Hester’s Windermere Student Election

July 19, 2025

Date: 2025-07-19 00:02

(Hester’s Windermere Student Election)

[Sat Jul 19 2025]

Inside the Cavernous Student Union Hall/span>/spanThe Student Union occupies a cavernous space with high ceilings supported by
dark wooden beams that creak softly throughout the day. Clusters of
mismatched furniture fill the main area – worn leather couches, wooden tables
scarred by decades of carved initials, and metal folding chairs that scrape
against the linoleum floor. Large bulletin boards cover the walls, layered
with overlapping flyers for campus events, study groups, and the occasional
notice for the university’s more esoteric offerings printed on parchment-like
paper. The information desk sits near the eastern entrance to Melville Hall,
staffed during daylight hours but left eerily vacant after sunset. Vending
machines hum in the corners, their fluorescent glow providing patches of
harsh light that contrast with the warmer illumination from the overhead
fixtures. The air smells of coffee from the small cafe counter along one
wall, mixed with the lingering scent of microwaved food and something else –
a faint, sweet odor that seems strongest near the storage rooms marked
“Authorized Personnel Only.” Windows line the north wall, though the old
glass has developed a peculiar cloudiness that obscures clear views even on
bright days. The terrazzo floor shows patterns of wear from countless
footsteps, with certain areas near the eastern doorway worn almost smooth, as
if students have unconsciously hurried through that particular spot for
generations./span>/spanIt is about 65F(18C) degrees. The mist is heaviest At High and Sidney/span>/spanHester scribbles something on a piece of paper and sticks it to the wall, next to the flier that says VOTE PIERCE. “.. so tired,” she mumbles to nobody in particular. “Cookie?” she offers to Camille on her way back towards the center of the room, gesturing at the box innocently sat on one table.

Kai gives a wave to Hester, “Is this where we come to vote?” he asks and gives a half-moon wave to Camille.

“Hi, Kai,” Hester sniffs to rid herself of midnight sniffles, a limp wave given to Kai back. “Yeah, this is ehm, where we go to do all the stuff.”

Kai glances at August and turns his gaze back to Hester with a little grin, “Great,” he nods and slips his hands into his hoodie pocket.

Camille blinks a bit as she looks to Kai, then takes a cookie absently “yes please.” she says after she’s already gotten it almost to her mouth.

Kai gives a wave to Jenny and Meridith with a little smirk, “Hey you two!”

Hester straightens up abruptly when August comes in. “.. August Pierce,” she greets the senior with his full name and nothing less, stiffly walking to the door to open it again. “Ehm.. maybe we leave it open in case people can’t find us,” she tells Jenny.

Jenny gives a wave. Monching on her new snack of the hour

“Thought Derek, Lola, and Eloa would come too but..” Hester mutters under her breath, trundling back to the fore of the room. “But ehm, I did hear about a disturbance somewhere.. none of you went to check that out?” she hazards, glancing from Camille to Jenny to Kai.

Jenny gives a shake of her head “I didn’t hear it. I just went and fought an oversized lava crawler…”

Camille shakes her head “I don’t really know any of those people. I have met Lola once.” she admits to Hester.

Kai jumps forward as his rear gets prodded with something sharp by Vesper and lets out a yelp, reaching back to grasp onto his ass as he ejaculates, “Oh my fuck!” in surprise. He wheels around on Vesper and bursts out laughing, “What the fuck are you doing?” he asks, grinning at her, a wave given to Zaiya.

Zaiya wanders into the hall, giving Kai a wave in return then looking about to find an empty seat.

“I didn’t either but ehm, someone asked about it on the chat,” Hester tosses a lazy wave, gesturing to the many seats across the room. Where normally, she might be too nervous out of her wits, she is right now much too exhausted to give a rat’s ass. “Ehm.. okay, Derek’s on his way,” she mumbles at her phone. The commotion where Kai and Vesper are beget a grimace and she just.. waves a hand over her face, taking deep breaths.

Hester spies Zaiya coming in and musters a faint smile her way, “Hi, ehm, are you another student..? What’s your name?” And to the others, she supposes as she suppresses a yawn, “Probably the best time to introduce yourselves now so we all ehm, know each other.”

Zaiya settles her hands in her lap then nods quickly at Hester. “Yes, I am a student, too. My name is Zaiya. And yours?” she chirps.

Derek makes his way in, fashionably late as usual, fiddling with his blazer and giving his hair a brush or two as if making sure there wasn’t any sand in it, giving a curious glance about as he meanders along.

Nemi files in among some others as she sits next to Jenny. “What’d I miss?”

In his own corner, August waits, simply, while fixing the lapel of his jacket. “Maybe we should announce a delay, if there isn’t enough contribution.” He does give Derek a nod after their arrival, but otherwise, he waits, quietly.

Another face that gets Hester freezing when he walks in, Derek is barely given a greeting as she plasters her eyes to her phone. “Ehm, y-yeah, Sophie’s on her way, too. And that might be the last of them, but I’ll check,” she mumbles in the wake of August’s suggestion.

Vesper snickers as she tosses up her dagger, answering Kai with a shit-eating grin, “I’m amusing myself, is all. Been wanting to do something like that for a while.” she bows her head and puts the fist holding her dagger over her heart, “I am known as Vesper Volkov.”

“S-sorry, just.. panicking. Inside. I’m Hester,” Hester realizes in a moment that she hadn’t said anything back to Zaiya.

“Just take a deep breath. You are doing great!” Zaiya cheers Hester on, despite not really understand what is even going on right now.

Kai stands up on one of the couches and nods at Vesper after her explanation, he presses his hand to his chest, “I just want to say, I thank you all for coming here to vote for me for Supreme Overlord, as well as Hester for my VP, Derek for my Treasurer and Jenny as my mascot. Each and everyone of your concerns will be addressed and fixed. HVAC units on the roof will be fixed, so that our dorm rooms are well cooled in this summer heat. A variety of pizza toppings will be made available in the cafeteria and every Friday, Vincenzo’s will be providing a catered lunch, if I’m elected of course. Finally, I’m here to announce taco Tuesdays, with direct support from Obie’s Taco Stand. Thank you all again for voting for progress. Voting for the people and for not voting for nepo-babies who can’t earn their own GPAs like Mister Pierce! The Age of Ashford begins now, a glorious age for for Windermere! Give yourselves all a round of applause and go ahead and line up to place your votes for me.”

“Ehm.. okay, and I guess now we should hear from August Pierce, who is a senior,” Hester clears the cobwebs from her throat, awkwardly sweeping a hand to where August currently stands.

Kai gives a light clap to August as he steps down from his position on the leather couch, “Yes, let’s listen to the speech Uncie Pierce prepared for August everyone, then we can commence with the voting and head down to the Brine, where the drinks will be on me!” he grins at the group and steps back, glancing over August’s way.

Derek meanders over from the side of the room to seat himself in a couch, giving an idle glance about with little concern, though he does give Kai an idle, fleeting glance before he turns his attention front and center for the speech to come.

Hester sighs quietly as Kai retakes his seat, palm to her forehead. Letting August take the floor, she moves to shut the door at a limp that favors her left side.

“Thanks, but things feel rather out of order.” August’s eyes skip past Hester, something sharp, the traditional Pierce stare that burrows. “The lack of staff to officiate the proceedings, as well as a proper decorum to the place to ensure order really speaks to our lacking state of affairs.” Nonetheless, he moves ahead to the front of the group to give his speech, in an almost militaristic sort of posture that has his hands bound behind him. “Lacking state of affairs, that will surely continue under council leadership like Kai’s – who you would be casting your votes out for nothing but lies because they plan to step down as soon as the votes are concluded, regardless of their victory.”

That hand behind him separates to wave along, dismissive, and he starts to pace, “You’ve seen my fliers, they’re all over town. I stand by each and every single thing I’ve mentioned and outlined. Collaborative growth, support for creativity, campus unity and mentorship programs – representation by someone that is not a clown, but a bridge between you and the school, between each department and body of student.” That narrow look glances across the faces, coutns them, even, with a hint of exhaustion that seems more pronounced than the usual perpetuity they hold. “We’re here to learn and better ourselves, yes. Symposiums, workshops, growth through your peers input and your own unto others – these are all necessities, and you might think that I’m offering the bare minimum – but our college years are supposed to be something we cherish, too.”

August’s hand lifts to lay over his heart instead of stay idle in dismissal, and he speaks, truly, from the heart in how he levels his stare along with his words. “I firmly believe that education comes from mistakes, and learning from them – that’s why we should be allowed to make these mistakes, have parties, sneak booze into dormitories, cavort with demons if you like. As long as you come out better from it, it will have been worth it, and I believe that is only something that can happen under my watch, not my opposition that will leave you like a dead fish as soon as this conference is over. You need a leader, someone who is serious, and someone who will not catch the back of my hand if they don’t stop tainting the sanctity of this position by acting the way they do.” And in the lowering of his hand, to fold it back again, he offers, “If you have any questions for me, please ask. There needs to be transparency between the council president and the student body, because this position is to serve your interest, not the other way around.”

Beneath the thick of her bandages, Hester can only provide a wry smile at the mention of the lack of staff, and all the proceedings. “.. thank you, August Pierce,” she croaks, shifting uncomfortably from leg to leg. Glances to her phone are made, stuff that makes her brows knit pensively. “Ehm.. who’s next- Sophie?”

Zaiya lifts her face from where she sits amongst the other students at the couches to listen to August. She’s nodding her head along in agreement with him.

Derek offers a polite, refined golf-clap after August’s speech, a faint ghost of a smile on his expression presented thereafter.

Kai tilts his head back and barks out a laugh, his hand pressed to his chest at August’s speech, he shakes his head and stands up onto the arm of the couch as he looks over the gathered crowd, “I have a question, Mister Pierce. Is it true that your GPA is less than mine? Oh, and is it true your Uncie Pierce had to call and /insist/ to Miss Kane that your grades be changed, because you… well, simply couldn’t cut it?” he glances sidelong to August, he extends his gaze out to the crowd, “Where did you hear this FICTION that I will be stepping down when I win?” he shakes his head sadly, “This man has no actual reasons to claim that I would not be a voice for my fellow students, so he resorts to calling me a clown,” he presses his lower lip at August, “But still everyone. Let’s give a round of applause for him. He did manage, at least, to read the speech his uncle wrote for him without stumbling too bad,” he begins to clap at that, “Next up, Miss Sophie Callum!” and off he hops from the couch’s arm.

Sophie stands and gives Hester a little smile, “Thank you Hester.” She takes a moment to stand before addressing the room, a little smirk directed at Kai as she does.

Meridith giggles. “What a clown show…”

“We’ll do Q&A after everybody gives uh, introductions,” Hester mumbles from her side of the room, looking a bit queasy.

“If you truly value the integrity we can nurture together in this school,” August adds, “You’ll vote Pierce, that, I have faith in.” And since there isn’t time to ask questions, August casts a look at Hester, and turns over – only to stop at Kai’s words. His eyes turn, instead, to settle on Kai, “We have a GPA difference of 0.1, last I checked- your grades have been dropping steadily, Ashford, whereas mine, they aren’t at the top only because I don’t put in the effort.” Yet, he continues. “Your allegations are wrong, baseless, and anyone can take it up with the faculty staff to see that such things are not in their means, they are fair and just. Unlike what I’ve said, which,” August glances at Hester, “You can tell them what he’s told you.” As for whether he wrote anything or if someone wrote anything for him, August only dismisses with a wave over his shoulder, and moves back to where he was with an air of distance and attitude as is usual to him.

“A distance of 0.1 in my favor. And without my rich uncle calling in a favor,” Kai acknowledges with a dip of his head, a shit-eating grin on his face.

Derek pinches the bridge of his nose. “…Did anyone bring any vintage?” he asks shamelessly.

“Stop saying that, my aunt might actually sue you, or worse, for lying.” August takes a seat, crosses his legs.

“I didn’t come here expecting to run for anything. Truth is, I didn’t even know what New Haven was when I arrived. I met a boy, fell down a hole – literally, not metaphorical and enrolled on a whim. And ever since then, its felt like I’ve been rewriting everything I thought I knew.” Sophie lifts her eyes to the crowd, not avoiding anyone, but not trying to dominate either. “I came to this university thinking I was human. Normal. Nothing special. Found out real quick that this place is special. And normal, has an entirely new definition.

She folds her arms – not defensive, but deliberate. “And I’ve seen what happens next. Who gets taken seriously. Who gets heard. Who gets remembered. Its not usually the ones still figuring themselves out. Its the ones with names already printed on the class rosters before they were born.” She shifts her weight, one foot forward like she might move again, but stays grounded. “I’m not one of them. No bloodline advantage. No legacy seats. No flyers all over town. I’m not offering you a polished promise. I’m offering you someone who listens, who sees what this place is beneath the glamour, and who isn’t going to vanish the second the votes are counted. Real representation isn’t just about whose the loudest voice or the oldest name. I want protections for students who get overlooked. Space for the ones who don’t know where they fit yet. And I want leadership that doesn’t talk down to you – but stands next to you.”

She lifts her chin, just slightly. “And if someone more favored gets elected as President, I just want to sit at the table where I can make sure that other voices like mine get heard.”

Kai lifts his hands again, “And again, your family comes to fight your battles for you. What leadership! What responsibility this man holds up his shoulders!” he ejaculates to the heavens, his grin only widening, though he quiets for Sophie, turning hazel eyes to listen to the woman.

She lifts her chin, just slightly. “And if someone more favored gets elected as President, I just want to sit at the table where I can make sure that other voices like mine get heard.” — fix hopeully the wall of text?

Meandering in from the rest of the campus, Buck gives a tip of his hat as he says, “Sorry, folks. A little late, but I’m here to assist as Staff with these elections.”

“..Kai has been increasingly slanderous and over the top,” August relays to Buck. “I don’t know whether to take his accusations at face value, but it is beginning to be very distruptive.”

Kai lifts his hands above his head, “Another candidate whose grades are /not/ bought and paid for by her family. I, for one, would be glad to lose to Miss Callum,” he says and claps for Sophie, “Wonderful speech, Miss Callum!”

Sophie gives Kai a wink and takes her seat.

After having been quiet, and… mostly observant, for the longest time, Shay actually does join in the applause for Sophie, for what it’s worth.

“.. ehm.. wow, what a surprise. Sophie’s running for president, too,” Hester throatily points out the obvious, giving Sophie a perturbed smile and a careful clap. “Was there uh.. anyone -else- running for President, or can we move on?”

“No one is paying for my grades.” August’s eyes narrow further on Kai, before he offers only a disappointed shake of his head.

“Mr. Ashford, if we are to have governance of these academic halls, we should have some level of order. I will note to the student body that The Student Body President still must work with others, and bickering is probably bad form for the position.” Buck notes.

Camille shrinks back into the couch at the question of whether anyone else might be running for president, making herself a bit smaller.

Zaiya straightens up in her seat, peering over at Kai as he goes about yelling. “Why don’t you tell us about whatever great things you have done, hmm? You are real quick to pick out other people’s flaws.”

“Technically, I said that OR anything else.” Sophie says, “I just want a seat and a voice. I want to be included.”

“Paying, threatening, whatever the case may be, my good man,” Kai tells August with an airy wave of dismissal at the man, “It all amounts to the same,” he clasps his hands together and shoots a little look Derek’s way.

“.. okay, well, this was -supposed- to be just introductions, so ehm, who is running for whatever else? Please just.. introduce yourselves,” Hester raises a quavery voice through the exchange in the union room.

“Let’s carry on, it’s very late.” August tells Hester from where he sits.

Meridith says “When it comes to Kai, if you take yourself too seriously, he makes you the joke.“

Kai clears his throat and turns his gaze to Buck, “Mister Ransom, you’re quite close with Miss Kane. Has she not mentioned to you that August’s Uncle called her, demanding her grades be changed?” he lifts his brows, “Perhaps you can disprove my claims?” he calls out, a glance given to Zaiya, a little grin on his lips, though he doesn’t answer her.

“Excuse me! Demanding /his/ grades must be changed!” Kai corrects himself.

Sophie blushes, “Well, I didn’t know that. I was late and just…following August’s lead. Sorry Hester.”

August says “I don’t have an uncle.“

August pauses, to correct himself. “I do, but neither Lawrence nor Nathan would care enough to be involved in this.”

“I believe Miss Jenny Fields is running for Mascot. The Blue Owl have someone who embodies the passion for the Academic Institution of Windermere, and I will be assisting with providing the Mascot Costune.” Buck says as he raises his eyebrow to Kai, “There is no record of grades being changed in this Institution at anyone’s behest, and you should be more careful with your accusations against the staff, Mr. Ashford.”

“My apologies. Let me be very clear. The individual -I- am talking about is Mars Pierce,” Kai he acknowledges his error with a nod to August and lifts his finger to Buck, “Mister Ransom. I don’t claim staff /has/ changed the grades. Only that Miss Kane was, in fact, pressured to change Mr. Pierce. Do you deny this?”

Jenny raises her hand “Jenny Fields for Mascot. That is all.”

“Wholeheartedly. Miss Kane is an administrator and a colleague above reproach in manners of academic honesty. There are those outside these hallowed walls that may believe they have some level of influence over the staff, but we take the matter of your academic achievements and fostering an environment of learning very seriously.” Buck states.

props himself up from his seat at a couch, casually walking circumspect towards the front to turn towards the assembled crowd. “My name…” He lifts his voice in an attention-grabbing manner, “…is Derek Fairchild, and as luck would have it,” a wry smirk and a momentary pause following between, “I’m running to be your next Treasurer. As an attendant of multiple prep schools in addition to being perhaps the only candidate that actually majors in Finance, I intend to use my position to direct funding towards the things that mean the most to us.”

Derek gestures an open hand. “I’ve heard multiple complaints, for one, that the dorms are getting much too warm in these balmy summer months. Wouldn’t central air be nice? I’d be more than happy to arrange that – and, while we’re at it, why wouldn’t some active management of bond futures be a welcome way of funding our latest, greatest parties?” He clasps his hands together. “Vote for me as Treasurer, and, well, independent of whoever charts us through these tumultuous waters…” He gives a little open-handed gesture. “At least we’ll be well funded through it.” With that, he gives a little bow and then re-assumes his seat.

Derek would, rather.

Kai rolls his eyes at Buck’s response and shakes his head, he looks from the man to Derek, “Woo! Big D!” he applauds for the man and nods in agreement, “Derek for Treasurer! Jenny for Mascot!” he voices his support for both.

August remains silent through the back and forth between Kai and Buck, only gives a simple clap on Derek’s presentation and introduction from where he’s sat before his hands lay back over his knees.

“Thanks, Jenny,” Hester casts a weak smile to Jenny, as if in rare solace of the simple pronouncement. A tight-lipped smile stretches stupid wide when Derek starts talking, but she doesn’t dare look directly at him. Whatever words of thanks for his input, she just garbles while Buck and Kai trade words. “.. and uhm.. anyone running for other positions?”

Vesper stands and raises her hands, her knife held behind her back, “Vesper Volkov for secretary, Vote wisely.”

Kai gives another round of applaud for Vesper, “Miss Volkov for Secretary!” he echoes, a shit-eating grin back on his face.

August says “A mockery.“

His eyes narrow slightly at Vesper and the knife she has, as Buck mentions, “Miss Volkov, if you would please put the weapon away during any non-combative classes, we would be appreciative.”

“Already unable to work with another member of the Council,” Kai shakes his head in mock sorrow at August’s words.

August says “I was talking about you.“

Shay lifts his chin up to stare at Vesper, one eyebrow raised. He takes a quick look around the place, before his attention drifts across to where Hester is, almost deadpan with how his eyes are obscured. But he looks expectant somehow.

“So was I, my good man,” Kai responds to August and folds his arms behind his back, puffin ghis chest out as he grins.

Nemi raises an eyebrow and sighs softly, looking over as she smiles at Jenny and Meridith.

Meridith waves happily to Nemi

“Thanks, Vesper. Sorry, we’re running overtime, everyone, ’cause we also kinda started late,” Hester coughs, with a glance at the time. She teeters to and back where she stands, a heavy weight on her front and seemingly on her back. “.. ehm.” One final chance to think it over. “I’m running for Vice President. In case whoever wins.. does end up forfeiting, dying, or slacking off at any point.” Weary eyes go to August and Kai. “Whoever it is.” A pause. “Anyway, was there more you wanted to say about your platforms, Kai, August, Sophie?”

Zaiya looks this way and that, her eyes bouncing like watching a tennis match as she tries to follow all the people speaking.

Derek presents a slight smile to August in the wake of his compliment, giving a dip of his chin. “Thank you, Mister Pierce.” He gives a dip of his chin to Kai after his support as well, that same smile presented.

Sophie grin at Hester, “I guess, if I don’t get picked for President as August is so damn pretty, I’d like to throw my hat in for Secretary as well.”

Hester specifies, “Like ehm, what you’d do for the school, what sorts of events you’d hold, so on..”

Hester more quietly mumbles, “.. unless that was everything already..”

August sets an elbow down on the armrest of his seat and cradles his face in the heel of his palm while watching Hester. “I’ve said all I wished to say in confidence, but I would add that my presidency would benefit Windermere more, as I have both the means and the connections to be true to my words. Mentorship and scholarships applications that can be arranged from all walks of life in our graduate alma maters, and cross-department works arranged between students aside,” August pauses, adds with a faint smile. “I also have the backing of several prominent establishments around town. If people want to climb the social ladder, then there is no other option. I offer parties with Montroses, private nights at Den of Wonders, all you can eat tacos at Obie’s, and so much more that it’s an unhealthy commitment on my part — but I love my peers just that much.”

“Naturally, with a treasurer as apt and able as Derek at my side,” August glances at Derek, and that worn smile grows a tad larger, beneath his eyes. “The sky’s the limit on the mischief we could cook up to have fun in Windermere and beyond.”

Sophie leans forward slightly, eyes narrowing with a hint of steel. “Connections and parties are fine, Auggie, but what about the students who don’t give a shit about the Montroses or can’t get past the velvet ropes? What’s wrong with a block party, movie night or games night? Because, honestly, networking isn’t hard. Fuck climbing a pre-made ladder, Windermere can build a new one everyone can use, not just the well-connected. But you and your boyfriend are damn cute, so maybe you two deserve to be side by side.”

An eyebrow raises under Buck’s hat as he tips it back slightly to take the shade out of his eyes. “Miss Callum, is that your official platform for your Student Body Presidency?”

“Empty words from a hollow man,” Kai declares once August has spoken, “He looks down at most of us as poor people. He looks down at some as /dogs/,” he looks pointedly to Jenny at this, “His parties will exclude. His connections will be reserved for people who don’t need them, his scholarships for people with full pockets,” Kai shakes his head, “I have no great connections. I can’t bribe you with fictional scholarships or connections. But I will treat you as a fellow student. Someone worthy of RESPECT. You won’t need to have a certain number of zeroes in your account, a certain lineage in your blood, for me to represent you too /all/ of our teachers, for /all/ of our interests,” he inhales and then blows out a long breath, “Additionally! To foster community harmony, we will be having non-mandatory, weekly parties, where ALL will be invited. The vibes will be good. The liquor will be flowing and the drugs will be PURE!” he bellows, a shit-eating grin still on his face.

“And to remind me of all that, naturally a secretary like you would help me to ground me, no?” August asks Sophie, “This isn’t a one-man endeavor, it’s a team-work, for the students, by the students. Of course I’d need capable people to help track along other means of only school inclusive events for our students. That I am ready to rely on others show my desire for cooperation, let’s not squander it. I offer leadership, and I offer it the best.”

Zaiya peers at Kai. “Are you honestly telling the whole school that you are going to give everyone drugs?”

“Absolutely!” Kai responds to Zaiya, “Any who /want/ them of course. No pressure!”

Zaiya looks at the others at the couches, “Isn’t that illegal?”

Kai lets out a laugh at Zaiya’s question, “Not at all!” he assures her, “And while the parties are off-campus, it’s also not against any rules that the school can enforce!”

“I will remind the students to follow all local laws on campus and in the city. As a member of Campus Security, I may be required to confiscate any illegal drugs that we find on campus and issue out appropriate punishments.” Buck says with a long, tired sigh. “Mr. Ashford, may I remind you of your ongoing and growing disciplinary record with this Campus?”

Jenny pops something into her mouth looking over to Zaiya, drinking some coffee to wash it down “Really depends on what the police feel like enforcing. Which is mostly pulic nudity.”

Camille looks to Zaiya with a frown “Drugs are illegal? On campus? I thought the police do not come here?”

“Whatever it is, it is uncouth.” August drawls lazily, glances aside at his fingers to curl his tumb in towards his index to scrape off a little paint. “I’m here to help every student – and besides, who do you trust with drugs? Some tidbit fratboy, or a medstudent with actual lab access?”

Shay raises a hand up to Hester, from where he’s seated. “I think the discussion and introductions have gone on long enough. Maybe we can start proceeding, Hester. It’s okay.”

“He said the quiet part out loud.” Derek stage-whispers after Kai with a side-eye, before he looks over to Sophie, flushing slightly at her prior words before he snickers to himself.

Zaiya holds up both her hands, palms towards the ceilings in a shrug. “Are drugs not illegal in this country? I am new here, but where I am from they certainly are.”

“A med student, I may add, who FALSELY CLAIMED to be a medical doctor, a dermotologist in fact, to /treat/ a fellow student,” Kai indicates Hester, “Without licensing, nor permission to treat. He claimed she would /die/ because he wanted her blood for her own. Can you trust a man like that?”

Hester presses a thumb into the spot above one eye, like it ached. After August, Sophie, and Kai speak their turns, she affords her own uninvitedly, despite not running for the ‘same’ lane in the race, “.. okay, this is getting crazy. I just want to build equipment all over campus for student use to help us with studies, experiments, and exercise, and ehm.. bring back extracurricular clubs and orgs such as the Windermere Coven… and student trials, judge, jury and all. That’s all.”

Dread in her grit teeth, she asks, “If we have no more questions, we can start voting.”

“Do you deny this?!” Kai reels on August and points at the man overdramatically, grinning all the while.

“Thank you,” Shay adds, again nodding his approval towards Hester. “Not everyone has the time for all this chaotic bickering. This is getting too much. We need more Staff around to enforce this, maybe.”

Sophie straightens, a faint smile playing at the corner of her mouth as she gives Buck a nod, “It’s not just a platform = it’s a promise. Real events, real connections, and real change. But, as August said, even if he gets in – I think we’d make a great team as I prattle on about every student needing to have a place they belong.”

“Very well, we call for a vote. Shall we go Mascot, Vice President, President, and then Secretary in order of importance?” Buck notes as he takes out a small notebook and looks to Hester.

“Let’s finalize this before he starts getting out of hand any more than he is.” August tells Hester, while reaching into his pocket to pull out his wallet. Something is displayed for Kai, and agast, it is actually a medical license! It’s flipped right back into his pocket without any flair.

Kai narrows his eyes at August, “What a neat trick. It means NOTHING,” and he pulls out his own medical license, flashing the crowd with it, “A forgery! But I do not use MINE to lie to fellow students!”

August says “Please calm down.“

“The campus store isn’t selling any paper so..” Hester starts to say, a silent thank you in her eyes for Buck. “Raise of hands. Everyone in favor of Jenny for mascot?” Her pudgy arm raises sky-high.

August raises his hand.

Jenny raises her hand

Meridith raises her hand.

Zaiya raises her hand as well.

Buck catches the key parts of the license as he gives a shrug to Kai, “Looks legit to me. Until I can verify it with the Medical Board, Dr. Ashford and Dr. Pierce seem to be legit.”

“I mean, no other competition, so.” Shay lifts his hand up as well.

Kai raises his hand for Jenny.

Derek squints over to Buck. “You, ah, forgot…” he begins, before he wrinkles his nose, rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, turning his attention back forward as the procession continues, looking between August and Kai. “Where is the decorum?” He lifts a hand gingerly in favor of Jenny, then.

“Oh, right.. Well, I guess you’re an owl now, Jenny,” Hester muses after hearing Shay say such. “And Derek Fairchild is Treasurer. Both positions no competition.”

Eloa says “Which house is gym“

Matias says “Southwest building.“

“Did we have any others for Vice President?” Buck asks of Hester.

“Hoot. HOOOT!” Jenny practically yells in the middle of the crowded room as the vote passes

Hester lamely shrugs at Buck, displaying her excellent planning and political skills. “Is anyone ehm, running for VP?” she asks those gathered.

Matias walks in and makes his way past some of the couches looking athte large gathering of students.

“Hoot hoot indeed, Miss Fields. I’ll be in contact about the Mascot Costume design and implementatiuon.” Buck notes.

“It was to be expected.” Derek states with hands raised innocently after Hester’s announcement of his uncontested victory with a wry smile.

Cadalie moseys in on the heels of Eloa, Matias and Jasper, thought apparently in a retinue of her own as she lands herself by Meridith.

Slipping in around the back, Eloa just stands behind the leather couches as if hiding. She also seems to realize she’s wearing swim wear, so she pulls the dress that doesn’t quite fit in her bag and shoves it on.

“Traditionally,” August starts, then adds towards Hester, “We should decide on the president first, so those that aren’t picked still have a slot to be able to compete for vice presidency or secretary.”

“Yes, let’s do president first so we know if Sophie is a valid pick for Secretary as well.” Buck notes.

“.. Oh. Then, all hands in favour of August Pierce for Student President?” Hester asks those gathered here, squinting at faces to make sure she’s not counting nonstudent votes. But, her hand does raise already, the ginger somewhat green in the face.

“Seems like the results for almost all the positions got announced,” Jasper says, following Eloa and Matias and turning to rest his back against a wall.

Zaiya raises her hand quickly.

August raises his hand, for himself, classy.

“Eloa or Jasper, as Juniors were you going to run for any of the offices of Mascot, Treasurer, Vice President, President, or Secretary?” Buck asks.

Derek gives an idle glance about. “For the purpose of ensuring a smooth transition into the following Student Administration, I abstain.” he voices gently.

“Looks like it. Is there anyone else competing for president?” Eloa wonders of Jasper although her voice is slightly loud as Buck addresses them, “Um… Eloa was consider president but seem like.. alot of work you know?” She tells Buck with a turn of her head and a small knit of her brow. “Oh kai is running?”

Kai clasps his hands before himself as he gazes out over the crowd, he nods to Eloa in answer to her question.

“Kai, Sophie, and August are running for president.” Buck notes.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, Eloa turns to press her head together with Jasper as she waves a little at Kai.

Shay glances about the room, but does keep both of his hands lowered still, eyeing ahead towards Hester again.

“I’m pretty sure I am not commited for any position for now,” Jasper admits to Buck. “Plus I seem to be already occupied with some things…”

“That is currently 2 votes for August Pierce. Anyone else?” Buck asks.

Hester waits to see or hear from everybody else, pushing her glasses up her nose.

Zaiya lowers her hand slowly when she turns out to be the only one besides August voting for him. She looks mighty confused.

“It’s three votes for August, Mister Ransom,” Kai gently corrects the man.

Eloa smiles and gives Zaiya a wave from across the room as she whispers with Jasper.

“Aah, yes. Hester voted for him as well.” Buck notes.

Hester says “I can’t tell if people are asleep or just abstaining…“

Jenny raises hand

Meridith giggles

“Jenny makes four.” Buck adds.

Eloa nods at little at Jasper after their whispering.

“True,” Kai nods to Meridith and Cadalie in agreement.

August’s hand lowers to set over his knee, while he remains dutifully quiet, and watches Hester still, though his jaw is tenser, all things considered. “I don’t think there will be a fifth vote.”

“Shall we move to the next candidate?” Buck asks to Hester.

Hester flares her nostrils to stave off another round of nausea, “.. sure. All those in favour of Kai for Student President?” Incessant picking of her fingernails ensues over her belly.

Kai turns his hazel-eyed gaze to Hester and tilts his head a biit.

Camille frowns, then, pries a small ornamental gem from her ceremonial knife and slips it into her palm.

Camille seems indecisive, but then flicks the small gem at Kai, aiming for the forehead. “One from Camille.” she declares forthrightedly.

Matias makes his way to behind the leather couch Camille is on and leans forward, his hand briefly tapping her shoulder so he does not spook her.

Turning to glance over at Kai, Eloa smiles a little and shakes her head but lifts up her hand. “Kai tries to get events and things running and people involved in uni stuff.”

Kai turns toward the gathered crowd, he looks about the gathered faces, his own neutral. The gem bounces off of his forehead and he blinks, then grins at Camille and also to Eloa, he gives a grateful bow of his head to both.

Jasper raises his hand as well. “True.”

“So far two votes for Kai, are there any others?” Buck asks.

Cadalie laughs at Jenny’s question with a barb of something caught in her throat. “-I dunno, ma’am. In my recent experience, forgettin’ names seems par for the course.”

Kai looks to Eloa thoughtfully and nods, “I guess so!” he lifts his hand to vote for himself as well.

“There were three for Kai, Mister Ransom,” Hester corrects Buck wanly. “That brings them to a tie.”

Eloa says “Is not four with Kai himself?“

August says “I have four votes.“

“Jasper, Camille, Eloa, Kai. Yes, that’s four.” Buck notes.

After taking another look around the gathered crowd within the hall, Shay’s lurching posture sinks back into his seat, hands kept to his lap.

“It’s now four to four,” Kai nods in agreement.

Matias gives Camille a skeptical look but straightens up with a slow nod, tucking his hands into his pockets while shifting his attention back to the ongoing voting.

“Now if there’s any votes for Sophie, raise your hand.” Buck notes.

Derek says “How droll.“

Camille smiles over to August “Oh, that’s exciting! You are the most important one of us all.” she enthuses.

“Ehm, it’s just Vesper, Nemi, Sophie, and Shay’s vote now,” Hester sniffs, but she doesn’t argue when Buck takes the floor to move things along.

Shay lifts his hand up finally when Sophie’s name is called, offering his vote.

Eloa starts to move around, leaning her head down to whisper in a few ears.

“No, not at all.” August offers aside to Camille, with a faint sort of smile, and shakes his head. “But thank you, even if I’m not sure what you meant.”

“.. oh my goodness, Eloa, I’ve literally never seen it happen, okay?!” Hester nearly shrieks out of nowhere after watching Eloa whisper to her seatmates.

Eloa lifts her head up from whispering to look at someone, her face confused, “What.. are you talking about?”

Eloa lifts her head up from whispering to look at Nemi, her face confused, “What.. are you talking about?”

Eloa lifts her head up from whispering with Nemi to look at Hester, her face confused, “What.. are you talking about?”

Zaiya leans forward a little on the couches, planting her chin in her palms and looking between August and Kai.

August drums his fingers on the back of his other hand.

“Generally one should vote for themselves as a show of confident, hm?” Matias mentions from behind the couches one of which Sophie is sinking into.

“I don’t see any other hands but me. Are we sure the rest that haven’t voted are voting for Sophie, or someone else?” Shay calls, his gaze taken around him again to assess those who haven’t voted.

Sophie glances at Matias, “Voting for yourself is a dick move.”

“I will break a tie if I must.” Derek muses idly.

August says “There is no one else to vote for, I say we tally their votes to Sophie – and bring everyone involved to an even four votes each – and Derek can break the tie.“

Meridith says “Huhn? Every election has the candidate vote for themselves?“

“Nemi, Vesper, Sophie, and Derek have not voted, and Shay voted for Sophie.” Buck notes.

Sophie says “Why is it even possible to vote..for yourself. You stood up for yourself.“

Matias says “Because no one thought to define rules before vote.“

Hester stares teary-eyed at the last people in the room who haven’t voted yet. “If they don’t vote in the next minute, -please- break the stupid tie, Derek!” she throws her papers into the air. “And shut up, Eloa!!”

Sophie rolls her eyes and raises her hand, “Fine. I vote for me.”

Sophie laughs.

Nodding to August, Buck says “In a three way tie, by default, Sophie gets 4 votes, Kai gets 4 votes, August gets 4 votes. Derek who are you voting for with the tie breaker?”

Matias looks at Eloa and then leans down to whisper something to Sophie, his eyes on Hester the whole time.

Frowning at Hester, Eloa looks at the woman as if she’s gone a bit crazy, “Are you okay Hester?” She asks with a frown, looking up from the couch where she’s leaning over next to Nemi and Vesper.

August’s attention turns, slowly, inch by inch. It’s his eyes first, that flit onto Derek, then his head that turns to watch the Fairchild while he remains entirely prim in his seat, legs cross, sunken in his chair, and hands laced together above his lap. “Please choose the president you know you’ll work well with.”

Zaiya looks over at Derek now seeing as he is going to be the one to break the tie.

“All comes down to this, huh,” Shay’s hand finally lowers, an expectant gaze turning to look at Derek.

Derek squints, exhaling. “I really was hoping it wouldn’t come to this. Well, alright.” He muses, before dryly adding as an aside, “Perhaps ranked choice would be a better idea next time.” He gestures to August. “I am convinced, generally speaking, that August, given his greater track record of being… Well, organized, would be better suited to organize the broader Council. As such, I cast my vote for August, with no further biases attached to said decision.” He declares this evenly, before seating himself with a netural expression, crossing his arms.

Kai nods a bit, as if expecting this from Derek, he grins and approaches August, “Congratulations on your victory, my good man,” and he offers his hand out to the man to shake, “The better man clearly won!”

Sophie gives a happy bit of applaus for August, “Brava.”

“Then it is settled, August Pierce is the new student body president. For Vice President we have Hester Flanagan, and any other candidates?” Buck asks.

“Yay! Congratulations!” Zaiya cheers, clapping happily and also with some relief once Derek casts his voice.

“I throw my hat in as well,” Kai claims to Buck.

“It seems like those cool gemstones are getting popular,” Jasper speaks to Eloa while he slowly claps his hands.

“Thank you,” August tells Derek, in a mote of genuine relief, apparently, before his head tilts in his seat to look up at Kai. The offered hand is given a look, but only for a few seconds before Kai takes his hand, and gives a simple, but firm shake to Kai’s hand. “Thank you, but it had nothing to do with being better. Your slander campaign was very well done, there might be a politican in you yet.”

Applauding briefly for August, Shay doesn’t waste any more time lingering within the hall, standing to start making his leave like he’s in a hurry or something.

“All in favor of Hester Flanagan as Vice President raise your hands.” Buck notes.

Hester lets out a big exhale, hugging herself tightly. “Thank you, Derek,” mumbles the ginger, giving a squint when Kai decides to run for the spot. “…. who else is– oh.”

Zaiya lifts her hand up again.

Camille blinks “Oh, raising hands? I missed that. Thank goodness, I’m out of rocks!” She declares, raising her hand.

Shay stops midway, to raise his hand. “Oh, I thought it’s settled. No other competition, no?”

“Yeah seems like it,” Eloa agrees with Jasper, she doesn’t seem like she has much of a stake in it, just seeming relieved that someone is going to be organizing events. At Buck’s words, Eloa raises her hand.

“Are you not going to run for vice presidency?” August asks for Kai with a tip of his brow.

Hester just points to Kai who did mention he was running.

Jasper nods to Eloa as he raises his hand.

Kai gives a shake to August and grins at the man before he steps back and away, when he turns away from August and his gaze settles on Hester, however, his grin falls away, his features gone cold, completely stoic, his eyes catching the light as they fix upon Hester as a cat might gaze upon a particularly rotund mouse.

Shay/span>/span“We have Shay, Zaiya, Eloa, Camille, Jasper. If Hester votes for herself that will make 6 and a 7th vote will be a majority.” Buck notes.

“.. I thought voting for yourself was already a given, sir,” Hester distractedly mutters to Buck, her own watery eyes locked on Kai’s – jaw tight as she swallows hard.

“I do plan to run against Hester, if there’s any confusion,” Kai speaks to the gathered students, “As I said a second ago. But if all of you prefer to vote for her, who am I to get in your way?” he asks, his chipper grin returning as he gazes out at the crowd.

“…Was Kai running for VP?” Derek mumbles, before he tilts his head, a glint of curiosity in his eyes as his gaze tracks from August to move between Kai and Hester with mute interest.

“Don’t keep your vote this time,” August tells Derek while raising his hand in favor of Hester as well, “My vote comes on the condition that more effort be placed on the student council endeavors henceforth, but we can make the best of anything as a group.”

Buck nods to Hester, “That is why I’m already counting it, so is there anyone who wishes to vote for Hester?” he nods to Derek, “Yes, Kai is in the running but if Hester has 7 votes then it is a foregone conclusion.”

Sophie raises her hand for Hester.

“I’ll vote for Hester.” Derek decides softly with a shrug, lifting a hand thereafter.

“That is 8 votes for Hester. Be default everyone else, the 4 votes, goes to Kai. Hester is your new Vice President.” Buck notes as he motions to the students. “Now for Secretary we have Vesper Volkov and Sophie Callum. Who all is voting for Miss Sophie Callum?”

Shay keeps his hand raised when the new vote is called.

August simply raises his hand.

Hester pokes her tongue into her cheek, breaking her stare to look to Sophie with a lift of her hand.

Kai begins to applaud when it seems the vote will be unanimous for Hester, he continues to grin to Hester, “Congratulations!” he tells her brightly, though he turns his gaze to Sophie and Vesper, his hand stays down in front of himself.

Zaiya raises her hand for Sophie.

Derek lifts his left hand for Sophie nonchalantly, lifting his right hand to his lip and clearing his throat.

Sophie sighs and raises her hand, giving into this whole voting for yourself thing.

“Shay, August, Hester, Zaiya, Derek, and Sophie votes for herself. That makes 6 votes. One more vote will reach a quorum. Do we have any other votes or are they all going to Vesper?” Buck asks.

Kai checks his phone and turns to head for the exit, giving the event the ole Irish Goodbye.

“That is 6 votes for Sophie Callum. A raise of hands in a vote for Miss Vesper Volkov?” Buck asks.

Hester balls her hand into a fist when she hears it from Kai, her eyes squeezing shut.

“Kai also left without voting, meaning that at best Miss Vesper Volkov can obtain 5 votes.” Buck notes.

“.. is everyone else just asleep?” Hester croaks.

“Any votes for Miss Vesper Volkov?” Buck asks as he looks around the room, clearing seeing that attention is waning.

Sending a few texts, Eloa shrugs a little at Buck’s words and lifts a hand, “He already say she can’t get enough votes to win so what is point?” She asks softly.

“It’s five against six, no?” Shay glances between Buck and Hester.

Raising his hand, Jasper says, “I vote for Vesper.”

“Oh, with Jasper and Eloa here, the numbers may have changed. We have one vote for Vesper.” Buck notes.

Eloa also has her hand up. But she goes back to texting again soon.

“If we do not have an active vote from someone and we do not reach a majority, then the give votes will win. That’s three votes for Vesper with Eloa and Jasper.” Buck notes.

Jenny raises hand tiredly.

“Currently the votes are 5 for Sophie and 3 for Vesper Volkov. Any other votes? You have a few minutes before we close voting.” Buck notes.

“Currently the votes are 5 for Sophie and 3 for Vesper Volkov. Any other votes? You have a few minutes before we close voting.” Buck notes. “Four for Vesper Volkov, yes, Jenny?”

Jenny says “Yeah. “

Eloa lifts an eyebrow as one of two candidates just… walks out and leans over towards Jenny, trying to steal a piece of cookie but only then realizing that maybe it’s not… as innocent of a cookie she thinks it is and retrieves her hand.

“…Is it not 6 for Sophie? You yourself mentioned… Shay, August, Hester, Zaiya, myself, and then herself.” Derek mumbles after Buck.

Nemi is still awake as she listens and rubs her chin softly to draw her own attention back fully.

“If you are waiting to vote, you can announce your vote for either candidate. “Yes, it’s 6 to 4 Sophie.” Buck notes.

Shay nods his agreement with Derek.

“Any last minute votes, or we will close it with Sophie Callum winning Secretary.” Buck says.

“Who’s left to vote?” August queries, with a glance around, “The votes would tally six to five regardless if everyone voted – and I would push to give the spot to Sophie, but she’s left..” August glances down at his phone, texts while waiting.

“Candidates do not need to be present to receive votes, proceed.” Matias calls back from the couches.

Buck nods, “It’s late enough, if folks do not believe the election was held fairly, they can call for a recall election.”

Shay says “It’s quite late, yeah.“

“Considering she’s winning, I’d say the matter is something else.” August adds, but otherwise, shakes his head. “I think we can conclude the votes for the position of secretary, so let’s finalize the meeting and go home.”

Hester rubs at a sore spot on her chest, wincing as she looks away from her phone. “Alright. Y-your new Student Union Government is August Pierce as President, Hester Flanagan as Vice President, Derek Fairchild as Treasurer, Sophie Callum as Secretary, and Jenny Fields as Mascot,” she announces the concluding results of the late, late night election.

Shay claps his applause for the announcement being presented, but it’s clear that he doesn’t wish to remain in the hall any longer, quickly rising up to a stand again.

“As I mentioned before, Jenny, I will tag up with you this next week on designs for your mascot costume and we’ll get it made for you.” Buck says.

“Well done, everyone!” Zaiya chirps happily, clapping away and quite enthusiastic about this event.

Matias politely claps for the winning members of student government and looks towards Buck before adding, “Student council the faculty will confer and select someone from our number to be a point person. Over the next week, I advise you meet sooner rather than later. Group texts people, group texts.”

“Should we get picture of new president next to the vice president for the school website?” Eloa asks Buck curiously as she sits on the couch with a little of sand on the leather next to her.

Hester doesn’t bother with much longer, trudging past the couches and toward the closest garbage bin to blow some chunks.

Cadalie has gotten her indication to clap from Matias, and jumps on the bandwagon eagerly with the pounding of palms.

Kai wanders over to August to ask him, “Uhh… so… do you plan to vote to expel me or anything like that?” he wonders.

“Thank you everyone for casting your votes on behalf of the school,” August stands up, lays a hand over his chest to give a half-bow to those gathered, “As the student council, we will endeavor to do our best. Be on the lookout for a successful candidacy party soon, as well as other events that we’ll organize. If you need any help in any capacity from your student staff members, reach out to any of us, and we will be both understanding as well as considerate. Have a good evening.”