M. Franco: "No. Keep your seat." Points to a disruptive member of the audience. "Alright, alright. The next question will come from Riverview Clinic's Maranya Ergin-Falconne." An intern quickly moves her way to hold out a microphone. Mr. Simon, you may start your response immediately after the question is asked.

M. Ergin-Falconne: Sets her note taking equipment aside and rises from her chair to give a brief nod towards the intern with the microphone, before speaking into it. "My question is three-fold." She looks between the remaining candidates in turn. "Are you going to make quality healthcare for all Rhydin citizens a top priority' If so, how do you plan to fund and maintain such an extensive healthcare system' If not, why not?"

M.A. Simon: "I seem to remember a very similar question from you last year as well. My answer hasn't changed. Is healthcare a priority' Yes, of course it is. The recent disease in Dockside highlighted its importance in a very poignant way. But making healthcare a priority and funding an extensive healthcare system are two drastically different things, and one does not equate the other. Spending money on upgrading clinics isn't the answer in and of itself. Buying new equipment isn't, either. More and better training for existing doctors and nurses is a start. It's like what we did with the Watch; if you take existing personnel and make them more efficient, then you don't need to necessarily add more people or create a new bureaucracy.

M. Ergin-Falconne: Narrows her eyes slightly as she listens.

Dris: Chuckles discreetly.

M. Franco: "Dris, same question." His attention shifts to the only other candidate left.::

M.A. Simon: "Do I, currently, plan to fund a government-run healthcare system' No, I do not. I believe the private sector is better able and equipped to do that. Can the government support the private sector in improving and getting better at what it does, in the realm of healtcare" Definately, and if there's opportunity to do such I would most willingly explore it."

Dris: Composes himself and lifts a hand, waving it in a just-a-second-motion. He clears his throat before addressing the question. With that same smooth smile, he leans toward the microphone.....And realizing Matt is still speaking, he shakes a finger at him, nodding. "Mr. Simon's got the right of it. The "private sector" is more than capable of fending for itself. Doctor..." He looks to M. Ergin-Falconne. "You show me where Rhy'Din is suffering from lack of sufficient health care, and I'll be the first to support a national health care system, but I doubt highly that such a concept is at all currently necessary. What our health care practitioners need is more exposure and networking to support them. It is my plan to, in fact, enact a Health Awareness Program should I be voted into office this year. With this program I plan to collect information on all of Rhy'Din's doctors, healers, apothecaries, pharmacists, and so on, both divine and scientific, and compile that information into a resource available to all the public for viewing and research. To guarantee that no citizen is ignorant of the various available health care professionals that can be found in our diverse city. There was a time in which finding someone to cure one's ills or fix one's wounds was easy. One only had to walk into the Inn and ask for a healer. But I believe those such practitioners have become shy over the years, are afraid to make themselves as public and available as they BardGallant: once were, for reasons I don't know. I plan to get to the bottom of it, to find out why, and to help where I can and how I can. The only way I know how I can help right now is to spread information."

M. Franco: "Governor, you have a follow up question?" As Marc notices Matt's light. He nods his head slowly with a not so happy look pinned on his face at Mason's sympathy.

M.A. Simon: "So I'm clear, Mr. Driscol plans to take information already publically available, compile it into a new list, and call it an Awareness Program' Who will vette this list' Who will determine what qualifies someone as a healer, or an apothecary' I also don't think that a cure for one's ills was ever as simple as walking into an Inn, any Inn, and asking for a remedy. Not that it didn't ever happen, but I wouldn't characterize it as commonplace for the general populace. Spreading information is fine and well, but it's useless if that spread is not effective. What new information will Mr. Driscol's list provide Rhydin's citizens that they can't already easily access say, at the Rhydin Public Library or in their own homes" How will this new information be distributed?"

Dris: "Chuckling, still smiling and he shakes his head. "That's where you're wrong, Mr. Simon. Remember your roots, as I keep saying. Rhy'Din was, if it is not still, a diverse city, and I remember well the days when it was common practice for the sick and injured to run first to the Inn in search of a healer or doctor. Sometimes it still happens these days. Who can deny it?" He sweeps an arm out toward the crowd, appealing to them. "It happens everywhere in public places. Even the Outback." He eyes Anya pointedly for a moment. "Furtheremore, Mr. Simon, this information is not as publicly accessible as you may currently believe. Tell me where you can find a list of all the healers of this fair city in one complete volume. And does this list include such things as what, specifically, these health care professionals may or may not specialize in" We must not disclude such specialists as the hedge wizards, shamans, priests and priestesses. Those who are at one with nature or with their deity who, just as any "certified medical specialist," is just as qualified to treat your wounds and illnesses. The proof is in their experience, in what they have done and what they currently do. Would you suggest we ensure that every single one of them becomes legally certified" How absurd. This is Rhy'Din. As to how it would be funded..." He chuckles. "Again, Mr. Simon, this is Rhy'Din. Didn't you know" Money grows on trees here.

M. Franco: "Next up..." Frowning at the name on the card. "...is G'nort Esplenade G'neesmacher Dragoon-Talanador. Dris, you will be up first.

G: Stands and clears his throat, speaking in a slightly British accent.:: I have One question. In twenty-seven parts.

M.A. Simon: At that last portion of Driscol's answer, he doesn't openly scoff, but he does sigh. He chuckles and makes a go on gesture at G.

G: "There has been a rather significant increase in the number of scantily clad whores and sluts running around Rhydin lately. Given my past reputation, you would think I'd approve. However, it's clear that none of these sluts or whores will have children, thankfully, or we'd have a population problem. That said, it increases the chances of STDs becoming more prominent. So, what will you do to stifle the amount of these clearly scantily clad whores and sluts and bring them under more of a controlled state so as they're less annoying, less promiscuous, maybe better dressed, and less whore-like" I lied about the Twenty-seven parts."

M. Franco: "Thank you, G'nort." He says in a heavy voice.

G: "You're welcome, Marc. No offense meant to you, of course, I love your publication."

Dris: Chuckling, he shakes his head and leans into the microphone, speaking in a very clear voice. "Absolutely nothing whatsoever."

M. Franco: There's a snort of laughter from the intern at Marc's side but Marc somehow keeps silent.

Dris: Leaning back away from the microphone, still smiling, he turns a hand out toward Matt to indicate it's his turn to answer that question.

M. Franco: "And Governor?"

G: "I hope your medical plan helps you out when you're scratchin' your nuts, Dris." Sticks out his tongue.

M.A. Simon: "Much like my answer to slavery, while I may and do disagree with the fashion choices and lifestyle choices some choose to follow, it is not my place to judge or regulate non-criminal activity. We all know that just because someone looks or dresses a certain way, we cannot and should not automatically assume things about their character or chosen profession. As Governor, I will not institute some sort of mandatory dress code for citizens." He pauses to smile. "I'll leave their education to experts in the industry, like my wife, or Erin Dunbridge and Carley."

M. Franco: Glances down at a card in his hand. "This question was submitted in writing prior to the event. All three of you have major connections to the duels, being officials in either Fists or Swords primarily. You rarely if ever patronize the Twilight Isle during your off-duty time. What is your prejudice against magic users and how can you speak for a large segment of the community if you do not interact with them?"

M. Franco: "Governor, would you answer first please?"

M.A. Simon: "Use of my personal time to visit, or not visit, Twilight Isle, has little or nothing to do with my interaction with users of magic. I interact with magic users every single day. I have no prejudice against magic users as was made extremely clear during the debates surrounding Proposition Thirty-Seven. Personally, I'm not able to use magic, I have no inherent talents in the craft. But that does not mean I have a prejudice against those who do. Quite the contrary, in fact."

M. Franco: "Dris, how do you feel on the subject?" trying to remain professional despite the ongoing chaos that he will blame Harris and Cor for later.

Dris: Leans toward the microphone to speak. "I feel the question itself is biased and intended to spread misinformation about myself and my now single competitor in this election. There is an old world saying: Those who can do. Those who cannot teach. The truth of the matter is that I, personally, am a terrible duelist. My record speaks for itself. Dueling, period, in any of the three sports, is not of personal interest to me. However, I am a firm supporter of the sports as is evidenced by my commitments in the past to regularly officiate. During my off-time, I do not spend a lot of time in any of the three venues: the Arena, Outback nor Twilight Isle. I have, however, officiated official matches for all three of the sports when my time was requested of me, and that will not cease. I rather enjoy acting as a sports official. It's entertaining all around. Though as is well known, I myself am more a lover than a fighter. And if it were true that I had anything against magic, I would have voted in favor of Proposition 37, which I did not. Such a thing would've been hypocritical of me, don't you think" I mean ....I am, after all, engaged to marry a dragon.

M. Franco: "This anonymous question is directed specifically at Dris but I will give you both a chance to respond. Your campaign deals primarily with "getting to know RhyDin" and becoming more familiar with what its natives have to offer, but where do you stand when it comes to international relations" Dris, can you respond to this first, please?"

Dris: "I am not against international relations in the slightest, but this isn't a question I can answer satisfactorily without beating around the bush with a handful of imagined hypotheticals. Perhaps if the question were more specific, I could do it justice. International relations is a rather broad concept that could encompass any number of things from trade to treaties to civil contracts to, well, anything. The position of governor in and of itself pretty much suggest that it would be my " or Governor Simon's — duty to deal with ambassadors from foreign worlds and countries, certainly, but the entire concept is wholly situational. I cannot tell you what I would or would not do until presented with the eventuality directly."

M. Franco: "Fair enough, Mr. Driscol. Governor Simon' Same question.

M.A. Simon: "I agree with my opponent; the question is too ambiguous to answer properly. My record with inter-municipal, inter-world, and off-world relations is not something I've ever kept in the dark. If there's a more direct or specific question that the questioner wants answered, I will do my best to accommodate. But the large category of international relations is too vague and broad, I fear, for this forum.

M. Franco: "The final question of the night is another written one. Governor, you will be the first to respond. "How do you intend to catch the interest of those in this City who don't acknowledge the governorship and encourage them to follow your policies during your term?"

M.A. Simon: "Whether someone chooses to acknowledge the existence of the Governorship, it does in fact exist. Decisions made by the Governor, by the staff, do indeed have an affect on this city and its citizens. As far as encouragement, if someone steadfastly refuses to acknowledge the position of Governor or it authority, all the encouragement in the world may not change their minds. That's not to at all say the effort shouldn't be put forth, but my primary focus needs to be on the city as a whole, not trying to force people who don't want to acknowledge the Governorship to do so."

Marc Franco: "Dris, how about you?"

Dris: "My opponent is absolutely right. ::He turns a hand up and aside to indicate Matt with a smooth smile.:: Forcing the people to acknowledge the Governorship isn't going to accomplish anything. Though, the question wasn't asking how the governor would enforce his position, now was it' No. The best way to encourage acceptance and acknowledgement of the position, in my opinion, is exposure and good PR skills. We want the people to like this position, to appreciate what the Governor does for Rhy'Din. The only way for the people to appreciate and acknowledge the governor is for the people to know that the position exists, and to be knowledgeable of what the governor is doing for the better of the city. Again, this leads me all back to my greater goal, my overall plan, to spread information. As governor, I will not keep secret what I do, but keep the people informed, as many people as I possibly can, consistently. The more people know, the more likely they are to accept what is happening around them, especially if what is happening around them is beneficial to themselves and their society."

M. Franco: "Excellent job, gentleman." Stumbles over the last word as his eyes find Dris. As the moment passes he smiles again "Now then! The question part of the evening is over and I'm going to give each candidate a chance to finalize his thoughts. Governor Simon, you are first up."

Dris: Says nothing as he hears m. Franco's pause.

M.A. Simon: "Thank you, Mr. Franco, and I thank those who submitted their questions for their interest in this year's election. My opponent continuously calls for you to remember your roots. He wants to return to the days of old, he looks upon the past with fondness, perhaps too much so, for he idealizes the past and ignores all of the cries for change that came from that past. He states that he has not seen one thing change in Rhydin in the last three years, since the Governorship was enacted, and yet he's spent most of tonight pushing for change to, in some cases return to, and in some cases move away from, our historical norms. So which is it' Remember and return to our roots, or not' Mr. Driscol cannot have it both ways, he cannot call for a return to something, to roots he unequivocally states hasn't changed. Moreover, Mr. Driscol cannot point the finger of stagnation at me and then shout a rallying cry for change. But he has done these things. He has and continues to send mixed messages to you, Rhydin's citizens, all the while asking for your trust, your confidence, your faith, and your vote. As for me, my campaign, my policies " I have stated my position on the issues important to you, Rhydin's citizens, time and again in a clear, forthright manner. I have not only spoken to you of ideas and plans, but have simultaneously communicated to you the methods by which I will accomplish them. I have not attempted to mislead you, to deceive you, or to promise something I knowingly cannot deliver. I will not compromise myself or endanger any of you by coming up with something new and different for newness" sake, nor will I veer off of the successful course we've traveled on for the last two years because there's a challenge or dare for me to do so. No, I will do what I have always done and place Rhydin, and all of you, first and foremost. That is why you've elected me the last two years. That is why you should elect me to a third term. Our accomplishments and achievements these last two years cannot and should not be brushed under the carpet, outright ignored, or worse, undone. My leadership is proven, my ability to enact, alongside you, positive change, is proven, no matter whether my opponents, or remaining opponent, are willing to recognize those changes or appreciate all the hard work and dedication that went into making it a reality, not just from myself, but from each and every one of you. I thank you all for listening tonight, I ask you all to make the best decision for yourselves, your family, and this city at the polls during this election, and I once again ask for your support and your votes. Thank you."

M. Franco: Nods slowly and moves on to Dris. "And you, Mr. Driscol?"

Dris: Chuckles lightly and leans that marginal bit of space closer to the microphone. "Rhy'Din, this is a propaganda war. I won't lie to you. From the beginning, all Governor Simon has done for you is ridicule and criticize the policies and stances of all his opponents, myself included. He tells you that he promises to do all that he has ever done, and I ask you again....What, precisely, has he done" Has his term in office these past two years truly been a positive change on our fair city' He speaks consistently of reinforcing the rule of the Rhy'Din Watch, of improving their training program, and yet our citizens continue to suffer the same horrible plights that they have for generations. Perhaps even more so now that Governor Simon places all of his faith, places his only support, in these uniformed mystery men and women that we only hear about in stories and see as passing shadows. He neglects the fact that many of you citizens yourselves, while not members of the Watch, are just as capable of defending yourselves and those you care for as these men in uniform. He neglects the fact that we are not as helpless as he would like us to believe we are. This is Rhy'Din. We are many and we are varied. Each of us has unique talents that benefit our city. Don't forget that. Don't let the government make you forget who you are and what you are capable of. Vote for me and I won't forget you either."

M.A. Simon: His eyes move to a member of the audience shouting his name before returning to Dris.

M. Franco: Grins and claps his hands together before outstretching them. "Thank you, gentlemen, for coming out tonight. And I'd also like to thank the audience for their....participation. Please remember that voting starts on the twenty-third and polls close on the twenty-fifth. Vote early! Maybe not so often, though! Don't tip the interns on the way out. I don't care what they tell you, I do feed them! Have a wonderful evening!?