video;

[hazelwood]

[The video opens on an uncommonly solemn-looking Lieuen, in a sombre state of dress that's unlike his usual pretentions. His skin, so modelled after the common Foreigner complexion, is a tiny bit sallow.]

Dear residents of Keeliai. It's with deep and considerable regret that I am the bearer of unfortunate tidings in regards to our fair city. You may have begun to notice that Tu Vishan's health has been... deteriorating, of late. This is certainly no cause for alarm! Things being what they are, it's tantamount to... say, a cold or flu that you Foreigners seem so susceptible to. We have every assurance that Tu Vishan will overcome this malady and return to its usual self soon.

But in the interest of not taking our grand turtle for granted, certain... shall we say, rules are going to be put into play effective now. The first and most importantly, of course, is rationing.

[There's a touch of distaste to his features as he says that. Guess who doesn't like the concept?]

Resources are going to be a touch more difficult to come by in the coming weeks, and as our guests we ask that you respect our laws and customs in this time. You will find a list of what it's permissible to purchase at your local vendors. Wasteful behaviour will become a punishable offense, and fully one-fifth of your resources, whether they are earned or made, are going to be... ah, requisitioned by detachments of the local law enforcement. It's with my sincerest apologies that I relay these terms to you, you see, and when we all come through this in fine fashion I will be reimbursing everyone fully for any, hm... hardships they might encounter due to these edicts.

And on that note!

[He claps his hands together, clearly trying to change gears from the unpleasantly macabre to the positive.]

I couldn't help but notice that several of you have taken an interest in our local language. Truly, I couldn't be happier. It brings me great joy to see your appreciation of our culture. Therefore, I'd like to offer my services as a translator, of sorts. I know each of the seventeen kedan dialects, including the more ancient forms, and I would gladly assist in any translations you've been undertaking. For a fee, of course, to be negotiated based on... oh, trifling things. The amount you wish translated, the time involved in doing so, and so on and so forth.

As always, if you have any questions do please ask, but it is my keenest wish that you keep it brief. I'm a touch preoccupied at the moment. Thank you.

Comments

vendor shopping list;

[hazelwood]

[All characters will find these lists across Keeliai, with slight variances according to Sector. This is meant to give a rough idea of the restrictions on their purchasing abilities. It should also be noted that trade of the harder-to-get items will become an underground activity and subject to criminal prosecution if caught! Does your character truly need that extra chocolate bar? If you'd like to discuss your character being caught with contraband, let us know and we'll work something out!]

GROCERIES PER WEEK;

2 cup of milk
5 eggs
1 ounce of butter
1/2 pound flour
1 ounce sugar and/or honey
3 ounces coffee
1 loaf of bread (small)
Any (5) fresh vegetables (ex: one onion, one head of broccoli, one stick of celery, one carrot, one beet)
Any (3) fresh fruits
Any (1/2) pound meat
1 packet salt/pepper
1 'luxury' item (ie: a small chocolate bar or a 300 ml bottle of cider or alcohol)

AMENITIES PER WEEK;

2 sheets of paper
1/2 ounce ink
1 ounce soap

[Restaurants will still be open and functioning, but with their rations restricted as well, the fare will be generally bland and not as filling and/or nutritious as normal. If you're curious about an item that isn't on these lists, please ask and we'll let you know how short-supplied they are.]

[andaway]

Could I maybe ask more about the turtle's sickness? And what is going to happen with the rations we will give away?

Please don't take my questioning as complaining of anything by the sort, I just think the more information we have the easiest dealing with this will be.

[disfavored]

I'm not saying this is my personal stance, I'm just curious on the matter - what if a foreigner were to object to any of this? Specifically, the requisitioning? [It is his personal stance, but he doesn't want to state his objection too strongly until he knows what the consequences are.]

[hazelwood]

You are quite within your rights and interests to ask! I, however, may not have all the information your require. I could pursue further information if you but-- [A significant pause.] -- requested it of me. [Such efforts do cost, after all.]

Otherwise, I'm afraid that would do better to ask one versed in the medicines of such a grand creature. [A lamentation, at best.] I am a businessman and woefully unversed in the intricacies of Tu Vishan's health. [Lieuen, despite his solemnity, does have some good news.] Rest assured that things shall return to normal in due time! This has been quite emphasized to me and so I do, in all faith, relay the message to you.

[As to the matter of rations, he cringes. Lieuen is one kedan quite used to his comforts and the very discussion of restrictions hurts him.]

These contributions all are to make will be gathered and disseminated to those, ah, less familiar with having their needs met. As I understand it, a great effort to preserving foods will be made as preparation for the unfortunate and entirely too unlikely event that things become worse, as it were.

[suoxi]

I am very sorry to hear about the state of Tu Vishan. Does the -- requisition also include wages, or simply goods that we may produce? Either way, I will assist how I can.

[ that said … ]

I am one of those interested in the local language. At times, it seems very similar to a language I am familiar with – are there books in any of the libraries that one might check out for educational purposes?

[hazelwood]

Then I am afraid that the Alderwood Commander would get involved. He may be fair, but it can be quite dreadful to do business with one as driven as he.

[Lieuen speaks with the tone of one that has, in the past, tried to find better grounds upon which to work with the man.]

There is also the matter of one's reputation. I am quite enamored with you, our lovely guests! However, there are some kedan which may see such objection as unfair and a very poor statement that you should, somehow, bear fewer burdens than we who reside here.

[hazelwood]

I am quite afraid it extends to both, my lovely lady. [He takes off his hat in deference to her beauty as he speaks.] All for the greater good, I am well-assured! These requisitioned resources will be used to ensure all basic needs are met.

[There is a brightening to his expression and, indeed, to his skin itself at the mention of language.]

There are many indeed, but they require some grasp of the kedan language to properly appreciate their details. [He lets that stand a brief moment before briskly returning his hat to his head.] I can, however, offer something in the way of lessons were the right chord to be struck between us.

[Because he is a businesskedan aboveall.]

[disfavored]

Hm. I can see that point of view - but as a counterpoint I add that most of us 'foreigners' did not choose to be here and, if given the choice would gladly return to our own homes in order to ease the burden, rather than stay here and take up resources.

Given that we have not been allowed to make that particular choice, it seems a bit unfair to force this burden on us.

[andaway]

[Kal nods, not noting what he's saying down to not make him uncomfortable but memorizing everything to tell Lois, Bruce and the others later. He wishes the station was ready but the engineers were only in the beginnings of all the work that was left to do, and this rationing wasn't going to make any things easier.]

Who could we ask about it then, if we wanted to gather more information? There has to be someone that deals with this kind of things, if this is akin to a cold Tu Vishan must have gotten sick plenty of times in the past.

I wonder if it would be possible to let at least some of us foreigners have a hand in the organization of that rationing? I understand this is your home and you are of course right to make the decisions but it we would be grateful to be able to see what the rationing is being used for?

[hazelwood]

All points of concern, truly, but ones I am frightfully unable to address directly. These concerns are best handled by the Ironwood Emperor, for whom I am acting as herald.

[Lieuen tips his hat, a show of apology for his hands being quite tied in this matter.]

Speaking as a kedan, might I offer one counterpoint? Were you to reject this burden of rationing and contribution, then you would take up resources that could be used to support the entire population. We residents have no hand in the arrival or dismissal of you, our lovely guests, and so why should we in turn be punished by a disagreement held between your stance and the Emperor's actions?

[suoxi]

Of course. I understand.

[ and she does, really – skimpy supplies wasn’t an unheard of prospect on Serenity. ]

[ and at that – she smiles, because that sounds very similar to something she would say. ]

I’m certain we could come to some sort of arrangement.

[hazelwood]

My dear guest, I am merely a messenger and have not been permitted direct influence in more than bearing these unfortunate tidings to your network of consoles. [Ah, but the regret in his tone is sincere and apparent both.]

The Alderwood Commander will be overseeing the rationing and it has been conveyed to me that the detachments of our venerable police force shall serve as points of contact for both delivering our contributions and any questions that may be asked.

Beyond that, the Ironwood Emperor is the most versed in the knowledge of Tu Vishan. I'm afraid she so rarely discusses it, busy as she is with overseeing Keeliai.

[justlittle]

Can a person learn the kedan language somewhere? Or just listen to translations? [Because translations are so often biased and incomplete, but Bean will have to start somewhere.]

[disfavored]

It seems there is no solution right at this moment that is fair for everyone. I think, though, that there are those of us who would contribute more to the relief effort if we did not feel that we were forced to do so.

However, I will take my objections to the Emperor if it wasn't your call.

video;

[dracobin]

[When the feed switches on, Temeraire has carefully arranged himself so he looks appropriately noble and dignified in his renovated apartment. His platinum breastplate is being shown off at the most flattering angle, and the light filtering in from outside catches the pearl and sapphires set at the center just so. It a great deal of pomp and circumstances and it is rather what Lien would do, if she were in this situation, but he suppresses the immediate spike of annoyance. There is an opportunity here, he realizes, and it does not begin with his accidentally offending the Hazelwood Merchant.]

I should like to hear more about your translation services, if you do not mind. [His normally excitable voice is careful and measured--and, it may as well be said, clearly rehearsed.] Pray, does it extend to instruction in your honored language? I assure you, you will find me a fast learner, and you will of course be compensated for both time and effort.

[epigrammatical]

Good afternoon—Lord Henry Wotton, at your service. I am sorry to hear that matters are growing difficult, and of course one will make sacrifices as one must. [Try not to laugh, folks. He's trying to sound sincere and really does a good impression of it.]

My question will seem frivolous, I don't doubt, but it is the frivolous that helps one bear matters of such import. Are tobacco and similar products included in the "luxury" category?

text;

[thewaythatiam]

If we are operating a business based around food, are we eligible to receive a rationed amount of the ingredients we need to continue said business, or will we be required to shut down until Tu Vishan's health has improved?

The business in question is a bakery, if that is helpful information.

video;

[inseine]

[A grimace curls at Javert's lips. In fact, he has noticed an influx in crumbling city structures as of late, but he had convinced himself that it was par for the course when it came to structures built on the back of a titan turtle. Apparently his first intuitions were correct: They were out-of-the-ordinary. He examines this unfamiliar face intently - or as intently as he can, through a video feed.

He thinks it is with a kedan he speaks, but unlike some of the rest, this one is a rather good imitation of mankind, save for the extraordinarily sallow complexion.]

I take it you are an authority, then. A subject of Madame Emperor? Well! I will come to the point.

[Javert brandishes one of the rationing lists--in French, of course--in his hand, casting a quick glance down to the bottom and reading aloud,]

2 sheets of paper
One-half ounce of ink.

[He sets the paper aside with a flutter and fixes his iron gaze on the Merchant.]

In my line of work I use paper contracts, invoices, and receipts. Does the rationing apply to individuals and businesses? I do not intend to strain the supply, but I must know the alternatives.

[gathersnomoss]

I can't say I've dealt with rationing before, save for those required for long travel. Would additional materials be available for sale or barter, if we have the means?

video;

[wintershepherd]

Um, I have a question. I don't have any problem with the grocery list...

[ he doesn't use it anyway ]

... but I get paid different amounts every day. How often is the one-fifth thing supposed to happen?

voice;

[ironicprince]

[It doesn't take a genius to figure out there's something wrong and more than unfair going on here, but he's in no position to speak out against it.]

If we don't use our personal rations, are we allowed to give them to someone else who's in need of more?

audio;

[bondsprofoundly]

Where should I go if I wish to assist in the recovery of Tu Vishan?

[He'd ask the turtle itself but its communication methods are.

Weird.]

(from the right account this time!)

[hazelwood]

Were I able to magick Tu Vishan back to full health and dismiss this dreadful rationing, I would do so in an instant. [And he snaps his fingers to make a point to that effect.]

Best fortune be with you! And should there by anything I may do to assist you in this, never hesitate to call my name. Your cause is quite a worthy one in my humble eyes.

[hazelwood]

Indeed! [Flexibility is so key to a successful transaction, after all.] Which form of our language has so entranced you?

[hazelwood]

[What a curiously intelligent sounding Foreigner youth.]

While we lack any formal texts to engage such learning, I do reiterate that I possess this knowledge you seek. It is in the interest of competitiveness that I offer translations, you must understand.

[A congenial smile. Lieuen is not scaling back his diction mere because of the apparent difference in their ages.]

That is not to say your cause is lost, dear child! The cost differs, but I am always willing to arrange lessons for the right arrangement.