to attack, it's to protect. It aligns with something 76 advised him to do; to unite all those individuals who would normally resort to vigilante actions and ensure they work as a team, at the very least.]

Thank you very much for your support of a council, as well as your additional motion. I believe it to be a noble concept. Truly, those who have the skills and abilities to protect those who have no experience in battle ought to be united in this common goal. I do hope that no one will mistake this guard for militia.

[roseofmay]

If a military were to be established in a place like this, I am not certain it would be possible to explain why one was established to begin with. Conquest is not always the path to victory and triumph. Fighting is not always the path to peace.

[She may be military and the role of 'general' goes right into Beatrix's veins and being as an individual, but it would be false to assume she has always supported the orders that have been given to her. Never does it absolve her of action. She is simply more than those actions.]

I agree that it would be necessary to remind that there is a difference between those two concepts. For those of us capable, it ought to be our responsibility to bear that weight where others are unable to. I would require additional able bodies to make this proposition realistic.

[professorbestie]

Of course. In a true utopia, there would be no need for any sort of fighting. Unfortunately, that is not up to us dreamwalkers to decide. There are more than enough threats for us to face, be they in the lands surrounding Reverein or part of a dreamshift. These threats alone are already enough to warrant the necessity of a guard and we must be prepared for whatever else may come our way in the future.

I do hope that more able bodies will volunteer.

[roseofmay]

You use the words of a sovereign. Since my arrival, I had been prepared for the possibility that life here would eventually require order of some kind. I did not anticipate that it would occur so soon. I think many others here have been complacent and naive. You are, perhaps, the first that has not fallen into that.

I can appreciate the realistic approach. Whether we have a guard or not, I will do as I can with what resources I have.

[professorbestie]

[It takes him a little while to respond. Words of a sovereign? Goodness gracious, that doesn't sound like him at all.]

Thank you very much for your kind words. When one has enough experience with political troubles, one knows to be on guard. Complacency is indeed one of those dangers which opens the door for more nefarious, manipulative individuals. I do hope the realism is not mistaken for cynicism, or even an attempt to seize control myself. To be perfectly frank, I wouldn't quite know what to do with that sort of responsibility.

Sender: Dohalim

[menancia]

There is certainly value in an established guard. I have been giving the thought of a council due consideration, as well; I can see why many might be hesitant, but if we can assure that appointments are made fairly and people's voices are well-represented, it could serve our community quite well.

As for the guard, this world is full of danger enough that it would be of great benefit. For as many here who are capable of defending themselves, I believe there to be even more who are unable to do so. Our growing community deserves peace of mind.

I hope there are enough like-minded spirits to join you in this endeavor. How may I assist?

[roseofmay]

[She can always rely on him to offer his opinion, whether she wants it or not. What she doesn't expect is for him to offer to help. How is he supposed to help? Dohalim isn't without his combat skills as she's found out firsthand, but...

He is a lord. Was a lord. One can say titles mean nothing, and honestly, Hans reminded her that it's a little more complicated than that, but there's something to be said about expectations and how this grooming affects another. So in the end, she perceives him with an eye that defines a lord. It would be necessary to protect him, as well.]

Balance of power is always a necessity. Shortly after my arrival here, I met a man by the name of Van Zieks who served a judicial committee of sorts where he hails from. He explained to me that those who commit felonies have their fates decided by a council, rather than an individual. I suspect it was something very similar to what Yujin Mikotoba was proposing. Power in the hands of one person holds the potential to be dangerous. Corrupted. Tainted. Even in the hands of one who is most disciplined. I think that council is a great deal needed here, even if others do not agree.

A guard would only be meant to thwart crimes before they can be executed. Truly, a means of preventing a situation before it has the ability to occur. I do not feel you have a place so directly in such a thing as a guard, though you would be ideal on a council. You ought to be involved in such and should you know of any warriors, soldiers, guardsmen, perhaps see of their own interest in such affairs.

[menancia]

[That's right, he is here with his opinion whether or not it's welcome. He can be counted on for that.]

To have several persons working together to represent the community does seem a great deal more promising than allowing such power to fall into the hands of a single person. A council of sorts would, ideally, offer balance and challenge ideas that are brought forward for discussion so that decisions can be made that best suit Reverein's needs. Assuming, of course, the right people are elected.

Perhaps I am not suited to be directly involved in a project such as yours, but if I can assist in other ways, I would do so, even if it is only helping to spread the word and implement a recruiting process. I can think of a few able-bodied residents who would be a boon to your cause.

I do not know that I have earned the right to sit on any council, however. You flatter me.

[roseofmay]

I do wonder how the election process shall work. One does not elect queens or kings in my world. It is based on one's lineage. I do not know what to expect of the council being brought forth. I would like to witness it.

[...History shall be made, she thinks. Perhaps she may come out of this with information she can take back with her. Not... that Brahne would hear a word of it. Isn't there a simpler way to change things?]

A recruitment process would be vital. It would be necessary to screen those with interest. I would tolerate no one who has no place in holding a weapon. I am not inclined to ask you for assistance, but your insight and input is not something I will turn down.

And perhaps it will not affect any potential council you may end up a part of.

Sender : nier

[silentends]

You're with the military and you helped a princess?

It sounds like you're really strong so you'd be able to protect a lot of people. Hey, it's nice to meet you. My name's Nier.

I have some experience with hunting but it's probably nothing like what you do.

[roseofmay]

[Her entry has said it already, but.]

Beatrix.

If you have experience with hunting, you have experience with a weapon. That would be the foremost requirement. Although not all with capacity have a desire to protect others. That too, would be a requirement.

[silentends]

I've been fighting ever since I was old enough to hold a blade.

When it comes to battle I can use different swords and spears. The village guards would teach me how to fight sometimes and I picked up the rest on my own.

Of course, I would like to protect other people. If we have strength then we should use it to defend our friends and families.

[roseofmay]

Could it be then, that with your background, you might consider endorsing the idea of an official guard specifically set to protect the citizens of Reverein?

[Because that's what she's thinking he might be getting at. But Beatrix has always preferred a direct approach. These roundabout explanations and games try her patience easily. Not that she's not had plenty to practise keeping her composure. If it's not Nier, it's certainly someone else.]

[thegamesafoot]

Madam Beatrix, if a newcomer may pose some clarifying questions:

First: Is the existence of this force contingent on the formation of the council Professor Mikotoba has proposed?

Second: It seems you are already submitting yourself for consideration. Will the leader of this defensive body be elected, or appointed?

Third: Can we expect to see these brave men and women sporting dapper uniforms?

Cheers,
Herlock Sholmes

[roseofmay]

[...She's going to start a tally of people who call her something other than just 'Beatrix' or 'General.' But at least she isn't having an immediately visceral reaction to the whole 'Madam' thing anymore.]

I would expect the council to determine if a guard ought to be instated. As I do not intend to become a member of said council, I do not anticipate any such decision to be left to me alone. On the contrary, I merely provided it as an idea and earnestly believe it would be beneficial.

Leadership of said guard, I suspect would also be determined by the council, if a leader was elected. Whether there is a guard or not, I will continue to use my blade on behalf of the protection of others. I do not need a guard to do that.

As for this... request of yours, as we shall call it, I suppose that would also be left to the decision of its members. It is true that my soldiers in my kingdom had their own uniform. I, however, am not inclined toward a uniform. I believe I am quite 'dapper' already.

[...'Dapper' is not the word most would use, most likely, to describe Beatrix's garb.]

[thegamesafoot]

I see. Regardless of whether this plan comes to fruition, you'll pursue your own form of vigilantism. I expect you are far from the only dapper, justice-minded soul in this community whose urges will not be suppressed.

Madam General [ Is that any better? ], perhaps you can provide an honest assessment:

Which is perceived to be greater, at present: threats from within, or threats from without? Or can these even be classed as mutually exclusive?

[roseofmay]

Beatrix.

[Beatrix is fine. Beatrix is fine.

That aside, she isn't certain she likes the term 'vigilantism' assigned to her. Given how tightly wound she is to her idea of 'justice' and her seemingly blind servitude to her queen, it seems taboo to even begin to think of entertaining the notion of vigilantism.

...But... isn't that what she'd be doing? And given her questioning of Brahne's... state of mind, isn't she already sort of doing that in Alexandria?]

This council does not yet exist. It was merely proposition. Both possibilities exist, threat from within and outside of that realm. The presence of this motion, however, that of a council, existed due to an increase in criminal action taken in Reverein.

Sender: Eustace

[flamekthunder]

I see you really are devoted to your work.

[Yes he's poking a little fun at her. A little.

He's really not surprised to see Beatrix propose such a guard. Really he had been wondering about actual enforcement and defensive measures when the council was first mentioned, but he had decided to wait and see what came of it before saying anything.]

[roseofmay]

[...Did he expect something else of her, mayhap?]

It seemed a logical addition to make. Having the means to address wrongs committed is well and good. It seems silly not to make the effort to prevent said wrongs from being committed in the first place.

No matter how cold I may seem, there are people here I wish to protect.

[flamekthunder]

You do have the experience, so it makes sense you would take up the mantle. And truthfully, I had wondered about what kind of organization for enforcement would be established, as well.

[Now, light teasing aside—]

Will you continue this operation even if the council does not pan out?

[roseofmay]

I was merely bringing up the idea, not volunteering myself.

[She says that, but anyone who even knows Beatrix remotely would likely realise that she obviously meant to do... whatever she means to do, regardless of outside opinion.]

With or without the establishment of a council or an actual guard, I would intend to defend those that need it. I do not require an official group of others that would do the same in order to do what I think is right.

sender: Diluc

[disdelusioned]

And how do you propose we prevent this guard from being corrupted by its own power and status?

[He's asking the important questions, here.]

[roseofmay]

[Eidolons. Hans did tell her to be prepared for the variety of responses she'd get to this proposition.]

I think that no system is perfect or infallible. No matter how vigilante we may be for whomever we appoint to these roles, it would be foolish to expect perfection. In such cases, I would expect that the council would establish not only the removal of such a person in the position and befitting consequences for it.

I fully expect this guard to be under the jurisdiction of the council and beholden to the very same standards that would anticipated of all citizenry. This is not a union of privileged warriors. It is a union of responsible individuals with a desire to use their talents for something constructive.

[disdelusioned]

And what is to prevent the council from falling victim to those same corruptive tendencies?

[Diluc isn't paranoid, why do you ask?]

I believe that you're putting this idea out there in good faith. I just want to make sure we're vigilant to prevent good intentions from turning against us. I've seen what can happen when an organization becomes too powerful and cares more for its prestige than its purpose.

[roseofmay]

Would that I had an answer for you. I am a militant, not a politician, Diluc.

[But at least he understands she's not trying to take over and become some tyrannical empress. Nothing like following in the bizarre shoes of her sovereign, right? Except even then, Brahne wasn't always like that.]

All I can do is assure that whatever role I play in this, I will do my utmost to protect those who need it, including from those who would abuse their power. I cannot make promises on the behalves of others. I am in no more control of them than you are in control of me.

[And that will have to be good enough. They will have to root out the evils as need be. She will have to root out the evils.]