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[truthdecided]

[Akechi addresses the Pearl with his usual calm and poise, disregarding the cloak draped around him. Pay it no mind.]

In light of recent events, I felt it best to inform you all about Umbreon-san. Having spoken to Mightyena-san recently, she informed me that he mapped out the cave system in which we Oran Berries dwell. He actively trains lower ranked members and has played a pivotal part in Pokémon swarms. Evidently, he was an active player in the ordeals with Dondozo and Spiritomb, providing rescue to those in need...

And he volunteered for the good of his guild, not himself.

[He pauses to let that sink in, though his thoughts ripple with an odd air of relief and an undercurrent of distrust toward politicians on the whole.]

Make what you will of that, but I believe that this places him in a position where he could make a fine leader. I've made my vote, but I bear no ill will toward those who favor other candidates.

[...]

That being said, I do believe it may be in our best interest to share our findings amongst each other regarding the recent Wayfinding missions. The lands beyond Death Blood Murder Skull Town are wild, unpredictable, and full of mysteries...

For instance, the temple in the peaks of Heavy Downmoor suggests the area was once far more populated despite the wild winds. I'm quite curious how the rest of the region compares...

Comments

[hasapoint]

You're of the 'the one who doesn't want it is the most suited' mindset, eh? It does take a certain ego to want to be in charge, and it's worth asking why someone would want a position of power.

[There's a 'but' waiting there.]

[truthdecided]

I have... experience with politicians. Those who seek leadership often do so with their own personal agenda. They carry the charisma to win over the masses, yet their promises often have a catch.

[He heaves a sigh, letting it steadily fall.]

Given that Umbreon-san acted for his guild over his personal desires, I find that more admirable than Malamar's grand speeches. Lurantis... I respect why others would vote for her, certainly, but past experience leaves me skeptical.

[hasapoint]

Sure. If it's a popularity-based issue politicians try to find what people want to hear, regardless of their actual intentions. But an agenda or an ego aren't inherently bad things.

Have you talked to Umbreon himself about this?

[truthdecided]

It wouldn't be a terrible idea.

[They do share a guild... Of course, at the time, Mightyena was easier to get in touch with, but he may be less happy with the situation.]

I will admit, I don't trust easily. Any vote of mine will be painted by my own biases, just as anyone else's. Ultimately, the purpose of a vote is to allow the people to shape their own futures, and we can only wait to see the final outcome.

[hasapoint]

You might ask why he's so reticent. Is his heart back at the bay instead? Not to mention being in charge is a wretched burden for some people. He might think he's doing more good where he is. But he's not acting like someone thinking 'I could do a better job than the others'.

[...She doesn't see guilds jockeying for status positively. Need is wary of everyone and everything, but she can admit to feeling Mightyena probably has good intentions and some savvy, since she hasn't been replaced.]

Mistrust is just sensible. If your boss and mine approved it I suppose he'd commit if it came to it though. Probably wouldn't be a disaster like if that little bear won.

[truthdecided]

Or Malamar.

[Yes, he is going to take a dig at that obnoxiously colorful squid.]

I understand that psychic types aren't inherently malicious, but his first impression hardly cemented him as reliable.

[hasapoint]

[People here are so touchy about that, Need thinks indulgently. Her concept of psychic ethics is. Not something most people would agree with.]

At least he's got actual ideas. Yes, yes, it would be better for everyone if he had peers who'd keep him in line, which is less likely if he's given authority.

[truthdecided]

Oh, certainly, and the ideas sound reasonable.

[Even he can see that. It's all well articulated, but that's how intelligent politicians behave. It's to be expected.]

On paper, Malamar, Oricorio, and Lurantis all have effective ideas. Yet, Oricorio cares only for ghosts, and Lurantis' contrary tendencies may present future risks. But, like any election, it's impossible to find the "perfect" candidate.

[hasapoint]

People will always be people, and you don't have anything that can indicate who would genuinely be the best option.

[Need's thinking of a king-choosing sword back home.]

I wonder if the guild leaders will actually pick the most popular option. From the sound of things they'll look at these pieces of paper and then decide.

[How much does Akechi trust them, she's wondering.]

[truthdecided]

I have reason to believe they'll honor the vote, given that "Death Blood Murder Skull Town" won the popular vote for the outpost.

[He chuckles at that fact. It's still so absurd...]

Frankly, I didn't expect them to. It's hardly a welcoming name, and even the shortened "Skull Town" evokes the macabre.