adregem | 000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

[ He finishes off another plate in record time. The cutlery pile wasn't getting smaller, so he shifts his attention to that. But he takes note of Tidus' account, nodding as he recalls the said broadcast of their meeting. He waits for Tidus to complete his story before Roland speaks up again, this time turning to face him, one hand on his hip. ]

I see. Do you feel like it would have gone smoother if everyone was physically present during the council meeting itself? Instead of it being broadcast? I want to figure out what could have gone better and what you thought didn't work.

Edited 2020-07-10 12:19 (UTC)

[ Roland's hand on his hip encourages Tidus's own folded arms. ]

In person, for sure. Who wants to sit around waiting for an hour to talk? If you're gonna let people have a say about what you're talking about, let them have it when you're talking, you know? Why be so weird about it?

And it's not like the ICPs are picking up what everyone says crystal clear. So that whole compromise is a mess. [ A scoff. ] It's not like the rest of us are gonna bite them.

[ He's already formulating a workaround, because that sounds similar to the type of small community governance that he's had to do working his way up the ladder when he was younger...Sadly, the dishes are to be ignored for now as Roland attempts to poke holes in this theory. Progress by playing devil's advocate was always a safe way to iron out a plan. ]

Alright. Those are still good points, Tidus. Now, here are my two questions for you: one, did the council have an agenda when they allowed passengers to listen in? Were people aware of that agenda before the start of the meeting? And two, where would you propose they hold council meetings for people to attend? We don't have a cab on this train big enough for everyone to sit in.

[ He's smirking as if it was fun. Roland thinks work is fun, just roll with it. ]

[ Does Tidus look like the guy who cares that he could be multi-tasking right now but isn't. Look at him tilt his header, consider the questions. ]

We didn't get to know the agenda, if they knew about it. All I remember 'bout the start was Tony acting like how everyone was gonna judge them. [ Which, Tidus has been judging Tony...... ]

And just have the meetings in one of the dining cabs. [ He'll point a finger or thumb in whichever direction the dining car is from him. ] Sure, I dunno that you're gonna fit everyone in there, but you think everyone is gonna wanna come anyway?

I don't want to listen to another meeting.

[ Tidus might not like to hear this from Roland, but... He lets out a small laugh, it's breathy and it sounds as if he's remembering an inside joke. ]

Tony's probably had experiences being scrutinized by the public. I can sympathize. It's easy to assume the worst when you've felt the heat from others. Others who may want to take everything you say personally. [ Oh the stories Roland could tell you of his first life, the life before Evermore... But he doesn't say these things to discourage Tidus. Oh no, Roland is attempting to bridge some understanding. His heart is aflame with good intentions. He can't fault him for that. ]

But if I had to give a suggestion, maybe an agenda before broadcasting that meeting would have been better. You wouldn't have been so disconnected from their discussion had you known what the topic was beforehand. Right?

[ He attempts to resume cleaning the dishes, but honestly, his mind is somewhere else entirely now. His hands are just itching to work. He's ironing out a plan if someone was willing to listen to it, change the format of the council meetings...The gears were churning fast. ] You should still listen, if given the chance. Be active. Participate and let your voice be heard. I like your style, Tidus. And nothing you've said so far's convinced me that you don't have the best intentions of your fellow passengers in mind. Those are the best kinds of leaders.

[ His eyes shine with kindness, meeting his gaze in the middle. You're not half-bad, kid, is what Roland would like to say. A little refining here and there, but you're made of tougher stuff than you realize. ]

[ He's not so embittered or gripping as tight on a grudge to still be that grumbly about the point Roland is making about Tony. There's still a 'yeah, well' buried under his feelings, but he doesn't think that Roland is incorrect. Guy obviously has some experience of something, but that seemed to make too quick to jump on the defensive.

He comes back around to the other side of Roland, once he's done speaking, a slow lazy walk; his arms coming behind his back and stretching, with noise and all, only falling back down with Tidus stood in front of the dishwasher. ]

But politics is so stuffy, [ he says, finding his voice again, as wary and weary in one at the idea. ] I just don't feel like I get it, you know? I played sports back home, I stuck around with a group--none of that had anything to do with me. [ Politics. ]

There's people like me... and then there's people like you, who have a head for this stuff! I just wanna know you guys are actually remembering where we are instead of being, the elders did this, we did that, and asking the people you say you're representing, 'what do you think of this?' instead of deciding it for us.

[ Roland just got thrown in with the Council lot jut because, though Tidus isn't thinking about it seriously.

A new tray's been pushed out, and now, they're mostly down to cutlery and cups. ]

Other than having feelings 'bout that, I don't know a lot of the stuff you'd actually talk about in these things.

[ So this is what it's like to really see a teenager... Roland's son was around ten years old, same age as Evan who admittedly grew up faster than anyone he's ever known due to the circumstances surrounding his rise to becoming king. To say that Roland wasn't used to the mood swings and reactions of teens like Tidus was a vast understatement. He tries to remember his own youthfulness, back when his body and soul were actually one and the same, but he can't recall it nor even figure out if he could relate.

But don't get him wrong, it's amusing to him to think that Tidus could care so much about council politics on one hand, and then shift gears and dismiss politics in the next. He follows his movements, and he wonders if Tidus could maybe grow up to be someone in politics one day, anyway. With enough exposure, he could refine his ideas and really be the voice of the people... Ah but without the passion for it, that would be a moot point. He said he was into sports, right? ]

[ Roland finally takes the cups on, wiping the rim with ease. And don't worry. Roland takes no offense to lumping him in with the council lot just because he's also pretty used to standing trial. ]

But that's just it, isn't it? At the end of the day, the problem is that you feel as if the broadcast of that meeting was just for show. You didn't get to actively participate in it, you didn't get a say in the decision. Or at the very least, if something was decided, you know you had nothing to do with its coming to pass.

[ He takes another cup and wipes it faster. ] If enough people feel this way, you could incite a petition to change the format of the council meetings using a majority vote. [ He's on a roll. He knows what he could propose, and if they needed a meat shield to take in all the heat, so be it. Roland's spent majority of his adult life in the office, trying to make peace with other countries who only wanted war. Nothing could be worse than that. But before he can go on, he sets down the cups, puts away the cutlery, and hangs the towel against his forearm. A wry smile rests on his lips. ]

...But this is all conjecture, at the moment. A nomination for the council isn't a win. At the very least, I want you to know that I'm willing to speak on people's behalf so that at least we can create a channel of communication with leadership. That rings true no matter what happens next. [ Short of saying, hey. Win or lose, he's open to giving advice if it's asked for. Hands down. ]

[ Tidus will have plenty of 'yeah, buts' to defend his nose-sticking into council runnings compared to actually the heart of politics, even if it comes down to him just being a nosy beggar at the end of the day, or maybe be spurned on for one reason or another. Nevertheless, Tidus is listening now, rather preferring that to being the one speaking (unless he doesn't like what he hears). Meanwhile, on his side, it turns out there isn't really much for him to do about the rest of the cleaning, everything piled and waiting to be pushed through.

So with that, he takes back his whole walk around and returns to Roland's other side, dealing with sticking the cutlery into their containers, giving the quickest of wipes. But he does so with a smile turning on his lips, a playfulness bordering on mischief in tone as he takes a fork in hand, slowly waving it. ]

Sooo, you're saying you want my nomination? You need a good pitch going into it, right? [ And it sounds like Roland has them in spades, speaking fluidly this entire time--more so than himself. ] What else are you gonna sell me on to get my vote? [ Or, more importantly: ] What's a pitch like for these things anyway?

[ hi, he just knows there's a pitch apparently but not what it's about. But he'll put that fork with its brothers now, the small clatter of steel against steel. ]

[ He cocks an eyebrow at Tidus, meeting his cheekiness once again. He's pretty good at getting Roland to react that way, and he's already a pretty serious guy. That's a talent he shouldn't let go of, so very few people can do it. ]

[ In response, Roland wipes down a similar utensil and pokes the air with its blunt end to emphasize his point. He answers just as playfully, though he tries to hide it with a mock tone of authority. ]

I'm saying you're free to do what you feel like is right for this nomination. I'm not here to tell you what to do, or stop you. [ He's a cool uncle. Roland deposits the spoon inside the container and moves on to wiping three forks at the same time. ] And the only pitch I'll give anyone is that if they need me to voice out their concerns so that more people on this train get a say in how things work, and have their suggestions actually happen, then I'll do just that.

[ As for the pitch itself...Man oh man, Tidus is going to freak when it'll eventually show that Roland, should his nomination get past, won't even vote for himself. He's absolutely convinced he's voting for Tidus. ]

Usually I'd say write up your thoughts and organize them into something convincing, like a speech, but I feel like your strength is saying what's in here and rolling with it. [ Roland gently dabs where his heart is with a pinky finger. ] So just be honest and share what you think you could do to help your fellow Voidtreckers out. That's the best pitch anyone can give.

[ This guy is such an old man, and Tidus likes it when it peeks through; not by the experience in his words (though maybe they should be attributed to age), but in the ways he speaks to Tidus, a tone that isn't familiar in any a sentimental sense, but simply by the adults he's grown up and heard. Teachers, that kind of thing.

He doesn't exactly miss adults in his life (he's practically already an adult himself, thanks), but for the bore at the heart of the conversation, the subject, there's just something about it that tickles Tidus fondly, pulls at the sides of his mouth at times.

But also, speaking of the heart-- ]

That's so cheesy, man. [ Not that Tidus has any place to tease about strength of the heart, but Roland doesn't have to know about that right now. Still, he's all jest and ribbing, a wide grin that he shows Roland before moving aside the filled cutlery containers and bringing closer between them the spare one. Then letting out a sound, a gasp, a sigh--a signal of indecision before he rocks his head a little. ]

I dunnooo... I just get the feeling it's all gonna go over my head if I get in, you know? Plus, anyone can vote you for the ballot. [ A tiny scoff. ] Why not just let the people who wanna do it put themselves up? Ugh, what a hassle.

[ Someone's getting to the point of not wanting to do their homework now. ]

[ Truly, it was a joy to watch Tidus move about as he moved the way his thoughts rolled in like waves against a shore. It was a stark contrast to Roland's stillness, and how he doesn't really move unless he has to finish a job. It was...refreshing, to say the least. Is it cliche if he said Tidus is slowly starting to make him actually feel his real age? Was Roland ever this sprightly? ]

[ He doesn't comment on the cheesy bit because you know what, cheesy as it is, Roland knows it's true. Tidus seems to thrive on being heard for who he is, authentically, without the pretending and trying too hard to be someone others would like to see. As much as Roland is a stickler for rules and making sure there's structure, he's oddly comforted by the fact that he knows someone who can just stand up to things without pretense. ]

It's better that you get someone to vouch for your good reputation versus you offering it up. You can volunteer, but sometimes for positions like this, you need to have voter's confidence.

[ Roland shakes his head in good fun. ] I'll tutor you, if I have to. [ Though said lightly, he actually means it. ]

Noooo thanks, [ comes out at that offer, a shake of his head and even a wave of his hands, like Roland just presented a dish before him of rusted nails and cream. Nopenopenope, nopenopenope, Tidus doesn't even want to think about that!

And for all of Roland's encouragement, there's no less of those indecisive sighs, like Tidus might give himself a headache before long. But before he gets there, he does say--with a quick rub of a knife and fork-- ]

I'm still putting your name in, so you better get a speech or pitch or whatever prepared. Now that I know you're the real deal, I'm making sure you get your vouch.

[ And he regains a little of his confidence, adding in his usual lightheaded way: ] And I'm sure whatever you've gotta say will come easy to you too--you're like a motivational speaker ready to go!

[ He's got the Good Words, basically. ]

[ Now it was Roland's turn to poke fun at him. He puts both his hands on his hips now, challenging him with a smirk and a cock of his eyebrow. ] What? Afraid of a little paperwork, Tidus? If you can play sports all day, I'm sure you can write an essay, easy-peasy!

[ You keep calling him uncle, so an uncle's what you're gonna get. Still, all jokes aside, Roland does kind of have to smile at that offer. Truth be told, he really wasn't going to do anything apart from listening in to the next meeting they'd broadcast. Tidus' faith in him despite the short time they've known each other was something he'd also never forget about the boy, no matter what. ]

I know a better motivational speaker, but I'll do my best not to disappoint you. Win or lose. [ Roland takes that seriously, okay. Council elections or not, he remembers people who believe in him. Because he can't keep failing citizens. He can't keep failing people, period. After what he's been through in Evermore...that wasn't an option anymore. ]

[ Hey Roland!!! Have some of this face for threatening Tidus with boredom!! ]

Pahhhhh.

[ But as for the rest-- ]

You better not, uncle. I'm expecting everything I've seen so far to come out better than ever in the big game! [ Game, what big game, but Roland should get what he means. But he does hope that things go well, in whatever manner they have to go first to get the votes rolling. The guy seemed to have more than a good head on him, and he didn't rub him a single wrong way. And that was good enough for Tidus. ]

If there's anything I can do to help, lemme know, okay? If you wanna meet some people or--whatever. You should know this better than me. And even if you don't get in, we can do stuff outside all that. Me and another passenger's putting together supplies for missions, and I wanna buy stuff for the train too, once I think of anything.

[ Tidus didn't have anything he wanted to buy personally for himself anyway. He didn't have much in the way of personal. How could he? When the SCA always on his wrist was the only thing keeping him around, and his home was about as 'real' as he was. ]

[ He actually lets out a laugh at that reaction. Tidus, you made Roland laugh. He can't even remember the last time he's seen something so funny or amusing. He shakes off the giggle by trying to resume to the pile they've created but thanks to their teamwork, there wasn't much else to be done except put things away. He grabs some cups and tries to stack them neatly so he can transfer them at the same time. ]

Heh. I know how my world processes votes, but we'll see how the Voidtrecker council does their's. But I will ask for help if it comes to that, thank you. [ The cups are removed from their stack and piled neatly next to each other in the common area for clean utensils. ]

That's true. We can indeed, 'do stuff' outside of a council. [ Roland's smile is reminiscent of all the times he's watched Evan stake his claim for independence; when his king, as young as he is, dons his cape and crown and commands a room, asks them to listen, asks them to put their trust in him to do what's right for the people. ] You're...very generous, aren't you? First that book, and now, you want to buy things for others on the train. I've never seen anyone else want to do that before. At least, no one I've spoken to.

[ Tidus was nominating him, right? Roland's pretty sure now, with almost no hesitation or doubt, that despite that, the President's vote was going to this young man. They could end up just voting for each other, but still. Something about it feels right. ]

What am I going to do with all the points I get? [ He says it like it's a problem of having too much than anything deeper than that. But in the same breath-- ] The train gives us nothing! It chucks kids and all kinds of people on without weapons or anything to defend themselves, and expects us to go out and save worlds? I might as well buy it until we figure out some way of making the train think better about us. Or whoever. I'm gonna keep calling it the train.

[ He says the last part with a dismissive wave of his hand, knowing how that sounds--getting mad at a train--but not about to actually care about using any other descriptor. ]

I don't know what to get for on the train though. Unless I can buy something that lets you hop from one side of the train to the other!

[ Man, he would love something like that. The train is too long! But with that said, he slides the unused and now useless washer trays under the sink counter over where they had first been loaded up, out of the way. ]

[ Roland can only wholeheartedly agree. He shows it with a thoughtful hum reverberating from deep within his chest. It was something he questioned since day one - if they were world-savers, then why were they being rationed?

Regardless, he is perpetually impressed. Tidus has ideas that, once refined, could really go a long way. He tries not to show it, but the extroverted teen really was growing on him. He takes his very first rag, the one he had rinsed and left to drip dry, and washes it one more time before he cleans up the counters where they worked to clean up the dishes. ]

Most people save up points to get something nice for themselves. You don't want anything? Weren't you making a list of how much things cost when we met? [ He glances at him from the corner of his eye. ] Though if you really want to be selfless, then start up a community survey. Ask what's needed by sleeper cabin, or by team, for example.

Edited 2020-07-11 15:42 (UTC)

You seen how many cabins there are? [ The thought of going down those cabins is the first Tidus latches onto, frowning, paused from picking up the filled cutlery holders to be taken to the place where all the unused spares were set out in proper trays, to later be taken down to the dining areas when needed.

But he resumes, moving away from Roland but making up for it by raising his voice. ]

I'll ask around first, see if anyone's already done anything like that. Or use the SCAs--that's easier. [ Not as efficient as trying to make sure you catch everyone in their room, but also, who wants to do that? ]

All I want right now is to see more worlds. You know, like photos. So I might grab a few books or ask if anyone wants some of where they're from. I already ordered one on the last place we went.

[ And that he shares with some giddy of a guy waiting for his parcel to come in the mail. Come oonnn, show him photos of land! Of the sea! ]

[ The first thought Roland internalizes is, 'That's...not a lot of cabins, Tidus.' But of all the things he's said this time, only one thing sticks strong enough for him to quiet down again, his voice taking on a feeling of nostalgia when he speaks next. His voice is laden with a memory that existed as his reality not so long ago, but there are some fears of forgetting the longer he stays away. The longer he doubts his own mind, if he might have Voidsickness like the ICP said...

As Tidus moves away, and he finishes up the first counter moving on to the one closest to the dishwasher, Roland responds softer, but not enough that the other man wouldn't be able to hear him from the distance. ]

You...you can do that? Because I think you'd really like Evan's kingdom. [ He smiles wider now, yes he can picture it clearly. That kind of energy...Roland would have recruited him to be a citizen without a doubt. ] You'd really like it in Evermore, Tidus. I'd love to show you, when I get the chance.

[ The pride in him swells to a fevered pitch. He will not brag about many things by nature, but this was the exception. ]

[ There's seven sleeper cars, Roland, you can't make him!!. Or you could, begrudgingly, but let's not encourage that.

But Tidus is careful, slowing how he puts away the cutlery into their trays, to the point of stopping altogether while Roland speaks. Not because of how his voice changes or because it's softer, but because forks and knives are noisy no matter how you set them down.

He grabs a handful anyway, picking out the spoons away from the forks and knives, turning his head back in Roland's direction. ]

Then if you're fine with it, I'll try and get a book! Some of my friends, they didn't want to see their homes. Don't blame them -- I get it. It's not easy for everyone being this far away. I don't want to make them feel bad.

[ Even if he wants to see their worlds the most, it's not worth tearing them up over it. ]

[ He responds fast to that, turning around in a quick spin to face him. ]

Oh no you don't. Why don't we race to see who gets the most points for it, instead? [ Roland only challenges Tidus because he does feel like it's his responsibility to earn these things too...And he seems like the kind of person who responds well to a challenge anyhow. ]

I'm more than fine with it. [ Because I miss them. ] It'll help me...not to forget. [ He was already afraid of forgetting his son when he was in Evermore. What more now? One world, one dimension after the other? ]

[ Tidus is totally the kind of guy to love a challenge, but when Roland says what he does next, well--Tidus is going to turn and face him too. ]

How about this: I buy the book, and you buy one for someone else later. Remember? I'm Mister 200 Points -- [ well, less than a hundred now, but ] -- I've already got you beat. And if you share that book in the library sometimes, let me see it? I'm getting something out of it too. I want to see new worlds. You can tell me all about it!

[ There is some enthusiasm in that, as if he really needs to encourage Roland to let him when he already knows enough words to give it a go without the guy's blessing (maybe, anyway). And Tidus isn't above being sneaky for an act like this, obviously.

...but look, it's a compromise. A way to not make Roland feel guilty, if he's doing something in return later. Right? ]

[ He shakes his head, though he's far from frustrated. Just once again amused beyond belief. ] You really are a stubborn one, huh? Heh. So be it. I'm not against a quid pro quo. [ Besides...he didn't say that someone else couldn't be Tidus himself, did he? See, Roland can play your games, too. ]

And hey, don't count me out just because you got a head start on points. [ Roland smirks, arms against his chest. ] I happen to enjoy the challenge of catching up to someone who's leagues away from me. Feeling scared an old man like me might get more points than a youngin' like you? [ He's just as competitive! And playing around like this is pretty fun! He may have given him an elixir for the sign languages book, but he's not done repaying those favors. ]

[ Oh, now Roland is hitting Tidus's competitive buttons! ]

Alright then! Before platform day, count your points. Whoever gets the most points this month beats the other! You think you can keep up? Huh, old man?

[ That's right, he's brought out the Old Man, and there might as well be fire burning with that competitive passion. Time for Roland to put his points where his mouth is! Even if neither of them know how they're graded for points, that just means they've got to do everything possible. Everything. ]

000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

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