Event Finished I gave up on a title

Romi

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Havoc had effectively exhausted his resources with the current council. He'd talked to everyone he could find and given up on the rest.

In particular, Havoc had hoped to speak to at least one member of an old council. There were obviously a few floating around, but it had taken some doing to find old student council listings. Only one had been easy to find, his name attached firmly to the art club that was meeting that very day.

Havoc didn't go to the art club meeting. He was about as artistic as a sock, but he did want to meet Milo, so instead he opted to show up just after the meeting let out, watching students stream out the door. He didn't want to intrude, so he made a point of waiting until almost everyone was out before popping his head in.

"Milo Constantin?" He called, putting on his very best smile. It would still come off as slightly odd up close, but it was at least passable, and on Manta Carlos it wasn't that unusual.

 

Tom Marvolo Riddle

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[tom=http://i.imgur.com/fPMnNFc.png, #ff0067]Another election season had rolled around. It'd been a while since Milo ran, busy with schoolwork, his domestic life, supervillain sabotage, and simply deciding to take a break after his happy time as president. Let others give it a try. Frankly, he was glad Dorian's reign was coming to a close, because the job seemed to stress him out. It made sense, a lot to add to an already full plate.

Now, just because he was out of the race didn't mean he wasn't paying any attention. His very first witnessed election, he'd entered with the intention of investigating everyone involved and keeping them in check. While not as intense about it currently… he still kept track of things.

That day, after the art club members wrapped things up and headed out, Milo had a guest-- and someone he'd been eyeing. James Havoc.

Washing off paint stained hands, Milo inclined his head to Havoc. "That'd be me. Was expecting a visit from at least one candidate. Not surprised it's you. Come in and sit on one of the couches, I'm just cleaning up-- I'll join you in a second, but I'm listening."[/tom]
 

Romi

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Havoc did join Milo in the room when he was invited, but he didn't sit. He preferred to stand, too used to standing at attention to feel fully relaxed when sitting. It was dangerous, he'd found, to be caught sitting down. There were more tactical options once you were standing, more ways to defend and avoid.

Not that he expected any of that to matter.

"You're familiar with the campaigns, then?" Havoc said, guessing based on what Milo had said. He seemed to know Havoc, but it wasn't that unusual. Many people had watched the speeches, and just from that alone they'd know him well enough. He had a distinct enough look--very common in the military, although unique on Manta Carlos--and rarely changed his appearance.

"I'm sure you can guess what I hoped to talk about, then. I was going to ask for any advice, if you were willing to give it."

 

Tom Marvolo Riddle

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[tom=http://i.imgur.com/fPMnNFc.png, #ff0067]Milo finished washing his hands and threw Havoc a glance. Not sitting. He wouldn't either, in that case, leaning on one of the desks instead. "I don't like being caught unaware of things that'll affect my daily life in the future, despite the disinterest some have in politics. Knowing who to support and who to watch out for is essential."

He gave Havoc another look over. "I'm decently familiar with you because I respect your platforms. They're helpful sounding and you seemed to have actually thought them through. The second time I ran for council, I was president, sharing similar priorities and outsider quality. I think you can win."

Advice. That was the more relevant part of this interaction, and something he wanted to offer something solid with. Milo exhaled and thought about it. "Being dedicated, serious and honest was my main focus. You're running against the head cheerleader, right? You have quite the contrast."[/tom]
 

Romi

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Havoc didn't quite know what to make of Milo. His first impression was something along the lines of spymaster. Someone with all the information, who knew all about the situation. Someone who should be giving a mission briefing in a bunker lined with concrete.

That was just his impression, though.

"Yes, you could say we have represent two different side of the spectrum. I wouldn't say that Emily isn't honest or dedicated, but she's certainly a great deal less serious."

She wasn't really honest either, but Havoc wasn't going to drag her name through the mud.

"She had a pre-built reputation, but it doesn't help her completely. Some would count her being the head cheerleader as a mark against her. For some it's a plus. For others it's a con. She's been campaigning hard, however."

Havoc hadn't attended any of her events, but he'd been aware of them just the same. He kept an eye on things in his own way, listening in as he handed out posters.

Well, and he heard a bit from Seiken here and there.

 

Tom Marvolo Riddle

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[tom=http://i.imgur.com/fPMnNFc.png, #ff0067]Milo's eyes seemed to light up for a moment when Havoc spoke on Emily. He pulled himself up without dragging her down. Anything else would've gotten a raised eyebrow and quiet disappointment.

He decided to make clear what he appreciated here. "See, that's a good move. Respecting your opponents while making yourself the better choice leaves a bigger impression than being vaguely decent in comparison to something terrible. Why be the lesser evil when you can be the best?"

"It's been interesting to watch the dynamics. I was up against a cheerleader at one point, and some said that race felt more popularity based. After that, the elections I won, things were different, friendlier and comfortable with a side of chaos. The next, a bit more active and flashy again. Now-- there's an interesting mix, from what I've picked up. What's it felt like? You learning a lot?"[/tom]
 

Romi

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Havoc took a moment to consider his answer, weighing it all out. He did feel like he'd learned a lot, although it was questionable how much he'd actually be able to put into practice. Some of it was applicable. Some of it was not.

"I find it's interesting to see what sort of things people chose to campaign for. Some seem to be choosing campaign topics to appeal to the most voters. Some seem to be choosing based on their own personal preferences." He was the latter, having firmly picked according to his own tastes. "It wasn't what I expected it would be like."

That was a fairly safe guess all around.

"I think playing things straight has won votes, although it's hard to say for sure. People are tired of the elections being a popularity contest, and regardless of whether or not it was actually a popularity contest, people still have the perception that it is. So they'll vote against popularity in many cases."

 

Tom Marvolo Riddle

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[tom=http://i.imgur.com/fPMnNFc.png, #ff0067]"And which one are you? Voter courting, or integrity? I'd imagine the latter, but you never know. The intention doesn't matter to me either way, as long as you're going to do well by the school, but I am curious." Milo was aiming for private detective. His nosiness and analyzing habits had to be off the charts, for that. That, and he knew throwing questions, tough ones included, kept candidates on their toes. Giving Havoc things to ponder over and answer in a quiet environment like this was helpful.

"Truth is, it does win votes, and to a point it's another part of the alleged popularity politics." Milo sighed. "You can't really escape it, and people will continue to argue over it until the damn apocalypse. So, in the end it's having a positive impact that makes the difference."

He gave Havoc another expectant look, an opening and encouragement to convince him further. "You're going to do that, aren't you?"[/tom]
 

Romi

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