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.

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.

[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.

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.

[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]

[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.

[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.

[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.

[menancia]

No doubt it will take a meeting of several minds to devise a process that will seem fair to all involved. It is impossible to please everyone, but it is important that the people are given a voice in such matters. I'm under the impression that many here are used to such proceedings.

[It's something he would like to see put into effect in Menancia as it progresses, as well.]

I would be glad to offer whatever insight I am able. While hardly infallible, I do like to consider myself a good judge of character.

[He hasn't always been, perhaps, but he's learned the hard way, regarding his former staff. He knows what to look for.]

[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]

People will perceive things as they wish to. We are, as individuals, unable to prevent that.

[After all, only within reason can Beatrix change her own reputation or the whispers that follow her name in Alexandria, though she is very willing to suspect that Yujin's position from hers is quite different. After all, he seems a... very compromising sort. Diplomatic. She doubts she would be able to truly emulate that. At least not easily.]

You proposed a council, not that you ought to be wielding any such thing as absolute power. Only a fool would mistake your meaning or your intentions. That is not to say we are absent fools in this place. Only that they will need be educated before improper conclusions ought to be drawn.

[roseofmay]

In this, I would agree. Whether a council or a guard, the proposition of these things is very likely to be met with adversity. People are not strangers to how power and influence can affect an individual. Or a group of individuals. I expect it to be a difficult route ahead, but some order would be better than a lack thereof. Lack of restriction is no better or worse than excessive restriction. An appropriate balance must be found.

[And Beatrix is not arrogant enough to think she would know how to define such a balance. She has no place on a council. Not of this magnitude. But a guard in conjunction with said council... There's promise there.]

I would contest your judge of character. Given you have seen fit to accompany me as you have. Wiser men would know an uncompromising cause when they find it.

[Instead, he simply sees it fit to test her. Does he enjoy that, she wonders.]

[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.

[professorbestie]

Indeed, though the education aspect is where I find myself struggling a bit. It was already noted to me that the journals are not a sufficient means to reach all residents. For that reason, I began to use the town's bulletin boards as well, enabling the possibility to fill out a brief survey. However, even with this, I feel this discussion is not as open as it need be.

Would a town meeting regarding these matters draw the necessary attention, do you think?

[thegamesafoot]

[ To be fair, this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Sholmes isn't above bending a few rules to see justice delivered. It's still in his interests to begin identifying the various actors at play. ]

Of course, Ms Beatrix [ Dammit. ], this is all speculation. I simply prefer to have all of the facts laid out before offering an opinion on a matter so vital to public safety.

Now, would this defence force also be tasked with researching countermeasures to otherworldly malignancies? E.g., this so-called "nightmare energy"?

[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]

[...She considers Yujin's input. In Alexandria, things have always been so different. Brahne merely needs to say what she desires and all know. There is no questioning of it. At least, not aloud. And if Brahne is not the one delivering the message for her, than her most loyal dog of a general is.

Things here cannot be done the same way.]

I think a town meeting would encourage the attendance of all of Reverein's citizenry, locals and dreamers alike. I should like their voices to be heard. Their input, even if they do not think it initially, is important. This pathway of the future here will not be determined by one person, but rather by unity. The journals are impersonal. Text does not appropriately convey what a voice does. They will find more comfort and safety in faces.

[roseofmay]

I would expect the guard to provide this as well. We are not simply dealing with one world, but rather this seemingly secondary one in addition. It would be poor strategy not to take that into consideration. That said, my information on things that occur within these 'dreamscapes' is admittedly sparse. I anticipate improving that. It would be of little benefit if I am only able to provide half of what I am proposing.

I can admire your desire to fit the pieces together. I have known a fair amount of social politicians capable of the same, here and in the world I hail from. [The last one she met... Hans.] Are you a prince?

[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]

I appreciate your reasoned perspective. Too often those with a martial bent will act on impulsive aggression. A valid strategy in dire times, I'm certain, but not while so much remains unknown.

A prince? Ha! Some say I have the refined bearing and proud features of royalty, but I come from common stock: simple country squires with nary a drop of blue blood between them. Though I have in fact rendered her Majesty the Queen a great service: with the help of my esteemed associates, we laid bare the deep corruption festering among her trusted subjects! [ If only he'd earned his knighthood from it. Alas. He's still happy to toot his own horn. ]

No, I am a detective by trade; it's my duty to shed light on sordid truths and disreputable motivations. It's quite natural that I should be drawn to these matters, Ms Beatrix.