001 | video.

[permit]

[ when the feed flicks on, it’s to the simple image of a sharply dressed man adjusting his glasses upon the bridge of his nose. or rather, it’s the lens glare that strikes the view first, a flash of blue that obscures the friendly(?) way he eyes the viewer, the practiced way he smiles. ]

My apologies. [ the tone, too, is terribly kept, composed and precise. ] If I may, I kindly request that you lend me your brief attention for but a few minutes of your time.

First, allow me to introduce myself: I am Munakata Reishi. You will have to forgive me, I’m afraid, as my recent arrival will mean my lines of inquiry will run along the road of repetition.

[ it’s formality and ease in idle, clear-cut motions; he laces his fingers together and rests them neatly on the table set before him. his smile hasn’t moved. ]

There is, I understand, a . . . certain freedom to living in the time before we are called to action. Training is -- was mandatory, was it not? I don't suppose all of you have been keeping up with your weekly regimen during this temporary state of confusion.

But I digress.

Let me cut straight to the chase, then.

Certain concerns come to mind. Minimal organization though we may have, I admit I’m rather lost. [ there’s a breath of laughter, possibly meant to curb the tension… not to create it. ] With so many people in a state of little to no enforcement, is it safe there on Earth, I wonder?

. . . And what kind of activities, pray tell, have you found to be the most beneficial use of your undoubtedly limitless spare time?


PRIVATE; TO SARUHIKO FUSHIMI

[ it's a text, simple and innocuous. ]

I trust I find you well.

Comments

[senseandcecilbility]

[That makes him glad too. God knows smiting humans is not something he enjoys doing on a regular basis.

Reishi gets a good butler's smile.]

I could not say so, sir. Though we have been trying to make what we are given as edible as possible.

[permit]

And what, pray tell, is usually on the menu?

[senseandcecilbility]

W-well, the climate is inhospitable to say the least, though the population has found fascinating ways to grow their own crops, and meat is not particularly difficult to find.

[Especially if one doesn't mind yeti.]

We have been focusing on meat stews, vegetable soups and such, with the occasional menu of baked goods whenever we have time.

[permit]

[ why is everyone eating the yeti, is his question... alas. ): ]

Is that so. [ . . . although that previous point is particularly strange. "fascinating ways to grow their own crops." ] Greenhouses, I presume?

[senseandcecilbility]

[The butler nods, happy to provide the information.]

Greenhouses that are not unlike underground tunnels. I fear the technology escapes me completely.

[permit]

. . . How interesting.

Are these tunnels mapped for those of us interested in restocking supplies? Although it does seem somewhat disconcerting, should all of us be given free reign to take from our only resources without a limit set in place.

[senseandcecilbility]

[He looks a little embarrassed.]

I fear I merely purchase ingredients from the local market, sir.

[permit]

Is that so?

Not with standard currency, I assume.

[senseandcecilbility]

Bartering can take you anywhere, sir!

[And gambling! But he is not mentioning that part. What would the gentleman think?]

[permit]

[ . . . he might want to learn. ):

anyway. ]

So can stealing. [ because someone had to say it, and it might as well be the one that doesn't stop smiling! ] After what has just transpired, all of you seem so quick to fall back into patterns of good behavior.

[senseandcecilbility]

[S-stealing? Good Lord, this gentleman's brain!]

S-sir, may I ask if you are some sort of policeman?

[It would be too impolite to ask about the other option.]

[permit]

You may.

[ there's a chuckle, a laugh over some sort of private joke. ]

I am but an average office director in the census division of Tokyo, Japan's government sector.

[senseandcecilbility]

[Now, that makes sense.]

Kevin Cecil, sir. I work as a house steward for my young master, William Twining...in England.

Not this England, though.

[permit]

Then the pleasure is mine, Cecil.

[ . . . and it's true, then, that they bring people from all over who are not necessarily fighters.

unless, of course, there's more here than meets the eye. ] I don't suppose your young master has joined us as well?