It just lasted a day after all, and I managed not to smoke a whole pack yesterday. I think someone should commend me for my self-control. I did have one half of a set of twins call me gross, so it led me to thinking. Not about cigarettes and smoking—I'm pretty sure that one's special to Neil and I—but about twins here in general. Has anyone been inseparable with their twins until they got here? Or have any of you been reunited when you really didn't expect that you would be? All right, I guess you could say Neil and I hadn't seen each other for a while, and I thought it was a pretty mean joke to play on us by putting us here. I'll let Neil fill in the blanks there, if you all don't know the rest yourself. I guess I should see what everyone else has to say, instead of just wondering.

Aside from that, I figure I should put some follow-up on this.

To make it succinct: I haven't noticed much of a difference, but I know everyone's doing their best. My people (that's right, I'll call you my people if I want to) are planning on something, but I'm not the spearhead of that operation. Does anyone else have something in mind? Has anyone noticed something where I'm not looking? The City's been surprisingly quiet lately, bear aside, and I wonder if there's a reason for that.

Hey, hey, what's the point of making it difficult to find a pack of cigarettes around the City? I've always made a point of keeping a box under my bed, just to ensure that it might be necessary in case I come in cursed, and it wasn't there. I've checked stores, I've checked a couple bars, and I have to say, I don't think I have the right sense of humor for this. All right, so in the past, I've made a point of making light of other people's problems, but it's not like I have many vices. I tease people and I have time with Anew, but that's all fair, isn't it?

All that said, could anyone help me out? I've tried everything now. and I think it's making it worse.

And before you start in on it, Neil. They're something that make me happy. You wouldn't want to take that away from me, would you?

I've seen a lot of people talk about how the incident with the prison made them disgusted, and that's about where I stand, too. It wouldn't be a good idea to turn out backs on what the deities did, and it wouldn't be a good idea to forget what was wrong about it. Of course, we can't just try and take down the deities. That wouldn't do us any good, but it's obvious that there's a little bit of disorder here. After all, things are a bit different, aren't they? There isn't a warden, there isn't the same kind of prison, and while I can tell that the police force is still at work, it seems like a lot of things might be a little less effective.

I'm a little surprised no one's talked about it. All of the running candidates for the position of warden (all my previous election coverage was here, thanks a lot for keeping that in one place, City) were trying to do much more than guard a prison. They all had goals and experiences and ideas. It doesn't seem like anyone has addressed the issue of no existing laws, no structure of laws, or where that might go from here.

If anything, aside from the existing police force, the current state of things encourages anarchy. It encourages vigilantism. While I can't say that's an entirely bad idea if you're seeking justice, but that can sometimes be a little messy. Is anyone going to try and change things? Will people create a public position similar to the ones that they sought with the warden position? And hey, will it be considered a wardenship position? This was something that the deities sanctioned, but it doesn't mean that people can't do it on their own.

Let's just say it's a little something I have on my mind. I'd like to hear others' thoughts on the matter. And you have to wonder if the deities thought the warden was becoming too powerful, so that's why they stripped his power (and the power of anyone who followed). They might be afraid of the people here. I don't think it's a good idea to let those bastards win when they try and get our spirits down.

[the video clicks on, but this time, it seems purposeful. the man is familiar to many who know Lockon, but it's a given that it's not him: he lacks the eyepatch, after all. it's obvious that this is the parole hearing, from the various creature that pan out in front of him, but the camera angles after a moment, toward Lyle's face. it's less smirking and more somber for the moment]

It's not surprising that you wouldn't me sympathetic or the actions we've taken. I decided to keep myself in there a little longer, because it wouldn't be right to do some time for my crimes. I'm sure it's surprising that we'd be willing to take on the brunt of our guilt and stay in here a little longer, but my comrades wouldn't keep me in there if they weren't doing something of the same, would they?

[his voice picks up then, the familiar Lyle smile (or smirk) forcing its way to the surface]

I don't really mind having to see what I've done—or experience it. I accept the guilt for that and confess to it. It's really about time that you decided to show us the error of our ways, isn't it? But I'll admit that I'm facing the world and fighting as I am for a reason. I want justice, and I can't really blame you for not understanding that.

Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if you call this justice. There's a lot of people here, and you're humilating them, aren't you? I would've taken away our devices if you really wanted to get your point across.

But maybe you understand it, too. That justice can't be reached without us all understanding. That's part of it, isn't it? Facing the world for our own reasons, understanding why we've all done what we've chosen to do.

[he hesitates, before straightening up, and in that moment, it is only clear then the black rings under his eyes. though he speaks clearly, the weekend has done enough of a number on Lyle]

But hey, I guess I should say it a little more clearly. That's why you're letting me run my device, aren't you? I accept the guilt of my crimes. Of fighting in a rebel group and causing the deaths of possible thousands, of working with Celestial Being to eradicate war. I can face the crimes I've done; I just hope that everyone else can.

That's why I'm doing this. We should all fight for our own reasons and face the world, even bearing the weight of our mistakes. That's why I'm Lockon Stratos now, after all.

[the motions go through to show that Lyle has been freed before he clicks off the device as he starts leaving the prison]

( filtered to Celestial Being | unhackable )

All right, that was a fine show last night, wasn't it? I'd never thought I'd see something like that outside of a novel, but the City turned everything into that. I'm sure you all saw my brother and how ridiculous he looked. I didn't think it would be a very good idea to show off my clothing, but there might be photos lying around somewhere, for safe keeping. I'm sure a lot of people will be commiserating over what all that was about and what it meant, so I won't carry on with this subject any longer. We're all masters of beating dead horses, after all.

It's come to my attention that I ought to get a job. Anew and I left a bit of money for safe-keeping before we left, but I can only eat so many eggs before I start to run out. This isn't asking for any offers, but I should get to looking at that soon. I don't have a beautiful woman to support me anymore.

And on a final note: Eden. I'd like to know how you're doing.

[somewhere in the City, a little orange ball has suddenly disappeared from an apartment and is bouncing on the ground near the beach. however, it's not that robot that chimes in when the device clicks on, but another, somewhat familiar voice—perhaps even seeming to belong to someone more beloved than who it does belong to]

Hey, Mr. Haro. You were with me when I was coming through, but I didn't know you'd still be there. Something tells me that we ought to let everyone know this is where you've ended up. Neil might start looking for you.

That Lockon's gone! That Lockon's gone!

[a pause, a sucking in of breath, as it's slowly released]

—Eh, really? I guess this place doesn't let you decide when you want to leave. What about Anew, Mr. Haro?

She's gone, too! She's gone, too!

This situation's a little more like home now. I'll try to do what I can here, then. This isn't that place, after all.

[he shuffles the device in his hand, and then speaks clearly, even if he obviously purposely allowed everyone to hear the conversation]

This is Lyle Dylandy. I've returned to the City and Haro's with me. Sorry if I got anyone's hopes up, but if Setsuna and the others are there, I'd like to know.

Eden, too. I hope you haven't given my apartment away.

[ Filtered Away From Neil (Lockon) and Soran (Setsuna) // Unhackable ]

All right, thanks a lot City, you let me off easy this weekend. Anew hasn't showed up talking about a different life or with lists yet, so I think both of us lucked out. Of course, that doesn't mean you haven't managed to complicate matters, have you?

Setsuna and Lockon have aged down for the weekend. At least, I think that's what I'd call it. A lot of people seem to be a fair bit younger this weekend, so I'd include them in the trend. I have to say, I'm lucky I didn't catch on to that. When I was fourteen, cigarettes still burned my throat but I still did what I could to look cool. I've got that worked out by now. I don't think I'd be very comfortable seeing Anew or Tieria younger, either. Even if they'd look the same.

The problem with them being younger is that it complicates things. Setsuna's past is a little convoluted, and Neil's—Lockon's—is a little bland. Put them together though with Lockon's overprotective nature and things get messy.

Don't give him reason to believe his brother is here in this entry. You can talk to him and ask about me, I don't care, but don't let him know about me. Neil's grounded in reality, and with how things are confusing, he'll try to be some older brother even at the age of fourteen. And it's pretty apparent that he might not listen.

And hey, at least you can all marvel at how he worked out that accent of his. I still haven't figured that trick out, but I guess I never left the motherland until after university.

A lot of people are saying that these elections mean nothing, but every election means something. It means you're being given a choice over whether you want someone to represent you. You might not think this means something with a position like the Warden, but exercise your rights in one place and you might earn more rights over time. The Wardens may say there isn't a proper way to do this job, but that's because there isn't always a right way to be a politician. You can look good on paper, but your way of solving problems is always up to you.

That all said, I'll be terribly disappointed if people don't end up voting. If you're a little too lazy to go working down the network, I can give you something here. My opinions are here, but isn't that how these things work?

Nakamura Hiro: "I want to save the world." That's an interesting platform, don't you think? It implies that we're in imminent danger and need to be saved. I'm not going to disagree with that, but I think it's something to keep in mind. He has a pretty good idea of what the job entails, and he's working on setting up the basics—laws, and so forth. He went up against a comrade of mine in the last election, from what I've heard, but I'm pretty sure he was the right one for the position at the time. Weird thing was that he didn't take that comrade as his right hand, from what I've noticed, and instead chose someone we didn't elect. Nepotism isn't something I'm terribly fond of, to tell you the truth. Politicians can't do everything in one term, this is true. He seems the most qualified just by knowing what the job entails, but I ask: did he do anything while he was Warden? If you think he's changing, then he's your guy.

Eddie Blake: A military man. I don't think serving in the military makes you any more qualified than anyone else, and neither does age. I wouldn't vote for him just because he sees the position as a joke, as much as I believe in a good sense of humor. He might have the right makings for the position in the end, but he doesn't have his head in the right place.

Julian Keller: Young, and while he seems to have a good idea of what needs to be done, he doesn't understand how the position works. Idealistic, but that isn't so bad. I think he needs to learn the ins and outs of things first before he can be in charge.

Nanoha Takamachi: A mother, and while I'm sure she has other qualifications, I'm afraid I can't say she's a good choice for this. She doesn't seem too enthusiastic about running, either. Maybe next time her daughter should let her know before she's nominated, and she can decide then.

Timothy Hearst: Nine years old. If you vote for him, I'll be surprised. He's the real punchline of this, wouldn't you say? Don't make that mistake.

Ichigo Kurosaki: I don't know anything about this outside of the fact that he's an "idiot." I see that plastered a lot over the network by that one girl, so I can't say I have too much confidence in his abilities.

Tseng: I don't know anything about this guy, but he's new. I don't have much confidence in someone who's new, after all. All right, he has the right experience for the job. The newness still works against him, but I'm going to say that he should be considered. We're all a little new here sometimes, aren't we? He'll be able to step into the position, and he's actually willing to embrace the position. Experience can do someone better than even being new.

My recommendation? Vote between the first three. Unless Kurosaki and Tseng show up later and show more about themselves. I haven't decided myself, but I'll see.

To my comrades: I'm interested in knowing how you've chosen.

fetish -
–noun
1. an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency.
2. any object, idea, etc., eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect, or devotion: to make a fetish of high grades.
3. Psychology. any object or nongenital part of the body that causes a habitual erotic response or fixation.

You might need it if Setsuna gets too friendly with his little hidden object. Or that Graham fellow.

And hey, Dr. House. You have a nice examination table in there. Very comfortable!