The First Step Forward.

[stern]

Stern had the natural ability to avoid attention. It wasn't something he learned over the years, but a natural ability. He always assumed, had his life turned out normally, he would have lived a life of little significance. Avrage in everyway, he would be the person you simply assumed was part of the scenery.

His life, however, had not turned out normally. He had not learned to be inconspicous, but rather to be noticed. At the head of the small crowd that had gathered in the parking lot, he barely had to use that skill he nutured so much. He wasn't hidng in the shadows, he wasn't pulling the string.

This time, he would be heard. His mind raced back to tha day long ago when he first marched with his peers, beginning the series of events that led to the moment. His plan had met many setbacks, event after event that gradually pushed it, ruining it's effectiveness. He had finally recieved a second favor from Providence, as he was now given the fertile soil to grow his new world. It was time to plant the final seed.

Stern's group stood at the exit of the parking lot, student finally arriving in numbers. Stern had chosen this spot carefully. Most the staff had yet to organize themselves for the day, and the sutdent had not even gotten close to even starting. Pillars would have trouble organizing the force necessary to quell them easily... they would have to make a scene if they wanted them gone. Almost every student who drove to the school would see them, and any who bothered to see what the racket was for.

Stern breathed in slowly filling his lungs with air. With that, he shoved his fist into the air, and screamed into his megaphone.

"WHAT DO WE WANT?!"

The crowd behind them raised thier signs and banners, above the level of all the vehicles so they could be see. The yelled to answer Stern, at the top of thier lungs. They, who wished for better but lacked the confidence to fight alone, stood by him.

"STUDENT RIGHTS!"

"WHEN DO WE WANT THEM?" Stern yelled back, giving them so small acknowledgement that they were there, and they were fighting.

"NOW!"

The rowd continued to chant, the sheer size of them and the noise they were making attracting all those who passed to at least look at them. There would be no more denial, it was time that Hircine looked around them, and demanded better.

[Gilsin]

Ein was driving into the school by the time the rally started. One of Stern's targets in his little demonstration. Ein wasn't sure of what was going on, even after hearing the chant he wasn't sure what they were trying to get. Once he saw the figure at the head things became apparant, atleast partially. To know the full extent of Stern's plans would be impossible.

The Pillar would make sure to park carefully and casually, trying not to incite any aggression. He knew it wouldn't be long before they would show some hatred towards him, minimalizing this would be his only opprotunity. Ein thought of gathering up his Genaht, to create a group to quell the demonstration, but such a thought was impossible. His group, organized as it was, would not be able to assemble in any substantial way in time and more importantly it could only help his current foe. There was few things for him to do, so Ein did something that seemed reasonable...

Ein stepped forward, walking towards Stern. Ein wasn't about to fight this man, he knew there would be no win in that situation. He was starting something that couldn't be stopped easily by physical means.

"You speak of rights, what rights do you want that you do not have now?"

Ein's voice would bellow out between the silence of the chant. He hoped it would be enough to catch afew people's attention and particularly Stern himself. It was a poor plan in reality, Stern could merely keep chanting and the lone voice would be forgotten. He had to bet on the possibility that Stern wouldn't ignore him.

[stern]

Stern stopped his chanting, as unlike himself it was rather difficult not to note Ein's presence. He stood out, though the actions that made him do so were by products of his personality and how that affected his appearance, while Stern's ability to avoid notice ended to just be natural, something he had to physically work against.

He passed the megaphone on to another student, knowing that most people there could only keep their courage in a group that kept on chanting, as they lose their sense of individualism to the effort itself. For one who preached the necessity of individualism, Stern was the first to admit there were times it was necessary to make the sacrifice.

"Gilsin, it has been too long"

Stern had an unusual bit of honest emotion in his tone, temporary as it was. Ein was one of the few people Stern liked, mostly due to the incredible ease that one could figure him out. Ein was incredibly simple and logical in his thoughts, not wasting time with unnecessary things when they could be avoided and thinking thing through clearly and carefully. This made him act relatively wisely, if not a bit slowly and predictably. Ein had a rare form of natural honesty to him, and it was Stern's understanding of that which made him the most useful Pillar to Stern, which was only helped by Ein's natural understanding of him. Ein, unlike the rest, didn't spend his time trying to figure out what plan Stern was up to, but mostly how to stop it.

Despite this though, Stern knew that Ein posed more of a threat than last time. Their agreement to stay out of each others paths probably wouldn't last much longer. Though Stern was not being violent, it was unlikely the trust of one Pillar could outweigh the duty of the rest. Ein's own mentality actually made him uniquely immune to Stern's plan this time, which meant when things finally came to fruition, Ein was probably the Pillar most likely able to stop him.

This was clearly evident in the way he approached Stern now, instead of trying to create a scene like most Pillars he sought information. Stern had decided to give him a half-victory, by having the group continue while he addressed him. Giving Ein information was dangerous, but he considered it all carefully. Ein may possibly act on what he was told, taking the best possible choice as he saw it. The point was that he would consider his moves carefully, so the more you fed Ein information the longer he would take to decide in most cases.

"I'm not surprised in the rumors I heard, your the kind of person who can actually view the benefits of this system....some of those here also find some merit in it. You know, however, that it is not completely without error. The security the administration preaches is merely a stable tyranny, held by together by acts as deplorable as those they claim to prevent. I know your the type that is willing to make compromises, but I'm going to strive for better if it is there."

[Gilsin]

"You strive for the unattainable. A utopia where all work together is nonexistant and impossible, as long as we have differences of any kind there will be strife. What I see here is the best that can be done while still maintaining individuality."

Ein was slightly confused at Stern's actions. What had been so violent and aggressive previously seemed to have disappeared in the man. There was a mind there that understood violence couldn't win the day here it seemed.

Stern was certainly proving clever, which made Ein wonder why he dared to speak with him at all. To give away less made sense, not more.

"You are no fool and you are not one to be selfless from what I know. There is an ambition hidden beneath this action. I'd imagine becoming a good person in the student bodies eye's is only the first step..."

[stern]

"Well, you know that I have never been one to encourage a bad reputation."

Stern was speaking the truth of course, as he had been viewed highly in Varron as well, only those in the gang war ever seeing his devious side, and as they were on the receiving end that only made him more popular.

"None of you figured out what I wanted last time either though."

Why was Stern telling Ein this though? Was there something to be gained in Ein's suspicion? Was he lying to Ein to have him avoid taking action? Was he merely stalling for more time with Ein? Or could it be that, in the end, the best lie was the truth?

"Your right though, there will always be strife. I'm not going to argue that just because utopia cannot be achieved that the effort isn't worth it, but there is hardly much individuality here."

Stern didn't bother to back up that statement with any evidence, as it was walking by. Most people kept their eyes forward, trying their best to ignore the protesters. They all saw them, they all heard them, but as long as a Pillar stood next to them, no one would react.

"You know as well as I do that there is violence all around us here. Just because it is veiled in words like "justice" and "security" does not make it right. All ambition here is restrained by tyranny, and all around us we see people who simply avoid the world rather than speak their minds. Perhaps the reason you are standing there and I here is because the individuality you speak of is beyond my sight.....then again, your search for validity may have you missing the truth."

Stern was making an attack on Ein's reasoning now, though it was not one born of malice. Perhaps he was trying to lure Ein into defending it, causing him to walk into some unseen trap. Then again, it was just as feasible that Ein would settle for a difference in personalities and call it a day, proceeding with the action he saw fit. Whatever choice was made, would it be the one Stern was counting on?

[Gilsin]

"I don't beleive any of the violence administered by the Pillars has the right to be called Justice or Security. Indeed, I do not understand where those words come from. I see any action given as a correction. And their are but afew options that such a person has after such a correction. They will either never try such an action again, They will try again and be corrected in the same manner until the first option is taken or...."

Ein paused for a moment, wondering if such a thing to be told to Stern. It was only afew moments before realized it didn't matter, Mason already knew the third option and was attempting to practice it.

"or he'll grow stronger and defeat the authority, in which case he'll create his own authority untill he is fallen in the same manner. I realize this is the pattern Stern, and I realize this is likely your ultimate goal. That will not stop me from attempting to thwart you and you shall not change my mind in thinking this system is wrong. If they want more, they will fight for it. Most likely they will be stopped."

Ein knew he was avoiding the jab aimed at him. He knew it was in his best interests. Stern was one that definately seemed to hold a better skill in the art of arguement, and Ein wouldn't press his luck on his opponent's strength.

[stern]

"So you perceive this cycle of revolution and tyranny as an acceptable system of order?"

Stern didn't comment on what Ein though his plan was. Stern doubted he would be able to accurately guess it, as he himself was lacking in necessary information. The other Pillars and the school undoubtedly had some of them, but Ein was probably not trusted enough to have earned it yet. Besides, if Ein made an action toward stopping the wrong goal, that was time and effort wasted on his part, which was a gain for Stern.

"You forget that said correction can go to far, and be used with bias. They "correct" those who apply for betterment, or challenge the way things are done. The reason it collapses is because it inhibits progress and evolution. That which does not change is destined to decay."

Stern was not trying to convince Ein anymore, it becoming increasingly obvious with his tone and chosen words that he would stand by his position. Now, they were merely defending themselves to each other, proving to each other and themselves that the path's they had chosen, which now conflicted, were correct.

That, and the longer Stern tied up Ein in conversation, the less likely he would take some action against the protest. Talking with the peaceful and then turning oppressor was not a good action for public eyes.

[Gilsin]

"I fail to see how this correction inhibits progress. You are trying to change things. If our system wasn't here to change, what progress could be made?"

Ein was eyeing Stern carefully. The man wasn't a fool, there was something underneath this. There was something more and he felt like it was almost tangible. A thought within reach, but he was blind and didn't know where to grasp.

Then there was a small doubt that perhaps there was nothing, and Ein was just digging with no treasure underneath the soil....

"There must be a constant to have change. I am not the inhibitor, I am the cause."

[stern]

"It inhibits because the system "corrects" any attempt to progress. If you want anything to grow in your garden, your don't start by pulling out roots. Your constant exists to prevent variables, not to be the basis of comparison. Not the sail that lets the wind push to boat, but the anchor which keep it pinned in place despite the wind."

As the debate continued, the fundamental difference in thinking became more clear. Stern valued the chance of improvement, while Ein valued the maintanence for that already obtained. Stern was willing to sacrafice to gain, while Ein kept losses small in exchange for gradual gains. It was apparent in thier styles of leadership as well. Stern planned it out for one big moment, where Ein's followers had always stood over the others when it came to surviving the simple passage of time.

"Have you yet to cause any change in how this school works, or seen the Pillars allow any dissention from within thier ranks?"

[Gilsin]

"Will you cause any difference in how the school works and if you succeed, will you allow much dissention from your ranks?"

Ein mimiced Stern's question because the answer was obvious. If you lead, you didn't lead so everyone could do whatever they wanted, you lead to get what you wanted and kept those people in line. To let your followers go after possibly conflicting goals constantly would be a detrimental method of leading.

"If you create change, will you keep what you hold constant or allow it to change again on a whim?"

Ein's eyes would look past Stern to the crowd he had gathered, still chanting. Things had gone on long enough, it would need to be broken up before long now. Ein would begin to take a step towards the group as he spoke.

"I beleive our difference here, is that the change I wanted has already come and I hold onto it. I beleive that if you manage to pull off what you wish to do, you'll be little different in ensuring things stay the same."

The large man would push forward into the throng, walking towards the student with the megaphone, mid-chant Ein would snatch it from him and wait for the silence before speaking loudly through it, his deep voice amplified.

"I would ask that this be broken up immediately, any concerns may be addressed to either the School Captain or the Principal. Disperse now."

[stern]

Stern did nothing, letting Ein move and speak as he pleased. He followed him into the crowd, though they parted willingly for him. Ein snatched the megaphone and ordered the assmebly to stop.

There was a quite pause, as no one expected this kind of resistance. They did, however, expect some resistance, and did what they were told to do if they encountered it. They continued thier protests, not budging under the order.

"You assume that I plan to hold power after I accomplish these goals. I never said I intend to keep any power after I accomplish my aims....in fact I don't recall if I even said the students of the school would continue my changes once I have them. My change has nothing to do with the goals of this system, but the methods. I won't enforce my will the same way, as my will is to end such enforcement."

Stern stood, looking at Ein squarly in the eye's, as though the corwd chanting around them wasn't there. One part of his secrecy was that people often thought he was after personal gain. While the distraction was useful, it often irked to be judged that way. If Stern wanted personal gain, he would simply take what he wanted in a fight. He had proven already if he wanted to he was more than capable.

[Gilsin]

"Change something then leave so it can change back. That seems rather foolish."

Ein looked around, waiting for the crowd to disperse and much to his disappointment, no action happened. He sighed, it seemed he would have to enforce this a different way. One none of them were likely to expect.

Ein would pull out his cellphone, a slightly dated and certianly well used peice. Wrapped completely in black electrical tape, what color it may have been or the shape it was underneath the vinyl and glue was a mystery to all but the man who was punching in numbers. Ein expected Stern to follow and didn't care if he heard the words.

"Gather whom you can, as many as possible. Meet in the Parkinglot and take no action against the protest. None at all. I want a gathering and little else. Pass the message to all who can get men."

Ein sighed, knowing full well his plan was likely to fail. Stern engineered it in such a way to make a destruction of the rally impossible. Then again, Ein didn't want to break up the rally.

[stern]

"Possibly, but in your version of the story the ideals of it's founder are often lost, his own corruption inevitable by the power, or his views not aligning with those who follow. I would rather leave the responsibilty to another, so that I would be free to act again if necessary. I, like the true visionaries of the past, have to goals of personal gain in my ambitions."

Stern did or said nothing more, simply letting Gilsin go about his actions. He doubted the debate would continue any further. Ein had his duty, though Stern would have said obligation, to perform. He pulled out his cell phone and began calling in reinforcement's.

Stern, in the pit of his stomach, somehow doubted that this would be the usual scene the Pillars were known for, mostly because Ein was in charge. Ein, though one for order, was not the kind of person who would just ignore thier arguement. He knew, if he did simply attack, would just prove vindicate Stern's belief to himself, despite what Ein's intent in doing so was. More likely he was going to take the Pillar's habit of "making an example", and twist it to his own methods in some sort of public display.

~Fighting me in a game of politics Gilsin.....a bold move, but your not exactly one to make bold moves....~

Stern knew then that Ein had thought of something, and jumped on to his mental toes. The time for talking was likely over, and now the physical duel of thier minds was about to take place around them

[Alkaiser]

Footsteps. It seemed a herd of wild animals was on the way, as indicated by the thunder rolling within earshot of the protests. Animals as they were, this was not the wild bunch however. The Genaht as well as a few of his own personal followers could be seen marching to the scene behind Alkaiser.

It was early, and not many things could get Steve out of bed like this, but action was a motivation stronger than survival for him. He had been tipped off about the gathering a good twelve hours before it happened, probably one of the last rungs in a chain of rumors stemmed from one of Stern's less-than-trustworthy supporters. It could've been possible that this nameless face was just trying to garnish more support to back the message, but he ended up supporting the other side instead by giving information to the wrong person.

When Barzahd had caught wind of the protest, he began to alert the Genaht. Ein was quite often one to arrive early, so Steve decided he should give aid to him should his efforts go against Stern's. Alkaiser's rally was quick, quiet and effective, and now the numbers game would catch up with Stern and hopefully reflect well on Steve in Gilsin's eyes. The men march in behind Alkaiser, until the entire massive group is within eyesight. Not a word is said, but the final booming step against the pavement seemed almost unanimous, speaking much louder than any words the would-be officer could have said himself. They were here.

Although potentially only temporary, a silence fell over the crowd when the Genaht arrived.

[stern]

There was a biref silence when Ein's support arrived. It wasn't due to thier impressive display of unity though...to those they were trying to intimidate, any sense of conformity caused only a sense ire, not fear. They were, however, staring intently at Stern.

As Stern's first protest, this was when he would prove himself. He had to prove not that he was likely to succeed, but merely that he was determined. Do that, and they would follow them into the depths of hell. Better, if Stern managed to win this day, they would feel like the would be able to conqueor hell when they got there. They looked at him, waiting for a sign of cowardice or the desire to flee. He merely stodd there, continuing to look at Ein. It was impossible he didn't know they reinforcment's had arrived though, not with the protesters silence and thud of heavy boots.

They watched, and saw nothing. Only slowly did Stern turn away, and looked at a single protester. He held the megaphone in his hands, and simply stared back. On Stern's face was an inquisitive, yet accusing look. It said more than anything Sterns oration could hope to.

~Why have you stopped? Are you a coward? I thought you wanted change?~

He slowly lifted the megaphone back up, and the chanting started again. It grew, in volume and passion, now drowning out other noises. It would be hard for Ein and Stern to communicate with anyone not within arm's reach including each other. Stern could only imagine the anxiety in Ein's men caused by this.

[Sedrix West]

So many people, all of which crowded around a familiar face, a varron face. Stern. Although they never met more personally then a irrelevant hello on the way to another school day, Sedrix knew of his deeds. He leant against the wall of the car park. He was informed of this almost eleven hours ago by Gilsin, and was ready for what ever he felt required. He waited patiently as the cries of student rights were called.

Student rights, nothing more than a 'what if' persona in Sedrix's mind. Nothing more than a best case scenario, an ideality, nothing more. Although the system in place at the moment leads a lot to be deisired, this meeting, and the messages said are not but a step back. He watched as Ein revealed himself, and he and Stern argued in excentricity, little words could reach Sedrix's ears, but the outcome was clear.

Alkaiser was not meters away from him, with a rally of supporters amongst him. Ein had indeed come 'prepared' for most eventualities. The real reason both Alkaiser and he were there was to get in the good books of Ein himself. He sighed, his cigarette alluminating his sunken face on different occasions. Alkaiser was in motion. His followers trailed behind him, in almost formation.

They all stopped in front of Sterns group. There was a moments silence in which Sedrix came from the wall himself, and circled to the right of the group. He had never been a truely violent person, unless nescesary, but he wanted to proove himself. As, it appeared, did Stern to all of his followers. He started to chant, sending waves of intimidation to the Gehant members. 'How Medieval.' Sedrix thought to himself, flicking his cigarette to the side.

His gloves were placed firmly on his hands, more violence was now inevitable. He prepared himself for better or worse, now but a few meters from Alkaisers group, and less meters from Sterns.

[Gilsin]

Ein nodded to Alkaiser and his well formed group, the unity apparant and shocking the protesters. It was an expected response, Ein hoped that the awe might be enough to scare off the weaker in the group. Disband just enough so that the strength in numbers would fall apart. It was working up to a point...

Until Stern gave them a look.

The chanting would start again, intense and passionate. There would be a look of apprehension across the faces of Genaht. They would recognize a will rivalling their own at this point. The volume was deafening and would prevent any verbal communication with the entire host of his men. Luckily for him, he didn't need to speak. Ein would walk towards the formation of men, pointing out rows and arranging them in a box around the protest. Ein didn't have enough numbers to completely contain the group, but his men would do their best to keep the protestors from leaving.

With the arrival of Sedrix, afew more stragglers began appearing, taking up position in the box. Little force would be used, and the formation wouldn't close in on the protest. It would only hold it's ground and gather strength from the gathering Genaht and keep the protest walled in.

[stern]

(((OOC: edit your post for the following errors.

My group wasn't shocked by your formation, they were watching for Stern's reaction (due to Alkasier not being allowed to say what m NPC's do.)

Stern never spoke since he last spoke to you.

Also, considering events are unfolding, we need to end this thread soon, so do whatever your going to do...the first post for my plan should not have outlasted the others.)))

IC:

Stern didn't flinch, though a few in his group did not like what was happening around them. A few voices faltered briefly, but resolve quickly returned, knowing that this was to be expected in the days to come.

Stern joined the chanting again himself, bringing even more enthusiasm and volume. Ein's group quickly surrounded him....but they were not the only ones. The formation they made only attracted more onlookers, wondering what visual display was matching the noise. Ein was making the crowd watching the event bigger, though he was still trapping them in.

Stern, oddly enough, could not see logic in this plan. If Ein knew that physical force against him would only help Stern's message gain speed, there was no way they could intend to keep them inside the containment without aiding thier cause. If he intended to use violence, the group wouldn't want to escape and would instead make a show of it by not fighting back. Ein was either not thinking straight, or was doing something very unique to try and stop him.

Ein's choices were now starting to limit themselves. He could either stop the protests physically now, which would only help Stern. He could simply leave and let Stern carry on his business, which would help Stern. He could continue to box them in, but that only managed to gain more attention and couldn't be kept up indefinatly, as he would have to resort to one of the other two when the bell for the first class started.

[Gilsin]

Ein's choices were limited, but he was set upon his path. The Genaht would close their box slowly, holding fast while onlookers gazed upon the odd spectacle. Ein's men delivering no violence, but not giving any ground and attempting to keep the rally within it's walls. Ein's mind could only hope that the people would see the value of order containing chaos. The likely-hood seemed dim.

The two groups would hold position as more and more people were drawn to witness it. Reguardless of what they saw in it, Ein was relatively sure Stern had accomplished what he was after. The man was too clever and flexible to let only one person stand in his path and make a difference. While the chaos was slowly starting to wind down as the first bells began to ring, Ein wondered what it might take to slow him.

[stern]

The bell rang, and slowly Stern's group calmed down and eventually fell silent. Though they were serious about thier refusal of school policy, the did not disrespect the school by not attending classes. There was a life after highschool after all.

They lowered thier signs and dispersed, making thier way out of the box and to class. As much as Stern would have loved to have continued, it wasn't the time, as either party could leave now with the exscuse of going to class.