001 ; video

[shoyu]

[ click! as the video feed flickers on -- and here's soysauce looking kind of confused and lost. a slow blink as he confirms that this thing is working properly (he can never be sure, it's nothing like those clunky old phones and radios he's so used to) before he gives a polite smile. ]

Good evening. I hope I'm not being too much of a bother when the mood seems so, ah -- [ what's the word ] electrified.

[ a sheepish sort of laugh as he rubs at his jaw. ]

I'd like to avoid wasting too much of anyone's time, so I suppose I should get straight to the point, which is --

[ and then he rather clumsily manages to bring up the text for:

:) ]

This mark. I'm afraid I've never been very good with fancy machinery and such complicated things, and there seems to be a bit of a buzz about these matters as of late. May I possibly ask what these symbols stand for? -- humor an old man, perhaps?

[ yes he seriously has no idea what smilies are. ]

Comments

[coarse]

[A shrug. He presses his lips, shaking his head softly.]

That they're friendly, amused, harmless.

I don't think they're interested in being our friend, though, so I'm guessing they want to be ironic more than anything.

[shoyu]

Aha. [ headcant. what a curious notion. ] It sounded like there's been quite an uproar about this -- face-person. Have they garnered that notorious a reputation?

[coarse]

[He shrugs again, taking more time.]

First time I've seen it around. Wouldn't mind never seeing it again.

[shoyu]

[ he's not quite getting why everyone else dislikes it so much just yet, but he's not going to disagree. ]

I suppose it is rather unsettling, having to communicate to someone with no identity like that.

[coarse]

I think it has some type of control over this ship, too.

[shoyu]

... control? As in -- it's the pilot?

[ because obviously only pilots have control over aircrafts. ]

[coarse]

More than that, I think. Can't tell you what exactly.

[And... that's that. He's as lost as everyone else. So:]

'You feeling any better?

[shoyu]

Ah, yes sir, definitely. I really should thank you again for being so understanding then. [ a polite little nod. ] I was told there was something in the air then that was affecting people?

[coarse]

Don't worry about it. [He shakes his head, throwing down a slow hand. His tone is light, to the point.] Yeah, I think so. Wasn't around to see much of it happen.

[after a beat, as if asking for confirmation:] Is that why you ran off?

[shoyu]

Mm, I'm afraid I wasn't quite myself at the time -- though I don't suppose that really excuses my behavior.

[ -- that reminds him. ] Ah, I should have asked this earlier, but have you found your sister since?

[coarse]

[The tone is reluctant, now, once again afraid to admit he just doesn't know what to say. Bass's expression becomes vague when he lowers his head, scratching his nape idly.]

Nope. I'm starting to think they might not have taken her. And I never got to thank you for helping me out.

[shoyu]

Mmm, I hardly contributed anything helpful, though.

[ trying to look at the circumstances optimistically, ] ... and, perhaps your sister is somewhere safer? Somewhere other than on this ship, that is -- it may be a good thing that she hasn't gotten roped into these matters?

[coarse]

I'd rather have her here with me, to be honest. [It's complicated. Then again, not so much.] She doesn't do so well on her own.

[shoyu]

Ah, that's certainly understandable, too. [ it sounds like there's something complicated going on, so he won't pry. ] I'll be certain to keep an eye out in the future, just in case.

[coarse]

Appreciate it.

What about you? Are you by yourself?

[shoyu]

Mmm, I was traveling alone before ending up here, and I haven't recognized anyone here yet.

[ a sheepish laugh. ] I have to admit, though, I do get a little envious of the people here who seem to have known each other before -- familiarity in a place like this must help greatly.

[coarse]

[There's a soft nod, followed by an exhale.]

Yeah.

A lot of the people around here are willing to help each other out with that, though.

[That should go without saying, considering who he's talking to.]

[shoyu]

Ah yes, certainly!

Though I suppose in a place like this, teamwork is everyone's greatest asset? Strength in numbers, so on and so forth.

[coarse]

[There's a quirk on the corner of his lips, a brief flash of a crooked smile. Dryly:]

Let's hope it means something.