001; video

[idealisme]

[Enjolras sits at attention, back straight at possible, in front of the computer. He has the look of someone who hasn't been sleeping well, but his eyes are bright and attentive all the same. In the background his two friends are visible.]

My name in Enjolras. I was a French Citizen, killed on the morning of June the 6th, 1832 while taking part in a revolution to overthrow the corrupt July Monarchy. It is after this that I found myself here two days ago. You may already have met my friends Combeferre and Prouvaire. I wish to thank those of you I have already met, and who have offered my companions and I aid.

[He nods his head in quick thanks. There is clearly something else on his mind he thinks more important than either introductions or thanks.]

It is regarding my other companions that I ask you for your aid today, as we are uncertain whether they are amongst us here on Tu Vishan or not.

They would be dressed in a similar fashion to my friends and I, and undoubtedly all have arrived in an injured fashion. They go by the names of: Courfeyrac, Feuilly, Joly, Bahorel, Lesgles - though he may prefer Bossuet - and Marius. [A slight pause.] Grantiare also.

I might also ask if anyone has information regarding the political nature of this Empir- [There's a comment behind him, too quiet for the microphone to pick up. Enjolras turns to listen, then continues without finishing his previous thought.]

We are situated in the Wood sector, should you come across them at a later stage. Again, I thank you for your attention.

Comments

action?

[philosophe]

['Ferre was more than likely the speaker of that particular comment, seated in a chair nearby.]

I think, perhaps, that we should give ourselves a chance to get more accustomed to this place before we attempt to divine the political natures of Keeliai.

action /o/

[idealisme]

How are we to become accustomed to to this city or it's people without knowledge of their political history or philosophy?

[philosophe]

[A little amused look.] By walking about and speaking to people. We shall see what the state of this place is more easily if we do that, as well.

[poeticverses]

[Jehan is sitting on Enjolras's sofa, distractedly playing with the buttons on his waistcoat.

Said waistcoat happens to be a particularly interesting shade of blue with a floral pattern. At least he passed on the pink dragon when they found a clothier. Redheads don't look good in pink and even he knows that]

Did I tell you I spoke with a young man--a doctor--about the future, Enjolras?

[idealisme]

I do not believe the working classes here will be any more aware of the philosophical thought here than many were in Paris.

[philosophe]

Perhaps not, but it is certainly safer to learn things than to immediately go about demanding change. Let it be, Enjolras, until we know who else may be here.

video

[sophos]

If you were going to say "Empire," one city doesn't really fit the definition.

[idealisme]

[This perks him up from being reprimanded by Combeferre about bringing up politics.]

I do not think you did. I would be pleased to hear of it.

video

[idealisme]

An Empress must have an Empire, madame.

[idealisme]

[A few days ago? Enjolras would have rolled his eyes and turned away to begin writing a treatise on how a republic on a turtle is part of the natural order.

But a subtle broadening of his views has been taking place, and here? He has seen no starving people whose survival depend on a ruler who will care for their fate.

After a pause, he gives a nod of assent.]

What do we already know if this Keelai?

[fotia]

[normally would troll but since enjolras actually said he died outright, implying that it's also a possibility with the two other french guys he met earlier (not that it wasn't obvious, from their wounds, but he's pretty good at denial) he is now feeling a bit too guilty to do it.

so instead...]

I haven't met any Courfeyrac [mangled that pronunciation], Feuilly [that too], Lesgles [DEFINITELY mangled that], or any of the other guys, but I'll let you know if I do.

[poeticverses]

He only told me of France, but he said that it was a--what was it--oh, a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The Republic of France, Enjolras. The people have rights.

video;

[wintershepherd]

[ There's a lot of people coming in lately who don't look like they've had the easiest time, Jack thinks... but also a lot of people who are saying they're coming from centuries past. It's a little disconcerting for the winter spirit but at the same time, a pull he can -- or want -- hardly to resist.

So he replies in kind, though always aware that the new arrivals may or may not see him, and actually managing not to butcher the French name as though its style weren't unfamiliar to him. ]

Hi Enjolras. I can't remember those other names coming up yet, but it's good that you already have some friends here.

video

[sophos]

Emperor. The title is unisex here. I mean, I guess she could consider the city her empire, but it wouldn't be the first time someone used the title without a vast empire behind them.

[philosophe]

Not much, save what we saw on the journey to this city. Jehan and I have spoken to some that are guests here, like us, but little was said of this place.

[idealisme]

[... Ugh. Americans and their ability to mangle beautiful names. But he's being helpful, so Enjolras manages to restrain his ire.]

Thank you, boy. Your response is appreciated.

[idealisme]

Every question I ask of the native inhabitants is met with the response that 'it is the Emperor's business'. But surely an entire population cannot be so unconcerned with their political or social rights.

[fotia]

[ 'SCUSE YOU. why do french names have all those weird pronunciations and unnecessary letters anyway he doesn't even know ]

Don't mention it, man. Considering how the turtle seems to have taken a liking to pulling in random French guys from 1832 though, maybe they'll be here soon.

[idealisme]

[Unisex titles. Interesting.]

An Empire is defined by it's varying political segments and means of enforcing it's rule, not it's size.

Without knowing more about the history of this land or variances between the people who live here it is hard to say whether it is an Empire in title only.

[idealisme]

[That's because there were a number of French guys who all died around the same time then.]

I understand it is common for new arrivals to show up every week, yes?

video;

[idealisme]

Thank you for advising me of that, monsieur.

[Enjolras is not altogether worried to be faced with a blank screen. This technology is new to him, so he's not really about to question what the box chooses to do.]

It is a small comfort to have my compatriots with me. We were brothers in life and death, and there is a sense of congruency that we are united here as well.

[idealisme]

[The Republic of France.

He stands to his feet, his face solemn. He embraces first Jehan, and then Combeferre, and rests with one hand on both their shoulders. Oh, if only all the amis were here (it is the first time he has wished this) he would embrace them all equally.

This is the best news he could have heard, and for the moment all questions about when it became so and other details regarding it are put aside.]

This is a wonderful day, my friends. We, along with all those who have given their lives that France may be a greater nation, are now made complete.

[He stops there, unusually speechless. But there are no words.]

[poeticverses]

[Jehan smiles, crying a little because he's kept from showing just how wonderful the news made him feel until he could tell Enjolras and Combeferre. The embrace is returned whole-heartedly, and he glances up when Enjolras speaks. He knows this is about as emotional as their leader gets.

But their deaths meant something. They didn't fail. Where's Grantaire when you want him?]

Forgive me for not asking about the hows and the whens. I did not think they were terribly important right now, and attempting to categorize it--is it a history lesson when it comes from a man in the future yet is given to a man from the other's past?--might have simply given me a headache. But, Enjolras, we did it.

[sophos]

True enough.

But good luck finding that out. A lot of the history before a certain point is lost. We are actually on a giant turtle though, and Keeliai is a city on its back.

The primary population of Keeliai were the kedan, until we started arriving as foreigners. I mean, there are still a lot more of them than us, and they've lived here for a while. If I'm not mistaken, the last civil war was about 40 or 50 years ago. Most of the kedan seem fairly loyal to the Emperor, but there are a decent number of gangs who don't exactly care for her rule. The police force is absolutely loyal to the Emperor, and they're lead by Commander Evandau. He's basically her right hand man.

[idealisme]

[Enjolras is smiling now, his sombre expression having faded as the knowledge of France's success and the implications thereof sinks in.]

Freedom is France's future and present, and the dark past of her Kings will now only be counted important as a warning to those who are born even further into the future. [As to dates? Those from the future are as unable to leave the turtle as they are. They will seek out more information tomorrow.]

This calls for a celebration, my friends. To honour the sacrifices of those before and the triumph of those citizens in our future who made our shared hope into reality.