tushanshu | [Console] video;

[Video;]

[The magical disguise Skulduggery uses generates different features every time he uses it, with the result that no one will recognise his face when he turns the console on. The skin's a little waxy and he doesn't seem to blink, but apart from those minor details, he looks normal. Only his voice, smooth and Irish, is the same as it usually is. A little jarring for those who know him best as a living skeleton.

Because of that, a brief introduction seems appropriate.]

My name is Skulduggery Pleasant. I'm a freelance detective.

[The 'freelance' part is important, since the whole point of using video is to make it clear he doesn't work for the Snakes - or anyone else.]

I'd appreciate any information anyone might have on attempted thefts of the soul jewelry. This is a request extended to everyone in the city; I don't think the kedan are organising an attack on Foreigners any more than I think Foreigners are organising an attack on them, and I don't much care about whether a witness can shapeshift or not. Or a victim, for that matter.

[There's always the possibility kedan have been mugged in the same strange conflicting style, but are too scared to come forward.]

The network isn't secure, so if you'd be more comfortable talking face to face, I'm happy to arrange that. You can leave a message for me with Anton Shudder at the Midnight Hotel - he'll make sure I'm the only one who hears it.

Thank you for your help.

[And the feed clicks off. Most, if not all, of his responses to this post will be audio, and will be made from consoles in cafes around the city - leaving the Hotel console free for anyone else to use.]

~~

[Audio;]

[Sent directly to Midii's inbox.]

Anton's now running an informal census at the Hotel. I can't guarantee it'll find everyone, but it should give us a much better idea of how many Foreigners we have, and hopefully how spread out we are.

[Sent directly to Wan's inbox.]

Some of the students at the university are talking about water levels being higher than they'd expect. Have you noticed anything like that?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm sure they would.

[He has more important things on his mind here, Anton. Come on.]

[You say that like it takes significant extra effort to be polite, Skulduggery.]

Would you prefer any messages in person or over the radio?

Whichever is easiest for you, Anton.

[Not so important to maintain absolute secrecy, then, save for the privacy of those reporting.]

I should start charging you for your requests, you know.

If you ever decide to start doing that, please let me know. It's difficult to pay you if I don't know you're expecting it.

On the contrary. All it takes is to give me a coin and say 'thank you, Anton, I do so appreciate your services; please accept this token of my appreciation'.

[Not that he's seriously requesting payment, but still.]

[Skulduggery doesn't respond to that message. The next time he sees Anton in the Hotel, however, he holds up a single juulan coin between two bony fingers.]

Thank you, Anton, I do so appreciate your services. Please accept this token of my appreciation.

[The very epitome of a straight face.]

[Anton is unsurprised. He is, however, amused, and holds out his hand for the coin.]

Why, thank you, Skulduggery. How very kind and generous of you.

[Deadpan for deadpan.]

[Hands the coin over.]

You'll tell me if you expect any more, I hope.

[He only smiles.]

I never expect anything when it comes to you, Skulduggery.

That's very refreshing. Thank you.

[And unless Anton stops him for anything else, he's going to wander off. Possibly to find somewhere to meditate.]

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