@goro.akechi | june 11, 2512

[impede]

Given the turmoil here in New Amsterdam, we have an opportunity available to us. I've covered such an opportunity before, but I've learned that it's an utter waste of time to convince any of you to enter politics. But voting? That seems to be far easier.

There is an election in just four days' time. Even if you're "new," so to speak, you aren't according to your newfound ID and the guidelines of the city. That means you have a choice.

I'm here to outline that choice. Hopefully, none of you will be foolish enough to vote like fucking idiotic idealists, but my hopes aren't particularly high. I've seen how the Displaced think.

That said, in alphabetical order we have:

Mia Ballo. A former cop for the NAPD. She's a fucking moron and her bullshit isn't worth your time. She wants to kill off all the plants in the city, even if they have economic value and are undoubtedly helping keep the poor fed. Ignore her futile attempts at a political future.

Amabel Delafield-Chapin. The first of two anti-establishment candidates. Unlike the other one (Durcell), Delafield-Chapin isn't in the big corporate pocket. But that means she's utterly inexperienced when it comes to leadership. She appears to be on our side, or inspired by us, but you can't ignore that the political world will eat her alive.

Simone Durcell. While they easily and carelessly set aside their position as the head of a Pulsar subsidiary, Durcell is a ruthless politician despite their lack of political experience. Durcell is heavily rumored to be in with the mob families in New Amsterdam, and I believe that we, as a group, have proof of that. The issue with Durcell is that they seem positively ruthless and opportunistic, so even if we have that evidence, it may be meaningless.

Joseph Lynch. Another man we have information on thanks to Cassius' intervention. Whether this would matter to the public means nothing. But for all of us, I believe we'd benefit from having him in office. He has a clean record and is the typical, uninspiring politician. What stands out most to me is that despite his long history with Ibis as their Public Relations director, the corporations were set to back Katelin Jovavich before her untimely demise. I don't believe this is simply because he's risky. There may be more there.

My proposal, then, is that we think intelligently. Many of you've shown that you're afraid of what might happen if people figure out who and what we are. If we back a candidate, especially a candidate with power and resources, we'll be able to protect ourselves.

Lynch and Durcell are the most promising. Delafield-Chapin may suit your ideals, but she's going to be useless to us in office. I won't even waste more words on Ballo. We have enough time to rally support around one of our chosen candidates.

Let's not be idiots about it.

Edit: Since I realize I overlooked the most important detail in my presumption that you all had eyes and ears, these four individuals are running for governor of New Amsterdam.

Comments

[evasives]

He could practice.

[variate]

[ that's almost a little funny, considering how pleasant Akechi can come off if he decides to put on the act. ]

He doesn't need it.
The message is more authentic this way.

[evasives]

I am not arguing the authenticity of intentions.

But it does not take into consideration the audience he is trying to persuade.

[variate]

That's part of it.
Did he convince you?

[impede]

Cut it out.

[variate]

[ 💧💧💧 ]

He avoided giving his opinion.

[evasives]

No.

[impede]

A question that didn't need answering here. I'll welcome your input on the content of my plans, but not the delivery. Understood?

[evasives]

Your partner asked, I answered.

[impede]

No, you started a line of conversation I didn't invite. Think it over.

[impede]

And waste my time with platitudes? I've seen how far it will get people.

As it is, I didn't ask for your input on my mannerisms.

[evasives]

Good thing it is not your mannerisms so much as your strategy.

If you want to convince people to follow your plan, it helps if you do not call them stupid regardless of how you personally feel.

[impede]

Yes, what a useful lesson. I'll make sure to keep it in mind.

[evasives]

Does this work for you regularly?

This is not an attack. I am genuinely asking.

private.

[impede]

Let's make this clear.

I'm not trying for a measured, polite, or palatable approach. If I were, I'd be playing a part that would appeal to all of the Displaced, and I have little to gain from that. I haven't since day one.

I know how to play the part that you're suggesting. I simply won't do it, and your insight isn't appreciated. Do you really think I'm so brittle and idiotic that I needed your bullshit commentary on how callous I'm being?

I've appreciated our conversations up to this point. But to continue, do away with any fucking nonsense that suggests I don't know how to handle my bearing. I do. I simply don't want to.

[Akechi was known as the pleasant detective, the charismatic boy who was open to solving crimes. But he was just as antagonistic underneath it all, trying to see what people would say or do in response to his statements. He always loved testing people and playing games. He messed with the Phantom Thieves through this, even as the public missed the connotations of the antagonism that he utilized in interviews.

But there's a part of him that's grown sick of it. He was getting there before he went home and relived a year of his life all over again, only to somehow come out of it alive. As he said to Ren, he intends to carve his own path. He might be angry and unpalatable, but he refuses to be some fucked up idyllic version of himself. Especially since that's the version that someone tried to force him into being in order to curate a "perfect" happy ending.

His mask was a means to appeal to people, and to get them to like him. All he ended up feeling was angrier and angrier, more willing to see the world burn. He thought people could be tricked and gamed and fucked with left and right. He thought it would be easy, and to a degree, it was. But it wasn't satisfying in the least.

Regardless, that isn't the Goro Akechi that he is now. And this is the closest he'll come to announcing it to anyone aside from his partner.]

[evasives]

You did not answer my question. Does this work for you, or do you continue to get into arguments with other Displaced? I did not say be polite or palatable. Calling someone an idiot is never going to get results you want. There is a difference. You don't want to do it? Fine. But do not expect anyone to listen to what you have to say when you belittle them.

I am not attacking you, Akechi. You are a very smart man. You have a lot of good points in here and they are missed when people read it as you have read my own words, a personal attack.

[impede]

No, I'm not reading it as a personal attack. I'm reading it as uninvited criticism about my tone because you've implied that I don't know that I wouldn't get under people's skin. I know it's rude and distasteful. Frankly, I'm surprised I've had the conversations I've had.

But I also refuse to court opinions the way I once did before I got here. It might not work out for me, but I know what it is I'm doing. Even if it's ill-advised.

Call it "freeing," if you will. Because, for me, it is.

[evasives]

In all honesty, Akechi, it started as teasing rather than criticism. It's clear to me now it was misplaced.

I have never had the luxury of freeing myself to accomplish my goals, with perhaps the sole exception of my last mission at home, but I wish you all the best of luck in continuing it for yourself.

[impede]

I see.

Then take it from me that I'm trying something new. I returned home. Take from that what you will.

[evasives]

Another luxury. [ returning home. ]

I take from it you are trying to be yourself. My point that I hope it works out still stands.

[impede]

Among other convoluted implications.

I thank you all the same.