Log:A Change of Heart for Harrisburg

2009/06/26 	 Valencia Ellbeth Lorelei The Senator Liberty Mayor Cangelosi 1

Built on a long ridge rising slowly to Colonial Heights to the south, this is the oldest part of town. Narrow, often cobbled streets with cast iron streetlights still in the shape of the ancient gas lamps predominate, some residential, some commercial - even down side alleys delightful old shops can be found. Main Street runs its cobbled shop-lined length straight as an arrow from Colonial Heights to City Center, and feels to this day the heart of the city, for all that it plays to the tourists. Many of the buildings are old as the streets but as well maintained; others, like the main library, stand in contrast. The Main Street MagLev line runs the whole length of the road and farther, but parallel a bit to the east, to avoid disrupting its historic beauty.

Here stand the grand buildings of the city constructed during the rapid 19th-Century expansion, on low land reclaimed from long-lost Harrisburg Creek. Main Street is broader here that to the south, though still paved with cobbles, and surrounded on all sides by grandiose edifices (though at any time at least one seems to be under renovation): the heart of this district. Around this are narrower residential streets with a flavor much like that of Old Town, all with faux-gaslamp street lighting.

Valencia emerges from the maglev station wearing a smart pair of sunglasses. Having just returned to the city the woman sports a light tan. Upon reaching the street she moves in the direction of city hall, though if that's her final destination is anyone's guess.

Ellbeth is attending a court case that is of minor interest to her. During the lunch recess she steps outside for a breath of fresh air and a chance to stretch her legs.

The mayor gets out of a limousine outside of the City Hall proper. Two other men get out with him. Both of them are members of the city council. The mayor says something to the driver, who starts to drive off toward the local parking garage.

Lorelei is leaving city hall, a slight frown on her face. She begins walking back to her car.

Valencia stops at the edge of the crowd, held back from crossing in front of the hall due to the mayor's arrive. She removes her sunglasses and places them inside her bag before running a few fingers through her hair.

Ellbeth picks up her pace and starts heading towards the Mayor. There are a few questions regarding Harrisburg's reconstruction progress, or more accurately the lack of it, that she'll be willing to take this opportunity to talk to the Mayor.

Lorelei, on seeing the mayor changes direction and starts heading back toward him.

There's a shimmering in the air in front of the mayor and the two city councilmen, on the large stone staircase leading into the building. Appearing as if out of thin air are three men, two of whom appear to be in costume, and one is in a suit.

Screaming Eagle(#1802TOn)

A wiry looking man, with white wings sprouting from his back. He's wearing black fatigue pants and combat boots, and a black tanktop. His head has a helmet on it, covering the top half of his head, looking like an eagle's head. His hands are covered by taloned metallic black gloves.

Line Item Veto(#1345TOn)

He's wearing a full camoflage set of BDU's, as well as what appears to be a gas mask, and darkened ski goggles. His hands and feet are covered in black leather. His skin isn't visible...only his brown hair.

The Senator(#1844TOn)

A caucasian man, dressed in a fine grey three piece suit. He looks to be about 35 years old, and has stark white hair.

The Senator says, to no one in particular, "Thank you, Libby." He then looks to the mayor, who has stopped dead in his tracks, "Sir, I take it you know who we are?"

Valencia blinks in surprise at the appearance of the three men. She looks to either side, spotting Ellbeth and Lorelei as they move towards the mayor. She tries to get around the crowd to get up the steps behind the three.

Ellbeth hurries her stride a little more. "Good day. The Mayor may. I do not. So introductions are in order. Ellbeth Wyrd. Author and mage."

Lorelei smiles, "Hello, Mr Mayor, Ellbeth." To the Senator she says, "It's too nice a day for teleporting.

The people walking on the street start to back up, having witnessed enough metahuman fights in their days here in Colonial Bay. Line Item Veto notices Valencia moving behind them, and turns his head to keep an eye on her. The other two seem to take no notice. The Senator looks to Ellbeth, and nods to her, "Your reputation precedes you. I am The Senator. Leader of 'Liberty'. And..." He turns to gaze at the mayor again, "...I am here to 'discuss' the situation in Harrisburg. Which is a travesty in the eyes of America itself."

Valencia crouches down above the trio on the steps, but doesn't make a move. She finger waves at Line Item Veto as he watches her take her position.

Lorelei says, "Interesting. I came here for just that purpose myself!"

Ellbeth nods, "With that sentiment, Senator, I can agree."

The Senator nods slowly, "Though I suspect our methods will differ. Words are insufficient to deal with this situation, I fear. The council has been deadlocked on the issue. Unwilling to spend the money on the downtrodden. That...will change."

Valencia narrows her eyes at The Senator's words, but just shifts in her crouch. No one's made a move yet, after all.

Lorelei says, "What do you have in mind?"

The two city councilmen nod, in unison. One of them nods, and says, in a slightly stilted manner, "You're right, Senator. We've been foolish to oppose the allocation of funds. We'll..." He shakes his head slightly, "We'll be sure to bring it to a vote this afternoon. Immediately."

Ellbeth says, "Senator, while I may agree with your sentiments, I suspect I will disagree with your metho..." She observes the obvious, to the knowledgable observer, mental control being used. "Or maybe not. Depends on the final outcome."

Line Item Veto returns the wave from Valencia, looking fairly cordial. Well, as cordial as someone in a gas mask can look.

Valencia arches a brow at the mayor's response but just shrugs. Politicians.

The Senator shifts his eyes to look at Ellbeth, "I don't want to hurt anyone. Justice must be done, though. By whatever means necessary. I hope you can understand my sentiment."

The Senator looks back to the two councilmen, "You see...these two men are the roadblock. The only thing keeping the funding from being passed."

One of the councilmen nods, "And...we're...sorry about that, sir. We'll correct it immediately."

Lorelei asks the men, "Is that true? Why were you blocking the funding?"

Ellbeth says, "You could help in direct fashion. Lorelei and many of the city's heroes, myself included, have donated time to the reconstruction effort. I don't remember seeing you there. However your information, if accurate, is interesting. Perhaps you can ask these gentlemen why they have been blocking the funding?"

"Huh." Valencia remarks to herself. "These guys are folding worse than a house of cards."

One of the men sets his jaw, and turns to look at Lorelei, "We...would...not be re-elected in our districts. Harrisburg is a bit...of a poison to election efforts."

The Senator raises an eyebrow, looking at Ellbeth again, "You think someone wanted by the federal government should just help with the reconstruction? No, I'm afraid that's out of the question. However, we are doing what we can. Even if you do not see the effects."

Lorelei says, "Hang on - you're not helping because *you won't get reelected*??! What point is there in you being reelected if you don't do any good when you're in office?! Much better that you lose to someone who would help Harrisburg!"

The other city councilmen sneers slightly, "I could give..." He winces a little bit, and then his sneer turns into a smile, "...lots of money to Harrisburg. Yes, lots of money."

The Senator smiles slightly, and steps aside, "I'm glad you're starting to see things my way, gentlemen. Please...by all means, call your vote." Screaming Eagle moves out of the way as well, giving the men enough room to walk by shoulder to shoulder.

Ellbeth says, "I think Lorelei and I working together could change that, gentlemen. Harrisburg was the district that saved the rest of the city from the Horde Invasion. I'm sure a suitable publicity effort could make helping Harrisburg recover a positive electoral influence. Of course that would also mean that blocking the funding would become a electoral liability. But as you're going to vote for the funding that won't be an issue will it?"

Lorelei is a bit shaken out of her anger by the change of attitude from the councilman. Mind control makes her very uncomfortable. On the other hand she'd come here to persuade the council to do much the same. And is persusasion - on the level she can do it - any different? She has no answer to the question. She's not even sure the law does.

Valencia looks up towards Lorelei and Ellbeth. "Guys?" She calls down. "What's going on down there? Why'd they change their story like that?"

The councilman who spoke last nods to Ellbeth, "Yes, you're correct. It won't be an issue." And then the three men start to walk toward the building again, past The Senator and his men.

Ellbeth gives Valencia a reassuring nod, "The Senator is presenting the Harrisburg case. He's being... very persusive."

All three civil servants seem a bit stilted, but they walk resolutely toward the building. The Senator nods, and smiles slightly, "One must do...what is right."

Ellbeth looks to the Senator, "Having the original funding passed will be exactly what's required. Should they vote more funds, that could cause delays. I assume you have taken that into account."

The Senator nods, "Of course. There will be no rider allocating more funds than the original bill. I didn't feel the need to be greedy. Just to do what was necessary."

Lorelei says (in a low voice), "I'm not comfortable with your methods. Or I'd have done something similar myself. But I don't have a better solution."

"Wait wait wait." Valencia rises and walks to block the path of the council members. "What's going on here? You can't just change the city council's mind like that!" She looks at her fellow heroines. "Really, what's going on?"

The three civil servants stop, and look at Valencia. The mayor speaks, "Please, step aside. We have to call the vote."

The Senator raises a brow, turning to look at Valencia, "I can't? I believe I just did. Their minds...are changed."

Ellbeth glances at Lorelei and then back at the Senator. "I do think this kind of behavior should generally be discouraged. As one of the basically hero type people who happens to be on the scene I should take some action to empathize the point." She waggles a finger at the Senator, "Bad. Bad. Don't do it again. There. That should suffice."

"No. Way." Valencia says firmly as she folds her arms. "Is this how we're going to do it now? Mind controlling public officials is ok as long as it's /our/ mind control?" She lets out an exasperated sound, shaking her head. "I can't believe this. I can't believe you two."

The Senator raises a brow, "You would let the people of Harrisburg suffer instead?"

Ellbeth says, "Valencia, if the councilmen had any principled opposition I would agree with you. But when they are willing to let a large number of the city's inhabitants suffer appalling deprivation for the purely selfish cause of getting re-elected I find my sense of outrage to be directed towards them rather than anyone else."

"Bullshit." Valencia replies to the Senator. "That's a false choice and you know it. I don't have to prove to you that I care about the people of Harrisburg. I've proved that over and over again." She looks towards Ellbeth. "Oh, so the answer is to /mind control/ them? No way. This never ends at just one, Ellbeth. This doesn't make things better, it makes them worse. What happens when they wake up? Harrisburg might deserve the money but if it's /stolen/ for them? How does that not come back to bite us in the butt later?"

Lorelei frowns steadily deeper.

The Senator takes a deep breath. "I am the one doing the deed. Your hands are unsullied. All you have to do is step aside, and let it happen. They won't remember your part in this, miss...Valencia, is it? I admire your dedication to a principle, but the people come first."

Ellbeth says, "I was intending to persuade the Mayor and councilmen to get on with passing the funding when I approached them. Although I wouldn't have used any direct mental powers, Valencia, I can be very persusive when I put my mind to it. Is that really so much different to what these Liberty people are doing? Because without using a trace of magic, I can talk most people around to seeing things my way."

"Then at least they're making a decision!" Valencia replies to Ellbeth. "They could still say no. They could say /why/ they reached a decision." She looks back to The Senator. "You would be the guy with mind control. Did you sell used cars before getting your powers? This isn't just a principle, it's a way of helping the people. You think this doesn't come out at some point? You think people don't wonder why the council reversed position and rammed this through? My stretchy butt is just as much on the line as yours. I'm trying to do the right thing for the people of Harrisburg."

Lorelei shouts suddenly, "I hate this! It's - intolerable!" And she bolts down the steps away from the conversation.

The Senator turns his head to watch Lorelei for a moment, and then looks back to Valencia, "In my prior life...I was a politician. A senator. In Rome. Where I compromised my principles daily. But...you have a point, I think. The end result will not be what I desire." He waves his hand in a dismissing motion, and the three civil servants blink, as if coming out of a reverie.

Ellbeth hurries after Lorelei, leaving Valencia and the Sensator to debate the merits of his action. She's far more concerned with Lorelei's sudden reaction.

Valencia steps aside then, as Lorelei rushes off. "That's all I asked for." She replies to the Senator before hurrying down the stairs towards Ellbeth and Lorelei.

Lorelei stops once well out of earshot of the conversation. She stands, blinking back tears.

Ellbeth moves up to Lorelei and proffers a hanky."Here. Wipe your eyes."

Lorelei takes the hanky with a nod of thanks, and wipes her eyes with it.

The councilmen and mayor glance back at everyone, looking...confused. Like they don't know what's going on at all. Almost like the last few minutes were a blackout for them. The Senator says to Valencia as she moves past him. "Tell Lorelei that I'm sorry for any undue stress. It was unintentional." He pauses again, and says to no one in particular, "Libby, evac."

Valencia raises a hand to acknowledge The Senator before rushing up towards Ellbeth and Lorelei. "Lorelei?" She looks at the latter.

And the three members of Liberty disappear. The only thing left behind is a shimmer, like a heat mirage. And in a moment, that's gone.

Lorelei does her best to collect herself, at least to outward appearances. "I'm sorry...."

Ellbeth offers Lorelei a hug. "I understand. It's a constant temptation isn't it? Leaving you torn between morality and pragmatism. For anyone that can be a hard line to walk. For someone with your abilities it must be far worse."

Valencia doesn't draw too close. "They're waiting for you." She tells the other two. "Y'know...so you can make your case..."

Lorelei says, "It's worse than that.... I'm not sure I'm not crossing the line all the time - just walking down the street, or.... I have *no* idea how persuasive is to persuasive. Morally or legally. I don't even know how the law applies to my powers...."

The councilmen watch the heroes curiously, most likely because they're watching Lorelei. The mayor furrows his brow, looking thoughtful.

Ellbeth looks at Valencia, "There's the dilemma you see. When I apply my persuasive tongue to a task the average person's mind is as malleable as if I was using mental powers on them. Lorelei faces that situation. Probably even more so. Where is the acceptable line that shouldn't be crossed? At least I have age and experience as a guide."

Ellbeth adds, "... and a rather pragmatic outlook in any case."

Valencia folds her arms. "This is why it's so much easier to just have physical powers..." She sighs. "Look, I don't think either of you are like those guys. I trust Lorelei to make the right decisions with her powers, really, I do. You've proven that you're not out to get anyone." She tells the other woman directly. "We all have to live with who we are. But we can all do it."

Lorelei says, "I'm really not sure I can at times.... Every time it seems I'm sorting it out something else comes up..."

Mayor Cangelosi comes walking down the stairs, and over toward the three women. The two councilmen head inside the building, presumably back to their afternoon session.

Lorelei says, "Darn it.... I should have talked to them before they - or maybe I shouldn't...."

Lorelei turns to greet the mayor.

The mayor smiles, tilting his head a little bit. "Are you alright, Miss Lorelei?"

Ellbeth says, "Lorelei, you can become a hermit and live in a cave on a mountain. Or you can accept that you have your abilities and make use of them to improve the world that we all live in. It's no different than a gifted athlete excelling at a sport. Certainly, thinking carefully before deciding to act is wise. But once you have decided what is right, failing to act is a repudiation of everything you can be as a source of benefit to the world as a whole."

Valencia turns to greet the mayor was well with only a bare nod to Ellbeth's statement.

Lorelei says, "Which is all very well in principle but seems to be impossible to apply in practice -- Mr Mayor."

The mayor smiles warmly. "I'm not sure I understand, having caught only the tail end of the conversation. But...you can only do what you can with your abilities and gifts. Tempered with wisdom, of course." He pauses, and says, "I assume you were intending to speak to me regarding Harrisburg?"

Ellbeth turns to greet the Mayor, "Judge." she says, "A pleasure to meet you as always."

"I think they did." Valencia comments. "I was just passing through..."

Lorelei says, "Yes - but then I'm sure you know what I wanted to say, too. The plight of the people of Harrisburg says more than my words ever can."

The mayor nods with a smile to Ellbeth, "Likewise, Dr. Wyrd." He nods to Lorelei, "I've been doing what I can. The two gentlemen who were with me at lunch are the leaders of the block of councilmen blocking the funding. If I had my way, the money would be allocated today."

Lorelei says, "And they oppose it why? Because they're worried about re-election?"

Valencia shrugs. "All politicians are..."

The mayor nods. "I think that's the problem, yes. They're from rich areas of town. Areas that tend to feel that spending money in Harrisburg is a waste. That the city would be better without the Harrisburg existing at all."

Lorelei says, "Ah. I live in one of those areas.... You might want to let them know that I'll be opposing the re-election of anyone who opposes aid to Harrisburg. In fact, if it comes down to it, I might be forced to run for election myself. And I do have influential contacts in both Bayside and Colonial Heights."

Lorelei smiles. "I just thought you might want to mention this to them before any vote."

Valencia grins at Lorelei. "Now that's using your influence." She turns back to the mayor. "Wouldn't that want Harrisburg vibrant? I mean, when everyone does well we all do better."

Ellbeth says, "I wonder, Mayor. As you may know I have been involved in some of the self improvement schemes that the people of Harrisburg have been engaged in themselves. Albeit with very limited funding. Still the community spirit is there. Perhaps if I had the opportunity to address the council assembly before the vote I might be able to convey the urgency of the district's need and the potential benefits of the right kind of publicity. Empathizing the role the district played in the defeat of the Horde Invasion, and the positive benefits that a renewed Harrisburg that is no longer a drain on the city would bring."

The mayor nods, "I'll be sure to let them know." He looks to Valencia, "You're preaching to the choir." He then nods to Ellbeth, "Well, they're keeping it bottled up in committee. But, I can get you scheduled for the city council meeting next week, if that works for you. You can give your speech then."

The mayor shakes his head, "Scratch that. Next week is a holiday. Two weeks from now.

Valencia smiles at the mayor. "It's better than nothing."

The mayor smiles. "I'll have my administrative assistant give you a call to confirm the time, Dr. Wyrd." He pauses a moment and adds, "Well, I should head inside. They can't start without my presence in there. So, ladies...if you're excuse me?" He waves, and heads back toward City Hall, heading up the steps.

Here stand the grand buildings of the city constructed during the rapid 19th-Century expansion, on low land reclaimed from long-lost Harrisburg Creek. Main Street is broader here that to the south, though still paved with cobbles, and surrounded on all sides by grandiose edifices (though at any time at least one seems to be under renovation): the heart of this district. Around this are narrower residential streets with a flavor much like that of Old Town, all with faux-gaslamp street lighting.

Lorelei says, "Thanks for your time."

Valencia nods to Mayor. "of course, Mr. Mayor. Thanks for speaking with us."

Ellbeth nods to the Mayor. "Thank you. I'll look forward to the occasion."

Lorelei shakes her head once the mayor has gone. "Corrupt politicians elected by a corrput populace," she says (not referring to the mayor). "Remind me why democracy is a good thing?"

Valencia shrugs. "Beats the alternative."

Ellbeth says, "The only advantage of a democracy is the ability to kick out an incompetent or a tyrant. Otherwise it's a hopeless system of governance."

Valencia looks between the other two. "Aw man, I'm the only American here, aren't I?"

Lorelei says, "You are. But don't go pretending you invented democracy now. Most of the mess of American-style democracy was nicked from us with the serial numbers filed off."

Ellbeth smiles at Lorelei's comment.

"True." Valencia readily admits. "But we were founded on it. It's like the national religion."

Lorelei says, "I thought that was baseball, flag worship and turkey-sacrifice?"

Ellbeth says, "I think corrupt is actually unfair. Self serving, yes. But if the attitude in their districts is against funding the Harrisburg reconstruction, it might be said that the obstructive councilmen are properly representing their constituents. Lorelei, I suggest we consider ways to change such an attitude by those districts."

Valencia sticks her tongue out at Lorelei. "Ew. Baseball. Gimme football any day." She nods to Ellbeth. "That's democracy."

Lorelei smiles wryly. "So we just need to mind-control *lots* of people."