001 ♆ voice

[manchooses]

[There is an audible crackle of static as the sound comes on. When Ryan begins to speak, it's in the confident, measured, animated voice of someone who is very practiced at speaking for public broadcast.]Ah, a city. Everywhere you look you can see it: the fruit of man's industry. For what is a city if not a testament to the wills and ingenuity of

Comments

[loltraitorlol]

...

Yes.

Unequivocally yes.

voice;

[manchooses]

It is reassuring to find that not all in this city are as foolish as the system which greeted.

voice;

[loltraitorlol]

Agreed, Mr. Ryan. Most assuredly so.

A man is entitled to the sweat of his brow; the talented are entitled to rise to the top above the mewling, squirming masses; those who work hard should be rewarded for their efforts. A man after my own... heart.

I am Christopher Astrum; and though it may be preemptive to say so, I believe it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance?

voice;

[manchooses]

I'm afraid I disagree. The pleasure is entirely mine, Mr. Astrum.

I admit to my surprise in finding such an enlightened view in a city of self-styled heroes. I would imagine that the urge to be seen to be on the side of the virtuous, to participate in some nonsense spectacle of "doing right," would be overwhelming for many.

private // voice; he means the ELE, but ELE is just the OOC name

[loltraitorlol]

I attempted to participate in the charade for some time, but for an individual such as myself it is impossible. Ambition is hard-wired into my very core; I have always been one to strive for excellence and to give no quarter. Why should I help those who cannot help themselves? Why should I? People should stand on their own two feet and walk.

Hmm. I may have a... proposition for you, Mr. Ryan. I have been creating a loosely affiliated organization of like-minded individuals, the Coalition. No other name, really.

private; voice;

[manchooses]

I find your proposition, much like your views on these matters, to be agreeable. On the surface, at least.

This is not meant as insult but surely between individuals such as you and I, I hardly need to explain why I am hesitant to tie myself to any group without further information. For example, what is this organization intended to achieve? What purpose does it serve?

private; voice;

[loltraitorlol]

A completely understandable question; I would not expect you to do so.

I noticed, in my time here, that there are actually a large number of brilliant individuals whom, for one reason or another, society shuns. In many cases we are labeled villains - not because we wantonly murder or steal, but merely becuase we are ambitious. Because we want and desire things that normal society finds, for one reason or another, deplorable; because we will go to any lengths to find these things.

I also noticed that for the most part, we were all working either at cross-purposes or completely separately. I saw a great deal of talent being wasted simply becuase there was no communication between individuals. Each of us has unique talents, and while alone we are strong, united we might be unstoppable.

Naturally we each have different goals, though I am currently working on something we can all agree on; but ultimately it is a loose association of individuals. There are no favors in this group, mind you. If I were to, say, invent something for one

private; voice;

[manchooses]

A noble goal. And I believe there is much to be gained by such a meeting of the mind. In a matter of moments, I have seen how quickly those who do not understand leap to ascribe ideologies of racism and classism and mass murder to me.

It would be nice to know that there are individuals with whom I can converse who have a... far broader perspective on important matters. I believe, Mr. Astrum, that I would be quite happy to join your society, indeed.

private; voice;

[loltraitorlol]

Most excellent, Mr. Ryan. I will add you to the list.