video | un: TeaOnRice

[gekkajuu]

Hello, everyone! I hope you've all been doing well. It's strange to think how long we've been here already, isn't it? But I feel like that's a good thing, too. Like we're finally getting used to living here... That kind of feeling.

[Speaking for himself, anyway - but then, Atsushi has his reasons for being happy with his life for a change. In fact, that's why he's making this video.]

If we haven't met yet: my name is Nakajima Atsushi! Mr. Evras has hired me to collect flora and fauna samples for the Simwe Institute. [That sounds nicer than it probably is: Atsushi's just a gopher, and he only works on commission. No interesting samples means no money.

But Atsushi could care less about that! He has an actual job, that he got all by himself, and he's so, so proud. It's that, rather than a desire for assignments and hence money, that makes him put himself out there.]

I know the Institute has hired more people, so I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to everyone working there. If you need any samples, please don't hesitate to contact me! Whatever you need, I will do my absolute best to provide.

I look forward to working with you! [And he bows at the camera before turning it off.]

Comments

[gekkajuu]

Yes! [The professor approves, too... Atsushi is so happy. He didn't think he could ever get this far in life, especially without anyone to give him a serious leg up.]

You're working there as well, professor? I'm glad you found employment suited to your title! Oh - and if you have any reading from the Institute library you recommend, please let me know! I'm sure I'll be busy with work a lot, and there's physical training to consider, but I do intend to keep studying as well, if only for my own satisfaction...

[... He keeps rambling because he's so happy, it's embarrassing.]

[axiomed]

I'm a lecturer and a part time researcher. It is suitable for my needs for now.

[ It's strange, starting at the bottom instead of the top, but Charles' inherent love for knowledge and teaching makes it easy to get by. ]

You seem excited.

[gekkajuu]

... I am.

[He really is, and he's too happy to even worry about how everything could come crashing down. He'd made some progress fighting the ghosts of his past in his own world already, but coming here has definitely let him break free a little more.]

It's just... I never thought I'd be able to get a job like this, and build a life like this, all by myself. I'm very grateful to the people I know here, too! Especially the ones that have helped me in the past. But to succeed on my own is -... It's like a dream.

[axiomed]

Was it not possible before?

[ He could make a few educated guesses as to why, but it is alarming all the same. ]

[gekkajuu]

It was a lot harder, if nothing else. First I lived at the orphanage; then I was on my own, with no skills, no connections, and not much of an official education... Under those circumstances, I doubt anyone would have hired me.

I'm grateful that the Armed Detective Agency took me in regardless, and I learned a lot there. But being hired was a matter of luck... and being pushed a little. [Look, anyone would have been reluctant to work there, after an entrance exam like that - and he may have been blackmailed just a little. But he ended up happy there, which is what matters.] This time, I did it all by myself. To be honest, it still feels like I just got lucky, but even if that's true... I'll make sure I work hard enough to deserve the position.

[axiomed]

[ Charles smiles. ]

I'm sure you deserve it already. You're certainly enthusiastic enough and that's half the battle.

[gekkajuu]

Then I'll work extra hard on the other half.

[Atsushi smiles brightly, though, thriving on the encouragement.]

[axiomed]

I have no doubt you will.

[ Charles is more than happy to provide encouragement. ]

If you find any interesting samples, could you pass them along?

[gekkajuu]

Of course! Is there anything in particular you're interested in? Say, plants rather than animals, or a living specimen rather than just leaves or fur...

[axiomed]

Plants for now, since I'm not terrible familiar with this ecosystem and rather not risk any wildlife.

[ Plants, at least, will be safer to handle without major repercussions. ]

[gekkajuu]

All right. I'll bring you anything that seems interesting. Unless it seems to be very rare, I suppose? I wouldn't want to accidentally destroy a rare plant...

But! I could film it and show you, and then you could tell me whether I should take samples, or a whole plant, or nothing at all!

[axiomed]

The latter is fine. There's no need to do too much for my sake. It's merely easier for others to go out than myself.

[ He really needs to look into upgrading his chair. ]

[gekkajuu]

[And Atsushi... probably doesn't even realize. Looks like a chair, is probably a chair. But his answer is the same as it would always have been:]

I'll be happy to do it for you! It's my job, anyway - and that way you can focus on more important things.

[axiomed]

[ More important things, hm? ]

What do you think is important?

[gekkajuu]

[IS THIS A TEST? It feels a little bit like a test... but at least it's not a stressful one.]

Studying the samples, working on them, drawing conclusions... that sort of thing?

[a.k.a. all the things Atsushi couldn't possibly do.]

[axiomed]

Well, yes, but I was asking what you felt was important.

[gekkajuu]

That is what I feel is important. That's how we can gather more knowledge about this planet.

I doubt that we'll ever be able to understand everything, and maybe it's not even important whether we understand anything or not. But I believe that trying to understand is important, whether it's other people or the planet we live on.

If we don't try to understand anything, then... that feels the same as giving up on being a part of the world.

[axiomed]

My apologies. I wasn't trying to be condescending.

[ Charles can come off a little strong, though he suspects Atsushi is a little stronger. It comes with youth and Charles feels a slight pang for the days when he was that hopeful. ]

But you're right. We need to understand the world we live in.

[gekkajuu]

Not at all! You were just asking a question.

[And Atsushi was just giving his opinion. His optimism is... rather specific, to say the least - but he'll always keep trying, for others if not for himself.]

On a fundamental level, I don't suppose I knew my previous world any better than I know this one, but this one sure does seem like more of a mystery...

[axiomed]

Its history does seem rather strange at times. But we're all in the same situation.

[ But that might simply be the fact that magic is acceptable here. Charles certainly struggles to grasp it, even though he's dealt with stranger things in his life. ]

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi is also still boggled over orgies in the temple. But, you know... to each their own.]

Yes. And the more we learn, the easier we can protect this city, and maybe even this planet, from anything that might befall it.

[axiomed]

They deserve our protection.

[ Especially since they're essentially refugees here. Still . . . Charles can't shake a bad feeling. ]

And I'm sure whatever we have brought will benefit them.

[gekkajuu]

I think so, too! So far, everyone I've met has been really nice - and there are some powerful people, too.

[Okay, maybe Rocket is the one exception to the "really nice". Nothing's perfect.]

Whatever comes on our path, I'm sure we'll be able to fight it.

[axiomed]

Let's hope nothing like that comes to pass.

[ He likes his world-ending events to take a few years in between. ]

[gekkajuu]

[No kidding. It seems only yesterday that Yokohama almost burnt to the ground.]

I doubt it will, but... we need to be prepared. I don't think any of us were, before...