[Console: Video] | [Subject: Arrival, RE: KVR, Libra]

[purered]

[He taps the screen gently, and there's a bit of a shake to the camera. But congratulations! Klaus can operate bio mechanical machinery! And you get a nice view of a rather... imposing and somewhat bewildered face.]

Is it working...? Ah, yes, there's the little light. Marvelous.

[He clears his throat and leans away from the camera, sitting upright. His posture is impeccable, and his gaze stern. Or maybe that's just his face.]

Good... [He glances to the time in the corner of the screen.] ...evening, everyone. I am Klaus Reinherz, the Executive Director of Libra. As I'm sure you've fathomed, I'm a new arrival to this city. Much of the situation has been adequately explained by the gentleman who found me. [He neglects to mention he was discovered unconscious on a pumpkin.]

I do have a number of points I'm a little hazy on – namely these baby turtles... turtlings...? Apologies, I'm unsure of the correct terminology. And perhaps if there are any electrical outlets I can use to charge my phone? Also this.

[He holds up his right arm, undoes the buttons on his shirt cuffs, and rolls up his sleeves, revealing a silver cuff set with what appears to be a rectangular piece of carnelian.]

I don't recall purchasing any jewelry and the only information my benefactor gave me on the matter was that if I take it off, I would expire. You can imagine my reluctance to test this, though I think he's... ah... what's the phrase...? ...yanking my chain?

My final inquiry is on the matter of local customs and culture. There seems to be some latent tension with the locals and, as you can imagine, I would not want to cause undue offense and add to the troubles. Details on practices that are commonly considered polite or taboo would be most welcome.

I do appreciate any assistance or information offered, and I am more than happy to return any favour in kind.

Thank you, and good evening.

Comments

audio;

[skeletonenigma]

No electrical outlets, I'm afraid.

[The voice is Irish and unnaturally smooth. There's also a hint of amusement in it, like the owner is smiling - or perhaps trying not to smile.]

Not the kind you're used to, at any rate. I'm sure someone somewhere has put together an alternative, but you'd have to find them. Would you like to hear about the turtles first, or the fact that your soul is now on your arm?

audio;

[purered]

A pity. Perhaps I can find a way to transfer my files to one of these machines before I lose battery life. [Someone isn't looking forward to an indefinite amount of time without Haydn's piano sonatas or Billie Holiday

There is, however, a pause as it sinks in that his soul is now in a stylish new bracelet. Well, that explained a lot.]

...Ah.

Considering that my soul is still in my possession at least? The turtles are of greater interest. My benefactor was not particularly forthcoming about them other than that they are the children of the one we're riding right now and... [There's a bit of an edge to his tone, as though he just tasted something bitter and disgusting.] ...A number of them were recently murdered. [Somebody doesn't like people who hurt kids! Three guesses who!]

audio;

[skeletonenigma]

[... And suddenly, you have Skulduggery's interest. He's used to a variety of reactions upon hearing about the soul gems or Keeliai or being stranded outside of time, but it's not often he meets someone with realistic and practical priorities. Not everyone can abandon panic and fear in favour of concern over baby turtles.]

They were murdered over a year ago, actually. The memory's raw for a lot of people right now because we had a vision of their deaths broadcast to us last week. Their murderer was dealt with.

[He won't say 'killed', though it amounts to the same thing. Skulduggery doesn't know if someone like Malicant can even be killed.]

The others left around about that time, and we haven't seen them since. Apparently, we just missed them at the last place we made landfall.

Re: audio;

[purered]

Terminally, I expect.

[His tone isn't quite so sharp now that he's been assured justice has been done.]

The most recent news on them seems to be good at least. I'd no idea about the landfall, however.

...Ah- forgive me. Recent events have left me a bit frazzled. I am Klaus Reinherz. May I know your name, sir?

video;

[gistful]

[Skulduggery Pleasant, wrong about something? Say it isn't so.]

The Midnight Hotel has electrical outlets, and I believe Tony Stark has manufactured some universal charging cords if you require one.

[Anton is quite blank-faced, which is standard, but he's actually sitting at one of the Hotel's consoles instead of standing, which Klaus won't know is unusual. His voice also has shades of Irish, though it's muddied more than Skulduggery's is--travel, and all.]

video;

[purered]

[Heaven forfend!]

Ah! This is lovely to hear. Thank you, sir.

The Welcome Center made mention of the hotel. Have you any rooms open at present?

video;

[ruinsprofessor]

Testing it isn't a good idea, no. [Raine offers a wry, not entirely heartfelt smile. This is, unfortunately, the voice of experience.]

Be careful. Several people were attacked for their gems, and while we're still not clear on the ultimate goal and the attacks seem to have tapered off, the possibility can't be ruled out. No one's died of it yet, fortunately.

[Raine pauses a moment to think over the rest of his queries -- don't take the bracelet off seemed the most prudent thing to get out of the way first -- and realizes she's skipped introductions again while she's at it.]

Ah-- I'm Raine Sage. I run the Healers' Guild here. What is Libra, if I may?

video;

[purered]

Ah... yes. I generally prefer to keep breathing.

[Oh no! You've tripped his JUSTICE!Switch! This gets a raised eyebrow from him. Or at least, an eyebrow probably raised. It's hard to tell under all that hair. One eye definitely seemed to have its upper lid tugged by something though.]

Attacked...? Do the culprits remain at large?

...! Ah! Forgive me. Klaus Reinherz. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Sage.

Libra is an organization I formed three years back. We essentially deal with the dangers in Jerusalem's Lot that tend to be beyond the abilities of the Police Suits. Everyone in Libra has relatively unique circumstances and talents that lend themselves to such matters.

video;

[ruinsprofessor]

It's vital for most of the sentient beings here, yes. [Very, very dry agreement.]

Some of the attackers died, or were apprehended, but I believe the majority managed to escape. Further, the figure behind all this is still a mystery.

[But they are pretty sure there is someone in charge, so to speak, so that's something.]

Guardians, then, of a sort. I see. [She leans forward a little, chin resting in her hands.] Two questions, then. First, I take it the sorts of abilities called 'magic' aren't alien to you? And second, is your world an 'Earth' or not?

video;

[purered]

Rest assured, I'll keep it close to me. Are the gems particularly easy to damage?

[Klaus taps his chin thoughtfully.]

An unknown figurehead abducting individuals with these types of gems. is there anything unique about the circumstances of these abductions? Any common threads you know of aside from the fact they possessed this type of jewelry?

[He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.]

...My apologies. I've not been here more than a couple hours. Old habits die hard, I'm afraid. But yes, Libra exists to protect others. And the answer is yes to both your questions. Though the way you say 'an Earth', I take it multiverse theory has come into play?

video;

[michaeljangelo]

Hatchlings. When we're babies we're called hatchlings.

video;

[purered]

My apologies for any offense I may have caused. Are you, perhaps, one of the children of this world?

video;

[michaeljangelo]

Offense? Nah, it's cool. I'm like, sixteen years to old to be a hatchling anyways. And for what it's worth? I'm about as native to this place as you are.

video;

[purered]

Ah, so you're not one of the hatchlings that was mentioned.

Klaus Reinherz. It's a pleasure to meet you, young man. ...From your accent, may I venture a guess that you were also a denizen of Jerusalem's Lot before coming here?

[He's gotten good about picking up American regional accents. Particularly New Yorkers.]

video; (or action, if he's AT the welcome center)

[wintershepherd]

[ teasingly: ] Looks like you're already settling in, I'm starting to think my services aren't required here.

action because why not 8D

[purered]

[Klaus jolts, almost dropping the make-shift pad of loose-leaf where he's jotting down careful notes. He exhales, mentally berating himself for being so jumpy. Something hasn't exploded or grown to the size of a skyscraper in over five hours- it's left him a bit on edge.]

My apologies- did you require the console, sir?

:D

[wintershepherd]

[ Jack winces a little good-naturedly when Klaus jumps. One hand curled loosely around his long hooked staff, he taps the bottom end against his bare feet. ]

Whoops, sorry for startling you. Zatanna's always telling I should wear a bell or something.

I don't need the console, I was coming to see if you needed any help. I'm Jack.

video

[looksfine]

[Aya knew what a phone was; Hal Jordan had carried one with him. A device, originating from the planet Earth--if it was the same device she was thinking of--that allowed him to communicate with others who carried a similar device over a finite distance. Certainly not from space, but if he were still on his home planet.]

[Which was how Aya knew that, while it would almost certainly not work in Keelai, there were certain features, including the display of pictures stored in the device's memory, that might have still been of some use.]

What type of power source do you require?

video

[purered]

[Klaus brightens a bit.]

Standard North American, if possible.

[And because old habits die hard with this man...]

Klaus Reinherz. A pleasure to meet you, miss.

video

[looksfine]

I...do not understand what that means.

[North American. That was...some form of localized designation of power, perhaps? She blinked twice, before nodding her head in return of his pleasant greeting.]

My name is Aya.

Perhaps I should have better phrased my question; do you require an electric, hydroelectric, nuclear, biometric, solar, gaseous, nuclear, tidal, or specific chemical source?

[irishthor]

Well, aren't you quite the polite gentleman, sir? It's quite refreshing.

[And adding a broader, more obvious tone to the Irish that Klaus has experienced so far.]

Sadly, I'm not exactly knowledgeable about the technology in this place... Can barely get these console things workin', but I know my way about the lay of the land.

As for the people? My advice is to just go with the flow. People'll find reason not to like you if they're desperate.

[And then there's a slight reduction of the smile.]

As for the soul gem; Don't lose it. Speaking from experience, the result isn't pretty.

[purered]

[He wonders if this place has a thing for Ireland because this makes number three.]

Any advice for one who might be venturing out soon to get a feel for the area?


Ah... And you're quite right in regard to the latter. I was referring more to any gestures or behaviors that would be considered inappropriate or outright insulting. As I said, I don't wish to cause undue offense. We are guests in this place, and unwanted at that. I don't want to add to the already numerous problems we have.

[The last bit gets a raised brow from Klaus.]

Also, may I inquire about the experience you had without the gem?

[irishthor]

[Technically, Shay's Irish-American, but since some of America is still under British rule...]

I'd recommend the Water sector. The people there are friendly enough.

And... Well, the kedan are just... complicated. It's better off keepin' a wee bit reserved when dealin' with 'em, don't do anything obviously insulting.

[A pause.]

It felt like my essennce was being ripped from me. Fever, haullucinations... I barely had enough energy to stay awake. I... Well, I nearly died.

So, aye. I don't recommend it.

[pushtheboundaries]

It sounds like you've gotten a few others advising you on the outlet situation, but for what it's worth, if you still need assistance, let me know. I work with a few others from a far more 'techie' world, and we're working on getting things further up to speed.

As for those offenses...there's a few classes at the university that could help with that. Consider it Keeliai Culture One-Oh-One.

[purered]

That's actually wonderful news. I have my laptop with me as well, though its charger is, unfortunately, with Gilbert at the present time. I transferred most of the necessities to my phone, but I may need to access Libra's larger files in the future. Would that be feasible? Or perhaps there is a way to connect the harddrive to one of these machines?

And thank you. I will certainly be looking into these classes as soon as I'm reasonably settled.