THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

[maskormods]

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.

Comments

[dendarii]

[ Miles turns from his spot next to Sam in the half-circle of chairs, quite interested in - well, all of it, really, but one thing in particular -- ]

You're a shapeshifter? What sort?

[shifting]

[a question he came into tonight expecting, but not who he expected it from. Not, come to that, someone Sam knows all that much about to start.]

Animals. Long as I've seen it before. [friendly and offered with a smile. Not a moment after, he offers a hand to shake as well.]

I don't rightly think we've met yet. I'm Sam.

[dendarii]

[ Miles hasn't ever spoken with the man before. Heard about him briefly from Mark, and that's it. ]

Ah, very flexible. I've only got the one form.

[ He gladly shakes Sam's hand in turn. ]

Lord MIles Vorkosigan. Pleasure to meet you, Sam.

[shifting]

[that sparks a proper grin.]

Well shit, now you've gotta tell me what that is. And good to meet you too, Miles. That form you mentioned, that somethin' the Porter gave you?

[dendarii]

Just so. Sadly, my own universe has nothing truly resembling powers like this.

[ Quite abruptly, Miles' small form is replaced by an equally tiny kestrel who flutters to perch on Sam's shoulder. ]

[shifting]

[the suddenness of it startles him, nostrils flaring, but he doesn't brush the newly-feathered Miles from his shoulder. Eventually his surprise translates in a breathy, bark of a laugh, a note of disbelief.]

Damn. Not one for warnin', huh? [he glances at the floor, the absence of piled clothing, and scoffs.] And you're another one who doesn't have to lose your clothes when you do it. I'm startin' to get damn jealous of that, 'tween you and Kitty.

[dendarii]

I admit it's very convenient. I've even managed small backpacks.

[ He preens a bit, quite pleased with himself. ]

[shifting]

Small - ? Well now I'm definitely jealous.

[and he can't resist petting the little falcon's head, one finger stroking down the soft plumes of Miles' neck.]

Beats the hell out of turnin' back nude and scarin' the neighbors. People ask questions.

[dendarii]

[ Miles preens, quite pleased by the gesture. ]

That's the case with you? Even here?

[shifting]

'Fraid so. Happens if I lose consciousness, too. I've got to take the size of my shift into account every time and plan for it, or I end up goin' through shirts like paper towels.

[he shrugs with the shoulder opposite Miles' perch, self-amused.]

Lucky no one's snapped an embarrassin' photo yet, or this'd probably be the world's shortest political run.

[dendarii]

[ A faint snort. ]

Yes, I imagine that would be difficult. I am very grateful not to have to worry about shrinking out my clothes. Hard enough to find things in my size to begin with.