maskormenacelogs | THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

WHO: ImPorts! But especially the NONAH AMBASSADOR CANDIDATES!
WHERE: The Dolley Madison Library in Nonah, North Carolina.
WHEN: Evening, Sunday November 13th.
WHAT: The Nonah Town Hall for an evening of rigorous debate about the issues that matter!
WARNINGS: N/A.

The Dolley Madison Library is a two story structure brimming with books and neoclassical architecture. Clearly a well-funded facility, this library is a bright, warm, and welcoming environment for polite (if political) conversation this evening. The main floor, near the back of the building and behind rows and rows of looming bookshelves is the slightly risen stage destined for tonight's event. It is but a darkly painted plateau nearly a foot off the ground, a little stage intended for reading events and author interviews. Nine simple wooden chairs are set upon the stage, and a microphone greets them all.

The audience portion is complete with organized, open seating and a table of non-alcoholic refreshments. There are muffins and cookies, too, for those of you who have come hungry for both IDEAS and SNACKS.

EACH CANDIDATE gets a time slot to speak about tonight's theme: THE ROLE OF IMPORTS IN RELATION TO METAHUMANS IN A HISTORICALLY NON-POWERED COMMUNITY.

Candidate imPorts may address their solutions and visions, or even drudge up more complications, in response to the thematic prompt. You can be a candidate of hope, or of fear -- it all depends on your perspective. Concerned imPort citizens are allowed to speak with the candidates about their answers, and debate them if necessary. ImPorts are also allowed to debate among each other after the candidates have all spoken.

The event begins at 7PM EST, but may last well into the night.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

For some reason, Erik always manages to find his way to Charles, even through a large crowd. He offers him one of the appetizers off of his plate, and then finishes off whatever's left and hands it to one of the waiters collecting refuse.

"So," he says. "Who are you voting for?"

[ Helping himself to a stuffed mushroom cap, Charles ate his ill gotten gain, swallowing and dusting off his fingertips before he attempted to answer. ]

Honestly, I'm not sure yet. They all spoke excellently and brought up very good arguments. I'll have to think about it for a bit.

[ He raised a finger and pointed it at Erik. ]

I think you should have given it a go. [ Though they were both well aware that Erik's level of patience might not lend itself to a political life. ]

You don't believe that, you just want me out of the house so you don't come home to a project.

[ He jests. Though he really should clean up his furniture making setup in the garage. ]

Do you really think so? I haven't done any outreach.

Well honestly, Erik. Did the floors really need redoing?

[ The furniture projects in the garage were not a problem. In fact, Charles rather enjoyed peeking in on those from time to time. Erik had the old school craftsman's skills and an artistic flair for the work. ]

I didn't suggest you would win. [ He said, gently but with a tip of his finger. ] But, you're as interested in the rights of imPorts and how we're treated as I am. Maybe you didn't win this particular post but you might find yourself exposed to an area where you could get that outreach?

[ He was always welcome to work with the Foundation, Charles thought Erik knew that, but the Foundation tended to reach out on a global scale and was native as well as imPort focused. ]

I thought you wanted to disassociate the foundation with criminals?

[ He teases, he wouldn't do anything like that here.

Probably.

But he does think that he's no longer new here, no longer trying to find his footing and where they belong as imPorts. And he does like the idea of being able to comfort and to share information with the new imPorts who crop up so reliably every few weeks. ]

[ Despite the fact that he knew Erik was joking, Charles couldn't entirely hide the way his expression fell a little.

He hadn't spoken with Tony since the day he'd left StarkTech. Another friend lost to ideals and while Charles accepted the necessity of it; it never failed to sting.

He shook it off with a sip of his tea and pushed on to another topic of conversation. ]

This isn't about the Foundation, Erik. It's about you pursuing an area in which you feel like you could make a difference.

[ Lifting the mug to his lips again, he added a small rejoiner from behind the porcelain. ] And if it saves the wood trim yet another re-doing ...

I only re-did it once.

But fine, you win.

[ And so does Erik-- this means they have to commute together, which means Charles has to come home sometimes. ]

Have you decided who you're voting for?

[ Charles chuckled and shook his head. ]

No, Erik. I have not made up my mind in the past five minutes since you last asked me.

Is it that important to you?

Of course it is.

When we go back, we pick up where we left off. But here... I guess, this is our home and our cause now.

[ Oh, and... assuming they've been busy: ]

How was your trip?

Then I suspect you have a strong favorite?

[ Charles asked, glancing across the room at all the individuals who had spoken for the position, before his friend's question drew his attention back to the tall man.

Here, Charles made a face, a flashback to when he was younger a significantly even more of a snob. ]

I miss the jet. [ He said simply. Commercial flying, even in first class, was ... not the jet. ] But the trips have yielded what I hoped to accomplish, and that is what's important.

Business as usual for you, then.

[ Since probably the only upsets in his adult life have come from Erik. ]

Do you ever think about going abroad for the purpose of sightseeing?

[ Actually, it was nothing of the sort but Charles was good at putting up a necessary front.

As for the question. Usually Charles did not use his limited mobility as an excuse, preferring to be seen for himself and not the chair. But there were some practicalities that one couldn't ignore. ]

Getting up some of those old stone steps or mountain sides are a bit more challenging these days. [ He pointed out with a smile. ]

Besides, if I want to sightsee, all I have to do is look. [ On the last word he tapped his temple. ]

It's a shame your chair couldn't float, then.

[ And with a pause for feigned thought, he remarks: ]

And just too bad you don't know anyone who could, oh, lift metal with his mind?

[ He does find it endearing how Charles always seems to forget, especially when it's to his detriment. ]

[ Charles chuckled softly and gave a small nod of his head, acknowledging the wryness at his expense.

It was warranted, after all. ]

My way is still faster and allows me to maintain my focus on the Foundation. [ While he appreciated his friend's idea, Charles was in full work mode, which didn't leave a lot of room for vacations. ]

If you insist.

[ And then he places the empty plate he's holding on a tray of someone walking by, only to supplant it with a flute of champagne. ]

But you work too hard. And I don't say that lightly.

It's no different than at home. [ He said, with a ready smile. ] Or do you think managing a mansion full of hormonal teenagers, most of whom could blow holes in the walls, is a nine to five job?

[ And even though he spent a brief time living with them and has a glimpse of it: ]

I wouldn't know.

[ Though... ]

I thought you had other staff?

[ And really, no amount of staff could handle Peter. So, there's that... ]

Yes, well. They're the ones who clock in at nine and leave at five. [ Charles said with a quick wink.

He sobered a little and sat back so it was easier to look up at Erik. ]

The Foundation, like the school back home, are my responsibility, Erik and I take those responsibilities seriously. I had plenty of time kicking up my heels and acting the lad back in Oxford, just ask Raven.

There's no need to ask, I remember just fine how you were when you were younger.

[ He places a hand on Charles's shoulder. ]

I'd ask you to let me know when you're feeling overworked, but then you'd never call.

THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

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