[Console: Video] [Subject: Departures]

[purered]

[Klaus appears on screen, ashen-faced and looking grimmer than usual.]

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a very important announcement to make.

[He steels himself with a deep breath, as though saying what comes next just make it true.]

Mr Shudder appears to have been returned to his world. It would seem that Mr Pleasant and Mr Ravel have also been sent back.

These men were well-established within Keeliai, and their loss will be felt by many Kedan and foreigners alike. I extend my condolences to those who will feel their absence and, should you wish to talk, my door is open.

[He's quiet for a while, his eyes shut as he takes a few more slow, deep breaths. Finally he seems to have gained some semblance of his usual composure and he speaks again, his tone firm.]

There are some matters that cannot be put off while we adjust to this loss - primarily the matter of the Midnight Hotel. As many of you have noticed, the building has returned to its former state and is ill-suited to habitation without some considerable work.

The lobby, kitchen, garage, and staircases are intact, as well as the magics Mr Shudder used on them. The other rooms, however, belong to the original building and are in varying states of disuse. With some work, they can certainly be brought up to snuff, and the building itself is sound and would make for an excellent hotel in its own right. The wards and most of the furniture have gone.

Mr Shudder was... prepared for this eventuality. He left a will of sorts.

[He holds up the folded papers.]

Miss Valdis, Mr Stark - he's left you some items of significance. I would see that you receive them.

And that leaves the final matter of running the hotel. Mr Shudder has recommended myself as supervisor, and I am willing to take the position if there are no objections. If there are, I would ask only to keep things running smoothly until a decision is reached.

[He sets aside the papers and his composure once again falters. There's an uncharacteristic weariness to him.]

As of late, there have been a number of foreigners returning home. Many of us have built lasting friendships here that have crossed the boundaries of time and space. Though we may not always agree, we have found ways to work towards common goals. When chance and circumstance split us apart, it is all too easy to succumb to despair.

I speak directly now to those who are dealing with the loss of a friend or loved one. It is not weakness to grieve. It is not strength to bury your emotions behind a wall of stoicism. You are not a coward if you falter. You are not selfish for seeking help from others.

Tomorrow evening, I would welcome anyone to join me in toasting to all our departed friends and loved ones.

I thank you for your time, and bid you all well.

Comments

[aprettyflyboy]

So that's really why all the building was affected. [Poe is silent for a second and then gives Klaus a sympathetic look.]I didn't know Mr. Shudder for long but he was a man who left an impression.

I'm sorry about you missing friends.If you need any help with the building, let me know what I can do.

[purered]

Yes. Much of the hotel was tied to Mr Shudder's presence. While his modifications are still intact, the building proper is gone with him.

[Klaus, for a moment, looks tired. There's a definite sag in his shoulders which he normally keeps straight.]

You are most kind. If I recall, you are the one who fixed the staircase after the fight?

[aprettyflyboy]

Adrien mentioned that the protective spells might be gone now, that leaves people in a vulnerable position. Are you sure the building could still be habitable after some cleaning and fixing or the structure is too damaged?

[Poe is concerned about those who lived there, he only knew a few of them but still, if the building crumbled it would be terrible.

It's understandable to feel upset about all this, it's a big loss and a big problem. Poe gives Klaus a sympathetic look.]

That was me, yes, and I don't mind helping with the rebuilding again.

[purered]

I'm afraid this is the case. I would like to maintain Mr Shudder's prior policy in keeping the hotel a neutral ground, though the lack of wards will make things a bit trickier to enforce.

The building itself is structurally sound, save for a few minor repairs. It's mostly dusty and... very lacking in furniture.

The latter two can be dealt with easily enough, but I would request your expertise with the repairs.

[aprettyflyboy]

Tricky is not impossible. [Poe gives Klaus an encouraging smile. He's used to difficulties and he always had tried to keep a positive, if sometimes snarky, attitude.] We will find a solution.

My family had a ranch back in my homeworld, Yavin IV, mostly all of the work you do in one of those is fixing and cleaning. I'll come over after my work shift to examine the condition of the building.

The Kedan had been...I don't want to say nicer because they always had been polite but they seem to be more willing to interact with us lately. We might be able to find new furniture at a non too expensive price.

[purered]

I would appreciate it. I'm fairly certain the integrity of the building is secure but I lack the qualifications to say that with all certainty.

As far as the Kedan are concerned, they prefer it when we are open with them, I believe.

[aprettyflyboy]

I help to build enough military bases to be able to tell you, don't worry.

I like it better that way too.

[purered]

That is quite a formidable background. Were you in the military yourself, back in your world?

[aprettyflyboy]

My mother was a pilot and my father sergeant. Currently I am the Commander of the Starfighter Corps, they're the primary line of defense for the Resistance in my world.

[purered]

The Resistance? I take that to mean you've seen your share of battles.

[aprettyflyboy]

More than a few, unfortunately. There’s a war going on in my world and it was just made official right before I woke up in this city.

[purered]

I see...

I imagine this may have something to do with the incident in the stairwell the month prior?

[aprettyflyboy]

The people who got into a fight were my current roommate and the man who tried to kill her back home. He and I also have a complicated history between us.

[purered]

Complicated seems an understatement. I hope this man hasn't caused you any more trouble?

[aprettyflyboy]

Uhm....[Poe makes a guilty face.] We had a...squabble, a few days ago.

[purered]

I see. Is he trailing you and your friend?

[aprettyflyboy]

We had a few unpleasant encounters, we all seem to accidentally keep crossing paths but I promise we won't cause anybody else trouble.

[purered]

That's not what I'm worried about, Poe.

Are you going to be alright?

[aprettyflyboy]

Hm...[He takes a seconds because Klaus deserves a proper answer and not Poe's usual 'I am always fine'.]

I've been managing so far. I can't defend myself the way Rey does but I'm not worried. You shouldn't be either.

[purered]

[Asking Klaus not to worry is like asking water not to be wet]

Even so, the offer remains. Should you ever need anything, let me know.

[aprettyflyboy]

[Klaus you are too good for this world.]

Thank you. [Poe smile is soft but it's there and he really means it.] I won't forget it.

[purrns]

...So that's what happened.

[That's...pretty awful. Far too many people, whom he assumed were pillars of this little turtle world of theirs, have gone. Vanished. It's frightening, how quickly they can just go.

He hears that little speech, and at least there's a crack in the careful mask he wears every day to be Adrien Agreste. The horrible stepford smile is gone, at least. ]

...That would be nice. The toast, I mean.

[purered]

Yes.

I'll be sure to have non-alcoholic beverages there as well.

[purrns]

Thank you, Monsieur. That's thoughtful. I'll be there.

Video

[holbydelboy]

I'll still be around to provide medical cover. I don't exactly have anywhere else to go, so...

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[purered]

I would greatly appreciate that. Thank you.

Video

[holbydelboy]

Not a problem. Let me know if I can do anything else?

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[ten_zero]

Ah.

[ Bisi hasn't been here long enough to realize what an establishment the hotel has been in Keeliai, or for how long. She'll always be grateful for what Anton did for her, but... this is a sign for her to move on. ]

I'm very sorry to hear that. Anton was very kind to me.

I'm also sorry to say that I'll have to leave the hotel in your hands, Klaus. I've taken on some responsiblities for the new police force, and it will be occupying most of my time.

Video

[purered]

Mr Shudder was a very kind man. [There's a hint of wistful fondness in his voice.]

Thank you for letting me know Miss Bisi. And thank you for all of your hard work. I wish you luck in your endeavors with the police, and should you ever have need, there is always a place here for you.

[ten_zero]

Will dealing with the hotel interrupt your efforts with Tu Vishan?

[purered]

Not that I'm aware of, no.

[He's the head of a secret society of monster hunters. Losing a little extra sleep is nothing.]

[lasergrenades]

[Pepper doesn't respond immediately, and when she does she looks a little miserable. All three of them were friends, Skul and Erskine especially. Some of the others she only just met.]

Thanks for... for letting everyone know, Klaus. And for taking over the Hotel - I can help get it back in shape, maybe. [She pauses, sighing.] I'm not sure I'm up for a toast, but I'll try.

[purered]

Miss Potts, I would not ask you to do anything you don't feel comfortable with. The toast is a formality that may help give some closure where there is otherwise little to be found.

I would, as always, be glad for any help you offer in restoring the hotel. And you would be duly compensated for your work.

[lasergrenades]

Still, it's- it's a nice thing to do. [She might argue about letting Klaus pay her, but with Skul gone one of her sources of income has disappeared, and it also just seems like too much effort right now to argue.] I'll come by when I can. And I'll bring the suit in case it comes in handy.

[purered]

I don't think there's anything that would warrant the use of the suit, though I will leave that to your judgment.

[lasergrenades]

It's easy enough to call over if something comes up. [Pepper sighs.] This is never going to get any easier, is it?

[purered]

I'm afraid these sorts of things never do. It is in our nature to grieve the loss of those we love.

There's nothing for it save the passing of time, and the help of friends.

[lasergrenades]

Yeah. [Her shoulders come up, trying to keep a calm enough expression on her face. Time didn't always make it better, but it made it easier to deal with this.] Yeah. You're right. Anyway. Thanks for... everything.

text;

[dislocked]

I can assist with work for the Midnight Hotel.

text;

[purered]

I would much appreciate that. Though may I ask your name?

text;

[dislocked]

Bucky.

Did you lose someone close to you?

Re: text;

[purered]

Yes. Though aside from that there have been many disappearances over the past month.

It's a pleasure, Bucky. I am Klaus Reinherz.