The Ascension Plaza

[Ria Larsen]

Outside Genosha's airport, streets feed into a huge plaza surrounded by shops, offices, and government buildings. In the center is a massive statue of Magneto, rising up into the air surrounded by curling bits of metal. The statue floats, it's held up by magnets, hidden repulsors, Magneto's own power, or something else. At the base of the statue, many smaller sculptures of obvious mutants look up at their leader. Some of them are up on their tiptoes, as if they too are about to rise.

The plaza is always filled with commerce, day or night, it is the biggest commercial center on Genosha, at least for physical commodities.

Today, there's a GeNDA booth near one of the plaza entrances. Ria is standing prominently in front of it, handing out flyers. The banner over the booth bears the GeNDA logo, and says in large letters. "Democracy, Accountability, Transparency."

[Michael Asters]

His entrance was discreet, at best. He was suppressing any massive freaking out at his presence telepathically, and his demeanor said that he wasn't making an appearance, he was just passing through. And so, without fanfare or press, Lord Cassiel returned to Genosha, heading from the airport through the plaza.

[Ria Larsen]

"Is that... Lord Cassiel?"

"Yeah, it is." Ria grabs a pamphlet from the table about abolishing the Acolytes, and steps toward Cassiel

"Ria what are you doing? You're crazy oh shit he's seen us." the other GeNDA members draw back quietly behind the booth.

Ria walks up to stand in Cassiel's way. "Excuse me, but have you heard about GeNDA's motion to the Legislature to abolish the institution of Acolytes?" She holds the pamphlet out for Cassiel to take, looking him in the eye as she does.

[Michael Asters]

Cassiel stopped, glancing at the distant capital he was heading toward, then turning back to her. Quirking an eyebrow, he coolly took the pamphlet, regarding her over it for a moment before he started reading it, right in front of them.

[Ria Larsen]

"We believe the Acolytes serve a valuable function. But without voter oversight, they could be problematic. We would like to see a similar organization, appointed by a legislative committee, and subject to the usual oversight procedures."

[Michael Asters]

Cassiel kept reading, not looking up anymore. "Interesting fact... did you know that we tried that before?"

[Ria Larsen]

"With all due respect, sir, that's not true. The Acolytes were subject to approval by the entire legislature. I agree that was time consuming and inefficient. I think having one of the legislative comities appoint a head of the department, and maintain oversight would be enough to keep an organization like that viable, while still providing voter input."

Ria remains very composed. Mike can tell that she's nervous, and excited, even a little scared, but has enough willpower to keep calm and focused on the task at hand.

[Michael Asters]

Cassiel nodded, looking the pamphlet over. "And what, exactly, have the Accolytes been doing that there's a problem with their appointment?" he asked, looking it over. "Aside from being sent to risk their lives or volunteer to do work that most sane people wouldn't consider, the Accolytes don't have much of a job." He looked up, quirking an eyebrow. "Or are they simply the most symbolic group to target?"

[Ria Larsen]

"They're a paramilitary group of extremely powerful mutants, and the voters have absolutely no control over them at all. GeNDA's platform is that Genoshans should have a say in what goes on in their government from top to bottom. Not everything needs to be voted on, but everything should be accessible to voter control at some level."

[Michael Asters]

"All right, so far so good. What would need to be done to set this up?"

[Ria Larsen]

"Lord Magneto would have to disband the Acolytes. The legislature would have to appoint the committee. I think Senator Haban would be a good choice to chair it, but that's up to the senate. The committee would draft a document describing the powers and responsibilities of the new department, give it a name, and appoint a department head. That person would recruit personnel to fill the department."

"Obviously, we could wait to disband the current Acolytes until the new group was ready to go. That way we don't lose any coverage while the senate committee works. Also, I don't think it would be appropriate for any current Acoyltes to serve in the new department. No offense, sir, but something that big would be best with a clean start. I hope you'll agree."

She smiles a little at that last, obviously conscious of the fact that she's trying to argue Cassiel into supporting a move that will eliminate his job.

[Michael Asters]

Cassiel actually laughed at that. "And what we've done to be undeserving of any trust, exactly, is...?"

[Ria Larsen]

"Nothing. But if we create a new department and staff it all with the same people, then all we've done is change the name of the organization."

[Michael Asters]

"Change for change's sake is just as bad as stagnation for the sake of tradition," Cassiel said, folding the pamphlet back up. "While I understand the thought behind that idea, removing the most dedicated and experienced heroes our nation has simply because they're the wrong regime goes beyond disrespectful into outright foolish. Aside from that, though, I don't see anything wrong with your stand."

"In theory," he added, unzipping one of his travel bags to put the pamphlet inside it.

[Ria Larsen]

"Well, it's also an important step toward making the chief executive position electable, instead of belonging to just one man. I'm sure you can see why it's important to limit the Acolytes from returning to duty, given that. No one doubts your ability, sir, or your service to Genosha. But saying that there's no one who can fill your shoes... that does a disservice to our people, I think."

[Michael Asters]

"And that's something that the people of Genosha can decide on an individual basis."

"But honestly, I think you're overlooking the house fire to fix a leaky pipe."

[Ria Larsen]

"There's a larger issue in the government we should address?"

[Michael Asters]

Cassiel chuckled slightly, pulling out his wallet and pulling out one of his cards, with his private contact number on it. He handed it to her as he shouldered his bag again. "When you find it, give me a call."

[Ria Larsen]

"I will. You can reach me through GeNDA if you want. Ria Larsen." She holds out a gleaming emerald hand to take the card, and then to shake hands, if Cassiel wants to.

[Michael Asters]

Cassiel doesn't hesitate, shaking her hand after she takes his card. "If time permits," he said. "If you find something, though, I'm sure I can free some time for you."

[Ria Larsen]

"Alright, I hope to talk to you later." Ria's grip is comfortable, very careful. Cassiel doesn't sense the immense power in her hand other than by the great self-control Ria's mind exerts during the handshake. Still, there's no mistaking the fact that he's gripping a stone.

"Thank you for you time. I have to say, you took this a lot better than I expected."