riverview | [VIDEO .001 | username edward.elric]

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[VIDEO .001 | username edward.elric]

[There are a few things Ed is quick to concern himself with upon arrival, and even though they certainly relate to "how the hell do I get back where I came from?" he's seen this play out enough times to know that asking that question directly is never likely to get results. At least not the ones he wants. He's well aware that this change of scenery isn't just some new challenge, because if it was there certainly wouldn't be any point to the mark outright disappearing, but it was gone. Which likely meant one thing, they were telling the truth - at least about one aspect of all this, and he was not in Muir anymore.]

Does anyone have any idea what's really going on here? Has anyone been doing any research on this place? Or been here long enough to know whether or not it is what they claim?

[Ed's skeptical about this whole situation, but cynicism wasn't enough to go on that something just wasn't right here. He had a hard time taking everything in that little introduction at face value.]

If we can just ask to be sent home given enough time, has anyone actually pulled it off?

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That is an idea I mentioned to someone else. The last place I was in admitted freely that we were brought against our will, but we were brought because they needed help. This could be like that in a way, only they're playing a different angle... The 'you're not forced to be here' one.

[He's not going to argue with someone he just 'met' about his chances of that, considering his circumstances, so instead he gives a small grin in response. He kept that up long enough with Al over the years.]

Yeah.

I spoke to someone on our floor about it. He couldn't quite fathom why they'd bother pretending to be on our good side, but if I were bringing someone here against their will, buttering them up and giving them everything they need sounds like it'd inspire loyalty. Or at least debt.

[A shrug.]

If it's like the place I just came from they don't actually mean us any harm. They honestly wanted us to be happy, they also just... really wanted us to cooperate with what they needed.

Sometimes those two things don't go together well.

No kidding. Just because they have good intentions doesn't mean it's not manipulative. Either way, I guess speculating isn't doing much good.

There isn't really anyone we can ask directly, since no one is claiming to be behind it, as far as I can tell.

Orientation is done by the Perimeter Guard, and that's made up of people like us, so how do we even figure out who's in charge here?

I know there's a mayor. And probably a few other officials. Don't know how easy it'd be to get in direct contact, though.

Or how straight forward an answer we'd get, going that route.

[A pause, as he seems to consider something else.]

I've seen newcomers try to take over in the absence of officials before, it wasn't anything more than a fancy title since the politics didn't work the same, but - first, I'd like to know if the mayor's even a native with any actual power, I guess.

[There's a brief pause on the other end as she considers that bit of information.]

It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility if they're not, considering this place is apparently populated with almost nothing but arrivals from other places. I'd have to look into it more thoroughly.

Yeah, but someone must have created this place originally. Unless people just started showing up through a portal one day and set up shop when they figured they couldn't get back home.

That's why I'm interested in learning more about this city, and the history behind it. There are so many variables it's hard to tell where to start looking when you consider all the factors. False leads, people like us stepping into roles because they've been here long enough- the fact that we apparently bring ourselves here.

Every time I think I figure out where to start I come up with more questions than answers. I don't know how much time I'm going to have for that job they handed me with all the research I need to start doing.

It's possible, especially if the portals are naturally occurring. Someone could've gotten snatched up and built from the ground up. Made due with what they had. Depending on how long it's been, the oldest arrivals might not even recognize themselves as immigrants.

But you're right. Figuring this place and its history out should be first. I know someone who pointed me in the direction of the library, which apparently had a lot of the information we're looking for. I planned on starting there.

And honestly, I've found the best way to get information without drowning in it all yourself is divvying up the work. Or I might end up losing my job from it all too, who knows.

If the first person that arrived here came through the portal, what would make them think they know how it selects people? I doubt a lot of the misplaced are running around willingly admitting to feeling displaced from their home worlds, if that's the case. Still, it's an interesting angle to look into. I'm not discrediting anything without looking into it first.

The library and public records seem like a good place to start. I'd also be interested in checking out the history of the actual city, supposedly there are ruins out there - they might hold answers books won't.

[At the last part, Ed actually blinks. Because dividing work was rarely a concept he was familiar with, sure before he split work with Al, but that was different for a number of reasons. It was Al, and Al couldn't sleep so he could cover more ground that way. Ed hadn't really relied on anyone like that in recent years, sure he had help in areas, but nothing like this.

Drowning yourself in all the work was what. he. did. To the point where he fell asleep on it, or someone else had to make sure he was eating.

He shrugs again, smirking as if trying to come off as over confident here. Although he's meaning it to be helpful.]

I've always had to juggle my own research with whatever assignment the military had me on. I'm sure I can handle it... No need for you to go risking your job over anything.

Edited 2017-06-19 01:30 (UTC)

Really? I hadn't heard about the ruins yet. It'd be interesting to see if there's anything to be garnered from that.

[She throws him her own smirk, getting the sense that he's not entirely used to having help. She could understand that. It's only been recently that she's gotten comfortable with having a partner she trusted. Now that she did, it was hard to give that up.]

Not saying you can't handle it. Just saying that since you've got someone that's equally as curious about all of this, you might as well let me in on your project. I can handle myself pretty well too, you know.

I'm planning to check it out, self defense is kind of a way of life where I came from so... If there's something worth checking out, I'm not going to let a few monsters scare me away.

[At the last part he looks almost as if he can't decide whether to be amused or relieved.]

Oh, I wasn't letting you off the hook. Just don't overwhelm yourself or get into any trouble at work... Income's not exactly a luxury in this place, as far as I can tell.

On the plus side, being room mates will definitely make keeping everything organized a lot easier.

That's either extremely optimistic of you, or incredibly reckless. Maybe both. Can't say I fault you for wanting to step out, though. I admit, I'm kind of tempted myself.

Trust me. I've had plenty of experience juggling multiple homicide cases, a weird partner who sometimes causes more trouble than he fixes, and a kid all at the same time. I think I can handle work and a little late night reading.

Yes. More desks to use as a dumping ground for all the paperwork and books.

[Wow. Way to call him out, Chloe. Either way, he doesn't seem too insulted by this assessment. He knows his skills, and he knows she doesn't. Besides, he can't help but offer a 'jab' right back, considering their earlier discussion about leaving the walls to explore.]

Maybe, but I wouldn't be on the Guard if I wasn't qualified. You might need an escort, though...

[He pauses at the next part, as if he wants to question but seems to think better of it.]

Right... I'll take your word for it. We have plenty of research to do, and two heads will be better than one, no matter how you look at it, anyway.

Maybe. That an offer?

[She's not opposed at going beyond the wall. In fact, it seemed inevitable. She was curious and inquisitive by nature, even when it got her into trouble. But she was also a creature of intense preparation. There was no way she'd just waltz right out there, even with a guard.]

Glad you agree. I'd like to think I'm pretty meticulous. It's gotten me results before.

Sure. We could try to get a competent team together to explore the outer city, when we're ready.

That'll definitely help since results are exactly what we need.

Great. I think I already know someone who could join us.

[Maybe, anyhow.]

I'll let you know.

All right, as long as they can hold their own out there. The more people we have with a grasp of self defense, the better.

Mm. I doubt he'd have any trouble with that.

All right. Keep me posted.

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[VIDEO .001 | username edward.elric]

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