006 ↔ video

[5055034455]

[The last time Saul was seen on the network, he was about to choke out a member of the Initiative.

He's calmed down since then.

In fact, the look with which he greets the network is positively cheerful, thought not so much that it takes away from the businesslike atmosphere he's trying to cultivate with this post — he's got work to do, damn it, so he's in the most official-looking room he could find, seated in front of the camera with folded hands. Suit: check, tie: check, pocket square: check.]

This isn't how the story goes, but: good morning, Moon.

For those of you who don't know me, the name's Saul Goodman. I work for the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations with the lovely Queen Medusalith Amaquelin-Boltagon — [He pauses to smirk. What a mouthful, right?] — and a whole slew of other equally lovely folks. We're here to help you in matters concerning Initiative-Transport goings on. Now, here I'd usually take the opportunity to ask you all to lay whatever questions you might have on me, but because things are so crazy right now, the best answer I can give to any question will probably be a confident "I don't know."

We'll update you as we're updated.

Anyway, I'm coming to you today with a request. Lots of people are gearing up to go on supply runs, which is great. Go team. If those of you who've gone on runs already or plan to go could check in with me here and let me know what it is you're bringing back, that'd be super helpful. I'll make a list that everyone can refer back to, so no one has to double-up on fetching supplies that might not be necessary.

[So he might be a little bit worried about the lack of resurrection technology. That might be a thing. He just doesn't want anyone taking unnecessary risks for the sake of DVDs or... or whatever.]

Thanks.

Comments

[kyoumibukai]

[He smiles.]

An everything genius, really. Math is only one of the many skills at which I could be considered a world-class intellect. I am a unique being in the world with a connection to the entirety of the Earth's knowledge and memory. Though right now we are on the moon and I am divorced from it.

[He sighs, but then refocuses. The matter at hand is something to hold on to, so he can keep his attention on that instead of what he's rapidly realizing is an inability to keep himself stimulated to the level he is accustomed to.]

Ah. It must be difficult to assess your position in such a varied group of people. I understand. Your disinterest in allowing a takeover will probably help avoid a violent outcome, though I believe that with so few Initiative members, our ideas will be less likely to be ignored.

[5055034455]

[Saul deserves a medal for the Herculean effort he just had to exert to keep from rolling his eyes.

He refocuses, too, fixating on the not-annoying part of what was just said. He wants to come across as nice, cordial. Especially since this kid could be useful, if what he says is true.]

That's an excellent point. I don't think we should run the risk of alienating those few surviving Initiative members, though, do you?

[kyoumibukai]

[Philip considers.]

It depends on what they are the gatekeepers for. It seems as though bringing specific new people in is beyond their control, so that is out. However, they control the gates for supply runs, so I suppose in the absence of people who understand the technology on the Transport side, we must keep ourselves patient.

[He purses his lips.]

However, as I said, as a group, Transports will now carry more weight.

[5055034455]

[There's a long and thoughtful pause on Saul's end as he considers not just Philip's words, but Philip himself. How old is this kid? He doesn't look like he could be more than... what, 20?

Saul smooths his tie down, leaning forward.]

What did you do back home, Philip? —I can call you that, right? [Making a vague gesture at his own screen.]

[kyoumibukai]

It is the only name I answer to. I work as a private detective. I am the research arm of the Narumi Detective Agency. My contact with the archive of all human knowledge makes that the best position for me.

[He presses down his hair.]

I am also a Kamen Rider, a hero who protects the... the smiles of the city I live in. Well, I'm half of one. I prefer to work with my partner, Shotaro. Though at the moment...

[A wan smile, he turns away from the camera.]

...I still have the ability to transform, however. I have the Lost Driver and can become Kamen Rider Cyclone.

[5055034455]

[Saul has no idea what that second part means, but the first part is music to his ears. He grins, slowly, then rests his chin on his hand.]

Tell me more about this archive thing. Is it like a psychic ability?

[kyoumibukai]

[He blinks, considering how to phrase this.]

Not entirely. At home I am in contact with the Gaia Memory, which is the combined memories of the entire Earth. As a child, I accidentally fell into a well that was directly connected to it, and I died. I was immediately reborn as its avatar.

The Gaia Library manifests as a library in my head, which gives me access to all human knowledge through the mnemonic device of books that I can look up through keywords.

Of course, without contact with the Earth, the Library is inaccessible to me. I do not know if this Earth has a Library that I can access, or if I will be able to access the Library I know.

[5055034455]

[This is the sound of silence, also known as the sound of confusion.

And a little bit the sound of disappointment.]

So... right now all that's goin' on in your head is what you know on your own?

[kyoumibukai]

Well, yes, but on my own I know everything there is to know about anything that was used to create a Gaia Memory.

[He types quickly into the machine and then sends a file that includes all the names of the Gaia Memories he created while living at the facility.]

I have also done research on my own into various topics. Most of which will not help here. I am not just a tool for research, Saul Goodman. I can think and reason and make connections that a tool cannot. I am able to process data far more quickly than your normal human. I have gone through all the data that I can access in person and am now going through the network.

Just because I am no longer able to access the library does not make me useless.

[5055034455]

[Brilliant, sort-of-but-not-really psychic, and perceptive as hell?

What a combination.

Saul looks over the file with no real idea what he's looking at, expression thoughtful. Eventually, he leans back and says:]

I'm a lawyer.

[Present tense. He refuses to give up that title.]

I really could've used someone like you back home, Philip.