Gathered around the worn down table were some of the finest minds in Palaestra. A Rethan General, two of the Crown Princes of the Kronospasts, the Vrekan Ripper, the best Ksithan mind in the city, the Second in Command of Palaestra and the Raptor herself. Really, Kayen was feeling a little out of place.
“We need a census before we can do anything else. A headcount of every being in the city, including outskirts, and anywhere else where Palaestra has jurisdiction!” The Rethan General proclaimed. “Every single individual.”
“Everyone, or just adults over the age of 18?” Tromos asked. He was an old Ksithan, but well known to be very wise. His calculations had essentially helped put Palaestra on the map, way before the Dessaron had made it famous. “Everyone makes sense, but we will need to set an age limit to voting.”
“You suggest 18,” Tenuk countered, “but not every race is mature at the age of 18.”
“18 covers most races…” Tromos grunted. “Exact birth dates aren’t always known, especially in the more rural areas, but most know when they reach that age.”
“What information are we going to gather from everyone anyway?” Elksia asked. “Age, birthday, address, family members… If it’s a census, don’t we need a ton of information?”
“And what about privacy?” Lokmah asked. The Thraki shuffled awkwardly. “It is hard enough getting folks to do normal things, like giving us an address to send mail to, how are we going to convince people to give up their privacy for a census?”
Retvik tutted. “They already give up their privacy on the likes of Friend Face. For a census, something that could have future value to them, it may take convincing, but we can convince them.”
Lokmah stared at the Rethan. “You really think we can convince these folks? Most of them are Ksithans and Temthans and the occasional Thraki. We are often quite happy with letting royalty rule over us.”
“So says royalty…” Retvik tutted some more.
“I’m not royalty.”
“But you benefit from it.”
“Doesn’t mean that the average Ksithan or Temthan isn’t happy…” Lokmah gave up arguing, but clearly Retvik wasn’t done.
“Democracy means you all have a say, it means you all have a chance at royalty. A chance to be represented.”
Phovos patted Retvik on the shoulder, suggesting that he calm down a little. “Well currently we’re trying to represent the masses anyway, but democracy here could open up a lot of options, open us up to new ideas but also to new trade routes, with smaller races that only trade with other democracies. And it’s more standing with the Union. We’re getting off topic though. We have a lot of information we need to collect before we do anything.”
Elksia started counting on her fingers. “Like, all names, age, birthday, marital status…”
“Don’t need marital status!” Tenuk interrupted. “All names, so first name, surname, additional names, date of birth, race and address. That’s really all we need. At least for now.”
“But how do we collect this data?” Tromos asked. “We cannot simply ask everyone to step forward.”
“Well of course not, you just split the city into parts and visit them!” Kayen suddenly chimed in. “Just like we do when collecting and handing out tax returns!”
Everyone stared at Kayen.
“That’s a great idea, how comes we didn’t think of that?” Lokmah sighed.