Chương 296: Unexpected Argument (Bonus)
Lucas's phone buzzed, a notification lighting up the screen. His face broke into a relieved smile as he saw Jennifer's response to his video - a simple heart emoji, but it spoke volumes.
His thumbs danced across the screen, exchanging a flurry of texts with Jennifer. The earlier tension melted away with each message.
The door to his apartment swung open, and Neil strode in, two steaming cups of coffee in hand. He offered one to Lucas with a grin.
"What's up, champ? How's life treating you?" Neil asked, settling into a nearby chair. "That collaboration with Taylor Swift shaping up alright?"
Lucas nodded, taking a sip of the offered coffee. "Yeah, it's coming along nicely. We've got some good ideas flowing."
Neil's eyes flicked to the calendar on the wall. "So, big day tomorrow. You hitting the polls?"
Lucas's expression shifted, a hint of cynicism creeping into his voice. "Eh, I'm not sure I'll bother. Does it really matter who wins? It's not like we regular folks have much say in policy anyway."
Neil's eyebrows shot up, coffee cup frozen halfway to his lips. "Whoa, where's this coming from?"
Lucas shrugged, his tone nonchalant. "Democrat, Republican... different faces, same game, right? I mean, what really changes?"
The room fell silent. Jack and Simon exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by Lucas's unexpected political apathy.
Neil leaned forward, his voice low and intense. "Lucas, my man, I never took you for a cynic. You've got a platform, a voice. People listen to you. You really want to throw that away?"
Lucas met Neil's gaze, a challenge in his eyes. "And what good has that done? How much has really changed? The harsh reality is that ordinary citizens still wield minimal influence over public policy."
Neil's brow furrowed as he leaned forward, his coffee forgotten. "Hold up, Lucas. That's a pretty heavy statement. Can you elaborate on what you mean by 'minimal influence'? That's quite a claim."
Before Lucas could respond, Jack chimed in, his voice steady. "Well, sir, look at how often Congress passes laws despite public opposition. It's like our voices don't matter."
Neil's gaze shifted between Jack and Lucas, a mix of concern and challenge in his eyes. "Come on, guys. We've seen protests change laws, public opinion shift policies. That's not insignificant."
Lucas let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Sure, Neil. But how often are those changes just for show? Politicians playing the PR game, not actually improving lives."
Neil's expression hardened. "So what, you think everyone with power is corrupt?"
"Not everyone," Lucas countered, his voice soft but firm. "Just... a lot more than we'd like to admit. Sometimes it's subtle, but it's there."
Neil's expression shifted from surprise to thoughtful consideration as Lucas spoke.
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Lucas's words hanging in the air. Neil's eyes narrowed, studying Lucas intently.
"I've got to say, Lucas, I don't agree with you," Neil finally said, his tone a mix of disappointment and concern. "This cynicism... it's not like you."
The room seemed to grow smaller, more intimate, as the weight of the conversation settled around them.
Lucas's voice was tinged with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "Come on, Neil. You've got to see it. Our country... it's not the shining beacon of democracy we pretend it is."
Neil opened his mouth to argue, but Lucas pressed on, his words gaining momentum.
"Sure, we're ahead of many countries in some ways, but look at our healthcare system. People going bankrupt over medical bills. The homelessness crisis in our cities."
Lucas's eyes flickered with a spark of passion. "And what about our foreign policy? How many times have we supported violence abroad, even when the public was against it?"
Simon nodded solemnly from his corner. "He's got a point. Our voices often feel... insignificant."
Neil leaned back, his brow furrowed. He studied Lucas with new eyes, as if seeing him for the first time. "I had no idea you thought about these things so deeply, Lucas. It's... surprising."
A wry smile played on Lucas's lips. "Just because I don't always show it doesn't mean I'm not paying attention. I see the news, I hear the stories. The violence, the healthcare crisis, the homelessness, the corruption... it's all there, plain as day."
Neil's expression was a mix of concern and grudging respect, while Jack and Simon exchanged meaningful glances.
Lucas's words hung in the air, challenging their perceptions and forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about the world they lived in.
The tension in the room thickened as Neil and Lucas locked eyes, their usual camaraderie giving way to an unexpected clash of ideologies.
Neil's voice carried a hint of exasperation. "Lucas, come on. This stuff happens everywhere. Other countries have it much worse."
Lucas leaned forward, his eyes blazing with conviction. "That's exactly the problem, Neil. We've normalized these issues. Just because others have it worse doesn't mean we should accept our own failings."
Neil ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his gesture. "What do you expect us to do? The world's a harsh place. Each state has its own laws, its own problems. It's not as simple as you're making it out to be."
For a moment, the room fell silent. Then Lucas spoke, his voice softer but no less intense. "Look, I'm not claiming to be an expert here," he began, his hands gesturing to emphasize his points. "But I refuse to believe we're powerless. There have to be ways to tackle corruption, to improve our laws. Think about it. There are countries out there getting this right. Why can't we learn from them?"
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "And I believe in the power of people coming together. A real movement, driven by the will of the people... that could change everything."
The tension in the room shifted, taking on a new, more personal edge. Neil's sarcastic tone cut through the air, sharp and unexpected.
"What's next? Planning to rally your fans into some political movement?" Neil's words dripped with skepticism.
Lucas's response was immediate, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and bitter amusement. "Come on, Neil. I'm not that naive. I know how this works. The moment an actor speaks up about politics, everyone's ready to mock and ignore. Even you're doing it right now, aren't you?"
Neil's face fell, a flicker of guilt crossing his features. "That's not... I'm not looking down on you, Lucas."
A wry chuckle escaped Lucas's lips, but it held no humor. "It's okay, Neil. I get it. Why should anyone take an actor seriously about these things? After all, I'm not struggling like 'real' people, right?"
The tension in the room slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a cautious understanding. Neil's voice was softer now, tinged with a mix of concern and reluctant admiration.
"You're smart, Lucas. Too smart sometimes. That's why I think you shouldn't spread these opinions. It could hurt your career."
Lucas's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Don't worry, I won't be shouting my views from the rooftops."
Neil visibly relaxed, but Lucas wasn't finished.
"But spreading awareness? That's different." His eyes gleamed with quiet determination.
Neil's eyebrows shot up, disbelief etched across his face. "Are you serious?"
Lucas shrugged, his casual posture belying the weight of his words. "Not now, of course. I need more influence, more credibility. But someday, when people are ready to listen..."
Neil ran a hand through his hair, exasperation evident in his gesture. "You're really set on this, aren't you?"
A mischievous glint appeared in Lucas's eyes. "Why so worried, Neil? We don't know for sure if my efforts will make any difference."
Neil shook his head, a rueful smile playing on his lips. "You know, Lucas, I usually agree with you. But this time..."
Lucas reached out, patting Neil's shoulder reassuringly. "No hard feelings, Neil. We're all entitled to our views. That's what democracy is about... or what it should be, anyway."
Neil chuckled, the last of the tension melting away. "Yeah, free speech and all that."
Jack and Simon's eyes met, a silent conversation passing between them. Their gazes shifted to Lucas, studying him with newfound respect and curiosity. The young actor they'd come to know as charismatic and talented suddenly revealed depths they hadn't anticipated.
In their years of working with celebrities, they'd encountered countless stars who seemed to float above the realities of everyday life. But Lucas's words resonated with a grounded understanding that set him apart.
Neil's voice cut through the contemplative silence. "So, about tomorrow... You gonna cast your vote?"
Lucas paused, his mind briefly flashing to knowledge from his previous life. He knew the outcome, but the weight of civic duty pressed upon him. "You know what? I think I will. It can't hurt, right?"
Neil's face broke into a relieved grin. He threw an arm around Lucas's shoulders, giving him a friendly shake. "That's what I like to hear! Look, I get where you're coming from with all this. But for now, let's just show the public you're doing your civic duty, alright? Republican, Democrat... pick one at random if you want."
Lucas let out a soft sigh, a mix of resignation and understanding in his voice. "I get it, Neil. Image first, right?"
***
Lucas's thumb hovered over the "Tweet" button for a moment before pressing it decisively. The tweet appeared on his timeline:
@LucasXKnight: "Just cast my vote. Every voice matters. #Election2012 #YourVoteCounts"
Within seconds, his phone began to buzz incessantly with notifications. Likes, retweets, and comments flooded in, his simple message igniting a flurry of activity across social media.
As he scrolled through his feed, Lucas noticed a cascade of similar posts from other celebrities:
@RobertDowneyJr: "Suit up and show up at the polls! #IronManVotes"
@Beyonce: "I voted. Did you? #BeyHive #Election2012"
Across the country, fans who had been on the fence about voting found themselves inspired by their idols' civic engagement.
In a small apartment in Ohio, a college student named Alex saw Lucas's tweet and hesitated. She had planned to skip voting, feeling her voice didn't matter. But seeing her favorite actor participate made her reconsider. With a determined nod, she grabbed her keys and headed for the polling station.
---
Author's Note:
I understand that this chapter may touch on some sensitive topics. The political views and social commentary expressed by the characters, particularly Lucas, are part of their fictional journey and development.
These dialogues are not intended to challenge or contradict your personal beliefs. Rather, they're meant to illustrate the complexities of our world and the diverse perspectives that exist within it.
Lucas, as a character, is driven by a desire for positive change and improved living conditions for all people. His opinions, like those of any individual, are shaped by his experiences and observations.
I want to emphasize that this novel respects the right of every person to hold their own views. The goal is not to preach or convert, but to encourage thought and discussion.
Remember, in our real world, just as in this fictional one, we can disagree while still treating each other with respect and understanding.
This chapter is a bonus, by the way. 👌
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