kiranxturner

[kiranxturner]

Kiran nods in agreement despite himself. It had been worse in his couple of years on the council, he found, meeting people in their stupidity and trying to reshape it into something usable. At least this was someone he could work with, and even think critically with. That would count for something. "Well, good. I trust your contact information is somewhere in here? I'll put out feelers with some of the other councillors, and see what the reception looks like. Maybe then we can discuss what we need to do from there."

"oh, yes. people can be very... unprepared, i've found." she has nothing against humanity itself—far be for her to claim superiority over any other life form on this planet—but... time management seems to be an issue. just like with every other animal on the planet. impulse above everything else. no plan necessary, it will all work out. she's seen too much to trust in that—the only way things work out is if you fight for them. you can't wait around for anything. "but i know my disadvantages, mr. turner. i wouldn't waste your time with something trivial if i wasn't prepared to defend it."

[kiranxturner]

"Yes, well, I like to keep the opportunities for people to come by open." Almost to a fault. Why was it he continues to run on a people first agenda? He would get so much more done if he had chose any other angle. But that was neither here nor there, he at least had to keep a good front on here. "Well, I am sorry to hear that you had that happen. It can be a scary experience. Do you know what exactly the failure in that was?" It would hopefully not be his personal responsibility to fix her doors and windows.

"Yes, I hate to stop you, but the closest 'meeting' I could schedule was weeks out." If she hadn't seen Kiran, she figured she'd just try to do it herself! "I had a break-in a few days ago -- apparently there's a problem with my house's infrastructure. I assume you know who I should go to to mend that, yes?" Luckily, the trespasser had been very helpful! She was actually quite fond of him! But she didn't want to risk any unhelpful trespassers. Maybe the protection spell could stop some kind of assault, but it wouldn't stop a robbery!

[kiranxturner]

Kiran often found himself spread thin. Between the necessity of his work and the necessity of his focus on the inner workings of the council, he was lucky to take a single breath most days. It presented a challenge, though, to keep all his lives separate. Work, Council, and Social. They often overlapped despite his best efforts. At some point, he became aware that he needed to give up the fantasy where he could live three separate lives, and started accepting it for what it was. Leo's request to meet with him on council matters didn't come as a surprise that way. Though, he was a little surprised that someone so new was already requesting to meet with a council member on council matters for something more than face time or ass kissing. At least, he hoped that was the case. Leo worked in the same office as Kiran, he didn't need to find time on his calendar to achieve that much. Leo also does not waste a single moment as he walks through the door, laying out his ideas on the table, simple and concise. It takes Kiran a minute to even process what he's suggesting, and he grimaces, because this is his second time this week having to explain to someone that a good idea isn't what gets things approved. "This is good work, Leo. It looks good. But, I can't greenlight this on my own, you know. We'll have to work on this a little more, make sure it's airtight first before we move forward." It shouldn't cause argument, but it seemed like everything caused an argument on the council.

starter — @kiranxturner

With a large roll of blueprint tucked under his arm and tablet in-hand, Leo kept a brisk pace as he made his way towards the council building. He rarely had reason to visit, and frankly he was happier that way. The pressure within the walls made him feel more like a live wire than anywhere else in Sol City. Something about how important and put-together everyone appeared to be. Plus he was too new and too infrequent a visitor to avoid drawing suspicion from the front desk staff. But it seemed the only time he could catch Kiran over the next few weeks between project work was on a day at the council building.

So here he was, at least 5 minutes late after convincing Beth to (please) open the official calendar bookings to confirm that Kiran (really truly) was expecting him.

"Hey Kiran, sorry I'm late, I know you don't have a ton of time so," he said, entering the office after a curt knock at the door. He quickly flicked open his tablet screen and tapped through to cast a file of specs to Kiran's device, and got to unrolling the blueprints on the floor. "I just sent you the updated details on a location with some recent inspection info and dimensions," he explained, setting down the tablet so he could get to smoothing out the paper. "It's this section of the undergrounds just to the east of the hospital buildings that I noticed hasn't really been used in a few years." He stepped back and lifted his hands, and a crackle of light emerged from the drawn outlines of the tunnel system, stretching and weaving together to form a view of the segment in question, "It still has active resource lines linked up to it - I think we could retrofit it into an emergency triage centre ahead of the next time we need to be locked down. What do you think?"

[kiranxturner]

"And, why do you think that is," Kiran asked knowing full well that the question would answer itself if Theo had the slightest ability to think introspectively. Hell, half his life would be far less painful if any of his siblings possessed the ability to think critically about... anything. But instead, they magically conjure doors and in his office uninvited and unannounced. Kiran lets out too long of a sigh, and leans back against his desk and stares in Theo's direction. "You can, but you should at least let me know you're coming. I'm busy, Theo. I have work to do. Don't you?" He had never known Theo to take... well anything seriously. But, work was at the top of the list.

Aw, booooo! Kiran never gives Theo the applause he deserves. You make a whole new doorway out of nowhere, and what? Nothing but exasperation? “I thought security might stop me.” Theo explains. Security guards tend not to take well to his presence; it’s always obvious that he’s about to cause mischief. Really, he thinks, they should love him. His every move is so exaggerated that he makes their jobs really easy! 

“And why do I need help from you? Can’t a fella just come see their brother for the sheer love of family?” He casts himself down in a chair, one ankle flinging over the opposite knee. “We never do anything, ya know! We should do brother stuff! Like… coffee. Baseball, even!”

[kiranxturner]

It's going to be an interesting thing to propose to the council, Kiran's very aware of that. But at least it's something different. Different could be good, especially if it could keep morale at least a little boosted throughout the city. The last thing they needed was people getting upset and restless. It would just be a matter of whether or not the council would see it this way or not. "Well, I'm just glad you're willing to work for it. People will give you ideas and no plan, usually. Hopefully it'll help your case." Sometimes it seemed like the councillors liked to disagree for the sake of disagreeing.

"you can keep all of it, if you'd like. satchel included. that has the documents in it." she doesn't need the bag itself, only using it for this singular purpose. she has other, more personalized options for any day-to-day activities. and more often than not, she just doesn't carry anything. people don't have to get ahold of her every second of every day! "i'm just thrilled that you're onboard. i really think this could be something good for the city. it's been a lot of negativity, lately. not unnecessarily, mind you... but we need something to come back for."

[kiranxturner]

"Well, dreams haven't steered me wrong yet," Kiran offers with a bit of a smile. He had his doubts that everyone on the council would be on board. Then again, for a simple a project as painting? How many arguments could they truly make? The council had much bigger fish to fry at the end of the day. "I'd be open to endorsing your project. Seems like you're prepared to go head to head for it which might be what counts if I receive any pushback. Am I able to keep any of this? I can bring it to the table and see what the reception looks like."

kali waits patiently for kiran to thumb through the binder, all of it neatly prepared by one of her thumb-bearing friends. she can speak all the words into the computer, but handling all those fragile bits of paper and metal and such is difficult for someone of her species. just because she's an animal doesn't mean she has to hand over crinkled scraps! "it came to me in a dream, if you can believe it. i was above the city like a bird, and flew out toward the sun. when i looked back, the image was reflected at me. of course, i improved upon the design a little... the subconscious mind is strong, but not infallible." if she could smile, she would. "i'm certain i can be more ornery than them, if it comes down to it."

[kiranxturner]

She's far more prepared than Kiran would have imagined. He does as asked, reaching into the satchel for the binder. It doesn't take much for him to recognize just how interesting it is to look at. It's not essential, but it might be a good luck for the council to go about supporting a project simply meant to make things more interesting around the city. They could only go so long with the rather industrial look they had created up until this point. Kiran reaches for the second binder, gently flipping through the proposal. "What made you think of this," Kiran asked. "I'd be interested to know. It can't hurt to try and appeal to the council's pathos. They can be a rather ornery bunch." Himself included.

"i do, in fact," using her teeth, kali pulls her satchel over and flips it open. her large paws aren't particularly maneuverable, but she knows kiran is much more dextrous. those thumbs are a marvel of nature that, unfortunately, she hasn't been granted with her mutation. "take the first binder out, if you would. i've already made some sketches of what i think might suit us." landscapes, naturally... the sprawl is perfect for a striking rendition of the fangs, albeit with more extravagant colors than the real range. "and in the second," binder, that is; "i've typed out my proposal in full. if it's to your liking, maybe i can count on you to pass it along?"

[kiranxturner]

"Interesting." It could be a fun way to set Sol City apart. Everything was fairly industrial, though it had it's purpose in being such. Efficiency and everything else. But, these also weren't the early days anymore. Their settlement was huge, and growing by the minute. With being established came a system, which meant changing things up would be easier. "Do you have any specs on what that might look like? You might need more than just my approval to do this, too, actually. Buildings are my jurisdiction, but a project like this would extend beyond just me." Especially if she was going to paint any building controlled by another Sector.

"i mean a mural, to be specific. a multi-building mural. think of it like a constellation. the full picture may only be visible at the right angle, but all the individual pieces are just as beautiful on their own. i think it would make it much more appealing... and of course, i don't see why that would interfere with any defensive measures, either. i would hardly suggest any remodeling."

[kiranxturner]

They always say things come in threes! That goes for the Turner Triplets too. He had already run into Jess and Dolly, which was one he was still unpacking, it only made sense that Theo would appear. Literally. In his office. At random. Well, he thinks, at least they had the decency not to bombard me on my morning commute. He turns from where he's standing over his computer to see Theo, teeth bared like a hyena about to attack, and greets him in an almost lackluster fashion compared to how another might react. Fortunately (unfortunately?) Kiran had grown up with the likes of Theo and Jess. This was nothing out of the ordinary. "Works great, Theo. How can I help you today? I see you decided not to use the front door."

Kiran never wanted to play when they were kids, and it's more of the same now they're adults! Theo is always waiting to get asked over for coffee or something, and the invitation never comes! So he makes his own invitation, by making his own door. Theo sweeps his hands around the building, tracing out the shape of a door, before fishing an invisible key out of his pocket. This, he 'inserts' into the 'lock' and, wouldn't you know it, there's a nice new door in the wall so that he can let himself into Kiran's office without bypassing security!

"Hiya, Kiran." Theo gives him a nice big smile, lots of teeth to show they're happy. "How's work?" @kiranxturner

[kiranxturner]

Kiran's been on the Council long enough to become use to being approached in public. He still can't help but feel like he's being cornered when it happens, though. Still, he turns, and greets with a smile. "At your service. How can I help you?" If he even can.

@kiranxturner

"Kiran Turner?" As loath as Lenore was to go to the Council for help... "You're the person I come to if I have requests regarding Sector Three, yes?"

[kiranxturner]

Valeria grants him an awful lot of grace where he's not sure he deserves it. She even offers to lend an ear, but Kiran still hesitates. Mostly because he's not sure he can share all the details with the other Council members. They might be a team, but they all still have their own interests. But, Valeria is probably the most kindhearted of any councillor. Bouncing his hand against the tabletop, he considers her offer for a moment. "This is... between us, right? It's personal. Private, even."

Valeria falls silent at Kiran’s... outburst? She doesn’t respond right away, instead masking the surprise that briefly flickers across her face with a calm, reassuring smile. "We’ve all been there," she says gently. "Don’t worry about it." Her voice softens further as she leans in slightly. "What’s on your mind?"

[kiranxturner]

There's a long moment of silence as Kiran tries desperately to process through all the things running through his mind. Jess is not in the wrong to want to see him, and he knows that. Despite his feelings, she's not connected to reality. He knows what's real, and she doesn't. There's a part of him, the part that had been forced into this line of thinking long ago, that wants him to just forgive everything Jess said and did, because she didn't know better. That's what it always was, right? 'Kiran, Jess doesn't know any better.' It never stopped the strife she inflicted though. It didn't change the frustration and anger in his heart of hearts. But, it was the way he was trained to think, even now. With his little Sister standing in front of him, just desperate for some understanding, he's stuck back in his younger years of wanting to just give her what she needs because it's the right thing to do. Well the right thing to do wasn't right for him. He couldn't just give up all the boundaries he had built because Jess was... sad? If that's what he could call it. Could she feel remorse? He had debated that for years after the murder. "That's all well and good, Jessica, but I have meetings today. I have business to attend to. I would rather us do this another time." The olive branch he would grant would be a way to contact him. Mainly so they could hash out everything more privately. Because, he wasn't going to do it standing in the middle of the street. He passes over a card with a way to contact him. "If you want to continue this, please reach out to me in advance. And, we can talk about... whatever it is you want. Dolly, Mom and Dad, whatever. I just cannot do this right now."

Jess had no good concept, no good frame of reference, as to when Kiran would ever be ready -- could ever be ready -- to have any sort of relationship with her again. She knew there was a good chance he would never be able to have one again, she knew there was a good chance she had burned that bridge. And she knew that that was completely fair. Even if his feelings weren't technically real, he still had them. She still murdered the people he loved, the people he thought loved her -- so on and so forth. She was still part of his long line of grief. Nonetheless, she would have been remiss if she didn't try. She knew that her feelings also weren't real, but, like Kiran, she did believe in them. And she loved Kiran -- she loved him so much and regretted all of the pain she had caused him ( not for their parents' sake, but for his ). If he were able to be in her life again, if he could ever stand it, her gratitude towards Casey him -- totally him -- would never go unnoticed. But her timing was never right. She had realized approaching him -- especially in public -- with no forewarning wasn't great just a little too late. She had dared to approach him, in general, just a little too early. She and timing didn't get along... But when would the timing be right? That was the one problem -- she had no way of. knowing, only he did. And what if there came a day that the timing was right, but he just didn't know it? He just didn't know that he'd had enough time to accept her again? What was too soon, what was too late? "I -- well..." -- not like this, was what she wanted to say, mainly because she didn't know what she expected it to go like. Safe to assume that he knew better than anyone that she didn't exactly plan things like this ahead? She thought there would be yelling, heaps of anger, and she was prepared for it... but maybe not in public... She didn't expect a heartfelt reunion or anything ( even if it would've been nice ), but... whatever this was... she didn't really know. "I don't know. I don't know how I thought it was gonna go, but I just wanted t', ya know... hear you again." She wanted to ask where she could send a letter, or how she could otherwise reach out to him... she wanted to know how she could test the waters every now and again, how she could figure out when it was too soon or too late, without him having to see her... but it didn't seem the time to ask... But when would be the time to ask?

[kiranxturner]

It was often monotonous work for Kiran. The same three meetings every week about improvements to infrastructure, repairs, no developments as more people entered Sol City. So, when none other than Bryan Ahn reached out to him for a meeting, Kiran just about cleared his schedule for the occasion. At least it would be something new for once. And... he might have been a bit of a fan. "Mr. Ahn, come in," Kiran greeted, making space for him to enter. "I should be thanking you for breaking up my day. Though, I'll admit, I'm curious what I can do for you." He was not a part of Kiran's Sector, nor did Kiran know the first thing about literature. Still, he wasn't going to hesitate to have this conversation.

@kiranxturner || bryan & kiran - study session

He pauses outside the office door, hesitating before raising his hand to knock three times and standing patiently for a response. He's here for an appointment with the architect to request help with designing buildings, specifically from scratch. Bryan is very good at copying ideas, at drawing things from memory, in fact a lot of the buildings in his graphic novels are carbon copies of ones he's seen in books or in real life. He sees this as learning a new invaluable skill- and he's hopeful the architect can help him with his predicament. The door opens and he smiles politely, although his expression still remains cool "Mr Turner" he nods "thank you for agreeing to see me."

[kiranxturner]

At first, it seems more like a practical joke than anything. Maybe Jess had decided to impersonate Dolly to prove a point. Unfortunately, the person standing in front of him is so unmistakably Dolly that Kiran has no choice but to believe it. And, possibly, apologize to Jess. He'll unpack the necromancied parents thing another time. "So have you. Mercifully, our sister has kept me alive so far." A beat. "Where... so where have you been exactly?" He's so spent emotionally, he's not even sure the best way to react.

closed starter // @kiranxturner

"Kiran! I thought Jess might've killed you, too!" Seeing her brother is both a shock and a relief. Dolly doesn't know how to greet him. Should she hug him? Should she punch him for not finding her? Is he on Jess's side? Does he think that her murdering their parents was justified? She has so many questions swirling around in her mind. Eventually, after staring at him with her mouth agape for what feels like minutes, she settles on saying: "You've grown."

[kiranxturner]

"What is life without balance?" Chaos. But, wasn't that what they were all living in on any given day? "Nice to meet you, Mavi. What Sector are you a part of? I like to make a point to know all the people in my Sector, but it never hurts to have a few friends outside of it as well."

"Well the logical side of me thanks you but the stubborn independent woman side of me is sticking her tongue out at you," she joked, rubbing her aching shoulder. "Mavi, I don't think we have"

[kiranxturner]

"Color," Kiran repeats, admittedly a bit incredulous. Color was well and good, but far from a priority when shelter was of the utmost importance. He rarely put deep thought into the aesthetic something held after it was built. "What is it you mean by color, exactly? Do you have ideas in mind?" She must if she's stopping him in the street to ask about it.

"i was hoping you would," he says, leading him over toward a bench. she doesn't sit on it, instead opting to side at its side. she's a little bit too big to make that work. "i was thinking that as striking as our high rises are... it might look a little nicer if below the solar shields there was a bit more... color. i'm sure i could get the rest of our art department to agree."

[kiranxturner]

"Well, while I'm happy to let people struggle if they choose, I figured this would be better." Kiran took hold of the slightly bulky item, awkwardly held in her arms. "I'm Kiran, by the way. I'm not sure we've met."

"No" she sarcastically said though, in all honesty, it was obvious that Mavi needed help. "Okay, fine, but maybe I do"