002. [visual] we sit and grow our roots into the floor

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

When the tablet flickers to life for this broadcast, the view is one Jack Benjamin, visible from the elbows up, seated at a table in a sharp navy suit and less severe tie, professional without looking inhuman for it. The backdrop behind him is solid grey-blue and unremarkable, except that it perhaps complements the suit. That is probably not a coincidence. The man himself looks well rested, well groomed, and well prepared.

"Good morning, citizens of Taxon. For those of you I've yet to meet, I am Lieutenant Colonel Jack Benjamin. I have been acting as proxy for the Countess of Gatas in matters pertaining to the confinement of the Doctor in her home." He pauses here; if he's steeling himself, it isn't visible, it's only a pause, but the possibility remains. It's been a while since he wore this cool political facade, and it hasn't always served him well. "The issue I bring before you today is one in which the Countess would prefer to be involved directly, but she is presently recovering from an unrelated attack. Rest assured she is no longer in danger, but she has been more than gracious with her time and resources, and it's time this process were expedited.

"We are in need of some manner of council to institute a judicial process and determine the Doctor's fate in consequence to his crimes. I, along with several others who I hope will take this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment," You know who you are, "Have offered to serve on said council. Any other volunteers would do well to come forward now so that we might bring this matter to a timely resolution.

"However, considering the extreme diversity of our population, no single judicial body can hope to be representative of the group without maintaining an open forum for discussion. I would like to open that forum now." He paces himself here, his eyes straight ahead and his words clear, measured. "I ask each of you to consider the judicial process as it functions in your own world, and to share whatever expectations you may have as to the manner in and extent to which crimes such as those presently under examination should be tried and punished. I invite your input and encourage you to discuss amongst yourselves as well. While not all suggestions will be followed, it is imperative that every voice have the opportunity to be heard."

Letting that sentence breathe, he takes the moment for a sip of water before sliding on to the next topic.

"In the interest of transparency, I would also like to take this opportunity to present my own qualifications for serving on said council, and I hope any other volunteers will be inclined to do similarly.

"In my own world, I was Prince Jonathan, son of King Silas and heir apparent to the Royal Kingdom of Gilboa. This is a birthright, not a qualification, but I mention it because my rank came with the very real expectation of future governance and thus involved more practical training to that end than is worth detailing at this time.

"As for my more quantifiable experience, I served nine years in the military during wartime, seven of those as an officer. During several months of ceasefire I also acted as Minister of Information, which involved overseeing the information-related divisions of the Gilboan government--including, most relevantly for our purposes, the criminal prosecution of suspected terrorists--and representing those interests before the king in council.

"The situation most similar to our own in which I have experience is more recent. For the past two years I have led and assisted with the governance of a heterogeneous population of refugees in hostile territory. Our system of justice was very military-oriented, but the experience was nonetheless enlightening in terms of working to unite the interests of an inherently non-cohesive group. I feel I would be amiss if I did not put that experience to work in the interests of my fellow abductees, however I might do so.

"I welcome any questions, comments, or objections anyone may have, be it of my own background or the larger matters at hand." And with that he sits back to await responses.

Comments

[ voice ]

[hercandleguides.livejournal.com]

Would this council's use extend past trying the Doctor? Roughly how many people would ideally be involved?

I would volunteer, but I feel like my previous involvement renders me less than objective.

[ voice ]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

It has been suggested that such a council could be useful in other situations, yes, whenever the city need act as one, but forming such a permanent body is a more delicate task than I intend to handle presently. Given our population size, I'm aiming for four to seven members maximum.

In such a limited environment, it seems few of us are willing to become involved who have not already been so in some capacity [himself included, though he has made a marked effort to keep some distance from the Doctor personally.] I'm sure the council could benefit from your expertise, even if you do not choose to join it.

[ voice ]

[hercandleguides.livejournal.com]

An odd number does seem the most appropriate. Anyway--I don't mean any slight with this, but given my occupation as a scientist, while I'd like to offer the council that forms what resources I can, nominating myself would be politicizing my work, I think. Consider me an ally, or a supporter, I guess.

However, I do have someone locally who might do very well in this capacity. I'll have to speak to him first, though.

{ voice

[delcorazon.livejournal.com]

I think you might've just swept everybody for qualifications.

But this is a good plan, and I'd like to support it and participate. So the trial's gonna be bypassing 'guilty' and 'not guilty' entirely, since there's not really any doubt of that, and skip right to the sentencing?

{ voice

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

Sorry, occupational hazard.

I'm glad to have you aboard, Corporal De La Torre. And that is essentially correct. I don't believe the Doctor is arguing what actions he took so much as the degree to which he is culpable for their consequences. If that's the case, that's where I intend the trial to focus, though I can only speak for myself of course.

{ voice

[delcorazon.livejournal.com]

Suits me. I'm not much of a politician, but that might be a good thing, and I'm fair.

I do have one concern, if we're opening it up for discussion--not specifically regarding the Doctor, but he's a pretty good example. You got a minute? I imagine you're gonna be fielding questions left and right.

[voice]

[faderbroderson]

I volunteered previously to be part of the council. I was a Sheriff for nearly a century, and my duties often included passing judgment on those who committed transgressions, both minor and severe.

I don't deny that I would like to see blood for blood, but I don't think that's something we can afford here. If we're to encourage a peaceful society among such a small population, the precedence we set here should be one of benevolence, not persecution. The most important thing, in my opinion, is that the punishment fit the crime. The Doctor did great damage to the city and caused injury and pain, so I think it's only appropriate that he be made to improve the city and our lives in it. Community service, if you will.

[voice]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

Excellent. And you are Godric, correct? [He paid attention to Petra's broadcast.]

I'm in agreement on both counts. While there are situations in which justice may be so straightforward as an eye for an eye, this is not one. Certainly, community service should be one of the prime options on the table.

[voice]

[faderbroderson]

Yes, that's right. I'm glad we seem to be on the same page, Lieutenant Colonel.

[voice, locked]

[beholdthedrums.livejournal.com]

[for a moment he's distracted and surprised] Something has happened to the countess?

[but ah, there's business to attend to, and his voice settles into such a tone] I have no problem with your qualifications, but I am curious as to what you are willing to bring to the council, and what your thoughts are on this issue that has pressed in on the City of Taxon.

[voice, locked]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

I can inform her you've inquired after her well-being if you like. [his tone is politely reserved; he's not inclined to elaborate for sake of the Countess's privacy.]

What I bring is, in simplest terms, the ability to make decisions, in this case difficult decisions with due regard for the interests of a diverse constituency. I consider myself fair-minded and able to organize this committee into a function body in the pursuit of justice, but these are relative notions -- I'm offering myself as a representative most of all.

My thoughts are my own, and should like to reserve judgment until the appropriate occasion. However, I will say that the pain and suffering the Doctor has caused needs to be repaid in kind to some degree, if nothing else for the peace of mind of the other residents of this city. As in any society, the people need and deserve to feel safe and in control of their surroundings to whatever degree possible; the Doctor has disrupted that, and until he takes steps to right his considerable wrongs, he cannot very well rejoin that society.

[voice, locked]

[beholdthedrums.livejournal.com]

If you would be so kind to tell her Yana is hoping she is well?

You do seem as though you would make a fine representative, Lieutenant Colonel. I am curious to see how well you organization of the committee fairs - certainly better than anything I could manage, these days. I understand you wishing to keep your thoughts to yourself, forgive me for having pried. But do you think that the Doctor will be able to ever properly rejoin society?

[ voice | locked ]

[caballero]

'Representing those interests'.

[ voice | locked ]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

Mr. Wayne. [a businesslike acknowledgment, but not unfriendly.] Gilboa is a modern monarchy; we do not separate power, but each minister is responsible for representing a division of the government before the king. So as Minister of Information, it was my responsibility to inform him of any issues that required his action and to advise him when any matters relevant to my department were brought to his attention.

[ voice | locked ]

[caballero]

You're a lawyer?

[text, anonymous]

[beholdthedrums.livejournal.com]

[text]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

Funnily enough, I don't think you'll find much support for that notion.

[accidental visual]

[rude-not-ginger.livejournal.com]

The Doctor flips on his tablet, because he can't resist a message about himself, after all. He means to turn it to voice only, but he flips the switch that sets it to visual. He's tired and drawn, about as ill-looking as he was when he fainted in the gym a few weeks prior. Lack of sleep and the drain from his withdrawal are taking their toll.

"I suppose I don't get any say on this, do I?" he asks. "Because the last time I checked, a chunk of this city wants me dead. Well, apart from the hamsters running everything. They seem to think I'm very funny."

[visual]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

"Not at this point in the process, no." The rest just earns the Doctor a Look. Jack is reasonably certain that no significant chunk of Taxon's citizenry actually want the Doctor dead, if only because he imagines someone would have taken care of it by now if that were the case. "You'll get your chance to speak, but the manner and means of your trial are not at your discretion."

[deadmanbrucolac.livejournal.com]

The Brucolac replies from his state room: dark pannelled wood and gas lamps behind his chair. "I am glad to meet you, Lieutenant Colonel. I am the Brucolac, three hundred years ruler of Dry Fall riding and senator in the ruling council of the floating city, Armada. I support you in the establishment of a council. While the Doctor's crimes should be addressed as soon as possible, we cannot rush the establishment of recognized and accepted governance, in whatever form. It's not like he's going anywhere."

"My suggestion is thus: our city is pre-divided into districts. Let each district elect representation to the council in whatever manner best suits them. Other groups, like my kin the vampir, may warrant their own representation, but if each district is given some measure of autonomy, every citizen should be able to find a home that makes sense to them."

"In addition, Judith, a warrior who distinguished herself in the capture of the Doctor, has been accepted the responsibility of drafting laws for the council to discuss and ratify. She is no politician, but I've been a politician long enough to recognize the right woman for a job, and have given her what advice I can. If you are not already acquainted, I will be happy to introduce you. I expect she'll reply on her own, if she sees this, however."

[visual]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

"Pleased to meet you as well, Brucolac. I'm glad to have you, and would welcome Judith as well." The latter is true; the former isn't in the slightest, but there's nothing but politeness in his tone and manner. Given that the Brucolac volunteered himself to the Countess already, his involvement wasn't unexpected, and Jack would rather begin things civilly than not.

"I have to disagree with you on two counts. Firstly, in the idea that time is not of the essence in the Doctor's case. I realize you've not been involved in his imprisonment, so allow me to be clear: we have neither the resources nor the facilities to hold him indefinitely. His confinement cannot -- and, in good conscience, should not -- be prolonged beyond what is absolutely necessary. If we are to establish any kind of government, you are correct in that it cannot be rushed. But the formation of a judiciary council to determine the Doctor's fate cannot wait until such a system is in place."

"Secondly, while I agree that a set of laws would not go amiss and I would be happy to assist in that effort however I can, I don't know that our unstable population is well suited for a full system of governance or that there is popular support for such a notion. If we do go that route, an election would be appropriate and the existing districts may be a sensible way to divide representation. However, I would hesitate to support any system that encouraged residents to 'find a home that makes sense to them.' New arrivals have no say in where their literal home may appear, and even for those who do not bring immobile buildings with them, I would expect the candidates to adapt to the residents of their district, not vice versa."

[visual]

[lanterncast.livejournal.com]

"Hello, Lieutenant Colonel." Speak of the werewolf and lo, she shall appear--looking, despite her better efforts, mildly embarrassed. "I'm Fostern Judith, of the sept of the United Shields, in Speares. I--the Brucolac mentioned me, and when it comes to laws, I've been working on some things already, so at least that's a place to start, if you want them."

"Okay, qualifications - I was an assistant of the sept steward before I came here, and I've been an accepted warrior for almost nine years. I've been learning the laws of my sept since before I could talk, and I've spoken at moots." This is a carefully edited version of her life, but none of it's a lie - some of it isn't relevant, just things human wouldn't care about. "I'm volunteering myself because I've claimed land in the city, I consider this place my home for however long I'm stuck here or it's standing, and because I've seen other councils get totally fucked up and I want this one to work. I know I'm not the smartest or the most well-spoken person, but I work hard, I know how to listen, and I won't lie to anyone. And that's my case."

"If you think that's good enough, then ask me what I think we should do about the Doctor." She's calmer now than she was when she started, and even manages a wry smile at the end.

[visual]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

Jack listens patiently and perhaps more carefully than he has to the others. He recognizes Judith from what little he saw of her when the bombs were going off and, well, that experience didn't provoke his dislike, but it did catch his interest in a certain way. A way that meshes well with a certain earnestness he finds in her now. He wasn't entirely kidding when he told Trixie the people he'd like to be in politics are mostly the ones who don't want to be politicians.

"That's more than good enough, Judith, I'm happy to have you. We'll need to speak on the subject of laws at greater length." He gives a polite smile there. He and her good friend the Brucolac don't exactly see eye to eye on all that. "But first please, tell me, what do you think should be done with the Doctor?"

[voice]

[supercompacted.livejournal.com]

Um, so...I don't really have any qualifications. I'm a physicist, not anyone who deals with the law at all. But I was hoping to maybe observe whatever goes on deciding what happens to the Doctor. I could help out, if you need anyone to take down what happens or help with organization.

Also- is Lady Petrana all right? That's awful to hear about, I'm sorry.

[voice]

[mightyfallen.livejournal.com]

You may certainly observe -- I see no reason for secrecy in such a small community, and unless there are any objections I intend all proceedings to be public if not broadcast. I'd certainly welcome your help with keeping a record, and if you've any particular thoughts on organization, I'd love to hear them as well. We all come from such different backgrounds, after all.

As for the Countess, she will recover, but I can let her know you've inquired as to her health if you'd like.