003 [video]

[viced]

So. Elections. [ He's hanging out in his apartment, which looks a little dingy, but at least it's clean! ] I fucking love elections.

A special election at that. [ His lip quirks in a half-grin. ] That's pretty nice news to hear. It's an opportunity to make some big changes, at the very least. So who's running? [ and he holds his hands up in front of the camera in a placating gesture. ] Not that I'm scoping for competition, or anything like that! I'm honestly curious to know who's eyeing the spot. [ He pauses.] Wow, that does sound disengenous, doesn't it?

I'm offering help, actually. Not free, but if you're running for office, you would have enough money for a campaign consultant. [ He cringes slightly ] At least I would hope so.

If nobody is, well. [ A shrug. ] That would be quite the shame, wouldn't it?

Comments

[doeswhathewants]

Whichever!

Mm. To do good is rarely a motivator for politicians, else they would be much more difficult to mislead. Even if your outcome is good, is there nothing in it for yourself?

[viced]

I'd say using what I have to improve lives is a pretty fucking big reward.

[doeswhathewants]

How altruistic.

[viced]

Not everyone is interested in power for power's sake.

[doeswhathewants]

Such a monochromatic view, black or white, altruism or power. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the benefits of such a position while still doing good for all. Or would you deny that?

[viced]

Enjoying the benefits is the first step in slipping. I don't know how many politicians I've seen go from that view to abusing the power and trust they're given.

[doeswhathewants]

Then you feel that no one can do the job quite as good as yourself?

[viced]

[ A beat. ] I wouldn't say that, but I do hold myself to a very high standard.

[doeswhathewants]

It is the things that go unsaid that reveal the most.

[viced]

And what, exactly, does it reveal about me?

[doeswhathewants]

A trickster never tips his cards.

[viced]

Oh, of course not. Silly me.

[doeswhathewants]

But, I do think that whoever runs and is elected would face a large threat from the native population and perhaps even from the newcomers themselves. A smart man does not seek to become a target, even if they are altruistic.

And if you are as good as you say, you would be discerning in whom you back, they would have to have certain qualifications, willing to give you an ear and listen to your advice perhaps.

Or I could be entirely off. Different worlds, mortal minds, etc.

[viced]

A little off, but not entirely. I'd want to at least be welcomed as a sounding board but I don't expect to always be listened to when it comes to policy. I've had it both ways.

[doeswhathewants]

...I'm sure there's a double entendre in there somewhere but I will not make it.

Mm. You seem sincere, that is interesting. I believe you.

[viced]

[ h e h. He gets a small chuckle. ]

Oh good, I've convinced the god of mischief. I'm moving up in the world.