Babbagers! It is Time to Act!

[Aeolus Cleanslate]

Speaking briefly as Maceholder, I must add my reaction to the Events of the past days.

Heretofore, I have come to regard the actions of this "Doctor" Obolensky* as those of a harmless crank. He does look so cute in his topper and 'stache, doesn't he? And his taste in miniature clanks certainly runs in that direction - the diminutive Lord Smashington reminds me greatly of a character I came across in my pre-Babbage travels ... "Hello Kitty"? Perhaps some of you have heard of her?

I must say that until now I barely noticed Obolensky's escapades, preferring to focus, like the Clockwinder, on facilitating the Expansion of Commerce. And Lubricating the Gears of Industry. And keeping the Clocks Wound (accurate clockes are *important*, dammit!). If anything they were simply amusing, mildly distracting, and at times even constructive (it was the Baron's missile that destroyed Mr Pearse's old shop after all, making way for a new Babbage landmark...which it will remain even after the City dirties it up a bit. So hard to keep things *clean* in this town!).

But the events of last night have made me see things differently.

First of all, while I am grateful to Baron Wulfenbach and his Jaegers for their rapid and hardware-laden response to the Threat (and yes, Miss Carver, as hard-bitten as they seem, they do go all mushy when you offer them cookies...who knew?), I must admit to being a bit put-off by the presence of so much firepower in the hands of not-quite-explicitly-Babbagers on our streets. While I was impressed by the rapid response of some of Babbage's better-armed citizens (nods warily to Jedburgh Dagger), I'm embarassed to say that the best *I* could provide was the snowball thrower I inherited from Miss Llewellyn's midwinter celebration. What if next time the Jaegers had other obligations? What if next time it weren't munitions dropped from the sky but soldiers? Who would defend us then?

And this latest evidence linking these efforts to Steelhead and/or Rivet Town - whether this is part of an official policy or simply sloppy work keeping their Evil Geniuses in check, I am affronted and appalled.

And this devilish, conceited threat to the magical and semi-magical among us is simply Not Cricket. We in Babbage don't care what your ancestry is, and never have. A Babbager is a Babbager, whether winged, blue, or just unnaturally short (nods to Clockwinder Tenk). If you want to Build up Industry and Advance Progress, you have a home here. After all, if they come for our lycanthropes today, what is to stop them from coming for our Cocoa Java drinkers tomorrow?

But perhaps most important of all, think of how *distracting* these actions are to the very Tranquility and Well-Wound Clocks all true Babbagers seek. All we ask is to be left alone to build our Sooty Utopia - that we must dedicate time *at all* worrying about such things offends our deepest-held sensibilities.

One of the Maceholder's few explicit job descriptions is to "protect the City from Tyrants." I have my eye on Clockwinder Tenk, of course, just in case, but in this case, Obolensky and his cabal, if left unchecked, certainly fit into that category.

I take that duty very seriously.

In keeping with my duties, therefore, I intend to consult immediately with the Clockwinder and our newly-elected Advisory Group on the subject of Defense. Perhaps a Volunteer Militia - with land, air and sea capabilities - would be a measured response. Perhaps we have delayed too long on the subject of a Constabulary, for domestic investigation and peacekeeping. And this interSteamlands dimension suggests that we may need to think on - dare I say it - some form of intelligence service as well. Perhaps then we will be able to meet the threat Obolensky (and his ilk) represents.

It may be that we have all been too preoccupied with our peaceful endeavors to notice the creeping threat looming on our horizon. Be Vigilant, Babbage! It is time to Act. In the meantime, I trust - as I always do - in the spirit of individual initiative that defines Babbage, to provide such measures as may be necessary.

- Maceholder Cleanslate

* Note: exactly what is Obolensky a Doctor of, anyway? Has anyone ever checked his academic transcripts? I wouldn't be surprised if it's an honorary heating and cooling degree from a defunct telegraph-correspondence school. I mean, up until now he's just been so *adorable*...

[Breezy Carver]

*grins* brilliant collective thoughts Mr Cleanslate .. Ah Mr Kiergarten Do get the Man (( Mr Cleanslate) one of YOUR remarkable delightful weapons asap Please .. feel free to send me the bill if YOU like .....

My concern are the crickets I hear in the square .. why are they are there ??? *beams*

ponders .. don't we encourage creative means and ways here in New Babbage building of structure minds and enthusiams included .. *grins* you know "the bigger the wave the bigger the deal" sort of thing .. and look how all have joined in together .. race creed color fur it doesnt matter we all have the love of city to bond we .. just some thoughts ....
did I mention the crickets in the square ??? (( chuckles ))

[Doctor Obolensky]

Being as you lack the proper social graces to wear a hat when out of doors like a gentleman, you are hardly qualified to judge others on their fashion sense, Cleanslate.

And should you have been so bright to have actually *asked*, I would have informed you that I hold doctorates in several fields, Science, Far Eastern Studies, Engineering, Theater, and Dentistry.

-Doctor G. Obolensky, CVB

[Ceejay Writer]

I admit I have been completely preoccupied with writing deadlines, completing the candy shoppe on the side of my cafe, and with managerial matters at the burlesque club. I am saddened and shocked to learn that I have been oblivious (a normal state for me, I shall admit) to these threats and the events of the week-end! Saddened, shocked and angry! While I have always worn my dagger on my thigh, I may have to find my old flintlock and tuck it under my pillow. Happily, I did buy an Aether Pistol from those talented Seraph Privateers recently (and scared the hell out of Miss Janus and Captain Smythe by showing off my talent at drinking coffee and holding my pistol in the same hand. (I WILL pay for the window I shot, and I do hope that distant 'ow' was merely someone tripping.)

I hope I will be able to continue my work, while keeping an eye out for the defense of my city.

(The typist can barely think straight due to laughing at honorary heating and cooling degree from a defunct telegraph-correspondence school as she once took correspondence classes to further her then-career in..... heating and cooling. Truth.)

[Penelope Strathearn]

I think that doctorate in dentistry scares me more than the other degrees. Drills, you know. *grin*

[Jedburgh Dagger]

My concern was simple. We have no means of housing prisoners that belongs to the city. We do not have a judicial official. We have many well meaning but far too excitable citizens with weapons who do not take directions. ((and too many happy clickers on things that do not need to be clicked on...))

[Darian Llewellyn]

I, for one, am already looking into options for a Babbage military arm. Weapon design and systems testing are in their early stages. With your approval, Mr. Cleanslate, i would like to begin to organize a proper military group for New Babbage.
I realize that there has been attempts at this in the past, with mixed results, but in light of this incident, i feel that we would have little trouble finding eager recruits. There is much work to be done in that regard, with the acquisition of uniforms, weapons, a Head Quarters, charter, rules, et cetera, but i would like to begin finding those that wish to help. Perhaps i can contact you and discuss our options at length soon.

[Breezy Carver]

Ceejay i own all of Chef's wonderful creations of guns *beams* :) even had the plesasure to be around and test an early one !! (( ahh the good ol days when we all played together in the canals miss those days .. )) Wonderful indeed as I do love. enjoy and know how to use My guns !!! I simply like to share all of our wonderful creators about .. with all about :)
ordinals included .. buzzing bees to clockwounding pistols and all inbetween .. laughs .. please excuse my own humble views :)
I would hate to be told I can not carry nor use my pistols in any near future !!
that would be a huge negative !!

[Baron Klaus Wulfenbach]

Herr Clockwinder, Herr Maceholder, citizens of New Babbage,

Europa was honoured to serve in protection of our friends and neighbours. If we do not stand together, we will fall apart. Steeltopia came when called as well. Babbage will never need to stand alone against danger.

Yrs.,

Klaus Wulfenbach, Baron

[Wiggy Undertone]

If we are to act now, or in the future, then we will need the means of enforcing our laws. I've heard talk of forming a militia before, and occasionally I've heard talk of appointing a constable.

Perhaps this is the time to begin those talks again, this time in earnest. I propose that we elect a person to the office of constable of New Babbage.

Further, as my other businesses have turned out to be dismal failures, I would be honored to be considered for such a position myself. I think you will find me to be level headed and tolerant of all the residents of New Babbage, even those of, ehrm, fantastic origin.

((The Constable position would hold no real powers, and exists for RP only. A jail might also come in handy for this, one with several means of easy escape. Although it would be up to the individual as to how this role would be played, I would think something along the lines of the Keystone Cops or perhaps Barney Fife would be appropriate. Also, it would be up to Mr. Tenk if such a position is allowable.))

What say you all? Is there a second?

[Doctor Obolensky]

(( I was thinking more along the lines of Roscoe P. Coltrane ))