(Untitled)

[legendarymadman]

The coming of elections on the island is what they have instead of the turning of the seasons, a way of marking time and watching the island change half-year by half-year. And so Geoffrey finds himself on the stage again, not to start up a new play (but soon, very soon) but to announce the semiannual candidate speeches

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[lastof_five]

For as long as she'd lived, Helen still wasn't terribly fond of public speaking. Still, a speech had been written and practiced in front of Will until she was fairly sure his ears bled from it and then she'd gone to the Vet's Office to do the same. She was certain her employees were likely sick of her speech as well, but it helped calm her nerves to practice.

She smoothed down her dress and was pleased to find that when she spoke, it was clear and confident.

"Hello, citizens. I'm Dr. Helen Magnus and I've been a resident of this island for just under a year. In that time, I've dedicated myself to making a difference and working hard because I feel like since this is my new home, I should do my very best to make it the best place it can be. In the months I've been here, I've worked with our island clinic and in February, I opened a veterinary office to help take care of our pets and other exotic creatures that often come to the island and need care as much as our human residents."

She paused and cleared her throat. "Which brings me to my next point and my Council platform. In working with the veterinary office, I've had the extraordinary opportunity to mentor three young people: Gale Hawthorne, Hiccup and Coraline Carter. All are extraordinary both in their intellect and dedication to hard work and none of them have ever worked in this field before."

"Another young man, Mr. Witwicky, spoke to me about wanting to become a doctor someday and not knowing quite how to go about it. Many of our residents have been here for four and five years. Children grow up, people need a way to be useful. My proposal is that the island educational services be expanded to include placement in mentorship programs to apprentice alongside established professionals to learn a trade. This would be voluntary, certainly, but I know that I cannot be the only person left at loose ends after coming here and wanting to work and learn. This also would ensure our essential services such as hunting, building and cooking, aren't ever bereft of qualified personnel in the event of a mass disappearance."

Helen smiled, finding Will out in the audience and watching him to calm her nerves.

"As to a little beyond my actual campaign platform, prior to coming to Tabula Rasa I was a surgeon and geneticist specializing in meta-human and cryptozoological anatomy. I ran a global network of sanctuaries to protect those strange and rare creatures who needed it, so I've some experience in administration. I do hope you'll consider me for the Council and thank you for your time."

[dreamily_luna]

"Hullo Doctor Helen," says Luna. She's found a pair of pink sunglasses that are very similar to Spectrespecs, and they're pushed up on her forehead. "What sort of procedures will you be using to determine the care of a creature you've never known exists? And what effect do you think the vanishment of magic has upon those who were magical creatures?"

Those silvery eyes fix very seriously upon the woman. "Do you believe in magic?"

[lastof_five]

"To answer your first questions," Helen said carefully, "I usually try to ask the owner or caretaker of the creature a series of questions first to see what I'm working with. Often, they have great insight. If not, sometimes I can get a book from the bookshelf which helps or I have to go on my own intellect and make educated guesses. The lack of magic here may have some effect but I haven't had the chance to study it at any great length. I would certainly like to study it."

She smiled a little at the last question. "Absolutely. Be it magic or science we can't explain, I've always believed in what others believe is impossible."

[dreamily_luna]

Luna tilts her head, and then, takes out a small pad of paper and writes down answers. "Educated guesses," she repeats. "What texts have you found particularly helpful in your endeavors?"

[lastof_five]

"I'm rather fond of a text called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by a fellow called Newt Scamander. Are you familiar with that particular text?" Helen asked, somewhat bemused by the question.

She did suppose it was important that others knew where her references and expertise came from, though.

[dreamily_luna]

"I find it to be a standard starting point," Luna says, knowing very well of her alleged future with the Scamanders, "but it's very confined to already discovered creatures. It's like asking the dictionary how to start a fire."

[lastof_five]

"Do you have any other texts that you would suggest?" Helen asked, not unkindly. If the girl knew about such things, it might be good to ask her knowledge. "Of course, that might be better served outside the Council speeches..."

[curiously_cora]

"Hi Dr. Helen," Coraline said waving at Helen. Coraline had heard this speech now at least a dozen times but she never got tired of hearing it. Helen respected Coraline, Helen respected children and young adults and she was always ready to listen. If Coraline could have voted she would have voted for Helen but she couldn't. "I have a few questions. One, how old would you have to be to be a part of the mentorship programs? Two, what areas would you want it to cover? Three, what is your opinion on the Blank Slate idea. And finally, do you think that under sixteens should be allowed to participate fully in their community by being able to vote?"

[lastof_five]

Helen started with a smile and a simple, "Hello, Coraline," before beginning to address the girl's questions.

"Age in the mentorship programs would be up to the discretion of assigned mentors. Myself, personally, wouldn't mind taking on a thirteen or fourteen year old but I cannot speak for the Psych Department or the Kitchen Crew in that matter. I think it would have to be delineated per department, if you will. Ultimately, I would love to see mentorship in every department on the island but again, would be up to those running it."

She paused at the last questions, trying to think of a good answer. "I think everyone deserves a second chance and this island is full of them. As to your very last question, I believe that we already have a system in place where an underage person can lobby the council to be deemed fit to vote and participate in elections. I confess, I'm not terribly familiar with that system, but I think it's a resource that should be used more often if an underage person is serious and sincere about island politics."

[curiously_cora]

"So, it would be up to each individual teacher or group to decide what age could particpate? Okay," Coraline said making a face at that. She didn't really like that idea, a lot of people didn't have much respect for teenagers and it wasn't fair to exclude them just because of a number. "Really? Even people who murder and eat children? Do you think they deserve the same freedom and opportunities as everyone else?"

Coraline shook her head. "Yes, but you have to ask to be considered and people can still say no because they think you're too young. I think everyone, no matter what age they are should be given the right to vote and if they don't want to use it then they don't have to."

[lastof_five]

"I think once we start imposing centralized standards, we run into problems," Helen said, slightly apologetic. "For instance, I would be highly comfortable working with a young teenager myself but the doctors at the clinic may not be. In order for any sort of system to work, I think much of the training must be kept localized to each department. As to the blank slate phenomenon, we've all done things we regret and I think that until proven guilty, no person should be treated as a criminal upon arrival. To the last, perhaps the system does need some sort of review, but not every person under the age of sixteen is of sound mind and body to make important decisions such as voting for Council. I still think it would be best if those were reviewed on a case by case basis."

[curiously_cora]

"Well, the teens who work in the clinic could do stuff they do at home like voluntary work. Are they called candy stripers?" Coraline asked curiously. Coraline knew they didn't have that in England but they had volunteers and that would be an alternative for younger teens.

Coraline paused for a moment, thinking about what Helen said before she smiled brightly, excitedly rather than annoyed by her position on the blank slate.

"So, are you saying that if there was evidence on the island of something they did at home would you consider getting rid of a person's blank slate?" Coraline asked.

[lastof_five]

"If the clinic staff were amenable, I wouldn't see why not. I can't presume to speak for all of them," Helen said, not wanting to dig herself into a hole with that one.

"As to the last, I still think that if a person has demonstrated his or herself to be a good citizen on the island we shouldn't be using their past against them. I certainly wouldn't want my own past used to judge me and I'm in no position to do that to others."

[curiously_cora]

"But if you were on the council, you could talk to them and arrange it. Or get someone to do it, that would be so cool." Coraline said, though she knew she didn't have any time to do all her schoolwork and jobs and explore and do that as well. At least at the moment. "Yes but you're not a monster or a bad person. I just don't want her to come here and hurt people because no one will believe me that she's dangerous. I want to make sure that will never happen."

[lastof_five]

"I'm confident in our island police and task forces to prevent that, Coraline," Helen said, speaking more personally at that point than to the group. "Did you have any further questions for me regarding my campaign platform or qualifications?"

[curiously_cora]

Coraline was not confident in the island police at all. Coraline wasn't very confident with any police force really. Not since they let her down at home. She liked Danny and she'd liked Charlie but not really the police.

"Um, no. I don't think so, not at the moment. I really like what you're doing with the vet's office and I hope you get elected because I really like the mentorship program idea." Coraline said. "Thank you Miss Helen."