"Nous protégeons ceux qui ne peuvent pas se protéger."

We protect those who cannot protect themselves. [ her voice is stronger for the translation that had followed and as she continues talking, allison's tone remains even (though it's not hard to pick up the passion behind it). ]

That's the code I took on back home. The circumstances were completely different, of course, but I've been thinking a lot about it lately. Maybe things here aren't quite as dissimilar as I'd thought. [ there's a pause as she takes in a deep breath. there's a lot of doubts in her mind about everything, but she doesn't want any of them to be heard. ]

I know it might be too soon to start talking about some kind of official protective force - we're still in the process of deciding on a code, or a council, or something else entirely - but.

But even if it's unofficial, I want to do something. I don't know if it will help, but a lot happened this past month and I just want to make sure that no one feels unsafe or scared again.

If you're interested, come talk to me. Even if it's for something as simple as maybe learning to protect yourself in a bad situation.

[ He doesn't actually really like text; he's not great with technology and there's bound to be some spelling/grammar errors, but right now he trusts typing more than his ability to keep a professional tone. So be it. ]

Hi.

First things first this isnt going to be a lecture. Tensions are high enough and Ive barely been here long enough to have the whole history down yet. (Working on it) Besides, you've already herd plenty of it. So this isnt about that.

[ Not overtly, anyway. He's trying to do the "subtlety" thing. He's not taking notes or anything. ]

I'm Doug by the way. Mostly I'm trying to figure everything out still, you know. That sort of thing. I'm a curious and openminded sort of person wich is why I have some questions:

1. Whats your favorite thing about being here?
2. And least favorite thing?
3. If you had to make up 1 rule what would it be?
4. Why's the coffee so bad & Are there vending machines (where)?

Thank you thats all.

[Hello network, you might know this one: small framed with long, dark hair, violet eyes, perpetually clueless expression, dressed in a soft blue sweater, hair pulled back with long bangs free. Mahdi's voice is airy and nervous.]

Hey, um! It's me, Mahdi. I'm really sorry to do this when everyone else is making really good posts about important things, or going through really difficult things, but I just have some stuff I need to say and I think doing this is better than like, dropping off a dozen notes to individual people's inboxes. I kept putting it off, but there's probably never gonna be a good time.

[Mahdi pauses for a long moment, fussing with long strands of hair in nimble fingertips, frowning. The angel takes a deep, nervous breath.]

The thing is... I'm not a boy or a girl, I'm just me, sort of neither and both. I guess if I really thought about it, I'd say I'm a little bit more of a girl than a boy, but I'm still in between. Where I'm from, that's not as uncommon as it seems to be here. It's also - [Mahdi clears hir throat] like, it's not a big deal, because it's just an ordinary part of life. If someone realizes one day that they are a girl when they were a boy before, or they were a girl and now they are androgynous, or whatever, it's just a part of life. Like it's not any more interesting than someone picking a new style of dressing, or a new hobby. If that person changes their name, everyone does their best to learn it. It's all about just accepting people for who they are, whoever they are.

I know it's different for a lot of people and cultures. Even though genders other than male and female exist in many human cultures, and have throughout history, it seems some cultures are just as invested in the idea that there are only two. And that there are rules about how those two kinds of people should behave. I don't know anything about cultures other than human ones, I mean, aside from mine, though. So. Um. [A shrug, and Mahdi glances off-screen awkwardly.]

I don't mean to inconvenience anyone, or make it awkward, since I know this stuff might be confusing for a lot of people, and others will be like "why is that even worth saying anything about". But, I just wanted my friends - and future friends! [smiling] - to understand me a little better. So, in conclusion: [Ze points to hirself] not a girl. Not a boy. Just me.

If anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer them as much as I can. I'm gonna take a quick walk to the observatory and if you want to talk to me in person, we can do it there!

[A bright, if a little forced, smile.]

Thanks everyone!

[The video ends.]

[TEXT ADDENDUM]

IN terms of pronouns I prefer 'hir' instead of 'him or her' and 'ze' instead of 'he' or 'she'. If that's too hard to remember, just using my name or 'they and their' is acceptable. Please and thank you!


[OOC: just let me know if you'd like to do an action thread here or if I should open a log post!]

setting: video

[ A good deal of you may not recognize this man: dark brown hair, blue eyes behind glasses staring soberly forward, and if you look for it, there are signs that the suit he's wearing hasn't been properly laundered for some time. He blinks before clearing his throat, then nods--at you, perhaps? ]

While we are on the subject of bringing order and usefulness here--

[ He pushes up those glasses. ]

As of today, I and my colleagues have started a freelance agency. To put it shortly, if you should need any service done--scientific research or development, bodyguard services, counseling, or cleaning, for example--any one of us will be able to assist you. For a negotiated fee, of course.

[ For the sake of a friendly appearance, he attempts a smile, though it seems a natural one. ]

I can guarantee that any task will be performed upon request for the right price.

[ The smile doesn't even fade as he again clears his throat. ]

Should anyone require our services, please contact me. My name is Seiichirou Tatsumi--Unit 141 in the East Wing, and you may contact me in any way you see fit. You may also contact Asato Tsuzuki, Yutaka Watari, or Hisoka Kurosaki--these three gentlemen and I will be happy to serve any way that we can.

[ click. ]