Case File 001 [Video | Action]

[bokukotantei]

Video

[Residents currently on the Warp Band network would be greeted by the face of a sharply dressed young person over the feed. With the quirky hat and the short hair style, the person had an equal chance of being male or female-- the clean lines of the dress shirt and tie didn't help matters either. The sun was bright that morning, and it took the stranger a moment to adjust their angle to account for the glare flashing off the lens.]

Good morning, Union.

[The stranger nodded briskly in greeting, offering a smile that was equal parts friendly and professional to the people tuning in.]

I imagine that we're all busy getting started with the day, so I'll keep this brief: I'm Naoto Shirogane, a detective from Caldera. I've just arrived, so does anyone else from the north mind filling me in on what's been happening?

Also-- I'm still in business if anyone wishes for my services. Just contact me on the network.

[And, promptly, the young detective closes the signal out.]

Action

[That afternoon would greet people in Union with one of two sights: the first is that of a young Ralts who had gotten separated from his trainer, staring longingly at the freshly baked buns that were cooling off within sight of the bakery window. He knew that humans like that green, papery stuff to trade for food and goods-- and he didn't have any-- but that didn't dampen the longing for the buns any less.

The second is that of Naoto herself, walking briskly down the streets in her platform boots, ignoring the smack of leather on concrete as she searched the streets. Some of the noise was intentional-- she wanted her target to know where she was, if they were to find her first.

On occasion she might peer at an unfurled map to get an idea of her general location. Other times she could be found staring down the street with a crisp, analytic look in her eyes. Anyone wandering close by might here her murmur something under her breath:]

Where could he have run off to this time?

Comments

[niepokonany]

I trust them. But listen -- if it has any kind of chance of helping bring either of them home, I really, seriously don't care what kind of stress I'm put under. I'm tougher than I look, ok?

[bokukotantei]

Only if you're certain, [Naoto conceded,] but if you have any objections, let me know immediately. Your health and safety is just as important a your friends'.]

[niepokonany]

Sure, totally.

[With his tone, it's about a third of a step away from "sure, whatever."]

[bokukotantei]

So, how do you wish to do this? Would you like to introduce me properly, or would you prefer a cold open?

[She could go in either direction, although she figured that playing by this city's rules of politeness would do much to aid in finding out more details.]

[niepokonany]

[Honestly, he wasn't quite sure what the difference was.]

Either way, I guess?

[bokukotantei]

[It was all a matter of politeness and using honey rather than vinegar to attract a Combee-- but, Feliks' indecision was starting to wear on her.]

I'll allow you to make the arrangements, then. [She said, finally.] You know them better than I, and you know what will work best for everyone.

[niepokonany]

I can introduce you, I guess. They can be kind of touchy about... really anybody who's not a Union noble, sometimes.

[bokukotantei]

If that's the case, then it may be best if we proceed without their input. If they're touchy, then they're not likely to cooperate with an outsider.

[niepokonany]

I mean, not so touchy that they're not gonna help someone who could maybe help their kids? Just, they're big Class and Manners people, so it'd probably be better if I introduced you, that's all.

[bokukotantei]

[She was going to need to brush up on Unionite etiquette then. And, perhaps, invest in something that was a little nicer looking. Although she had adopted Union fashions with full gusto, there was no denying the street casual bent her wardrobe tended toward. It passed in Caldera because no one cared so long as you were presentable and didn't smell like you had been napping with a Slakoth, but Union was a completely different culture.

She nodded.]

Very well. Let me know if there's anything in particular I need to be prepared for, and what days are going to be good for you. My schedule is entirely open right now, so don't worry about inconveniencing me.

[niepokonany]

Well, you're not from Union, so that might actually almost be helpful? Like if you don't know all the boring noble etiquette-y things, they'll probably just brush it off 'cause they know you weren't raised in it. Just like, dress nice and try not to be a total ass or anything?

My schedule's pretty flexible, too, but they're probably the freest around the weekend, if that'd work for you.

[bokukotantei]

Trust me; I've been working as a professional for longer than you're thinking. Toeing the line will not be a problem for me.

The weekend will work fine for me. Like I said, I've nothing planned and a lot of time to fill.

[niepokonany]

Cool. See you then, or is there anything else I can tell you now?

[He says it almost hopefully. Anything he can do that feels like it might be any use at all is a relief to him, at this point.]

[bokukotantei]

I think I have everything that I'll be needing for now, but I'll be sure to let you know immediately if there's any problem.

[niepokonany]

Sure thing.

[He pauses, shuffling uncomfortably for a moment or two before he manages to force out:]

...Thanks.