Text.

[of_deduction]

Now that I'm much better acquainted with this place I will be opening my own consulting detective business. The basis of my operation is this:

1. If you have an interesting problem that you cannot solve on your own then you may feel free to contact me and we'll discuss its potential.
2. Tell me in every detail possible about your problem. Leaving nothing out.
3. From the details you provide I will offer a deduction or decide if further investigation is necessary.

If you have an interest in consulting me then there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. I will charge all my clients the same amount. More money is not an incentive.
2. If you cannot afford the designated charge I am open to negotiating the price.
3. I won't waste my time on adultery cases.
4. I will not accept anonymous clients.

On that that note, with my work it is likely I'll be far too busy to keep up the apartment and all the shopping. If you would like a job as a house keeper you may apply below, however there are a few key traits I'm looking for in any potentials.

1. Must be able to follow orders.
2. Able to make tea and coffee
3. Willing to do the necessary shopping
4. A strong stomach, not at all squeamish
5. No sort of history involving the abuse (of any kind) of children.

-Sherlock Holmes

[ This time, he's signed it with his full name just to the gauge the reaction to it. ]

Comments

[unetrustworthy]

[More than a hint of relief shone in her eyes at that. Respectful as she was of other's property...she definitely liked the idea of getting to bring the book back to her place and study on her own terms much better. Especially since she'd only just met this person.]

I won't lose it. I promise.

[She paused just long enough to register his latter statement. It seemed a passing comment, but it did bring about another question. And, thus far, this gentleman didn't seem too opposed to her questions.]

Are you a native speaker, or fluent?

[In English.]

[of_deduction]

[ He just gives a look like he's trying to decide if she's joking or not. ]

Native.

[ He finally answers. That was the last time he attempted to make a joke. ]

[unetrustworthy]

[Her brows furrowed slightly at his answer, but not for the reason one might think. She seemed more contemplative than anything.]

Most of the Foreigners brought here are native English speakers. Japanese and French were the two next most common. Based on my research.

But I could never figure out why exactly that is. The locals here speak their own language, and everything we say is translated for us. Convenience couldn't be a factor.

[of_deduction]

[ Well now, that is interesting. It could be a coincidence of course but it's still worth looking into. ]

English is regarded as the trade language of the world while French is regarded as the Business Language of the world. As for Japanese though-while it is considered one of the most important languages of the world-I can't think of a tactical reason for it-especially if spoken languages are translated automatically.

It couldn't be based on population as English is only the third most commonly spoken language in the world, Japanese is the ninth while French only ranks as the eighteenth. Not to mention anyone- [ He pauses to make a face before the words come out-it might be the truth but it still sounds strange and foreign coming from his own mouth. ] -Not from earth probably doesn't speak any of Earth's 6,500 languages.

[unetrustworthy]

[It was all...rather interesting, actually. And the first time someone had attempted to offer a reason that made sense. Which was why she listened patiently until he was done before offering her counter-statement.]

I'm sure that's true in your world. It might even be true in mine, in a different time.

But where and when I come from, Japanese is the most commonly spoken language. Every country that's part of the Alliance speaks it. And so do those who live in the Colonies.

[of_deduction]

[ Colonies... As in the American Colonies? ]

And what year do you come from? It's 2014 where I'm from.

[unetrustworthy]

[Not...exactly.]

AC 190. 190 years after the first Space Colony was established, at the L1 Lagrange point.

[In space.]

If you use the same calendar that I think you're using...it would be about 150 years into your future. Give or take. Except that means we can't come from the same world. Or you would have already switched to the After Colony calendar.

[of_deduction]

[ Space Colony. Of course. He can feel his irritation building simply because of what kind of information this logic-forsaken place continues to offer him. The words that come out of her mouth are registering but he has no idea what they are and there isn't much he dislikes more than not knowing something. ]

Space Colony.

No, there's not even a mention of any such thing that I'm aware of. [ If John ever finds his way here then he might ask about a few things but as far as he knows there are no plans to colonise space. ]