voidtreckernet | Video day 23 to everywhere- from cabin 4:D

[Taiki is sat on the bench in the small cabin, looking straight at the camera with a very serious expression. Despite the fact that speaking to so many people, even over a video is a terrifying concept and despite the cloud of sadness that still clings to him nothing shows on his face. He looks perfectly calm, though he doesn't smile as he begins.]

Good morning. I apologise for disturbing you all. I was handed this ballot. [He holds it up.] Unfortunately I disappeared for a little while and so I have missed any run up to this election. [At least he understands the concept of an election, even if political science wasn't exactly a subject he had paid much attention to in school.]

I am still relatively new to this train and so I don't know most of the people on this list. I don't feel I can cast a vote without knowing what the candidates stand for and so, though I apologise if it is covering ground that was covered whilst I was away, I would like to know something of each candidate.

Thank you for your time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, I'm very much a traveler! Sights to see and detail, so I can describe them later. Such as the statue of Rhalgr in Ala Mhigo, at the settlement that bears his name. Rhalgr is one of our gods, the Twelve, you see. The Destroyer; but he is no evil god--the Twelve are something of a circle, and Rhalgr destroys so that the cycle may begin again. As for the statue itself, I believe it was originally carved by monks...

[Sarai knew that she could go into even more detail, but without a good basis in who and what the Twelve were, it would only be terribly confusing.]

That and I admit to fomenting a bit of rebellion, in the past... [Though Sarai would like to think it had done Ishgard, Gyr Abania, and Doma some good...] I'm not entirely certain that's needed here, though I do believe it is important for one to think for themselves and not blindly follow. That includes blindly following me!

[He listens, true interest in his eyes as she speaks of the gods of her world. Twelve gods and one who destroys, to begin again. It sounded terrible, but in many ways it was so similar to his own world.

He frowned a little at the talk of rebellion, but he knew of the need to resist those who were tyrants.] I think... thinking is always a good thing.

I believe in being questioned, of a certainty. And being held responsible for my actions! [Even if, most of the time, Sarai tries to be beyond reproach. Mostly because she cares about what she does. She cares about how people see her. She cares about the others she's with!]

If one never wants to be questioned or reproached...well. Likely they should go live upon an island by their lonesome, I wager.

Leaders that will not listen to those they lead are not leaders at all. [He feels strongly about that, and not only because his job is to advise a king. He spent a lot of time trying to play that role to someone who did not care about his opinions or those of any in their kingdom. The difference between that and a true leader is stark.]

Everyone should be held responsible... It is harder here.

Yes. But I know. And that matters, to me. Integrity. I do not seek to be better than anyone else, but I care about doing what I know is right.

[Which is why, though others have said not to bother with Edge's words, Sarai still holds them in her mind, even now. Why she'd considered stepping down from the council itself, quite seriously.]

Sometimes doing what is right means doing what you do not want to do, however. What is painful, even. Simply because it is the right thing...and you know it is, despite the pain it causes, be it to you, or to others. Though there is no joy in it.

[Integrity was incredibly important. Doing what was right. Even if it was painful.

He understood that very well. Sometimes the only choices left were not good ones and the only right choice was a path pathed with pain.

If Sarai understands that, then she would be a good leader. He nodded at her sadly.]

It is a burden of leaders.

It is not one I am unfamiliar with. [Here, she offers him a smile, even though it is definitely not as bright as her usual cheery smiles.]

Even though it is less through my own experience, and more through being support to others who are leaders, honestly. Still, if they asked my advice, I gave it--it is...an honor to be so trustworthy, I would say? To be seen as someone who is somewhat wise. Though I am not sure how truly wise I am! [There, she chuckles just a bit.]

I'd be very delighted to speak with you more, as well. Outside of simple politics! [As if politics were simple.] I think...you are wise as well, and it is always good to expand one's horizons?

[He nods solemnly. Every king needed advisers, every leader needed those to lean on, who could support them. After all if monarch's could lead justly and never stray from the way then kirin would not exist.]

I'm not wise. There is so much I still do not know and a lot that I have ran out of time to learn. But if those who lead value your advice then you must be an impressive and wise bard Sarai-san. [Japanese honorifics feel more usable than the ones from his own world on this train where no one really has rank and there is no set way to address anyone.] It would be a nice thing to speak with you again.

Video day 23 to everywhere- from cabin 4:D

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