Test Drive Unlimited (David)

[Akira Nakajima]

School days were interesting days. This was a fact that would never change, no matter how uneventful the day itself might have been. Then again, silence was often a good thing, anyway. It allowed him to focus. See, it was easy coming into a position at a neutral zero, then building your way up. Cake walk to already start in the positives. These were the cases he was used to back in Japan. A good student council maintained everything appropriately, but the one her at Mosaic's high school, before he came along, was an utter shitshow.

Starting at zero was easy enough. Starting at negative-fifty was a pain in the ass. Despite having been there for a couple of months already, he was only just barely hitting the fields he had wanted to get on. The piles of filth left by the jerkass predecessor of his would still take some time, especially by himself. That was why he worked, even through lunch, without fail. See, the youth was a pervert, but he took his responsibilities very seriously. Chopsticks lifted cabbage to his lips. He mechanically fed himself from a small homemade lunch while he scanned documents and signed them when needed. To his immediate left was his lunchbox, which was constantly invaded by chopsticks. Further left were piles of documents already signed and organized. Directly in front of him was a document being looked over. Just past it, there were two stacks, one with signed papers, others to be rejected. Finally, over to the right, there was another stack of papers that still needed to be gotten to.

Considering that a single person was tackling that full load, it was impressive that he was making the progress that he was.

Now, Akira did have some plans for the day, even if he doubted whether or not they would slow him down. Applications to join the council were not too common, but they were not so rare to really call them uncommon. They were in the sort-of limbo just in between the two classifications. Anyway, the majority were rejected. Not that many had what he was looking for in potential members, and he wanted a fully capable team to help him steer the school back on the right path. If it were a neutral, or even positive, situation he was working with, he would have been more lenient with the applications, but he had no time to train people. He needed those capable of hitting the ground running.

That was why, when he received the few from the faculty office, he was particularly pleased to find an applicant with decent enough skills and motivation. While he was not just going to plant him into a position, he could perform a test run with the individual. The applicant? A David Moore. Utilizing teacher's notes to get a grasp on the individual before meeting with him, he determined that the male would either be a good member or a dangerous time bomb. Could've gone either way, and he needed time of direct observation to make a conclusion.

Munch-munch. Munch-munch! Of course, he sent word to be passed from the faculty to invite the young man to meet him at the Student Council Office. The times? Lunch, or after school. It was currently lunch, and on the first day of his message being sent. That was, in itself, a test. The boy had one week to meet with him. If he took longer than seven days, then it was unlikely it would be advantageous to add him. The sooner he came, the better his score would be.

Munch-munch. Munch-munch. Munch!

. . . that was some nice cabbage.

[David Moore]

Dave slid a finger under the cuff of his dress shirt. He had worn his work clothes to school today because he planned to head straight to the restaurant after the final bell rang. The thing was uncomfortable but manageable. If he had known he would be summoned for the student council today, he would have tried to wear something more casual. The butler-esque getup was sure to cost him some points. Then again, it might gain him some points. Maybe they would think he was extra classy, or something. But then I'd have to wear it everyday. He sighed as he approached the student council office.

Apparently, the last student council had been complete shit at their jobs. At least, that's what he had heard. They were definitely uninvolved because Dave couldn't really remember the last proper school event they'd helped organized. He had forgotten there even was a student Council at once point. Then this Akira person had come and caused a ruckus by cleaning out the entire council. One of the people he hung out with between classes was one of them and had been complaining about it. I was hoping something bad would happen to him anyways. He came up to the office door.

Might be a complete hardass, but so is my boss. There wasn't much choice but to go inside though. He put his hand on the knob and opened to door, stepping inside while doing so. The first thing he noticed was the smell of food and his stomach growled in response. He wouldn't be eating for another couple of hours. He took a second to asses the new Student Council President. Long hair, maybe a bit effeminate looking. He might stand out in a crowd if he tried, but he didn't seem too unnatural. His own restaurant uniform made him look by far more unpredictable.

He adopted a small smile and gave a slight bow. "I'm David Moore, I was applying for a position on the Student Council and I heard you needed to see me so I came as soon as possible." He attempted to make eye contact with Akira. Eye contact was good, it meant you had nothing to hid or something like that. This interview would be a do or die moment. He had wanted to join to student council as something extra to put on his resume and to give him something else to do besides going to work. He had already figured out the gist of what each major position was responsible for. He knew that when it came to outright idea generating he was less than stellar, but organization was his strong point. Years of RPGs and strategy games had given him the skill set of finding the strengths and weaknesses of those he worked with and assisting in maximizing their efficiency. Making sure everything was doing what it was supposed to was a necessity in his life already, so why not put it to some practical and beneficial use?

[Akira Nakajima]

Something touched the doorknob. Akira's movements were fluid. Chopsticks slapped together before being placed on a napkin. Hands met together at his seat. His gaze, gentle as it may have been, was analytic. He smiled, but it was a businessman's smile. A leader needed to wear a mask. His feelings as an individual were to be separate of those as the Student Council President. Though he had his own desk, it wasn't extravagant. No, he re-appropriated the overpriced crap the previous council had used. There were tables and other desks, but they were spotless- a sign of the roles' vacancies.

The youth that stepped in had a unique sense of style. A butler outfit, to be precise. Had it not been for the fact that the records mentioned him having a job, he would have wondered if Mister Moore was into Master-Servant play. Actually, he could still wonder that. It was stylish, though. He would give the potential member that much. Akira wore the school uniform, of course. While he was not one to worry too much about the disciplinary committee, he did know that leading the masses started by example. His hair was tied back, just slightly. If left free, it could get in the way of his vision. That, and maybe the few here and there that saw him in drag might draw together some odd questions. No glasses, though. Even the ones he wore while crossdressing were there for show.

”A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He spoke in English, but his words were slightly accented. The joy of using a second language, and all. Though, he did maintain his smile, his gaze meeting the other boy's freely. He could spare enough time away from his documents for the social graces that the situation demanded of him. ”I figure you know who I am, but a one-sided introduction is in poor taste, in my opinion. I am Nakajima Akira, the current Student Council President.” Then, he gestured towards the table opposite of his desk. It was positioned in a manner that it seemed to be the seating for all guests and diplomats from the other governing student bodies. ”Please, make yourself comfortable.” He looked down for a moment before locating the paper he was interested in. The application itself. He then nodded. Having access to information on a person was all well and good, but seeing them in person and hearing their reasons through there own voice was an entirely different experience. More than that, it gave a better feel for their motivations. All one's writing showed was their skill in the craft- and, even then, the contents could have been fabricated by another party.

”Now, I have your application here, but I would prefer to hear the answers from your mouth before we proceed. Lets me get a feel for you, you understand?” No need to beat around the bush. Explaining himself from the get go would also show that he wasn't just drawing things out. ”Tell me, David- if dropping formalities is fine with you- why would you like to join the Student Council? Moreover, tell me what it is you have to offer- why should I accept your application?” He had a job, so this line of questioning was potentially something he had experienced before. Really, it was no different from a job interview.

An interview to a job without pay, and often without thanks.

[David Moore]

Dave did as he was told and sat down in the available seat. Things seemed pretty natural so far. He listened to the President talk, now assessing Akira's voice while showing that he was alert and paying attention. He picked up on the slight accent, but he was used to them by now. Mosaic City was, by advertisement pretty much, multicultural. He was clearly professional and took his job seriously, at least, he figured that was what was going on. He figured the old student council hadn't even set up an application process in the first place. The expected questions came next. He nodded, showing he understood and crossed his legs, his left leg going over his right, both of them crossing perpendicularly to each other.

"Well, if we're dropping the formalities, by all means, call me Dave." He smiled a bit wider. It seemed like maybe Akira was trying to establish a sense of familiarity in advance, were Dave to pass. Well played, a Student Council couldn't function as efficiently if people had to stop so they could think of the right way to say something rather than immediately bringing it up. He pushed his glass up the bridge of his nose.

"As for why I want to join, well, it's rather tough to put into words." Dave knew he would have to speak carefully. "Despite my previous academic involvement, I feel I've been under-utilizing myself. Before now, my life has mainly consisted of juggling school and work and having too much free time on my hands. No self-respecting person would waste away unnecessary amounts of their life. So, I decided that I would try and find some sort of occupation where I could apply myself for the betterment of others. I want to show that I am capable of taking part in a professional group and able to contribute an effort that my colleagues will find helpful instead of wasting my high-school life away doing nothing.

First part down, his answer had been lengthy and somewhat precise. All of it was technically true, even if he may have been saying it in a way that he could come off more altruistic than he was. Second part was easy, he could resort to facts Akira would be able to verify easily rather than the usual vague open-ended question. It was a good thing he had done this sort of thing before. "And well, you can see on my records that I am a diligent student. My grades are exemplary, and shows smething of my dedication. I will put all the effort I can muster into the Student Council to make sure we can succeed. You can also see on my record that I'm not a troublesome student. I've maintained good discipline and believe that I can represent a proper and positive attitude that befits what the Student Council should represent.

[Akira Nakajima]

His gaze did not shift as Dave went on answering. Solid responses. Akira could not say that he was disappointed. No, if anything, he was fairly pleased. Wordy or not, the answers he received coincided with the general intents he had for the new council. Because of that, as Dave went silent, Akira smiled. Not as a businessman, but as an individual. Where the previous smile was similar to a painting, his current smile was warm and friendly. It was human. With that, and a slight tilt to the head, gazed at the other boy. Yeah, seemed good enough.

”An excellent response. Seeking only to better the lives of the students is no good. You have to keep yourself in mind, as well- you have to get something out of it. It was a good response, Dave.” He slowly sat back in his chair, nodding and letting his left elbow prop itself on the arm rest. His left hand met with his chin at that point. ”I would say that your response is satisfactory, as the President. Now, going by this sheet, your interest seems to be with being the primary secretary.” He sat straight again, gesturing towards the papers on his desk. Dave answered well to begin with, but he did need to understand the bulk of what he was signing up to do.

”Now, if we drop to the basics, the primary secretary would be in charge of organizing paperwork. You likely understand this, but it comes with the territory to make sure everyone is on the same playing field. Acquisition, organization, distribution- all duties of the secretary. If you want to sum it up, you'd be an aid.” He gestured to the pile to his right, then the two stacks in front of him. ”This means receiving any papers from clubs, faculty, and other similar sources, organizing them accordingly, then filing whatever gets signed.” His arms shifted towards the pre-sorted papers to his left. ”These are already under control. I don't plan to ask you to help today, but it's a good example. Some days, there will be a lot. Others? You might find yourself bored. It's a case-by-case situation.” He leaned back. He really wanted to get back to that cabbage. The rolls even included seaweed.

”I trust that won't scare you off?” His tone was jocular. Friendly. He doubted David was scared off just like that, but that was the second phase. One more exchange, and the formality that was there would be concluded. At that point, he could resume work. And eating.

Eating would be nice.

[David Moore]

Dave nodded professionally. This was all basically a retelling of what he had already read, if with a bit more academic diction. "I am perfectly aware of my requirements and the specific type of work I'll be doing as Primary Secretary compared with the general activity of the rest of the Council was the reason why I selected it." That was true. Dave's specialties lied in the sort of work the Primary Secretary performed. "Idea generation is not my strongest suite. While I can come up with a few original ideas or incorporate facets from other works into something more original, I a well aware that others are far more adept at that task. However, organization is where I specialize. I can file, categorize, and locate whatever necessary documents I am provided. I can make sure that others' ideas in the Council are expedited through proper process and facilitate the communications between the Council and other school clubs.

Dave sighed, regaining his breath. His responses were a bit long-winded, and he was beginning to run out of breath. He looked back at the President. The smell of food was still in the room and it was seriously beginning to bother him. Couldn't he have put in an air freshener or something. It's a bit rude to have food lingering around during lunchtime. He probably doesn't know I don't eat till after school. It didn't matter. He would be able to get out soon enough and get his mind off of his hunger. He shifted the way his legs were crossed, this time folding his right leg over his left and forming the same perpendicular angle. He felt he had not said anything wrong so far in the interview, but he still didn't know the way Akira thought. For all he know, he might not have stood out as much as the other applicants except for the butler look.

[Akira Nakajima]

David needed to let up a little. He was very proper. Tense, perhaps? Whatever the case, he was explaining his circumstances very well. It was almost cute. Akira simply nodded, though. He received an answer that was effectively the same as what he expected, even if it was a bit more verbose. He slowly nodded. That was that, then. The only remaining issue was that of the terms. At that point, it was mostly formality, though. He sincerely doubted that this young man would be giving him any problems. Well, he hoped that was the case, at least. Some dissenters did take time. And, occasionally, alliances took time to truly shift.

”I see. Excellent. Now, I can't simply write you in and put it in stone. This is simply a precaution, a trial period of sorts, in which I will observe you. For all intents and purposes, you are now on the student council, and you would be our primary secretary. Your duties will consist only of those pertaining to that role- I have no intentions of giving you the work of our other empty slots. However, for the next two to four weeks, I will be observing you and verifying both your abilities and your character in action. Should all go well, and I have no doubt they will, you will be formally added to the roster at the end of this period. Needless to say, should something unsavory occur during this time frame, measures will have to be taken.” And that was the final bit of formality. In truth, the boy was as good as on the team. He just needed to uphold the standards he determined prior to coming into office in the new school.

”Of course, this is simply formality. I'll say it again when everything is formal and on paper, but, for now? David Moore, as the Student Council President of our fine school, it is both my honor and my pleasure to invite you to work alongside me. Together, and with our eventual colleagues, we will better the lives of our fellow students. I look forward to working with you, Dave.” He punctuated the new secretary's name with a nod, smile gradually reverting to its more business-like state.

”That said, I don't intend to work you today. I've already sorted everything today in a particular manner, and I tend to be very picky when people disrupt that order. Starting tomorrow, however, I'll be glad to see you in here. I'll have a key prepared for you as early as opening tomorrow.” He maintained his gaze before making a slight nod. It was just about time to get back to work. ”Now, you're free to linger and look around. Familiarize yourself with your new workspace, and all that. And I'm even open to casual conversation, or answering any questions you may have. However, if you'll excuse me, I'll be getting back to my lunch and my work. Just speak your mind. I'll be listening, even if my eyes aren't on you.”

Perhaps others would see it as rude or impersonal, but Akira did have a schedule to maintain, and he often preferred to get everything done before classes continued, if only to set a good example. There were some obvious exceptions to this, but, for the most part, he adhered to them as one would a personal law. And, like he said, he was fine with conversation. He built up the skills for multi-tasking over the years. He was all for getting multiple things done at the same time. It may not have been the best for socially-conscious people that required eye contact, but it did allow him to work while conversing.

Of course, just as soon as he had said his part, his left hand began to mechanically draw food to his mouth, while his right signed the occasional line here and there on papers. Just like that, as if their entire exchange had never occurred, he got back to work.

[David Moore]

Dave smiled appropriately in response to the news of his almost-acceptance. "I think you for your time Mr. President. I'm looking forward to a productive school year on the Student Council. I understand everything that is required of me and I will strive to maintain a behavior and work ethic that benefits You, the rest of the Council, and our entire Student Body." He stood from his seat and gave a small bow, raising his right hand slightly above his his pelvis and placing it on his abdomen. It was a reflex action from the restaurant. He was barely aware that he did it anymore.

"I think I'll leave you to your business for now. I think I have a firm grasp of the situation. But I do plan on coming back tomorrow. When I can get a detailed schedule set up, I'll negotiate more convenient hours with my boss, but until then I'll probably be coming in during the lunch period." Dave gave one last confident smile before heading towards the door. He opened it and stepped out into the hall, turning back to face the President. "Thank you for this chance. I hope that you have a nice day, Mr. President" He shut the door carefully and quietly and began to return to his usual haunt during the lunch period. The interview hadn't been too difficult but it could've been better. The smile melted off of his face.

What the hell was that Mr. President crap? There's a such thing as being too formal. You were doing fine until that part. That line crossed the line. He sighed to himself quietly as he turned the corner. He planned to come during most lunch periods anyways to get as much work done as possible. He was going to try and get everything that needed to be done as soon as possible. He could use the Student Council as a way to cut down his work hours. By working during lunch and attending all of the more important meetings, he was sure he could get by with a few missed meets here and there. He could use that free time to revisit the outer areas of the city.

Although the Student Council comes with its own problems. From now on, he would be unable to go down through the subway tunnel during the day or afternoon. He now had a reputation to uphold and he couldn't risk getting booted because he broke the quarantine. The weapons and gun-device wouldn't help either. He would have to sneak in during the night. With work out of the picture in most days now, he would have to take a nap to make up for the sleep he would lose during his expeditions.
Dave walked by the lunchroom, the smell of food once again sending his stomach into fits. He sighed in annoyance. He proceeded to his locker and retrieved his computer bag before secluding himself in a distant corner with his laptop.

I'll visit tonight after work, to see how it can be done. But I can't do it every night or I'll exhaust myself. It was a plan. Dave began tapping away at his keyboard.

[Akira Nakajima]

"Thank you for your willingness. I wish you a good day as well, Mister Moore." Akira calmly responded in kind, a playful smile curling his lips between bites. He gave a slight nod as the boy departed, though it may have been difficult to notice. Still working on his papers, the youth munched on the cabbage. Lunchtime was a delightful time to get work done. With the chores of going through applicants done for the day, it seemed that he was going to make some headway. This was good. Delightful, even.

Plus, he kinda sorta did just get a secretary. That was cool. One position filled, too many more to go! However, it was just the first step of many. He would put together a team of the elite- the best the school had to offer- for the sole sake of bettering the school. The result would, of course, be a domino in nature. Improving the school meant improving the students. By extension, this meant they were improving the potential crop for future Student Councils, which, following this, would continue to improve the school. It was a spiral staircase that went up endlessly!

. . . if only the theory could be proven true. It was wishful thinking, at best, but he could still do what he could. If he graduated, knowing full well that he did his best to provide for his fellow students, then he could look back on those days favorably. If his successor could take up his mantle and carry on the fight, that would be even better. As unlikely as it was, if the trend continued, then that would be best. Continual betterment.

Alas, the law of entropy applied to more than just the physical world.

His work would eventually be broken down and forgotten.

But that? That was fine, too.

. . . that was some damn good cabbage.