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[jinzhong]

[Jackie appears on the network, looking agitated and wearing an outfit that makes him look like he just stepped out of Carrie.] So, for real, does anyone think we’re not dead and this isn’t just some fucked-up section of hell? ‘Cause I’m not buying it. Between Life, Dreaming, and Death...nah. I know I died. [He still looks shaken when he thinks about it. Given how traumatized he seems and the state of his clothing? The manner of his death wasn’t pretty.] I just think whoever runs this place has a weird sense of humor.

Also… [He looks at his clothes and grimaces. Dammit, this was his favorite hoodie.] Does anyone know how to get bloodstains out? Like...really bad bloodstains? [He shows off the bloodied hoodie, tank top, and jeans he’s wearing.] That healer lady, Milyn or whatever her name is, don’t get me wrong, she fixed me up real good, but she’s no laundromat.

Comments

[ruinsprofessor]

[She nods a little to Jackie's initial response, looking sympathetic. She knows that feeling, or one much like it.]

[Police officer she can get, even if his parlance is a little weird.] Ah. Yes, I believe our Emperor previously headed up the local law enforcement. Why do you ask?

[jinzhong]

[Jackie grins.] Yeah...he seemed like the type. Back where I come from, the cops are diulan useless...I was kind of wondering if the cops here were the same.

[ruinsprofessor]

I wouldn't say useless... [Ignoring the fact that it's possible that the Emperor leaving the palace during the bombings was what enabled the enemy to slip in.] I haven't had cause to encounter the guard often, but I believe they've been of help in some situations.

[Is he implying he's been on the wrong side of the law, or simply that he has little respect for its enforcers? Something to ponder.]

[jinzhong]

[Honestly, Raine? A little from column A, a little from column B.]

Well, so long's they don't overreach, know what I mean?

[ruinsprofessor]

[Oh good, she's on familiar ground.]

Ah. Yes. I believe I take your meaning. [A grimace. She's been on the wrong end of something like law enforcement overreaching itself.] I haven't seen that they do, though of course everyone here is a little more tense of late.

[jinzhong]

[Hey, all right, she gets it. Not one of those goody-two-shoes types that Jackie's still not entirely sure exist.] Huh. Yeah...guess I'd better watch myself, huh? Don't want to get judged by my appearance. [His criminal, criminal appearance.]

[ruinsprofessor]

[She gives him a blank look for a moment. She isn't really sure what he means about his appearance, save perhaps that the state of his clothing lends him some air of disreputability. He looks... relatively normal for a human, honestly.] Would your appearance mark you as someone to watch in your home world?

Regardless, if you refrain from harming others, you should be fine for the most part.

[jinzhong]

[Jackie shrugs.] Yeah, pretty much. Got my tattoos, you know? Back home everyone can tell I'm Sun On Yee.

But uh, I don't think that'll be a problem. I don't wanna hurt anyone, you know?

[ruinsprofessor]

[She has no frame of reference, but she can extrapolate that being Sun On Yee does not give one a reputation for being kind and law-abiding.] I see. Well, if that's the case, you should be fine. Have you been to the welcome center yet?

[jinzhong]

[No, Raine, it really doesn't.] Yeah, met that Jack Frost kid. He's all right, you know?

[ruinsprofessor]

[Raine nods agreement. She's never actually met Jack, but the quality of his work and the usefulness of the welcome center speak for themselves.] So he is.

[A pause, to size him up. He seems calmer than he did, and is definitely less injured. He should be all right for now.] Is there anything else you're wondering about?

[jinzhong]

[Jackie shrugs.] Nah? Not really.

Thanks for fixing me up again. I really appreciate it.

[ruinsprofessor]

[She nods by way of acknowledgment.] Of course. Take care of yourself.

And don't hesitate to return if you encounter other trouble. [She's here to help, after all, when people let her.]