tushanshu | [video]

[When the video opens on Bruce, much of his 'friendly neighborhood playboy' demeanour is muted. He looks a little more serious than normal, though his tone and expression remain congenial enough.]

As some of you may have noticed, passports have been delivered to our suites. It's very likely that these herald another landfall, and given the fact that our population is significantly increased from what it was in November, I'd like to warn people about what we might encounter.

[Attached is a file, landfall.doc. It contains things like details on the llothi, the mausoleum, the ruins, the temperature, sorts of plants found, soil samples, etc.]

You have Miranda Lawson to thank for those. Sadly, she's no longer among us, but I doubt she'd want her research to go to waste.

[A slight pause, barely notable before he continues.]

And that brings me to my second point of business. At one time, a foreigner was keeping a list of people we might be looking for in the event that they arrive. However, I think it's past due we started a compilation of the names of those that have left us. Since disappearing from this place seems an almost instantaneous process, it could be weeks or even months before we become aware of some people's departure, and I believe that process is best expedited for everyone's sake. Most recently, at least to my knowledge, we've lost Miranda Lawson, Favrielle nό Eglantine and Lina Inverse.

[Not mentioning Jason Todd? Not mentioning Jason Todd.]

I'd appreciate any other names you might have.

Additionally, given the current state of Keeliai, I think it's an opportune time to rekindle the idea for a Foreigner-lead council. Councilman Tarrlok, a word to that effect? I think an elected representative from each Sector would be a good place to start.

And if there is anyone well-suited to the role, I'm happy to hold nominations.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, because creating a foreign power amongst the people is the perfect way to calm the angry natives. Have fun getting yourself martyred.

I have no intention of being martyred, thank you.

[He sounds faintly surprised that anyone would even suggest it. Because naive businessman!!!]

No, of course you don't, but you very well might be. Trusting natives to treat an invading power with respect once they have proven not to be gods is naive. Creating power will always translate to a sense of invasion to the terrified masses.

A little over one hundred people is not an invasion, and if they begrudge us a small corner of personal political agency after our unwarranted and uninvited kidnapping, they've only their Emperor to blame. What's being proposed isn't a hostile takeover, it's a united front.

Oui of course, you say a united front and I might even give you the benefit of the doubt and believe it, but lo and behold I am a foreigner myself, and a damn smart one at that. Whatever your intentions are mean next to nothing when citizens are involved. A little over one hundred people is most definitely an invasion, Monsieur, when the situation is dire. Fear is our strongest motivator, not reason. How do you think that Augustus destroyed five hundred years of republic and built an empire at his feet, hm? By hostile takeover or by a united front disguised as political reform? Alors, but Augustus was a subtle genius, and never so direct as to attract suspicion.

Mais oui, give it your best attempt, you have my blessing for what little it's worth. Enjoy your misconstrued attempts.

I shall, thank you.

[Oops, Grantaire, you just put yourself on the Bat Watchlist.]

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