Hitting Bottom - Second Wave, John, Angus, Conall and Etain Options

[adamu]

Conall
Sunday 6/22/70 09:34:35

"Well, if that's how it must be. I am your match and more in many things, O'Neill, but not in tests of arms. Still, if that is the only thing you respect, I shall do my best and take what comes. My best weapon is the saber, but I shan't win your sister's heart by killing you, or by getting killed myself, for that matter. I would suggest beating each other senseless in the mud...though I would prefer not to make a spectacle of ourselves in front of the servants," he concludes, casting a sidelong glance at the groundskeepers.

[adamu]

John
Thursday 1/30/70 09:03:30

John felt pleased with his impromptu performance as the press conference broke up and a car ferried them to the waiting jets. As prearranged, only John and the three senators boarded the Lear-Cessna Platinum, with their entourages piling onto a much larger passenger mule.

They entered the opulent interior and one of the strikingly attractive flight attendants (two female, one male, all human, like the senators) started to secure the hatch. As they were sitting down and being served drinks, John heard the discreet flush of the onboard facilities, and after a moment the thick black figure of Louisa Mayhurst-Washington appeared at the rear of the cabin. Although clearly of African descent, her tusked face had a sickly pallor. She was obviously in great distress. Billings immediately stood to assist her. "Ah you all raht, mah deah? Ah you SAHTAIN you will not let mah people take you home?"
The elderly ork chuckled lightly, but leaned heavily on the senator's arm as he helped her into a seat. "Oh, I assure you Ed, I am NOT all right. But once you see the suffering I have to show you, you will see why I simply could not miss this tour." A horrible sound of flatulence escaped her. The men present dutifully ignored it, stung to see a woman of her dignity so exposed, and yet obviously impressed by her dedication in a way that politically jaded men are seldom impressed. "Excuse me a moment gentlemen," she said with a thin smile, eschewing an attendant's assistance as she made her way back to the restroom.

As pitiful sounds and smells almost immediately found their way back into the main cabin, it was as if a lightbulb appeared over Billings' head. "Say, John, don't you travel with a magical healer?"

[Guest_MK Ultra_*]

John
Thursday 1/30/70 09:03:41

While the four men climb the short starecase into the private jet, the elf´s thoughts still linger at the media encounter moments ago. When the reporters had hit him with questions about his agenda on this trip, he had jokingly replyed:

John "I was told, they have some FINE country clubs down that way."

Then he had explained that this was a waighty issue, of which he was just being interested only in discovering the facts of the situation, without giving any tangible reason for his attendance. He had conveyed his personal concern for the people of Kentucky but at the same point stressed the importance to balance the populations needs with the economical requirements. To his own surprise he had fealt totally at eas under the cameras scruteny, but he attributed this to Manolo´s magical support and the help of his PR-team. When the two junior senators had finally arrived at the scene, he used the reporters fokus on them, to step aside and out of the media spot-light. While the impromptu press conference went on, he used the time, to get aquainted with the senators´ entourages.

As he enters the passanger cabine, Rhiannon´s words echo in his mind again. Have I sold out? Before he can think about an answer to this question, something odd strikes the highly sensitive olfectory sensors hidden inside his Sierra, inc. tiepin - he really was a regular member of the green grass roots organization for almost two decade now, but never had taken any position of authority or even prominence inside it´s herarchy and he hadnever shared the more radical pov of some of it´s members. The cabin´s air filtration dos not seem to work correctly. When the nois from the restroom hits his well tuned, pointy ears, he allready knows what´s coming. Well at least she would be weakened.

Mayhurst: "... I simply could not miss this tour."

At this moment, John whishes he had turned off the olfectory sensors right away. While he dos not flinch at the ork´s inconveniance, his insides are turnedupside down, until he disconnects the item with a mental command. Setting it into recording mode instead, the device would still display a warning onto his glasses in case it detected any truely harmfull substances.

Billings: "Say, John, don't you travel with a magical healer?"

John: "But off cause senator. Mr. DelGato will do what´s in his power, to help!"

This is getting even better. He thought to himself, while loading an AR program from the matrix, that would cover up the unpleasent smell. Storing it on the memory inside the platin graduation ring on the ringfinger of his right hand, he flicks the secret physical switch to deactivate it´s wireless capability and activate the skinlink, to load it into his datajack. The complicated procedure, cutting off his implants from all outside sorces, he allways told Alice was due to insurance reasons, but in reallity, he had never belived the corporations prommisses about wifi´s security.

[Mister Juan]

Conall
Sunday 6/22/70 09:34:59

The young brash shaman smiled like a hungry predator as Patrick proposed a duel. Since Patrick had cause no real and clear offences, honour bound Conall in such a way that he couldn’t simply call the man on a fight. But since he had now opened the door for him, it was free for all.

Silently, Conall cursed himself for never learning how to use a blade. It would have been his delighted pleasure to beat Patrick with the weapon he was considered best with.

“Do believe me when I say that I have no wish to maim you.”

He pulled on his horses rein, making him turn away from Patrick as to let him pass.

“I will allow you to ask for my sister, today. If she refuses, then you have your answer. If she agrees, we’ll meet again, tomorrow, dawn, in the field behind my father’s estate. Empty hands. Closed fists. Equal grounding. Winner at first blood. Your Second is your own choice. I call on Declan O'Brian to be mine. Are these terms satisfactory?”

[JDragon]

Angus

Friday 8/1/70 20:17:30

Angus secures the panel back in place and then stops and thinks for a minute. Taking a few seconds to orient himself with the hallway and where he is in the building. Then he starts to walk down the service tunnel, moving as quickly as he can safely and with out making to much noise. Plus he knows he can't afford to get hurt or stuck back here. As he goes he keeps repeating what Bruno told him so he doesn't forget, Ezekiel Smithers, in Redmond at Crusher 495. Ezekiel Smithers, in Redmond at Crusher 495. The going is slow as he has to duck and dodge the random pipes, and conduits that help keep the stadium running.

As he walks Angus starts thinking about what hes going to do. So now what do I do. In less than an hour I'm going to be a wanted man, so much for that SIN I had set up. It will be a beacon for the Star and anyone else looking for me. But I guess I best get out of here first and then figure out the rest. In less than a minute Angus comes to his first decision, an intersection where another tunnel crosses the one hes in. With three choices ahead of him he thinks again as he looks down each. Well if I'm not all turned around to badly, straight or left will get me outside. He looks to the left and notices it starts to descend. Not wanting to end up in the sewers, not yet at least he keeps moving straight ahead.

As he goes Angus dodges pipes, while trying to catch signs of other panels or doors as well as slowing down several times to listen for signs of persuit. The going is slow as it obviouse this tunnel was not designed with someone of his size in mind, but Angus keeps moving.

With in a couple minutes he comes to the next step, a large metal door. Stopping to listen atthe dorr he hears the sound of engines and maybe even voices. Ok so I made it to the parking garage, or something, just hope its not the security section or this party is over.

Standing at the door Angus is unsure of what he should do for a few seconds, If its the Star I'm done. If its not I may be able to slip out and make it to the gym. Angus takes a deep breath and then slowly pushes the metal door open, stopping about an inch to look through the crack to try and see the people the voices are coming from. As he looks he listens closely to get a better idea of how many people there are and how far away they are.

He then opens the door, having to almost completely open it so he can climb out as the door was made by the same small people that had made the tunnel he was climbing out of. Angus' first thought as he climbed out of the door was to slip behind a car and slip away. But then reality struck again as he realized, trolls don't hide. And it was a good thing to cause with in 3 or 4 seconds after he was out of the door someone noticed him, pointed and called out, "Hey look it's the champ."

The crowd of valets and people waiting for their cars turned to see what was going on, and while most were just excited to see him and moved in his direction with smiles on their faces it was obvious a few were confused why the champ had appeared almost out of no where and was still in his fight robe. The first person to get to him was an ork valet holding out some kind of paper and pen, "Hey Champ great fight, can I get an Autograph?"

Angus immediately goes in to "Press" mode and putting a big smile on and nodding appreciatively at the compliments. Reaching out to take the paper and pen he address the Valet, "Sure who do I make it out too?"

"Grange, sir. Thanks"

As he's signing more people approach and he catches the flashes of cameras going off in the distance. Time to get outta here before I'm all over the Trids. As hes handing the paper back he looks straight at the Valet and lowers his voice, "I need a big favor, find my limo and get it here ASAP, k chummer?"

Angus doesn't wait for an answer hoping the young man will be able to help him. As he addresses the next person standing next to him Angus scans the crowd for other trolls hoping he can find a way to get some other kinda clothes.

[adamu]

Conall
Sunday 6/22/70 09:35:30

"...Are these terms satisfactory?"

"They are if they please you," answered O'Donnell, just a trace of amusement tinging his voice. "Though I shall require no second. I trust your honor absolutely, and require no audience to my beating. That disused barn we passed a couple miles back should do nicely. I shall comm your sister later today to repeat my invitation to tomorrow's outing to Larne. There will be a number of people you know in attendance, and of course you also will be most welcome." He rides off a couple of furlongs, then stops and calls back - "There is a groom waiting for the horse on the road outside your estate's gate." And then without a look back he disappears over the heath.

[Guest_MK Ultra_*]

John
Thursday 1/30/70 09:09:09

While he watches the ork woman and his magical doctor get into the back of the passanger cabine, to get some semblance of prifacy for the treatment, the elfs thoughts drift into the past, without impeading his conversation with the Senators. ...

The young atorney was waving his arm for a taxi, while the intensifying autumn drizle was slowly soaking his pin-stripe suits. People where moving quickly through the streets, intent to run away from the rain, no matter how futil this was. Most of them where almost bumping into the tall figure standing still aproximatly 20 feet down the sidewalk. The ork was wraped into a heavy, black rain-coat, but his short croped hair was absolutly drenched, sending thick streams over his face. He looked somehow familiar, but the elf couldn´t pin down where he had seen him before. He seemed to be hasitant, maybe trying to gather the guts to talk to a woman. The atorney smiled, his thoughts drifting to his girlfriend Rowena, as a cab stoped beside him. Turning his attention away from the hasitant guy, he opend the car´s backdoor.

"John Francis Fitzalan-Howard?" A voice trambling with anger called through the rain.

When John turned around, the ork had flaped back his rain-coat and uncovered a sawed-off Remmington 990 shot-gun aiming at the lawyer´s ead. As the ork triggered his gun, John dove for cover behind the cab´s door, but the slug impacted in his shoulder, ripping off the flash and shattering the joint. He smashed into the side of the cab and landed on the ground, shocked and confused, as the second slug punshed trough the door and hit his chest, crushing his rib-cage and maiming vital organs.
Blood ran from his mouth like water from a fountain and the atacker slowly walked over and around the door, as passers by ran for cover. The ork looked into his eyes and said with a now calm and cold voice.

"My name is Bachmann, Nail Bachmann, do you recognize me?" He leveled the gun to John´s face. "I am the uncle of Calvin " BLAM-BLAM

Pink myst mixed with rain, sirens in the distance, the streetlight´s halo expanded into eternety and then there was silence.
The next thing he fealt was a piercing pain, like fire coarsing through his vains. Bright spots were dancing through his field of vision and he saw a face that looked old beyond it´s age, through straign and exhaustion. A male latino norm, Manolo DelGato ...

Thursday 1/30/70 09:47:33

Billings had been super nice and friendly, treating him like a son, but John knew better, then not to keep his guard up behind his own smile. Making the other Senators his budies -at least temporarily- had been a cake-walk, but the ork had been a tough cooky. The elf had been all suggar and nice, but smally people really anoyed him and maybe this had shon through. She had been all nice and charming, but still he feels like Louisa is matronizing him, like a wild teen. And that look she casts on him all the time, like she is watching into a christal orb, that tells her everything about him there is to know, makes him feel even more uncomfortable. Damn, is ther something Argus and Aegis missed? When this all is over, I can afford another contract with Infolio! He broods about it, while making his way to the rest room. Thankfulls, the fully automated amanities had cleaned themselves compleatly. When he emerges again, he stops by Manolo´s side and discreatly asks him, if Louisa is well now, or if there is anything to worry - a vailed request, if he noticed anything unusual while assensing her aura.
Manolo was one of the few persons on the planet, that John trusted to a good extend. Back in 53, when the Medic had lost his job with DocWaggon for unlicensed magic use, the lawyer had seen to it, that he found a new one and was trained as a security mage with Knight Errant. After he had served his tenure and retired from KE five years ago, he had gladly accepted a job as John´s personal physician and magical security coordinator.

John resumed his conversation with 'the Kentucky saint', as he noticed Billings sitting aside and reading in a hardcopy book. 'Capitalist Casualties'. Paranoia struck and he fels as though the three men and the ork had conspired against him, but he keeps his cool, listening, while Ramsey talks about his grant to the Mayhurst´s trust again. Finally the senior senator meets his eyes and gives him a warm smile. A million ::nuyen:: for your thoughts.

John: "This is an interesting read, but you might find that the math in chapter 15 isn´t quiet convincing, also the points in chapters 5 and 7 are rather weak, aren´t they?"

He knows every critic of this book off the top of his head, he had gone through them inumerable times. The points he mentions, though not widely known, had allready been discovered and exploited by one of the authors mayor citicisers, so he was giving nothing away. He had been thinking about these weak spots for years, but had yet to find a satisfactory sollution.

[JDragon]

Angus

Friday 8/1/70 20:19:56

Angus keeps his smile on his face as he continues to acknowledge people, but on the inside he is greatly relived that the limo is so close. Having seen it as Grange signaled the driver.

Angus nods his thanks to Grange.

As Smith moves the limo around Angus starts to move in that direction thanking people and shaking hands. As he goes he starts he standard speech for when his time is running short with fans. "Thanks folks, it means alot to me that you paid to come out and see the fight. I hope it was worth it, even though I cut it a little short tonight. Sorry I can't sign anything else tonight I got places to be, people to see." As he finshes his statment Angus gives one last big smile and wave to the crowd soaking in the positive energy, that he realizes he'll probably never feel again. Then turns and makes a b-line for the limo. Quickly acknowledging the few straglers but not actually stopping to talk to any of them.

As he gets to the limo he acknowledges Smith, "Evening Farley, see the fight?" Angus doesn't wait for an answer and climbs in, talking over his shoulder, "We need to get on the road quick, head for the gym."

Once Smith is in the Limo, Angus will put the partition down and move to the front of the limo so he can talk directly to Smith. "Look, as I'm sure you know somethings up since I just walked out in to the valet area with nothing but my shorts and robe on. I need you to work with me, and everything will be fine. First hand me your comm. Second set the limo's comm to hidden, now."

As soon as Angus has the comm in hand he sets it to hidden mode so it can't as easily be traced. Once Smith has turned of the limo comm he sets back a little and takes a deep breath as Smith navigates the limo through the parking lot, taking advantage of the "guest" entrance/exit so they don't get stuck in traffic. "All you gotta do is get me to the gym, then your done and you drive back here to wait for everyone else, wiz?"

[adamu]

Etain
Sunday 6/22/70 19:56:03

Etain had reviewed the latest shows from Paris and Milan while devouring Philippe's offering. SKIN was very definitely IN this summer, which reminded her that tomorrow was supposed to be warm and sunny. Should she just call Patrick and ask about the trip? But if he'd wanted to talk to her, he would have this morning, wouldn't he have? She had taken her mind off of the situation by concentrating on her thirty minutes of daily diction drills. She was just finishing up the plosives and getting ready to work her glottals when her Elite alerted her to an incoming call - Patrick's icon flashed for acceptance inside her contact lenses!

She accepted the call, and there he was in is study, streaming a real-time digital image. "Etain, I hope I'm not calling at an inopportune time....I just wanted one more go at persuading you to join us in Larne tomorrow. It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow, but I was hoping to have you along as insurance."

[Vegas]

Etain
Sunday 6/22/70 19:56:13

She was busy studying his live feed for any signs that Conall had soundly beaten him and just appreciating his "fine lineage" that she barely caught the last part of the invitation, but she heard enough that a pale blush crept into her cheeks.

"No, I was just doing diction drills Patrick, if I couldn't have pulled away I wouldn't have answered." She smiled a warm smile for his benefit.

"I'm thrilled that you called actually, just wanted to again apologize for my brother's behaviour at the concert the other night. I don't know what gets into him sometimes. As for your invitation to Larne tomorrow I'd lo...."

She stopped mid sentance as she could feel someone standing in her doorway behind her. She turned around and looked directly into her brother's eyes. Conall was standing there looking like he had just gotten back from a trip to the gym and had gotten a good workout in. She raised a brow at him as she once again apologized to her caller.

"Patrick, I'm sorry, Conall just came home and stopped by my door, can you hold on for just a second?"

She looked at her brother as she muted her comm call.

"It's Patrick asking about the trip to Larne tomorrow, are you going to flip a complete and total gasket if I accept his invitation?"

[Mister Juan]

Conall
Sunday 6/22/70 19:56:52

Barefoot, wearing a pair of loose dark green silk pants, stood leaning agaisnt the doorway of his sister's room. Both his hands were still wrapped in protective tape had he held a towel around his neck. The numerous tattoos covering his arms seemed to shine under the sweat.

He smiled at his sister as she asked her question.

"Of course not. You are free to do as you wish sister. If you're happy, then I'm happy."

He warmly smiled at her... but made no move to go away from Etain's doorway.

[Vegas]

Etain
Sunday 6/22/70 19:56:57

She just shook her head at her brother and stared at him dumbfounded for a moment. Something wasn't right, he didn't just "give in" like that, usually he was spitting nails if some boy, let alone a man, was trying to get friendly with her. Something big must have happened out on their little ride this morning, and since Patrick seemed no worse for wear, it made her even more on edge.

She kept her gaze locked with Conall as she unmuted her comm and continued her conversation.

"Sorry about that Patrick, you know how my brother can get. As I was saying I'd positively love to accompany you to Larne tomorrow. What time should I be expecting you?"

Her eyes continued to study her brother's as she spoke, looking for any sign of what was going on inside his head at that moment.

[Mister Juan]

Conall
Sunday 6/22/70 19:57:05

Conall wasn't smiling anymore... he was actually chuckling. He watched his sister a few more seconds, and then simply winked at her in a playful way when she returned his gaze with a wary eye.

His shoulders bopping up and down from his very faint and soft laugh, he pushed himself off the doorway and walked down to his room. He had to give a call to Declan to arrange tomorrow's duel. They'd have to clear the barn, and set up a decent medkit.

Patrick; you bloody fool... you have no idea what's in store for you.

[adamu]

Etain
Sunday 6/22/70 19:57:02

"We've secured a bus, and will swing by your home at eight, if that's agreeable to you. And of course you must feel free to bring along anyone you like. Anyone at all. There's plenty of room."

[adamu]

Angus
Friday 8/1/70 20:22:30

Smith followed orders and drove out of the stadium's parking basements. Once on the streets, however, he got a bit nervous.
"Uh, Mr. uh Smith?" He always felt sort of weird addressing Angus, since they shared the same surname, but this time he seemed more off-kilter. "Uh, I have done what you said, but we are going to be picked up by a traffic drone in about five seconds with the limo's comm on hidden, and I could lose my chauffer's license."

[JDragon]

Angus

Friday 8/1/70 20:22:45

"Your right, Farley. Thanks, lets just set it to passive and make sure you don't reply to any comms. Wiz?" Angus pats Smith on the shoulder trying to reassure him. "I'm not trying to cause problems for you Farley, but I gotta keep moving. How long will it take us to get to the gym with out getting pulled over?"

[adamu]

John
Thursday 1/30/70 09:48:10

"Well, it is good to see y'all ah keepin' up on all sides of thah issue," Billings says. And even as he speaks more directly than he has before, he is no less affable - his has obviously mastered the demeanor of a friendly and understanding adversary, probably born of decades of meetings, junkets, banquets and dealmaking with his political enemies. "Ah'm not finished with it yet, nor can I rightly claim tah fully comprehend everahthin' in it, but it does make some solid points against the interests you so ably and honorably champion. Interests whose power ah've spent half mah life workin' to get some sorta reasonable leash on. Louisa recommended the book to me just yestahday, and I must say I was up half the night with it. She promised it'd be a page-turner, and she's nevah let me down yet."

[Guest_MK Ultra_*]

John
Thursday 1/30/70 09:51:59

The elf returns the warm smile of the Democrat and gives a quick sideglance to the woman, which in turn offers a motherly smile to him.

John: "ENLIGHTENMENT is our release from self-imposed dependance. DEPENDANCE is the inability to use our own reasoning. Instead, we rely on others to do our thinking for us. It is self-imposed not because we lack UNDERSTANDING but because we lack DECISIVENESS ... SAPERE AUDEM! Have the courage to think for yourself!"

He recites with a sincer and calm voice and pauses a moment for the words to sink in. Then he adds with smile but with an air of gravety in his voice.

John: "It has been 286 years since these words had been written, but once you look beyond the survace, the last three senturies have not seen much change. Global enlightenment still is an utopist´s dream. The few people that shruged of the chains of imaturity and started to comprehend have turned into elitists, reforging those very same chains to bind th minds of humanity. Enlightened persons have taken power in many times and places throughout history, and while they made progress in little steps, in the end they would fall to their own humanity. The masses still prefer to chear to the words of demagougs or drown themselves in the floods of consumers and media. Some say these masses have no VOICE, but I disagry. The Zabotnikists belive that the will of the people would awaken once the barriers of communication that separate the minds are tared down, but I am sure it would only give more power tho those who are sculpting the public opinion allready. People do NOT WANT to bother with thinking for themselves about everything, thay want politicians, media-starlets and adverts to TELL them what to do. This is the reason, why the Ute Nation failed, this is the reason why they grant money to your good cause my lady, why they vote for you gentlemen ... and why they pay me."

Giving everyone a look of appreciation as he speaks about them, John goes on to deconstruct his own theories, though his voice turnes down a bit and takes on a humble tone, as he starts to talk about his own motives.

John: "I would like to be a champion of justice, but who truely knows what is just. I won´t dare say I know what is best for the world, but I know the will of the people, it´s reflected in the laws set down by their elected representatives. It is an inaccurate reflection for sure, but it is the closest image we have."

As he comes to a conclusion, his voice and expression become more cearfull again.

John: "So if I can´t be a champion of justice, I´d at least want to be a champion of Law."

[Vegas]

Etain
Sunday 6/22/70 19:57:02

She watched Conall's silent laughter and scowled at him till he walked away towards his own suite.

"...and will swing by your home at eight..."

Inwardly and silently Etain groaned. 8am tomorrow? It was nearly 8pm which left her only 12 hours to decide what to wear and what to bring and manage to get sleep so she wasn't a walking zombie the next day. Then there was undoubtedly the conversation that she needed to have with her brother nagging at her in the back of her head.

She put a smile on her lips and tried to sound jovial even though the cycles in her head were overclocking at breakneck speeds.

"8 tomorrow morning, Patrick. The trip sounds lovely and I can't wait. If there's truly room I'm sure Fiona and Keelin would never forgive me if I didn't ask them to join along."

[adamu]

Etain
Sunday 6/22/70 19:57:15

"Brilliant. And of course your brother is more than welcome as well, if he's free and so inclined." Patrick gave her a pleasantly satisfied smile, with just a hint of relief visible, as though he'd feared disappointment. "See you at eight." And he signed off.

[adamu]

Conall
Monday 6/23/70 05:32:56

Conall was in excellent spirits as he strode through the dewy meadow towards the old barn where he used to play at battling evil spirits as a child. How very fitting O'Donnell's choice of location was. Declan whistled merrily as he paced alongside, medkit slung over a shoulder.

As they approached the barn the sun peeked over the horizon, bidding Tir na nOg good morning after first waking Scotland. There was no sign of O'Donnell's presence from without, but once they entered they quickly saw him, reclining upon a pile of hay, his horse from the day before tethered in a corner. He rose upon their entrance and started unbuttoning his red silk blouse.

[adamu]

John
Thursday 1/30/70 10:25:00

John reasons with the three senators for some time. All three are clearly intelligent, charismatic men. Sure, it takes an entire political machine to put a man in the UCAS Senate, but that scarcely diminishes the drive, smarts and magnetism it takes to get that machine behind you and then stand out in front of it, exposed to all the slings and arrows of your opponents as you lead it into the Capitol Building. These men were no pushovers - quite to the contrary, they were a delight to talk to. Away from the cameras, they didn't waste time with ad hominem attacks, or rehashing the views that they all knew they each respectively held. It allowed a conversation on a higher plane, and was a delight to John.
Ramsey and Guadalupe were easy - they were disposed to agree with him from the start anyway. But he was sure that as he laid his argument out, he'd won a certain amount of sympathy from Billings as well, despite the old politico's determined views.
As he finished outlining his logic, Billings attempted to sum up his opinion: "So y'all ah talkin' 'bout whether the people have got a lick o' sense in 'em, and whethah that oughtta make a hill o' beans o' difference in a democracy. That's an old debate, son, but a good one for every leadah to pondah.
"It seems to me that you ah concludin' that in the first place, they DO have a lick o' sense, but despite that its theah CHOICE not ta use it. This, in turn, legitimizes whatevah they, in theah laziness not ignorance, choose to enact by way o' law. Thus, you ah provin' that the law justifiahbly represents the will of a free people, and can therefore rahtly be seen as a final arbiter of justice. Yoah argument says there is no distinction between justice and law, that they are essentially one and the same, given a democratic system. Have I got that right?"

Before John could answer, however, Louisa Mayhurst-Washington chimed in for the first time. "Oh, but it goes one step further, Senator. Doesn't it, John? It posits that if justice and the law are one and the same, or at least that the law is the closest one can get to justice, then to abide the law is to relieve oneself of moral accountability. Sounds like DEPENDENCE to me, John," she concluded softly with a smile.

[Guest_MK Ultra_*]

John
Thursday 1/30/70 10:29:20

He gives the ork woman a side-glance and a smile, as he ignores her intervention for a second, while he slightly lifts his left index-finger, to indicate that he will come back on him and only gives a quick reply to Billings.

John: "It is not lazyness!"

He says in a playfull tone and than turns to Louisa, his finger bopping slightly up and down in the tact of the ambient music playing from the Platinum´s sound-system, as a placeholder for his follow-up comment to the Democrat.

John: "But how do you define 'MORAL'?"

He lowers his finger and again turns to Billings. Jumping back and forth between two seperate discussions often gave him a distinct advantage, as it confused most people and rare where those like him, that could seamingly affortlessly lead them, without either only concentrating on one topic or else loose precious ressources, to follow them both.

John: "It is simply a matter of TIME. Not everyone can be a politician and dedicate every hour to that cause. There have to be police-men, firefighters, pilots, physicians, lawyers, MINERS and flight attendands."

He gives a gratefull smile to the beautifull woman, that is refilling his drink, before addressing the Mayhurst again.

John: "'Lawrence Kohlberg' defined six steps of moral judgement. 1st the orientation on obediance and punishmant. 2nd instrumental-relativistic orientation, or 'I do to you, what you do to me'. 3rd orientation on interhuman harmony. 4th 'law and order'. 5th the legalist orientation to the greater good of all. 6th the orientation on universal ethical principles."

Making a short pause for everyone to catch up -or at least give the illusion that he was waiting for them- the elf falls in just the moment when somebody takes a breath to speak up and further explaines his point to Billings.

John: "So, Senator, not everyone can be a politician AND not everyone want´s to be. Off cause people want to have a say in things and that´s where democracy comes in. They trust their elected representatives to make decisions in their best interest."

He gives a firm look to all of the senators, while he speaks to them, then seamlessly turns back to the activist woman, so nobody has a chance to say something, without rudely cutting his word.

[Mister Juan]

Conall
Monday 6/23/70 05:32:56

Coming in the barn, Conall did his very best to keep a neutral face… which was a difficult thing considering Declan was giggling like a happy schoolgirl in his back. He had carefully reminded his mate to let O’Donnell keep at least a few teeth. The wolf shaman had smiled back saying he would “do his best”.

He gave Patrick a simple nod, silently thanking him for at least having the guts to show up. That already gave him one point. Numerous boys, who wanted to pursue their interest in Etain, had simply high tailed it. This… this was a man of his words. Not one for much fashion, Conall was wearing a simple loose silk pair of pants with a white tshirt… which he stripped off and tossed in a nearby corner, where he laid his shoes to rest a few seconds later. Leaning his head from side to side, the cracking sound his neck made echoed in the old barn.

Conall then took a roll of hand tape from his pocket, and quickly wrapped his hand in a practiced gesture before tossing it in Patrick’s direction… along with a mouth guard.

“My man here, Declan, will be the one to call the fight off for blood check if need be, and on if there isn’t any shed. Do you have any questions?”

Waiting for his opponent to reply, the young brash elf started to flex his hands closed and open, jumping from one foot to the other.

[Vegas]

Etain
Sunday 6/22/70 19:57:43

"See you at eight." echoed inside her head as the call was terminated and she no longer had Patrick's attractive features to gaze at, she was just left with her memory. She shook herself from her reverie quickly as she had much to get ready before the morning. First things first, she conference calls Fiona and Keelin to pass their invites along and insisted firmly that they not be late and to be ready to leave from her house at 8am.

With much squealing and giggling, plotting and three girls talking over themselves, she threw open the doors to her walk-in closet and started pacing inside a space that would easily equal that of most modest home's living rooms. She quickly crossed certain outfits off her list as they wouldn't be quite "right" for the trip. She needed something that would look good along the Coast Road as well as walking the Glens of Antrim. She sighed heavily and kept digging, her fingers finally landing on a soft peach brushed cotton skirt that would look stunning against her skin and flow with the breeze. Once the foundation piece is found she is quick to find a pair of comfortable and strappy sandals, followed by a couple of fitted tank tops, one in a deeper peach tone and one white that could be layered over one another. She got the approval she was seeking from her girlfriends and gave a satisfied sigh as one thing was checked off her mental list of things to do before tomorrow morning.

She sat down on the floor of her closet and hauled out her jewelry box, riffling through it to find a few more perfect accessories. While she’s looking, her attention is drawn to the video feed Keelin is sending asking for the girls opinion on some hideous pair of shorts that looked like the were the colour of pureed peas. Not the most flattering colour for a girl as fair as she. Both she and Fiona convince Keelin to change to a different and much more flattering outfit. When the final logistics were settled the girls, still giggling and promising to be “on time,” terminated their call and Etain gathered a few more last minute items to be sure to bring with her on the trip.

She glanced at her clock and was genuinely surprised to see that three hours had passed from the time she called the girls and it was fast approaching midnight. Knowing she’d have to be up extra early to get her hair washed and dried in the morning, she decided to forgo the discussion she had so desperately wanted to have with Conall based off his reaction in the doorway earlier. There would be time for that tomorrow should her brother choose to join them on their trip.

She changed for bed and then nestled deep into the soft sheets and blankets, tossing and turning on the feather pillows as she tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in and to try to shake the image of Patrick’s face from her mind. Finally sleep overtook her and she managed to get a good number of hours before the house staff was knocking at her door to rouse her awake.

Monday 6/23/70 05:30:00

Etain sighs heavily and stares at the ceiling of her bedroom as the knocking at her door continues. She knows that if she doesn’t acknowledge the knocking, they were liable to come in and try to wake her by gently shaking her.

“I’m awake, thank you Anne.” She knew the woman who was outside her door, it was the woman assigned to “take care of Etain’s every wish and desire.” Well that’s what her mother wanted everyone to believe at least. She waited and continued to stare at the ceiling untill she heard the woman's footsteps fade away from her door and down the hall.

She tossed back the blankets and swung her legs out of bed till her toes hit the carpet. Rubbing the last traces of sleep from her eyes and then stifling a yawn she got out of bed, shedding her silk PJ’s carelessly as she crossed the room towards her private bath. A pleasantly long and hot shower is enjoyed and she steps out smelling fresh and clean and very… well, her. By the time her girlfriends arrive at 7:20, she’s dressed and her bag is packed with various necessities for the day. One last glance at the clock and she realizes the girls have enough time for a quick bite to eat before they wait for Patrick’s arrival. She corrals her friends down to the kitchen for one or another of Philippe's delicious breakfasts.