Nate Silver ain't got nothing on me

Numbers don't lie. They only stretch the truth a little. Dante Eckman.

[thekhoolest]

Reg’s eyebrows raised slightly before he schooled his face into a more composed reaction. “Deal. Remind me, uh… who got murdered?” He didn’t have a good way to put this. As far as he knew, no one had died. He did, however, appreciate the respect that Dante had showed him. It was a step up from his recent treatment.

Dante was referencing another conversation that Reg had no idea about, but he just nodded his head like he knew what was going on. Maybe he could fake it until he made it.

“I have trouble picturing him even saying the term Dicks for Fern. Though I see what you mean, he’s very politic in how he talks about things. Never too far to one side.” Reg was supposed to act in a similar fashion, but he hadn’t found the right balance for himself yet.

He wasn’t entirely sure if he agreed with Dante’s view of the situation. The Alessi contingent had scored him points. He didn’t have his own social capital in this world, he floated in between several contingents that all had their preferred leaders. He’d found safety in having options, but that had left him with less popularity overall. “We’ve always been our own men and we’ll govern accordingly.” It was a genuine compliment to Dante.

[danteeckman]

"Jesus fucking Christ." Dante mumbled almost under his breath. His hand was tipped, but he'd also already agreed to offer him the seat, so he might as well let him in on the secret that was about to explode since he doubted Nell would let it stay quiet for long, whether this worked out or not. "Noah Nixon. You know, the guy Tony tore a new asshole in front of everyone? He kidnapped him later that night and beat him up in a bunker. And no one's seen him since. That murder. Did you miss the not-at-all-subtle note on that sophomore's board? Was Finn's sister the only underclassmen you have at that house? How do any of you know what's going on?"

Dante allowed himself another laugh at Simon's expense before letting it go. "Yeah. Because he's a coward." There was an implication there, but Dante didn't mind it.

"Exactly. Now, I need to make sure the rest of the Council is on board with this, but it's the most practical option considering the numbers we're looking at." They were deadlocked without Anu unless Tee also came to their senses. But he doubted that he was that lucky. "We might eventually need to look at a special election, but seeing what happens around those, I imagine people will be a little more reluctant. We'll have to work on that."

nellburnsbright

Nell rolled her eyes. “I see that your opinion of me hasn’t changed. No, I didn’t expect one of the valedictorian candidates to have a disciplinary record.” It might have been one of the stupidest things Dante had ever assumed. “A better question you might want to ask if how many holes are in Anu’s boat.” 

Laila was the queen of evading sides but she would have to choose eventually. Nell was prepared for any eventuality. She knew that if Laila decided to keep to Anu’s side, other people would be willing to spill something. Not everyone wanted to see her win. 

“You’re welcome to read it for yourself.” Why he thought she would do his work for him was beyond her. She wasn’t his assistant. She was her own boss. “It’s much more interesting to compare the information I have to what’s in their file, who has and hasn’t been buddying up to old systems of power.” 

[danteeckman]

“You’re right, Nell. My opinion of you hasn’t changed. That’s why I’m pissed. Mostly at myself. I want to expect less of you. I want to accept that you’re not going to choose the greater good. I don’t expect that of most people. Only the smart ones. The kind ones.” Dante needed to talk to Kaia, because he was moving beyond frustration and into all out anger, and not in a constructive way. Suffice it to say, this stunt was going to be brought up in the hypothetical weekly elections he was pushing so hard for. He’d also have to talk to Viv about hypothetical counters and how to counter them. "I don't expect you to be kind, Nell. I know you're smart. So I need to adjust my expectations. Fine. I'm learning."

He drummed his fingers against the binder. "Fair. What do I owe you if I ask for a hint on that? Your information that enhances these records, I mean."

[thekhoolest]

“You’re going to have to be more specific. Tony’s always in trouble these days.” He wasn’t going to inadvertently give anything away. Anu had been right that one slip up from them could have disastrous consequences, but she was wrong in doubting their alibi plans.

He nodded his head slowly. That had been something on his mind as this whole situation started to unfold. Would they still give the Alessis a seat at the table after this? Looked like the answer was no. It was interesting that Dante was shouldering the news. He’d love to know if it was Dante’s decision or if his old feelings had stirred up some kind of resistance to leaving Anu in the cold.

The last part was a surprise. For all her anger, he expected she might kick his ass. This was an acknowledgment of his power. It was also an olive branch from Tony. They weren’t co-leaders, but Reg commanded a certain amount of respect that was useful for both of them. “Nice to know that I was sixth place. If Simon had beat me,” he looked into the distance, “That guy has no charisma. It’s weird.”

This was the moment he’d wanted. He told Christian he wanted a place here, he didn’t want to live in Magnus’ shadow. Now, he had the opportunity for one but it came with some dangerous strings. The council wouldn’t hesitate to throw him under the bus if he played it wrong. “I accept. I’m very passionate about how this new place should be governed and I have some useful experience here. Thanks for offering. I appreciate it.”

[danteeckman]

"The murder, Reg. I'm talking about the disappearance and very likely murder." Dante answered. "In the interest of coalition building, I would ask that you not treat me like an idiot, and I won't assume that you have intimate knowledge of Tony's predicament. Fair?" He swallowed. How would Kaia handle this? Well. Who was he kidding? He didn't know how to handle things the way Kaia would. But she'd probably prefer he not piss off a potential ally on day one. So he let his regret show in the next breath. "Sorry. Bad morning. I figure you know how that conversation with Anu went."

Dante let out a chuckle at the dig at Simon. "Yeah. I'm kind of surprised he wasn't a member of the Dicks for Fern contingent, but I've never seen him take an overt position on... anything really. It can be of some political benefit. Up to a certain point."

He gave Reg a genuine smile. "You would've scored higher if you weren't tied to the Alessis. We both know that. Applies to me, too, if it's any consolation. And I think Anu has miscalculated badly here. We're both our own men." He meant it, too. There were plenty of puppets in West Ham, New Ham, whatever, but it had always puzzled Dante to think of Reg ending up as a subordinate in anything, even the strange set of constellations that was the Alessis. Lots of people, including Tony, seemed to think that if you kept company in that house, you bent the knee. Dante never had, not really (frankly, Anu had been into that) and he wondered, genuinely, if Reg had.

[thekhoolest]

Reg felt strange not being able to give Dante anything. Some kind of gift was customary for his family. He grabbed a gatorade for himself and chugged half of it in one gulp. He needed to hit the hydration harder if he was going to push his body to the limit.

Anu. Reg wiped his mouth slowly. He was half tempted to take another sip, just to see if anything came to his mind. He’d had conversations with her recently, but they weren’t about anything related to Dante.

The best defense was playing dumb, right? Let Dante lead the conversation so he could figure out where he was supposed to stand. “I haven’t spoken to her today.” That was mostly true. She did quite a bit of yelling and he was just…in the same room listening to it. No talking required. “What’s up?”

[danteeckman]

"Tony is facing some trouble. But I suspect I don't have to tell you that." Dante watched Reg for a reaction, wishing he was the kind of person who knew how to read people the way he knew how to read numbers.

"In any case, the council is in a position where we're forced to address it, which gives Anu a conflict of interest." It had taken all of his powers to talk her down. They'd said horrible things to each other, worse than they ever had even during the breakup. She'd protected Tony, like deep down, he knew she would. But it still hurt. It still made him feel ugly and small and delusional for ever thinking they had a future.

He pushed forward, doing his best to keep his voice clipped, even happy. This was good news after all, at least for Reg. "She's agreed to step aside in favor of a candidate of her choosing. I said it should be the next person after her in the election. Luckily, they're the same person."

He smiled almost shyly. "Reg, would you still like to be on the council?"

[thekhoolest]

Reg had worked himself to the bone for the last two hours in his gym. He’d alternated between cardio and weights, waiting for the calm that came when your body was tired from exertion. He didn’t get it. His body was still wired from the night before.

He couldn’t even discern what had led to his agitated state. He’d done his job beautifully at the party. There had been enough of a stir caused that no one was questioning him. He still couldn’t shake the feeling that something hadn’t gone to plan. It felt too easy.

Then there was Sera. His potential dream girl that really might have been nothing more than a dream. Bronte’s advice had been helpful but it also wounded him. Why couldn’t he or Finn figure out how to have a girlfriend?

His thoughts died out as he heard the door bell. Reg grabbed his towel and wiped the sweat away from his brow and back. He threw on a muscle tank and walked towards the front of the house. A quick check of the camera system told him Dante was here. He hadn’t expected that.

Reg opened the door and leaned against the frame with faux-casualness. Council business sounded promising, but he’d been let down by them in the past. He eyed the binder, wondering if this was some strange form of arrest. A reading of rights that no one had memorized yet.

“Hey,” he gave him a quick nod, “Come on in.” He led Dante across ancient polished wood floors and into the stainless steel kitchen with red and gold accents. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

[danteeckman]

"I'm good, thanks." Dante said. He'd become embarrassingly sensitive to the conception of any resource, even soft drinks, and he'd always been a carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere guy ever since he was little. (Having a physician for a mother would do that to you.)

He was pretty well practice at looking unimpressed when wandering around other people's houses. You didn't survive long in West Ham if you couldn't do that, really. But the kitchen had so much... personality, he supposed. It had opinions in a way he hadn't thought Reg did. Another sign that Anu's fears of Reg's potential agency weren't unfounded. "Did Anu call you? She wasn't supposed to or anything. I just don't want to tell you anything you already know."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Day Twelve

The lights are on, but no one’s home. Noah’s house is still smoking, and the mysteries are piling up. Oh, and there’s that government thing to worry about.  Might need a criminal justice system like now. 

So press play, and go.

[danteeckman]

Dante was so. tired. He hadn't been sleeping well in the first place but the blackout had been the longest two hours of his life, not even including double and then triple checking that the fire at Noah's house was out. It had been more than suspicious. Transparent even. So he texted Anu.

So what do you think your options are?

They'd bickered. They'd argued. She'd called him and then hung up midcall twice. But in the end, she'd made what he would concede was at least partially the right call. At least you'll still have a presence. Reg was runner up. Yet he knew the pause that echoed through the phone. Anu didn't trust Reg to tow the party line, which could be very good or very bad depending.

So now he was on his way to the Winthrop-Khoo residence with a very thick binder under his arm. Dante knocked on the door, trying to force his posture to relax as he waited. You could hear the distance in the space within. He couldn't even blame Reg for taking a while to cross the space. Fancy as it was, the door creaked a little when Reg opened it. "Hi, Reg. Council business. Can I come in?"

@reguluskhoo

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

So the brightest minds in New Ham are bickering about guinea pigs, the government can’t decide how long they should take to read things, and some people want to know where Noah is. Others want to know why the fuck they should care.

But hatchets can be buried, peaces made. Secrets forgotten, people disappeared. Nothing helps like a party.

It’d be a shame if something was to happen to it. 

So press play and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Murder on the dance floor, murder on the dance floor, murder in the dark on the dance floor I really hope there isn’t a murder on the dance floor. (continued from here and here)

Keep reading

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

So the brightest minds in New Ham are bickering about guinea pigs, the government can’t decide how long they should take to read things, and some people want to know where Noah is. Others want to know why the fuck they should care.

But hatchets can be buried, peaces made. Secrets forgotten, people disappeared. Nothing helps like a party.

It’d be a shame if something was to happen to it. 

So press play and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

The party begins, but the fun doesn’t last long. Tell me. Where were you when the lights went out in New Ham? (continued from here, continues here)

Keep reading

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

So the brightest minds in New Ham are bickering about guinea pigs, the government can’t decide how long they should take to read things, and some people want to know where Noah is. Others want to know why the fuck they should care.

But hatchets can be buried, peaces made. Secrets forgotten, people disappeared. Nothing helps like a party.

It’d be a shame if something was to happen to it. 

So press play and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Jacks’ skate party is about to begin, and really we’re all shivering with anticipation. (continued here and here)

Keep reading

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Day Ten

It was only supposed to be a picnic. It was only supposed to be an interview. It was only supposed to be a supply trip. 

It was only supposed to be a dinner. 

But something has shifted. 

The stars have moved. 

So press play, and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

The council meets to discuss the Eckman-Jenkins legislative proposal. You might expect a snoozefest but bitch… it’s politics.

Keep reading

[kaiajenkins]

She breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the only tasks they’d be dealing with tonight were ones she could manage. As much as she may look like she could take on the world, her tank was more than a little empty right now.

“I don’t know her well enough.” It galled her, actually. Her mother’s first rule was be prepared and she hadn’t prepared adequately for Fern taking over. “She’s an optimist, she’ll make the decision that sounds uncomplicated and whatever complications arise will probably start to create those fissures we need.” There were no truly uncomplicated decisions, but when it came to survival everyone liked to believe the basics were easy. “Base necessities need to be figured out, how much water, electricity, etc we have and who gets what. It should tie her up in knots for a bit.”

Her laugh echoed his own. “Oh, I know.” He wore all of his emotions on his face. It was frustratingly adorable and more than a little distracting. “I am excellent at sneaking around. With the twins, you have to be.”

"I'm not sure she let anyone get to know her. When I went looking I saw a lot of admiration but not a lot of close friends, you know? There's Nell, but... it's lonely at the top I guess, even if everyone keeps saying hello." Dante would have been self conscious about how he phrased this with anyone else, but he knew Kaia would understand the principle of opposition research. "Maybe I should've widened my social circle. I don't know."

As always, Kaia distilled the facts down to an actionable whole. "That I can do, Ms. Jenkins." He paused, then added. "Once I get permission to use my laptop again I should say."

Dante laughed. "Yeah. That's just self preservation." Kaia didn't sneak. She evaded. "Sneak" implied she would ever do something she didn't think was right. He envied that about her, but he decided to make that envy aspirational. He needed to trust his instincts, and he needed to commit.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Day Ten

It was only supposed to be a picnic. It was only supposed to be an interview. It was only supposed to be a supply trip. 

It was only supposed to be a dinner. 

But something has shifted. 

The stars have moved. 

So press play, and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

When is comedic relief not a relief? When murder is involved.

Continued from here

Keep reading

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Day Ten

It was only supposed to be a picnic. It was only supposed to be an interview. It was only supposed to be a supply trip. 

It was only supposed to be a dinner. 

But something has shifted. 

The stars have moved. 

So press play, and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

A simple question can change everything.

Keep reading

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Day Ten

It was only supposed to be a picnic. It was only supposed to be an interview. It was only supposed to be a supply trip. 

It was only supposed to be a dinner. 

But something has shifted. 

The stars have moved. 

So press play, and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Things get testy when scientific ethics enter the fray. And then the guinea pig shows up…

Continued from here

Keep reading

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Day Ten

It was only supposed to be a picnic. It was only supposed to be an interview. It was only supposed to be a supply trip. 

It was only supposed to be a dinner. 

But something has shifted. 

The stars have moved. 

So press play, and go.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Dante brings the best minds of West Ham together to solve some problems. There are more problems than they anticipated. 

Keep reading

[danteeckman]

kaiajenkins​:

Phase: Day Seven

“Please keep your laptop far away from me. I’m done with numbers for the night.” They required more concentration than she could currently give them. As much as she cared about the accuracy of their venture, math wasn’t her strongest subject. She was much happier leaving that in his capable hands.

She flicked her braids behind her shoulder and rested her hand on her chin, preening in the glow of so many compliments. “She’s the Grand Canyon, it’s going to take thousands of pounds of slow moving water but it will happen. We need to be smart in choosing which weaknesses to expose first.” She had full confidence that eventually Fern would crack under the pressure. Most people would, especially when they worked from a place of optimism over policy.

 “Gifts loosen tongues. They also help us get inside houses to see what people are hoarding. I don’t particularly care about the smaller items, but noticing who has an overflowing pantry or a collection of weapons is useful.” She leaned forward slightly, “This is where bathroom breaks come in handy, so carry a half full water bottle with you.”

Oh the innocence of the humanities, Dante’s mother used to say to his father when he let out one of those dismissive exhales when she mentioned some study or another. Dante couldn’t say he actually envied Kaia. Being away from numbers sounded awful. They were his single certainty in this hellscape, but to each their own. “Acknowledged.” He said, moving the laptop from the edge of the couch to the window seat for good measure. 

“That metaphor is... apt but terrifying. Do you have any nominations? For weaknesses, I mean.” He didn’t want to get too far into words like nominations at the moment. He still owed a lot of this to Lou Villa Sisniega, and that was... a lot. A lot that he did not want to figure out in front of Kaia. Or Trip. Or anyone. Shit. “I mean I’d imagine we have to force her to make a decision, right? But that would involve letting her make a decision. Which she’s allowed to do. Technically. I guess.” He sighed and tried to look not grumpy. He chuckled. “That is devious, Jenkins. Though I think I’ll have you take point on that level of duplicity. My poker face is... in development.” That was putting it gently, but sometimes you needed to be gentle with your own ego. Self care or whatever. 

[danteeckman]

kaiajenkins​:

Phase: Day Seven

Kaia took a measured breath. She was very pleased to hear that he wasn’t cutting her out of discussions. His desire to include Anu’s concerns over her own, however, made her hesitant to smile at him. “Do you have any other starting points you need to clarify? We’ve got a mile long task list. I’d like to have as many particulars nailed down as possible before we show anyone else anything.” 

She smiled softly at him as he apologized. He’d earned that one. Public relations wasn’t entirely her specialty, her mother was an efficient negotiator not a cheerleader. Ironically enough. She did have a bit more ease talking with people though and Morgan was a great social lubricant. She always relaxed around her and that made for better conversations with other people. “The trick is making sure the blast radius leans towards Fern and not the council. She needs to be front and center or they’ll default to thinking some sort of deadlock caused the problem.” 

Honestly, if too many people took too much food it would probably help their case. When they were starving, they’d be ready to listen to community guided principles to take them further. She would never be that cruel though. 

“What if we start with some sort of…” She waved her hand in the air, “Welcoming basket? Necessities that each house will need care of the council, not Fern, where we can explain the importance of the scarcity economy we currently exist in and why we need to transition to a different model.” 

“Nope. No more.” Okay, maybe he said that a little fast. “I put most of my cards on the table during my speech. If you want the numbers as to exactly when and how fucked we are, I can get my laptop.” Technically he was running the equations on his father’s, a sleek Linux based system with serious processing power that his dad mostly used to read the New York Times (a joke, he always said) and The Onion (hard-hitting news, according to Darren Eckman). He would need to speak to Del about a more permanent solution. 

Dante sighed, finally feeling the ball of tension in his chest begin to loosen. “You’re brilliant. You know that. I know that. But still, it needs to be said. I have no idea how we break Fern’s stranglehold. I just know we need to. Blast radius is an excellent metaphor. But I feel like I’m rubbing sticks together looking for fire. But you’re here so.” He paused. “I said that already.”

“I can get behind a welcoming basket as a point of conversation. And intelligence gathering, if I’m selfish. People are going to lie about what they have. I’m not saying we take it by force or anything but it would just... help to know.” He looked at her uneasily. He really was swinging for the fences tonight. He just wasn’t sure if he was even in the right ballpark.