abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] no more wasting time.

[ OPEN ] no more wasting time.

Who: sam wilson and open. (see note below!)
What: sam is calling a Summoned Town Hall (and get-together.)
Where: sam's horizon
When: mid-may (one afternoon into evening)
Warnings: will update as necessary.

THE SETUP

This meeting has been planned for some time now - at least from Sam's point of view. Even before the Summit he knew this would be important, but between the Eclipse and the dream of the Eye and everything that followed, there were some other things that required his attention. But as soon as that all settled, and as soon as the Free Cities started reaching out for reports, proving that each of the Summoned have been watched and tracked down, well. Big Brother always has to start somewhere.

So he reaches out to Stephen and Wanda - tells them of his plan for a meeting, about getting everyone together to discuss the impending war, the factions, and everything that came before. He left it up to Wanda and Stephen to disseminate the information and invitation however they saw fit - anyone was invited, of course, but that didn't mean everyone needed to attend. This was intended to be a smaller group, more contained, so as not to attract any unwanted attention, but who knew what happened once the date and time got out there.

Once everyone arrives, they'll be directed into the main area of the house - where the living room and kitchen meet to form one of the corners. It will be a bit of a tight squeeze, depending on how many show up, but there will also be plenty of chairs, couch space, corners, and wherever else anyone will want to settle and listen.

When everyone has filed in and found their spot, Sam will come to stand at the front and center of the room. He plans to address everyone first with something of a speech (Captain America, anyone?) which he will then open up the floor to questions (see open top level below). There will be a point in the middle of the questions that Sam will seem to catch notice in the corner of the room and - distractedly - will direct all questions to Stephen as he nods and heads up the stairs - followed closely behind by Geralt, who seems to have just appeared - but he will be back in about fifteen or so minutes and will pick up directly where he left off.

Once Sam believes the questions have settled, or at the very least everyone is way too hungry to sit still for any longer, he will dismiss everyone for food, drinks, or just smaller circles of discussion. Meeting's over, go stuff your face with Horizon food! But be warned - Julie's manning the bar.

OOC INFO

- It is Sam's intention that this to be a closer cr/smaller group, but as it is with any invitation/meeting, the word can easily get out, so feel free to have your character have learned about it/heard about it/stumble in even if they don't know Sam.

- Any questions that you want your character to pose to Sam directly, please put under this top level and I will prioritize. Because these are questions in an open forum, go ahead and note on your tag if you are down for other characters to chime in, etc.

- For about 15 minutes or so, Stephen will be in charge of answering questions (much to his dismay and with no preparation or warning). So if you want your question to be directed to him, please make a note.

- please feel free to leave a top-level below for mingling after the speech/q&a session. Sam's entire domain is open, save for one locked bedroom upstairs. It'll be a bit like a barbeque, a bit like an after-party, a bit like some chill time at Sam's horizon to meet and greet whoever is around.

- if you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up at disarmingly or pm this account!

THE SPEECH

[ sam isn't nervous, exactly, as everyone starts filing in. most of the faces he recognizes, most of the faces know their way around, so it's not like there's a whole lot of this that feels all that serious. it's not until a few more people start showing up, faces that sam doesn't recognize right off the bat, that has him shifting into something a little more...well, professional. it's been years since he's led any sort of counseling session. longer, if you want to count the snap. and while this definitely isn't counseling, it's starting to feel similar enough.

so as more people start showing up, and as they get closer and closer to the time that sam had sent around with everyone, sam starts pulling himself away from conversations. starts telling people to take seats wherever they can find a spot. it's a squeeze - his living room isn't exactly made for a community meeting - so he ends up having some of them spill over into the kitchen area, some even back behind the island. where he stands in the hallway between, everyone can see him. and honestly, anyone in the house can hear him, so it doesn't matter all that much where everyone ends up.

it's a few minutes later before he's in front of everyone, with one of the kitchen bar stools pulled up so he can sit (lord knows he's not imagining some kind of podium today). then, once everyone has appeared to have settled and with a breath and straightening of his shoulders, he begins. ]

First off- I want to welcome everyone to my place. A bunch of y'all have been here before, sure, but some are new, so I just want to make one ground rule pretty clear: don't be assholes. This place will always be open for you, even if I'm not around, but treat it like what it is, which is my house. No fighting, no destroying my place, nothing. I don't care that all this is technically magic or we could all fix it up however we want, it's my home. Respect it.

[ and then he smiles, which shifts what was beginning to feel a bit like some kind of parent or babysitter figure into something that feels a bit more welcoming. a bit warmer. there's a hint here for those that don't know him of the fact that this isn't always the way he carries himself. isn't always how he acts. but there is a job to do, a point to get to, and so he doesn't fully relax. ]

And thank y'all for coming. The last time we had one of these was...well, it was some time ago, back when we were all in the castle. And considering some of the events since then, I figured it's about time we all had another of these get-togethers.

My name's Sam, [ hi sam. ] And I live in Cadens, the capital of the Free Cities. I've been in Abraxas just over a year, and was part of the first group that got pulled through the portal, back when Ambrose in Castle Thorne was the only one doing it. So if any of y'all have questions about what's happened since we first started showing up, I can talk you through some of it, or at least try and answer what I can; but I'm gonna ask you save those questions for after all this. I didn't call this sort of Town Hall for a history lesson, at least not entirely, and I planned on having time for questions.

[ as he keeps talking, it's less that the smile fades and more that his tone takes on a heavier weight to it. a subtle shift, from someone welcoming a group of people into their living room to someone with a little more authority to him. he's not trying to be intimidating, or scary, or even all that unapproachable. more so, he's here for a purpose, and that purpose is important. and that's the set to his shoulders as he starts up again. ]

Now, if you didn't know already, this world has a few centuries of history under its belt. And just like any other world, or continent, or whatever you want to call it - all the different kingdoms, or factions, haven't always gotten along. These big three we know most about - Thorne, Solvunn, and the Cities - have a lot of that tangled history between them, and us showing up has only complicated it even more. These beliefs are pretty much in direct opposition to each other, and that includes what they think we - the Summoned - are here to do and how to treat us.

[ as sam talks, his arms come to cross over his chest and his eyes slowly start to move around the room - from face to face, person to person. he takes time, in his way, to make eye contact with just about everyone in the room. to connect with everyone, if he can. ]

Where we come in is the fact these factions are on the brink of war, and I don't say this lightly. Events, since we've arrived, have already escalated, to a point that we can't ignore them anymore. Now- that could mean days, that could mean months, hell. It could be years before the first shot is taken- but Thorne, Solvunn, and the Cities have all made it clear they're headed in that direction, and they are going to try and bring us along for the ride. I've been told that the people showing up in the barracks outside of Cadens are literally being told they've been drafted.

[ he pauses, as if waiting to see if that even surprises anyone - that there's a war, that the cities are actively looking towards their military, that this is known. but before anyone can pipe in, he picks up again. ]

If being a part of this war is something you do want in on, then man, go for it. Consider yourself lucky. But I'm here, now, to let people know that we're not all here for that reason and that there are a lot of us who are actively against it. War is not new to me, as it probably isn't for a lot of you. I've done my fair share of fighting in them, and fighting against them breaking out at all, but I'm not naive, either. With centuries on centuries of bad blood behind these kingdoms, it's not a matter of someone showing up and saying the right thing at the right time. As much as I might want to, I'm not going to walk in and talk to the Prime Minister of the Cities and get her to stand down from this war. Believe me- I've already tried. But that's also okay, because at this point my goal isn't to try and fix their problems for them. [ which...okay, there might be some thinly veiled frustration there. because sam has, actually, tried. a couple of times now. and he's less than thrilled by how it was received. was he surprised? not at all. but that doesn't mean he's happy about it either. ]

What I'm here to do - and what I'm here to talk to all y'all about, today - is just to make sure you know that you don't need to fight their war. They brought us here without our say, called by the Singularity and whatever tether we're supposed to have with it. Some of these places have welcomed us, and some haven't been given the welcome they deserve. But this place, these factions, however it is they've treated you - you are not a weapon for them to manipulate and you are not a soldier drafted into their war. And I want everyone here to remember that, because they will try and convince you to their cause, and honestly, they probably won't be that wrong in their reasons why.

But their problems are not for you to solve - not unless you want to - and you're not alone in this.

It's easy to forget how many of us are here when we're all split up across this continent - and sure, we have the Horizon to keep us connected, we've got that weird sort of- [ he gestures out towards one of the walls, though it's hard to tell what he means until he continues- ] -sparkling text thing that means we can keep in contact, but that's not the same. And when you're isolated, it's real easy to get caught up in these reasons, or opinions, of the factions.

I'm here to tell you that are aren't alone. And while any decision you want to make, or any side you want to join, is up to you - you do have all these people in this room at your back. We are in this together, and we can be here for each other, and what that means for me is making sure we don't get caught up in this war.

And honestly - I'm not here to ask for help. If you want to, hell, I'll take all the help I can get. But it's not your job, and it's not your responsibility. This isn't some recruitment meeting, no, I'm just asking you to be aware of what’s happening around you, and not to get manipulated by propaganda. Think for yourself. Keep your eyes open.

[ there is a brief moment here where sam pauses, like he's taking a breath. like he's letting everything he just said settle. it feels a bit like he's wrapping up, when he lets out this next breath. bare with him - he won't talk forever. ]

There are a lot of us who have gotten settled in our time here, and some who are just looking for a place to call home. These factions - they're going to fight for their home, and if you want to fight for yours, I'm not going to stop you. But it is your choice, and we- [ a beat, and then sam gives a small, slightly tired smile and settles back into his chair. it looks a bit like he was going to gesture to some key people around him, but like he makes the decision to leave it to him, instead. ] -I am here to make sure you know that. And to help in whatever way I can.

Now. [ another pause, and then sam claps, drawing everyone's attention back together. ] Any questions?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ and then, as soon as the meeting is over, you can probably see the way sam's shoulders relax. again - not because he was nervous, but instead it's a bit like he put on a uniform, and has since taken it off again.

the house is pretty much open, though sam will most likely head outside to the porch as soon as he can. it's evening, now, and the stars light up the louisiana sky. he'll be making rounds, walking up to those he knows with a clap on the shoulder and a thank you for coming or, if he doesn't know you quite yet, it'll be a thank you for coming and a hand, outstretched, to shake. an introduction.

he's a natural host, so he's not afraid to walk up to anyone trying to stand off to the side, or keep away from the crowds. or, if you want to go looking for him, he can be found just about anywhere - setting up tables, organizing food, most likely needing a drink, or a beer, or whatever else someone brings to him because he's too busy to go get it for himself.

either way, the vibes of this 'after party' is pretty chill, pretty casual, at least for now. ]

[Shepard had come, of course; personal preference aside, politics isn't actually optional. Samara had probably said it best: get three humans in a room, and you'll have twelve opinions, most of them conflicting. And here we had the outcome of it in the form of a lot of heat on all sides, with the practicalities ruling supreme, as always. She had not had any questions, in the end. Shepard had haunted that back wall and waited to see what came of it.

This guy, though, he's interesting. Here since the start, some kind of diplomat— never let it be said she didn't try the peaceful route first.]

Hey.

[It's a beautiful, bucolic scene, straight out of somebody's childhood, no doubt. The fireflies are a nice touch: Shepard's never seen them in person.]

Decent speech. [Takes one to know one.] Mind if I grill you on the side? I'm a little out of the loop on a couple of things. And you did offer.

[ sam had expected a variety of different outcomes for the talk and meeting tonight, and had set himself up for just about all of them. it also means that when all is said and done and sam gets himself his horizon beer to go out and mingle, he knows that the chances he'll be approached by someone who hadn't wanted to ask their questions out in front of everyone is highly likely.

so when she does approach, and sam clocks her as one of the newer faces around town, he simply gives a nod. friendly, approachable. he's got his counselor vibe mode turned on. ]

Hey- thanks. [ he gives a grin, just self-aware enough that there is no ego to it. whether it's a joke or not, sam seems to take it well. and, with the follow up question, he does turn himself to face her fully. to nod, once. ]

Sure- what do you want to know?

What don't I want to know? [The whole story of this place, first to last, for starters. Where he fits in with all of this. What the point of any of it was.] I'm Commander Shepard.

[A decent enough start, she thinks. Sufficient introduction, at least.]

My men are here, members of my crew. My people. [Two exactly, and who knew if Thane would consider that loyalty to run in both directions.] Not all in Cadens, but I need to know how to navigate this situation.

Now, I appreciate what you're saying about people here not needing to formally go in for the local militia, but it's not realistic to say that they can be uninvolved. If an actual hot conflict breaks out, participation isn't going to be optional— not everybody'll fight, but... c'mon. [Wars are won and lost in the supply lines, the medical tents, and all the red tape that everyone likes to complain about. The best warship in the world is only worth the price of the fuel they can't afford to feed it. That was true everywhere, even with a world of magic. If the summoned and their abilities were even half as valuable to these people as rumor told, then they would be targeted... Assuming, of course, that Shepard didn't have the whole of the situation ass-backwards and wrong from the start. Hence, her presence here.] We're targets. The locals brought us here for a reason, and that reason doesn't go away just because we might have an opinon about it. So, since you have seniority, and seem pretty eager to set yourself up as an authority on the matter, I'm interested in taking your opinion under advisement.

[She tips her cup at him, in the faint and poorly-defined ghost of a salute.]

Plus... I have a few theories. But I want to hear what you know first, in case I'm just talking out of my ass.

[ the introduction and immediate shift into the questions, the purpose of the questions, has a very familiar tone. direct, purpose driven. so much that the moment she says commander, sam can only nod. ah, that was that, then - which is to say, he knows exactly the way to navigate this situation, shifting his body to face her a little more fully, something a little more straight-backed about his stance.

as she explains her situation, her opinions, the tone that she says c'mon. and sam gets it. hell - she's hardly the first person he's met who's held this opinion and she won't be the last. and truthfully, sam appreciates the honesty. the point of view of someone used to being in this process, this spot, and how they work into it. sam listens, shrugs when she says you have seniority. it's less that he's eager and more that someone needs to be, and after the last few months he's spent here, he's not feeling good about things taking its course. ]

I get what you're saying, and you're not wrong. But I'm also coming from a place where when we first showed up, the locals were imprisoning children and calling a bunch of us mistakes. They've since changed their tune, from what I've heard, but as much as they want to say we're here for a reason, I don't know how much I trust their understanding of the magic that's bringing us here. [ which is only part of a whole, and sam's pretty much accepted that this conversation could go any particular way, but it's not going to be an easy one. but sam has his reasons too, the belief in the inevitability of war and all that aside. ]

Plus- I'm not saying if you're inspired to pick up your guns and take up the fight not to. Hell, I know a bunch of people who are making this world home, and that can mean protecting it too. But there are also kids being pulled through those wells and dumped out into a world they've never even heard of, and I want to make sure everyone knows there are options. Because there are.

[ and that's when sam exhales, shakes his head. does he have his own opinions about war, and are they biased to his own experiences back home? sure. has he also been pretty much lied to, directly to his face, by the politicians here about their motives? pretty much, yeah. but as of right now a bunch of the summoned could easily get swept up into places they don't understand, and that's where he's decided to set his feet. ]

Targets or not, they do think of us as important. But I've also seen important get turned into dangerous, and allies turn into threats too many times to count, and with all of us separated like this, it's easier for the factions to turn us against each other. So that's what I'm trying to avoid. [ a beat, and then a small smile. ] Not sure if that actually answers anything for you, but I'd be curious as to your theories.

after the q&a. (ota)

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Sorry for my slowness. I've really been going through it, lately.

do not worry at all! c:

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late as usual,

never. you're right on time.

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