maskormenacelogs | STRANGE, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE STARTED THIS GIG?

STRANGE, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE STARTED THIS GIG?

WHO: All diplomatic imPorts that have signed up HERE.
WHERE: The capitals of Mexico, South Korea, and France. UN-attending imPorts will be placed in Davos, Switzerland.
WHEN: January 26th.
WHAT: Democracy in motion as imPorts attempt to use their skills of persuasion to convince each government or organization to lend the imPorts - and America - their help. Players may also use this log to play out the long flight over, planning, and other associated activities.
WARNINGS: None anticipated; let us know if we should change this!

Depending on their assignment, all imPort diplomats will find themselves either in Seoul, South Korea; Mexico City, Mexico; Paris, France; or for UN attending imPorts, Davos in the Swiss Alps. They will be housed in the American Embassies and regardless of their Registration status, will be treated as American citizens. UN-attending imPorts will be housed in a hotel close by. Their accommodations will be that of an extremely luxurious hotel, and they will be provided with anything that they should require, be it books on the art of rhetoric, access to state of the art computers and laptops, food or drink. They will also be provided with boardrooms in which the teams may convene to assemble a strategy. Don't be distracted by the free drinks; this is a task that will require clear minds!

After one night of preparation, on January 26th, each team of imPorts will meet with either the government of their assigned nation or the UN. They will be placed at a podium in front of a room full of politicians and diplomats, and will be expected to state their argument. They will be allowed to have an opening speech before each assembly asks each group three questions.

When either the opening speech has been concluded OR the question has been answered to each player's satisfaction, please put QUESTION NEEDED in the subject title of your comment, and we will deliver the next question.

Just remember: an invasion is coming! Even if acquiring the alliance of these governments and organizations do not help with the imPorts' immediate predicament, it will impact the future of the game at large!

Get ready, our silver-tongued imPorts, and good luck!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ When the second French team are called up to speak, it’s Fraser who raises his head first, tapping his mic to ensure that it’s working before he goes to address the group. He’s dressed in his no doubt familiar red finery, the uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. His buttons and boots are polished to a shine, his presentation pristine, much as it appears in much of the recent publicity for the RCMP--and for Canada as well. The French delegates may even recognise him from several internet videos debunking Canadian myths, such as “The Mountie Explains It All: All Canadians Drive Snowmobiles or Dog Sleds”; recorded, suspiciously, from the back of an actual dog sled.

The diplomatic party have been visible and genuine since their arrival in the country. They’ve had their photos snapped by French magazines, all eager to interview them about their mission once their diplomatic mission is over, and recorded on the French news arriving at the airport, Fraser and Edgeworth speaking in French to fans that have been waiting for hours, and handing out hastily made badges that read “Imports are People”. Audible snippets on the news have them saying " On esperons que le gouvernement Francais nous aidez dans le prochaine semaine. Nous voulons recouperons notres amies, en detente par Russe. Il n’etait pas juste: les imPorts sont des gens; nous ne sommes pas des fusils, ou des armes de guerre. Imports are people, not weapons! "

Fraser removes his hat before he begins to speak. It’s a sign of the gravity of the occasion. ]

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Benton Fraser. Before I was brought here, my life wasn’t complicated, my world wasn’t complicated; I was a Constable in the Canadian Royal Mounted Police. I loved and served the country where I was born, where I grew up, as my father and grandfather did. Canada is often called the child of France; it is where my family are buried; my parents, and their parents, and it’s where I leave my half-sister, with whom I have been reunited only a year.

I’ve been very fortunate. I’m not alone, my partner joined me not long after I arrived here. My partner, my only link to home, my companion and friend--who has been abducted by Russia. Unlike you, esteemed friends, I will not be returning to my family tonight. I will not even be able to return home, to the country and people that I love.

I say this because I want to illuminate our point early: We come to you as people, just like you, with our powers nullified. We are citizens, displaced from our own world, who cannot even leave the country to which we have been naturalised. We have found ourselves, not unlike France itself, trapped between the Devil and the deep blue sea, dropped into the middle of a frigid war which is not our own to fight, and yet which concerns us greatly. None of us want war, less so would we ever wish to be its trigger, and yet by our very existence that has become the case.

We came here with the plan to discuss France’s economy, and its long term friendship with the United States, to bargain with you that our continued value in Allied hands is greater than it would be if ownership of our kind is in dispute. ImPort advances made in America benefit France. The technology, military and medical fields have all benefited from imPort influences. I was going to speak about how pressing us into Soviet service would tilt the axis of power in Russia’s favor, and put not only your allies, but your agreements with the rest of Europe - and perhaps even France itself - at risk. But my fellows would like to speak, and I don’t want to drag this out excessively. Instead, I would like to speak to you about optimism--or L’Optimisme, in fact.

“All is for the best, in the best of all possible worlds”. Candide grew up in a paradise, separated from hunger and pain, from war, from fear and death, and reassured by his ideal, that this world - his world - must be the best of all possible worlds, because it was as God had made it. He goes out into the world, where he witnesses great atrocities and disaster, and cannot justify it, as Voltaire could not. His view, when all is said and done, is that a man “must cultivate his garden”. In English the idiom goes thus: “You reap what you sow.”

I must ask our friends here, which stance they would have France enter into, as Russia declares war unjustly on its ally, and takes innocent people - even children - prisoner under its banner. Will France cover its eyes and adopt Pangloss’ attitude that it is as God willed it, no matter how terrible, how devastating, and say that “All is for the best” at this act of violence against us? Or will France take the stance that it must cultivate its garden, for if Russia can act with such cruelty toward strangers, there is nothing to prevent them to doing the same to other American allies--to your partners, and your children.

[ And with that, Fraser glances toward Edgeworth, and moves to sit back down. ]

[ooc: translation is in rollover format]

Edited 2016-01-29 01:52 (UTC)

[And Miles Edgeworth steps up to the podium. Unlike Fraser, he does not come out in full "costume". His suit is simple, well cut, and professional, albeit in the cranberry shade associated with him. Edgeworth stands up straight and looks outward, projecting his voice to the crowd. He speaks in French as well, and while his accent has a rough edge to it, it's not enough to impair understanding.]

I'm Miles Edgeworth, an imPort and attorney from the United States of America. However, the America I came from, the America that I grew up with, is quite different than the one you know. By the time I was born, there was no USSR to rattle sabers against. The Cold War was an artifact of the past, a distant specter of an apocalypse we had narrowly avoided. Peace had been achieved, allowing us a greater friendship with the international community - a relationship I took full advantage of in my youth. Germany, Britain, Japan, and yes, France as well, were all nations I had visited and grown to love during my travels. And I am not the only one!

[He raises his voice, his eyes glittering with enthusiasm as he speaks]

Ever since my arrival in Cape Canaveral, I have met and befriended imPorts, all with their own unique homelands. Men and women from different Americas. Men and women from different nations. Men and women from different worlds, even! ImPorts are not just Americans. Our numbers include your countrymen, as well.

[And at that point, Edgeworth slams his hand on the podium, his enthusiasm growing stern and harsh]

And these same countrymen are the ones who will be abandoned if we do not take a unified stand against Russian aggression! These countrymen, these citizens of the world, these citizens of the universe will have their rights and their very humanity stripped away from them! You've heard what they had to say themselves - we are not soldiers to be detained. We are weapons to be confiscated. "Weapons" that will be used against their will, and "weapons" to be disposed of if they do not work the way they should. If the USSR is willing to silence its citizens at all costs, people they consider human, what hope do imPorts have? What sort of dignity or compassion can we expect from those that would enslave us?

Will you, the proud people of France, stand for this? Will the birthplace of Enlightenment, the inspiration for American liberty, stand idle while your brothers and sisters are spirited away by those that would deny them the freedoms that you have pioneered? And will France cower in the face of Russian aggression, when they have always stood strong and proud against them?

[And Edgeworth breathes in deep, relaxing]

I think not. Let me repeat: I have seen a world where the Cold War has ended. I have seen a world of peace. However, this peace would not have been possible without our brothers and sisters in the international community. And peace will not be possible without you.

Edited 2016-01-29 02:56 (UTC)

[ When it came time for Xavier’s part of the opening remarks, he rolled quietly forward, gently waving off a motion someone made towards the podium, stationing his wheelchair slightly in front of the stand and to the side. He wasn’t as resplendent as Fraser or even as sharply dressed as Edgeworth. Charles had paired a herringbone jacket with grey slacks, an oxford shirt and a pull over sweater. He looked professor-ly, purposefully approachable and unthreatening.

He didn’t reach for the microphone (couldn’t reach it if he tried) but instead turned towards the audience and smiled warmly. Clearing his throat, he pitched his voice just as he would have in any of the large auditoriums at a University, sending his voice outwards to carry to the back. Like Edgeworth and Fraser, he spoke in French; though perhaps with a bit more of an accent than the other two. ]

Hello. My name is Professor Charles Xavier and like my colleagues here today I have been imported from my own world, to this one. [ He paused, purposefully, for a moment before continuing. ] I, like the others who are called imPorts, had no choice in being brought here and I can tell you, since it’s been a recent occurrence for me, it’s quite frightening to be taken from all you know, all you have worked for, your friends and your loved ones and to be placed in what is familiar and yet; not.

[ He folded his hands into his lap, looking out at each audience member, seeking to make eye contact with anyone who did not look away. ]

But I have found many people to be kind here, which is quite heartening, as I can only imagine that our sudden presence here is equally as disconcerting for you. We are strangers in your world, an unknown but this does not need to continue to be the case. Just as we have been learning about this world and all of you, there can be opportunity for you to come to know us better.

[ Again, he purposefully paused and again he sought eye contact with his audience members. ]

But why am I talking about fear and disquiet? Well, I believe that recent actions, taken by the USSR, are decisions made from a position based in fear. Rather than get to know the travelers who have been brought to your world, they have unilaterally chosen to label us as ‘weapons’, not people but, like Mr. Edgeworth has said, rather as objects to be used and discarded. [ He paused and then finished. ]

This was not done because they want our powers, but because they wish to control that which they fear.

This is action of a young country, one that is reacting from a position of jingoism, and rather than learn about us as we would learn about them, they have taken a dangerously aggressive stance against what they fear. This threat display from the USSR risks the peace, the economic prosperity and the security that strong nations, like France, have worked so hard to achieve. Will you let them take that from you? [ As he spoke, his words began to come quick, and hard, building momentum until reaching a crescendo on the next sentence. ] The USSR is choosing a war like path, and it is a path that will lead to global hardships, even for countries that try to stay out of the fray.

[ Again he paused, and when he spoke next, his voice had come back to its gentle, modulated tones. ]

However, as you have heard, this is not a path the USSR need continue on. Mr. Edgeworth has spoken of a world where the ‘Cold War’ is an artifact of the past. It could be an artifact of the past in this world as well, because I do not believe that any person or any country is completely lost. I have seen the struggles the ‘Cold War’ can bring upon a global community and I would not see that visited upon this world I now call … home.

The USSR needs to be shown that there is a better way. We can show them that aggression, that labeling people as objects, and that risking an escalation of hostilities is not a path worthy of a member of the international community and that the international community will not tolerate it. We can show them that in working together, we will strengthen one another and no longer need fear the uncertainty of the unknown. That we all have value and we all offer one another the helping hands that will build this world up, not tear it down with war.

[ One last pause, this one with a return of that warm, welcoming smile. ]

Now is the time when America, France … when all of us, need to support one another in raising our voices for unity, not division and unified, we can help guide the USSR away from fear before their aggression is allowed to spread further.

Unfortunately, [one diplomat says wryly as she takes the microphone, looking Fraser in the eye,] We are quite far removed from Voltaire and Candide. We are in the 21st century, imPorts, with all the enlightenment and terror that it brings. [She swivels her head, and fixes Edgeworth with that very same incisive stare, quiet and intense.] And we only wish our world was more similar to yours, Mr. Edgeworth, so that all would enjoy peace. And, Professor Xavier... [Her gaze is, perhaps, gentlest when she looks upon him; his civil, gentle approach certainly has its appeal.] We understand the world you wish to create, and the world you speak of.

Unfortunately, our position is not as black and white as you make it seem. As you have so helpfully pointed out, our economy and livelihood is tied in not only with America, but with the rest of the European Union. Whatever actions we take from now on will impact their neighbours, and depending on those actions, we may find ourselves acting to the contrary of our brother and sister countries' wishes.

You assert that imPorts as a whole have impacted America's society and economy for the better, but we have seen evidence to the contrary. Again and again, America finds itself rebuilding its cities of technology and enterprise, places filled with civilians and relative peace because of the horrors some of your community have wrought. A few bad eggs they may be, but the impact they have had is unspeakable.

In what ways, precisely, has America benefited from your presence?

Edited (you didn't see that grammatical error!) 2016-01-29 03:54 (UTC)

[ Well.

That response was a little cooler than they might have hoped for but it was honest and she had closed with a question, indicating that discussion was still open. So Charles would count that as a step forward.

The door wasn’t shut.

Glancing towards Fraser and Edgeworth, he waited for an indicator from both men, before he turned back to their audience. Releasing the brake on his chair, he rolled it a little closer to the edge of the dais, positioning himself for a conversation, rather that standing on ceremony and pontificate.

Setting the brake once more, Charles glanced across the audience as a whole, before he returned his attention to the speaker. He was appreciative of her attitude, when she had spoken to him and he put this into his expression along with understanding the wariness he heard in her general tone.

Again, he didn’t bother with the microphone, his voice instead pitched to carry and gently modulated. ]

I wish I could recite dollar values, large Nobel prize winning contributions or amazing technological advances. It would make my job here a lot easier. [ This last was offered with a smile that was both rueful and good natured. But then his expression sobered as he continued. ] But none of this is so simplistic and as you have rightfully pointed out, none of us are in a position of black and white delineation.

I can’t offer you quantitative answers because, as you have addressed here today, there is bad with the good. There has been destruction and unfortunately there are imPorts who have caused their share of chaos, we are not here to deny this or paint ourselves as blameless. We are as human as anyone, fallible and flawed.

[ He paused for a moment, looking thoughtful before continuing. ]

No, I will not attempt to disclaim our mistakes. However, I would ask that you be willing to also consider the contributions being made by imPorts.

[ Now his glance moved wider again, touching the audience as a whole once more while he talked. ]

While I am certain the media has spread the sensational acts of destruction far and wide, I would ask that you consider the steps taken to help. When De Chima was attacked last year and damaged by an imPort, imPorts Bruce Wayne, Mitch Hundred and numerous others stepped forward to help repair the communities damaged. Along with these foundations, ImPorts have also been instrumental in developing the organization RISE in an effort to be proactive in stopping or quickly resolving attacks like that before widespread damage to occur.

ImPorts have stepped up as ambassadors, working directly with the government and local imPort communities to help maintain open dialogue and encourage positive improvements of relations all around. An imPort name Kitty Jones has been very active in developing ways for the imPort community to raise funds for many local and international causes, such as public transportation and health.

[ He let that stand for a moment, before he continued. ]

Upon my arrival, it was explained to me that I have visited this world before, though I have no precise memory of the event. However, when I was here I must have believed in this world to open my school here. A school that is dedicated to helping imPorts learn to handle their powers in a responsible manner but also to learn about life here and though I left, for a time, the school is still being run by imPorts who believe in what it stands for and have built it into a place that shelters imPorts and natives equally.

[ This time when he paused, he glanced back over his shoulder towards Fraser and Edgeworth, before turning back to the speaker. ]

I can’t give you numbers, ma’am but we can show you the benefit of, heart [ he motioned towards Fraser], passion [ a motion towards Edgeworth] and hope [ he motioned to himself]. These are the emotions which run through most of the imPort community, and while we may be trapped here these are the benefits that we offer America and would offer this world.

[The assembly looks upon Xavier appraisingly as he speaks. Their expressions are decidedly unimpressed at the beginning of his speech, but once he begins to list names, names that can be researched to greater depth, a few of their number start to nod and write on the notepads that they had brought with them. A few of them who had looked apprehensive in the face of Xavier's comrades greater passion settle down, one of which being a bespectacled young man who takes the microphone next, smoothing down the seams of his suit as speaks.]

While we understand the impulse to equate your contributions with the force of your feeling as opposed to something concrete, quantifiable, the provision of names is extremely welcome. We assure you, we will not be making an uneducated decision, and we will be researching the organizations you have kindly provided us with.

You have spoken of your people, but what of your country? Providing assistance to imPorts is tantamount to providing assistance to America in the midst of a dangerous war. The nuclear threat is a real one, gentlemen. Has your community discussed this eventuality? Is there anything that you, with the bounty of powers that has been given to you, would be able to do in the face of such a thing?

[ After making eye contact with Edgeworth for a moment, Charles gave a small nod and then turned back to the bespectacled young man. ]

I am going to yield the floor to my colleague, as he has been in this world longer than I have and can speak to your questions in greater detail.

But I will say this. Nuclear war and the threat of it, is very personal to me. My home world came within a breath of nuclear conflict, and were it not for the actions of the team of mutants, people with powers in my world; I fear we would have witnessed nuclear devastation. The injuries I sustained, during that confrontation, are the reason I am now wheelchair bound. [ Not the entire story but no need to bog the proceedings down with too many details. ]

I can promise you that keeping this world from a nuclear war is as important to me now as it was to me back in my world, and that I am willing to do all I can here, as I did there, to keep such a thing from happening.

[ With that, he released the brake on his chair and quietly rolled it back into position on the dais, leaving Edgeworth to step up and take the podium. ]

[Edgeworth goes stiff for a moment while Xavier speaks. It's easy to assume that it's a response to the chilly response his speech recieved, and in part, it is. However, the greater issue is that they may have to use the trump card they discussed earlier. Urgh, Dooku will never let him live this down...

He relaxes into respectful neutrality by the time Xavier finishes, and he nods politely to him before he takes the mic. Edgeworth clears his throat and straightens up, facing the man with the glasses]

You spoke of powers. For the sake of our community's safety, I am afraid that I cannot attach names to our abilities at this point in time. However, I can give you examples of what we are capable of. Some of us can control machines with their minds. Others can teleport to and from great distances, or manipulate objects from afar. And others yet are blessed with the ability to heal. Either to heal themselves, to survive injuries and illnesses that could kill an ordinary man, or to heal others, imPort and native citizens alike.

[He makes a point to speak calmly and professionally, with less of the passion he had earlier in his speech. This is an argument based more on logic than emotion]

However, we do not only have powers at our disposal. We also have knowledge, and experience as well. The more technologically adept among us can work with your government, to ensure early detection of enemy troops and weaponry, not just to stop Soviet attacks but also to prevent them. Meanwhile, those with more martial experience can work with your military to build strong strategies and defenses for your nation.

[Edgeworth breathes in, and his expression darkens, turning more serious and determined. His voice is still calm, but he speaks firmly, keeping his voice level]

We will not abandon those who come to our aid, and we will not ask you to defend us without defending you, as well. If you allow us our presence here, if you allow us to use our talents to your benefit, we can send members of our community to create a plan, a collaboration , with your government to secure your safety. Together, we can work to protect France's future, and the world's, against Soviet aggression.

[Typically speaking, each council has a very clear idea of what it is they wish to ask the imPorts, even if they are not entirely certain what they wish to hear in return. Even the most solid of councils cannot stay entirely on-script, however, depending on exactly what it is the imPorts tell them in return.

To that end, they have two questions to ask at this final juncture: one for the other two imPort diplomats to answer, but the one that is, perhaps, more weighted is directed towards Xavier.]

There are two things that we wish to know at this juncture. First, [one woman says, looking directly at Edgeworth,] what is your proposition for creating a collaboration with our government to work towards our, and the world's, protection? Is this a plan that you have formulated prior to your presence here?

And second...

[Now, she looks at Xavier, expression plainly curious. Their reception may have been chilly, but the people here are still just that: people. They fear nuclear war as much as anyone else does.]

How, pray tell, did you and your group of powered individuals stop a nuclear war?

[He can hear Dooku saying I told you so already, but that doesn't matter right now. The men take a brief moment to consult with each other before they speak again. If Edgeworth feels any inner conflict or damage to his pride, he does not let it show, and and when he speaks his voice is as confident as ever]

It's something that's been discussed with other imPorts, yes. A few people in our community have suggested a similar plan - a task force of sorts, to defend our allies against Soviet aggression. Should Russia be so foolish as to retaliate with violence, we will send teams of imPorts to defend our allies with our skills and our talents. We will not let those who defend us be left defenseless ourselves.

[And now he'll step aside to let Xavier speak.]

[ Charles gave Edgeworth a nod as he passed, before rolling his chair forward to address the question that had been directed to him.

Setting the brake on the chair, he folded his hands in his lap and while he made eye contact with the entire audience, his attention came back to the woman who had asked the questions. ]

Our circumstances then were much as they are here and now. The world was on edge, caught in a war of words and posturing but with the very real threat of mutually assured destruction. Because you see, just having power isn’t enough. You have to understand how to use it wisely, responsibly and that is a challenging lesson, for countries and for individuals.

[ That last bit was a nod to the fact that some powered individuals were intent upon causing mayhem. There was no point in denying that after all. ]

But this is why it is important for those of us who understand there is a better way to do these things, to stand up and not just say the words but live that better path.

When my world was driven to the brink of nuclear holocaust, that is what I and others sought to do. We stepped in to diffuse the tense situation, and to try and present a better solution. While we were successful with the former, unfortunately the latter did not go to plan.

[ Which was one way of putting it and the direction Charles was going to take. Because he wanted to keep to keep the conversation pertinent to this world and their circumstances, rather than his own back home. ]

However, as there is still a world, untouched by nuclear destruction, to try to show a peaceful path, I will count that as a win. What was important is that we learned that the answer did not lie with either powered individuals or humanity but rather with the actions and desires of both.

Having learned that lesson, and living through that period of time, I can promise you that I feel the same desire to secure the peace of this world, and, as you have just heard from my colleague, I am not alone in this sentiment.

[ Statement completed, he gave her a warm, sincere smile before releasing the brake on his chair and rolling back to position with Fraser and Edgeworth. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

STRANGE, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE STARTED THIS GIG?

France:- Charles Xavier, Benton Fraser and Miles Edgeworth

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In the future, please refrain from using rollover text! Some of us access this on our phones.

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FINAL QUESTION

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