By the time the freshmen start trickling in, it's almost time for Alex to head back to the library and Schlatt to head back to... Wherever.

Well. He can do some homework while he gets ready for the debate. It's kind of exciting, almost, as stupid as it is; he notices his leg bouncing with impatience and forces it to stop. He does a second perimeter check for mals even though he just did one five minutes ago, because it's something to do.

The five of the rest of them--Wilbur, Niki, Tommy, Toby, and Jack--all arrive together. Like pack animals. Alex relaxes when they're around, though; he's not immune to safety in numbers. After a bit of discussion, Toby nominates himself debate judge. (Alex is pretty sure it's called a moderator, but who is he to stop their fun? Nah. More fun to encourage it.)

"Okay. What are your-- what are your policies? What do you want to do differently? I'm gonna be honest with you guys, I don't actually know what questions I'm supposed to be asking."

That's okay. Alex is ready.

"This study group has a long history of—of what I would say is discrimination. I, myself, am not able to technically join the study group, despite attending more sessions than Schlatt, who Wilbur does consider a full member, because of the- because of the policy he’s put into place. And I don’t agree with that. I’m gonna let everyone join because I think it’s a beautiful idea! And everyone who believes in it, I think, deserves to be able to join. Wilbur judges me, he judges enclavers, he won’t even talk to them, he won't sell to them, even when it's in our best interest. I say that we open trade back up, we improve relations with enclaves, we start selling again to Tampa. There is no reason to stay--to stay isolationist like this."

"Great. Is that all, can I pass the stage to Wilbur?"

"Sure."

"Then Wilbur, you're up."

"We are not a place of oppression. We are a place of sanctuary. What you are intending to do is come to us and open it up to the people— the very people we seek to escape. Your proposed policy would let enclavers just-- come in and do whatever they want. This in itself is a tyranny, and I will not stand for it." (He had stood to speak; he sits back down after finishing.)

"Wilbur? I disagree. Is there-- Is there anything I have to say after that? Because I just don’t agree with that statement. Wilbur, you are embracing tradition here. We don’t need to embrace tradition. We- We are a new generation, Wilbur. Tommy, Toby, Jack, they are a new generation, and if your idea works, they are the future. I hope you remember that. Alright? Embracing your, your old-school policies is just gonna hurt uh, progress. And quite frankly--"

"These policies were formed from blood, not long ago!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Your policies grow from not being able to fight. From judging those who can. But my policies would make us more able to fight. If we talk to Tampa—"

"I stand by what I said. And as long as I’m in charge I promise to keep those fucking enclavers—"

He cuts himself off, frantically looking around.

Tommy's already up and scanning the area. No enclavers nearby.

(Whispered: "That was stupid, Wil, you do realize--")

"Yes, yes, I am realizing that now!"

"Let's--let's move on. What are you both offering?"

"I think-- to answer that, I would want to ask everyone here what they want out of this study group, and then move towards offering what the people want. Like-- Jack, Jack Manifold, hey, we haven't really talked, have we? What do you want out of being here?"

"...Uuuuuh. I dunno. Study help, I guess? Languages practice? Fuck, I dunno. I'm feeling kind of put on the spot here, I'm gonna be honest."

"Right, yeah, I apologize for putting you on the spot. We can talk more later, okay? But, okay, languages practice! If I'm elected we can incorporate more languages practice into our study sessions. My point is, I want to ask our members first what they want, and then what I implement will be based on that."

"I'm offering the same thing I've been offering this whole time, which is this study group. If anyone would like it to offer something new, they can talk to me, I've done as best as I can to make this study group a welcoming place. Alex can say whatever he wants, make whatever promises, but I'm the one that made this group a reality."

"Also you do my homework."

"And, yes, I also generally do more of everyone else's homework than my opponent."

"That's not a fair comparison, Soot, and you know it. I contribute more mana."

"Also not a fair comparison. You're a year older than me, of course you contribute more mana."

That earns a raised eyebrow. "I think that everyone can judge for themselves who contributes how much, how about that."