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]

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...

[axiomed]

[ Hmm. Charles was already working on that eventuality but it's best not to speak of it just yet. ]

I'm sure people will rouse themselves if the situation was dire.

[gekkajuu]

Yes, they will. But it's our collective responsibility to keep an eye on things. Everyone who was here before we arrived can't even learn what happened to us...

[axiomed]

Do you have something in mind?

[gekkajuu]

Ah, no... Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like an expert.

[The intent is there, in spades; the plan not so much.]

Just, if something happened... I would want to be there to keep it from getting worse.

[axiomed]

[ Charles makes a mental note of it. ]

I'm sure you'll be one of the first people called upon.

[gekkajuu]

... By who, exactly? Not that many people know me or my ability, even though I never made a secret of it... and if something like the Storm happens again, I doubt I'll be much help.

[ private ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles locks the connection just in case. ]

A few other like-minded people are working on a plan to protect this place.

[ private ]

[gekkajuu]

[A private connection! Atsushi feels very secret agent man.]

Really?! Do you have anything specific in mind already? Please let me know what I can do!

[axiomed]

We're mostly collecting people who are interested in helping out. If you know someone or trust someone who put others before themselves, then I would love to hear their input.

[gekkajuu]

[That's... actually a more difficult question than it seems. Atsushi does know people, and he'd trust them with himself, but with the fate of the planet? People can be unpredictable in a crisis. The only one he knows for sure to be an asset with things like that is Dazai.]

Most people, I've only met here, so it's difficult to tell if they can do this sort of thing... Moreover, it's hard to know if it's all right to burden them with the responsibility.

When it comes to making plans, however, I do know one person who never fails to find a way to get any difficult job done. [Almost never. Still close enough that it's eerie.] Should I ask him to contact you, or would you like to contact him yourself?

[axiomed]

It is difficult to gauge. It's easier when I'm meeting people in person.

[ He rubs his chin thoughtfully. ]

He's welcome to contact me.

[gekkajuu]

Then, I'll ask him to contact you.

[Which... may or may not go well. Dazai is a little... unusual.]

And again, please let me know if and when there's anything I can do. I don't know that I can do much but fight, but I've been training to get better at that, and... well, I can at least do that much.

[Atsushi: the personification of cannon fodder. At least he regenerates... sometimes.]

[axiomed]

[ Charles shakes his head loosely. ]

I will, but everything is rather tentative right now. When we have a proper plan, I'll let you know.

[gekkajuu]

Thank you. And good luck!