[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

[refinery]

"Zaofu," he echoes. The tone of his voice implies he has no idea where that is. "I don't know if he's been there in particular, but I do know he's been wanting to trade with the other nations. Republic City is a... limited source of income? Or something like that.'

Although Satoru is initially taken aback at first by her question, he quickly realizes that she does have a point. In his experience, Varrick has always been a little eccentric. Was that the right word? Seriously, hanging upside down is dangerous but that didn't stop Varrick from doing it like a wolfbat.

"Wh-Why would he be dead?" he finally stammers. "Is someone trying to assassinate him?"

[doesthethings]

They’d always talked about that when they were in the city. Or, at least, Varrick had always brought up discussions of expanding their trading. It’s a little heartening to hear it – almost as if it verifies that it’s really Varrick they’re both talking about.

“No. His genius simply causes challenges in other areas of his life. Such as having the presence of mind to take care of himself,” she says, as sarcastically as she ever gets, though to the inexperienced ear, her tone is still serious. “I’m his assistant, but I seem to have been…”

But she can’t say it. It’d sound too weird. So she trails off, before finishing, “we’ve been separated unexpectedly. I’d like to get back in touch with him.”

[refinery]

"Oh, I..." This woman has a point. He's seen Varrick less these days with the work he's been doing, but back when they first met, it did seem like Varrick was a little lost. The guy could take care of his company, but he spent so much time doing it that... "I see," he says quietly.

Satoru supposes that if she's telling the truth then Varrick will be ecstatic to see her. If she's lying—which he highly doubts for naive reasons rather than logical ones—then she needs a job and Varrick, with his kind heart, is likely to give her one. She seems to have her act together so far, so it'd be easier for her to either get a new job or get her old one back.

"Sure. The Spirit World's been acting up, so it's not too surprising. Varrick will be really happy to see you, I'm positive." To back up his statement, he offers her a smile. "I can take you to his yacht, but I can't guarantee he'll be there. Sometimes he takes strolls to get his brain in gear."

Satoru tries not to let his face fall, and manages a pretty good job of it. Varrick was a nice guy; he wouldn't toss him onto the streets just because his secretary came back. Right...?

"My name is Satoru, by the way. I work for Varrick. You know, as long as he'll have me. Can I ask your name...?"

[doesthethings]

The Spirit World? But wait, she has to be polite first before she can ask questions. "Zhu Li Moon. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm familiar with Varrick's habits - as long as you drop me off at the yacht, I'll be fine." She nods before continuing. "I'm sorry, but what exactly did you say about the Spirit World?"