[open] introduction to advanced relocation

[doesthethings]

She doesn't remember anything.

It's a jarring feeling, to have no recollection of the series of events that have led up to this moment - to her standing in Republic City, near the Spirit Wilds, still as she always is among the throng of people going to and fro. Could this be one of Varrick's ridiculous plans? Some transporter that had the unintentional side effect of ruining her memory in the process? No, that didn't sound right. She can clearly remember what they'd been working on in Zaofu. The gap in her memory seems to have started one night when she went to sleep and ended here, with absolutely nothing in the middle.

She needs a moment. Just a moment to duck her head, to push her glasses up, to try to force herself to recall something from the past... period of time. She doesn't even know how long she's been like this. When nothing comes to mind, she comes up with a second plan, just as she always does.

Straightening and feeling for her notebook (breathing a sigh of relief when she finds it where it always is), she approaches the nearest person she can find, tapping them on the shoulder. Brisk and efficient as always. This isn't a problem she can't fix. "Excuse me. Do you happen to know if Varrick is in the city?"

Comments

beautiful. just... beautiful.

[doesthethings]

"I'm referring to the leader of Varrick Global Industries, sir," she deadpans, adjusting her glasses once more. Sure, some of the other facts are true, but there's no need to bring attention to them. "There's not a warrant out for him currently." Of course, she doesn't even know how she got here, or how long she's not been with Varrick, but if she says it confidently enough, she's sure this man won't argue. "Do you know of his whereabouts?"

[paybent]

"That's the guy alright!" He points excitedly as she says that, as if she's brought some vital evidence to light. "No warrant, huh?" He takes a moment to peek inside his trench coat, then he looks back at her with a sheepish smile. "Looks like you're right, pal! If there was one, I'd have a sticky note for it on me. His whereabouts, huh... I know he's somewhere in this city! On top of that, I heard he spends a lot of time in that fancy-shmancy yacht of his."

[doesthethings]

"He's back on his yacht?" Since when? What's happening here? Zhu Li can't help a slight frown as she tries to piece the various fragments of information together. "Is it still in the Republic City harbor?"

[paybent]

"Should be! I haven't heard anything about any of those rich people cruises going on. And he's got a studio somewhere in the city, too..." He scratches at his head. "Just can't remember where! We might have some info back at the station." Because, you know, it might be a bit wise to keep tabs even on pardoned criminals.

[doesthethings]

"I would greatly appreciate any information about him. Could you take me to the station?" Psh, that stuff's not confidential, right? She has a feeling that even if it is, she can weasel her way into accessing it.

[paybent]

"Sure thing, pal! We might need some kind of clearance to see the files... but we'll figure that out when we get there!" And he turns to start to lead the way.

[doesthethings]

“I’m sure the clearance can be obtained without any trouble.” She follows after him promptly, not seeing the need to fill the silence with any unnecessary conversation. She needs to find out what exactly has been happening between Zaofu and now.

[paybent]

"Good to hear!" And then, silence. It's a very awkward and uncomfortable silence as they make their way towards the police station, and it's brutal on Gumshoe's nerves!

At one point after several minutes, he coughs. After a beat, he meekly adds, "That was just a cough."

[doesthethings]

"Yes, sir." It was. She's not used to having to be the one to provide inane chatter, to be honest. Her small talk is woefully inadequate, let alone talking for the sake of filling silence.

That being said, the man does seem incredibly uncomfortable. After some time, she says, "my name is Zhu Li Moon. I apologize for not introducing myself earlier."

Yes, really good small talk here.

[paybent]

He smiles lightly. "Gee, nice to meet ya, Miss Moon! Uh... No need to apologize. I didn't introduce myself first!" He spares her a sheepish glance. "The name's Dick Gumshoe. Detective Dick Gumshoe! You can call me whatever you like, just don't call me late for dinner!"

[doesthethings]

She bows to him, then straightens. “I’ve no intention of doing so, Detective.” Or, likely, calling him to dinner in the first place, but she’s not about to say that out loud. “The station, then?”

[paybent]

A bow?! He clumsily tries to mirror it. Then he looks up sheepishly towards the station. "Right! The station. That's it! Right this way, Miss Moon!" He scurries ahead to hold the door open for her.