tushanshu | [video]

[When the video opens on Bruce, much of his 'friendly neighborhood playboy' demeanour is muted. He looks a little more serious than normal, though his tone and expression remain congenial enough.]

As some of you may have noticed, passports have been delivered to our suites. It's very likely that these herald another landfall, and given the fact that our population is significantly increased from what it was in November, I'd like to warn people about what we might encounter.

[Attached is a file, landfall.doc. It contains things like details on the llothi, the mausoleum, the ruins, the temperature, sorts of plants found, soil samples, etc.]

You have Miranda Lawson to thank for those. Sadly, she's no longer among us, but I doubt she'd want her research to go to waste.

[A slight pause, barely notable before he continues.]

And that brings me to my second point of business. At one time, a foreigner was keeping a list of people we might be looking for in the event that they arrive. However, I think it's past due we started a compilation of the names of those that have left us. Since disappearing from this place seems an almost instantaneous process, it could be weeks or even months before we become aware of some people's departure, and I believe that process is best expedited for everyone's sake. Most recently, at least to my knowledge, we've lost Miranda Lawson, Favrielle nό Eglantine and Lina Inverse.

[Not mentioning Jason Todd? Not mentioning Jason Todd.]

I'd appreciate any other names you might have.

Additionally, given the current state of Keeliai, I think it's an opportune time to rekindle the idea for a Foreigner-lead council. Councilman Tarrlok, a word to that effect? I think an elected representative from each Sector would be a good place to start.

And if there is anyone well-suited to the role, I'm happy to hold nominations.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

How recently gone were you thinking of in terms of noting who's disappeared?

As recently as we're aware. There's a chance we might end up being wrong, but I think being safe rather than sorry is probably a good thing in this instance.

Makes sense. [Pause.] I was just thinking of people who vanished months ago.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to start a tally as far back as we remember, honestly. But I doubt I could be that thorough.

There's no telling who might have shown up and then disappeared just as soon without anyone realizing, too.

[Pause.] I was thinking of a girl. Yelena. She disappeared about four months ago.

[He makes a noise of agreement.]

I didn't know her. Were you close?

[Close is accurate yes but lol openly talking about this.] She was a friend, yeah.

[Even as socially ignorant as Bruce 'is', he recognizes that she doesn't want to talk about it. So he flashes a quick, slightly awkward smile.]

I'm sorry, it's not my business.

[Annabeth shrugs. Because it's not, but the apology is accepted.] She was another of the earliest arrivals.

[Lumping her in with the two of them (among others), since she knows Bruce has been around about as long as she has.]

More and more of us have been leaving lately.

[If he doesn't sound happy about it, it's because he isn't.]

It makes me wonder what those actual numbers are.

I don't think there's a way to be perfectly exact. At least, without the Emperor's input.