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 Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:31 pm
“The only reason there are no records is because our faction is leaderless and nobody cares to take notes. Even if they did, where would we keep the directory? I have access to the moon, you have access to… some other place. We have phones to communicate and you use signet rings, I think.” Even though Knights and White Moon Senshi were on the same side there was a barrier between accessible communication.
“Unfortunately nobody on our side of this war wants to take lead and those who are given the power to do so are flaky and end up deserting their post. I’ve seen Prince’s, Princess’ and Lord Knights come and go like the seasons and in the end we’re back where we started.” The bitter disdain she felt towards those who were given power to unite them against the Negaverse and the Dark Mirror was nigh impossible to miss.
“As for the youma,” Sidouer toed at a rock that was half buried in the dirt. “Doesn’t matter to me if they can talk or not. I dust them just the same.”
“However,” there was a long pause as the Senshi of Static glanced over her shoulder back towards the village. “There was a rumor I heard a year ago or so that a court or a brigade might be able to turn a youma back into a civilian.” Naturally it was Phact and the group that she helped build that had learned of it. Too bad their one accomplishment wasn't enough to hold them together.
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:31 pm
He listened to her words with moderate interest and nodded. "Mm," he had said, but his silence lingered. He reached for the talisman and pulled it down, looking over both sides before he responded to her.
"Personally, I don't want a bunch of teenagers and blossoming adults thinking they know more than I do," he answered easily. "I've found a surprising collection of ignorance from everyone. I'd really rather not be expected to take orders from anyone who thought they deserved to be called a leader. But," he shrugged, and compared the talismans to the others he had already collected.
"I don't need someone else to tell me what to use this power for. I know why I've got it. And I don't hesitate to use it. Why, would you do with a leader? It seems you hold disdain for the ones you've met before. Or would you rather it be you guiding the flock of lost sheep?"
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:31 pm
Arrogant p***k… Sidouer didn’t bother to hide her eye roll since his back was towards her. Guess he hasn’t realized yet that there will be a point in his life that every leader will be younger than him, assuming we survive this place and make it home… Presidents, Vice Presidents, City Mayors… Hell his own boss will someday be younger than he is; whether they deserve the position or not, he won’t have much of a choice except to listen.
“I’m a no-name senshi, normally I patrol alone.” More so because every time she had ever went with someone, or tried to be a part of a team something always happened and the group fell apart or someone died, or in the last instance she got shunted out for no reason other than they didn’t need, or want, more than four members. “But I have been in conversation with a Mauvian to see if there is a way to set up some sort of networking to connect newly awakened knights and senshi with veterans. More like a mentor system.”
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:32 pm
He made a soft noise, merely something to acknowledge he had heard her more than any real response. It took a few seconds longer, a few more seconds of analyzing the talismans and then--finally--he just tucked the newest addition away and returned his gaze to her.
"I hope that system has success."
He typically patrolled alone as well, but that was partly because he had an agenda to keep to, and he didn't want to be responsible for someone else's carelessness.
"I confess, babysitting doesn't really appeal to me. But if there are those willing to mentor others, good for them. I am certainly in favor of the newer ones receiving some sort of education. I am astounded at the sheer lack of common sense I've found. It's rampant enough that it's almost not even worth keeping company most of the time. But, perhaps some sort of mentorship could be advantageous. As long as they're properly qualified. It won't do to have the blind leading the blind. Though, that does beg the question.”
He looked at her contemplatively. “What do you hope to teach them?"
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:32 pm
To this Sidouer actually laughed. “Before I answer your question… Tell me. Are you a lawyer? Or do you work with a lot of them?”
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:32 pm
Mamertine, for the first time, looked a little amused. "Yes," he answered, quite simply. "And I find them all tiring and in need of babysitting as well."
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:32 pm
“I’ll admit, your point of view and opinions on this make a lot more sense now. My guess is that you’ve had enough of people thinking they know the law better than you do, spouting off some RCW or new mandate. A no name fresh out of college, Yale or Harvard graduate who thinks they’re hot stuff because they got a 3.5 GPA or higher and a job upon graduation.” It’s the same with the technology industry, the one thing they had in common was that they were constantly changing. However techs or engineers don’t really grow to have the same kind of cynicism that people involved in politics tend to develop.
“The thing about common sense is it really isn’t all that common.” Otherwise naturally selection wouldn’t be a thing and everyone would be brilliant. “The difference between our civilian life and powered is that as civilians we go to school to learn, most of the time. We can read books on topics that interest us. Problem is, many are just too lazy.” There were many people on welfare or unemployment that were fully capable of working a job, even part time, but they chose not to. Granted there were some that had legitimate reasons but like almost everything in this world, there isn’t a simple black and white; there is a significant grey area in between and you have to ask the right questions to figure out who is floating in that area.
“Unfortunately, there’s no instruction manual on how to be powered, no history book on why any of this is necessary let alone how to finally end it.” Not that she really searched for one either but you’d think after seven years someone would have said something about finding it by now. “In the end you’re going to do what you feel is right but I can only advise you to not turn your nose up at someone's experience simply because they’re younger. And if you can, help them out if they seem lost because your inaction may end up being their death.”
Food for thought…
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:33 pm
Mamertine shrugged, an acknowledgement that he'd heard and a dismissal of her concerns.
"You must be young," he deduced. "To say something like that."
He was facing her now, giving her his full attention.
"It's not my duty to look after anyone. I didn't sign up for this and neither did they. Just because I don't want to be involved any more than I have to doesn't mean I'd let an innocent come to harm. I'm not so foolish as to judge a book by its cover. Age isn't the only factor that concerns me. However, knowing what I know, it isn't like there's any criteria to being handed this power. A cat can show up and tell you that you were something great in a past life, and suddenly you're wielding power you've never dreamed of. But the downside of wielding power you've never dreamed of means that it's power you were never prepared to wield. There is no training, only instant gratification."
He'd put thought into this; it was easy to dismiss the vast majority of other powered people. He didn't have respect for most of them.
He didn't need advice from her, but he wasn't so rude to tell her that such was wasted on him. He did not ask, he did not want it. He knew what he was doing, and that was enough for him--as long as no one got in his way.
"Someone seeking a mentor is wise enough to know that they aren't suited to lead. But those that volunteer to mentor aren't always qualified to teach. Enthusiasm does not always yield sharable experience. I'd hate for the wrong mentor to lead someone to their death. No, make no mistake. I have respect for those that earn their positions. But I don't appreciate the ignorance of youth breaking down doors and demanding it. Respect is earned. Not demanded," he said easily. "For someone to show up through the cracks and demand obedience, well." He shrugged. "I'm not looking for a leader. I know my purpose. I am not lost in this war. But my mission is my own, so perhaps I am alone in my complacency."
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:33 pm
“Perhaps…” She agreed.
“You may not need a mentor, or want to be one. Nor do you like the idea of a leader, which I can’t disagree with. So all I can say to you is that I wish you the best of luck with this mission you're on. I hope you’re able to find allies you’re able to work with, Mamertine. It’s a lonely road you walk and there will be a day when you’ll wish you had some.”
Sidouer looked up and spotted one of the talismans he had been collecting and with an almost graceful leap she jumped up onto one of the thicker low hanging branches to reach it. To say she had practice running and jumping in heels was an understatement, it took many years of training to know how to land just right.
“I’ll show this to the mauvian I’m staying with, he might be able to decipher one of these, or at least have an idea what it’s for.” Asking for his to compare and make sure they were duplicates was probably out of the question. “If I learn anything I’ll let you know, hopefully you will do the same.”
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:33 pm
He didn't seem lonely. He didn't want help, not for this task. He didn't pursue it for glory or fame, only the satisfaction of knowing that justice had been served.
He doubted that there were many others who would understand this--who were qualified to judge this, as he was.
"Naturally," he assured. "I'm sure I'll see you around. If I have any updates, I'll share them with you. I'm going to look for more. I'll see if I can't find any of those metal things, too. Thank you for speaking with me. I wish you all the luck in your endeavor for mentorship. For what it's worth, I don't think it's a bad goal. I'm just very tired of being disappointed."
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Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:33 pm
“As am I,” she replied.
Kalichore…
Persephone…
Phact…
Cosmos…
They were only the tip of disappointments she’d encountered and no doubt there would be more on the horizon if she cared to look up at it.
Sidouer leapt down from the branch and turned towards the village. “Be safe.”
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