[Console] video;

[skeletonenigma]

[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?

Comments

[skeletonenigma]

[They're all names Skulduggery's heard before, so at least that's something. He's even met two of them before. He's hesitant to label them as the only suspects, but if Sokka's spoken to someone who knows what the little robots are, it's a very good place to start.

He leans back.] What would you like if you win? I'd like to keep my money, but I can offer you something else. A favour, maybe.

[It's not very wild, but everyone could use a favour now and then.]

[theideaguy]

[Well, it's not like Sokka is labelling them as his only suspects either. But a lead is a lead, and they're at the forefront of his mind.]

Well, if you're not going to offer juulan...

[He's joking, perhaps teasing Skulduggery just a little bit.]

A favour though? That... that's an interesting offer. [Pause.] Any favour I ask for?

[Regardless of the answer, he's going to accept. It probably would be good to keep Skul in his pocket.]

Alright, you drive a hard bargain, but it's a deal.

[skeletonenigma]

Well, within reason.

[That shouldn't have needed saying, but it occurs to Skulduggery he doesn't know Sokka nearly as well as it occasionally feels like he does. Sokka could be precisely the sort of person who takes advantage of deals like this. Best to be careful.]

I'm glad to hear it. Is there anything else?

[theideaguy]

[In fairness, Sokka already knows it. That wouldn't stop him from asking for something well outside the bounds of a reasonable favour. But he wouldn't cry a hissy over it if such a suggestion were to be turned down.]

I think that's about it, really. That's the only crazy thing of note that's been going on with me.

[skeletonenigma]

[With some amusement:] In that case, I'll let you know if I end up owing you a favour. In the meantime, thank you.

[He has more to go on than he did before. Strictly speaking, he already owes Sokka a favour. 'Strictly speaking', of course, in no way implying that Skulduggery's about to mention that.]