[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]

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.