Radiman: "The Time is Upon Us"
Frank Levinson McRae
Tir -- (FJRK) -- Henry Radiman made a rare public appearance outside of the Council of Truth building today, giving a speech renewing the call to continue with the Council’s reformation and urging resolve in uniting the Clans under a banner of solidarity.
At approximately 0200 RST, clan members were called to the Council of Truth building in Tir to witness what was a rousing speech given by what was once the Council’s figurehead. Dozens flocked to the area to listen to the reclusive clan leader share his views on the reinvigorated Council of Truth, and to issue a warning to Omni-Tek Corporation.
A full transcript of his speech is as follows:
"Greetings, my friends.
The time is upon us. A time of rebirth. A time of brotherhood. A time of peace among neighbors and a time of coming together to do that which is great, and ultimately, of doing what is necessary.
In this chamber some time ago, we received a calling to reconvene a Great Council of Truth. That calling was ethereal, surreal and even strange to be certain.
However, the visage of our beloved David Marlin was unmistakable. The spirit of that great man is within all of us. His wisdom of the past and his vision for the future of a place where all men are equal and at peace should inspire and encourage all of us to undertake this great task. It is the task of rebuilding the Council of Truth that I speak about today.
Today I renew his call to come together with renewed purpose. To come together to rebuild the Council of Truth to its former glory for all Clansmen on Rubi-Ka. The longer we delay with this task, the more Omni-Tek can take our land, kill our children and steal our lives.
We must act soon to renew our purpose. We must act soon to rebuild this great body for debate and governance. We must act soon to rise up together to send a message to the corporation:
We shall be heard! We shall rule our own lives! We shall reap our own benefits from our own labors!
We will soon act, my friends. We must be patient in building the Council of Truth. Our path is clear and our purpose is noble. To quote the ancient Old Earth American president, John F. Kennedy, peace and freedom walk together.
Thank you all, and good night."
After the speech, Mr. Radiman was asked whether or not he has approached the Sentinels, and Simon Silverstone, seeking their support for the revived Council of Truth. Mr. Radiman declined comment.
However, when asked if he had a timetable in mind for the full restoration of the Council to an effective, fully governing body for the clans, Mr. Radiman responded that the "Council will be restored at the right time. There is no need to set a date, but further details will become public when it is the right time. Beginning to plan is the start though." He then turned and faced the crowd, telling all in attendance to "begin to collect together as one. The time will be soon."
Even with Mr. Radiman’s reassurances, opinions among clan members as to the progress being made was mixed.
"It was my first time listening to him speak in public, but I believe he was not specific enough on what he spoke of," stated Jade "Fightprncs" Emerald, an applicant with the Conflicted Singularity Clan. "A better prediction of when the Council of Truth was to be reformed would have been better, since this has been in the works for a good time now."
Commander "Windguaerd" Wagner, President of Clan Mercury Dragons and a clerk of the Council of Truth, responded to Ms. Emerald’s concerns, urging that "patience is key. The Council of Truth is still being held accountable by Omni-Tek departments. Caution is warranted. Also, we’d rather move slowly but surely, than run into a wall and get a bloody nose."
This opinion was echoed by Charissa "Maephina" Vein, President of Clan Conflicted Singularity. "I say, take all the time we need but something should be done to show that the reformation process is proceeding, otherwise everyone feels we’re all asleep at the wheel, so to speak." When asked what she thinks would be the best way to accomplish this task, Ms. Vein replied, stating "I do believe if the Council of Truth is to work, something must be done to show there is some kind of unity among the clans. At the very least, those clans who seem to care about the good will of all who call themselves clanners."
"This is only the second time I’ve seen Henry before. But he seems to be sincere in his wishes." Denise "Jeanette" Sandine, an applicant with Clan First Light stated, blushing slightly. "I arrived on this planet after the Council had dissolved, so all I have is history records to look at. I hope they succeed."
Many clan citizens who attended Mr. Radiman’s speech seemed somewhat disillusioned with the leader, and Commander "Caid" Notoris, an advisor with Clan First Light who has recently drawn public attention as a result of the accusations made against him concerning the Dust Brigade, attempted to explain why. "Mr. Radiman is a good speaker, I believe he is sincere and I believe he wants to rebuild the Council. But, there is always the past incident of him leaving without the knowledge of where he went. Perhaps if he explained [his absence] to the clans, then the support might increase. Right now, it’s fifty-fifty, I think."
Though outstanding questions still remain regarding Mr. Radiman’s past, one feeling above all else seems to pervade any discussion of the man. With each appearance he makes, with each word he speaks, he draws the clans closer to him and his dream of reforming the Council of Truth. And while the matter is, for the most part, in the hands of the clerks working tireless to restore its day-to-day operation, the visions of Henry Radiman, not only of David Marlin but of his view for a free, united clan populace, resound within us all.
We at the Free Journalists of Rubi-Ka wish Mr. Radiman, and especially the clerks of the Council of Truth, the best of luck in their efforts.