Date 1 (Video)

[incendere]

(At first, there's nothing except sound: ambient city noises that are, oddly, muffled by someone loudly fiddling with the communicator.)

If this is someone's idea of a joke, then it's poorly crafted... (Some more fiddling. After a few minutes of increasingly frustrated button smashing:) I don't have time for these games! (Then, with a loud smack to the device and some more harsh fussing, the video comes on, revealing one Colonel Roy Mustang! He's looking down at the video with a raised eyebrow. Finally satisfied, he sighs.)

Well, this place certainly has an interesting way of asking for help. While I can't say I enjoy the situation, I suppose I might as well introduce myself. The name is Colonel Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist.

(He pauses here, his gaze drifting to his left in thought. If there's a concerned look on his face, it only lasts for a flicker of a moment before he looks back at the communicator.)

I've heard an interesting story since I've arrived here. Apparently, a few women have recently disappeared. Elizabeth and her sisters, Kate and Jaqueline, were out with their friends, Brenda and Felicity, when they suddenly felt ill. According to eyewitnesses, they all seemed to black out at the same time, but when the authorities arrived, they were nowhere to be found. Despite the crowd that had gathered, no one seems to know how it happened. Rumors have spread amongst some of the people in the neighborhood, saying that it was the work of some magician, or even the wrath of God. While I can't say I agree with such statements, it certainly poses an interesting question: if people were around to see the incident, but no one can identify how, why, or where they disappeared to, then what exactly happened?

That being said, people have a tendency of over exaggerating details. If anything, I'm sure the women in question are simply on a vacation somewhere. Though, if anyone hears any more about them, I'd appreciate if you informed me. I'd hate to confuse the facts too much.

Comments

1/???

[fingerbang]

[ The first time this happened, it took her a second to process what was going on because it simply didn't make sense. It had been three years, and he had never been there before, not once. This time, it takes her a second because she's already heard this voice multiple times today, plus numerous others. Every time, she's looked over her shoulder, wild-eyed, searching for the source. Every time, there's been nothing. This time should surely be no different. ]

[fingerbang]

[ But then he keeps talking. ]

[fingerbang]

[ And then he talks some more! ]

[fingerbang]

[ And then she realizes that every other time she's heard a voice it's lacked the sound quality of this one; it's always sounded more like someone was right beside her, or whispering into her ear, and she suddenly understands where this voice is actually coming from-- ]

[fingerbang]

[ OH MY GOD REALLY ]

[fingerbang]

[ well she doesn't actually think oh my god but you get the picture

Of all the times, in all the places, it just had to be here and now. Really? This time there's not even a particular higher power to blame, since Lachesis is absent! Of course. ]

[fingerbang]

[ oh god oh man oh god oh man oh god ]

[fingerbang]

[ But no matter how she feels about it (NEGATIVELY), she can't afford to dwell on it long. Not when he's been here before. Whether he remembers his stay or not, others will, and particular others (Eddie, she means Eddie) will recall some details of his history with her. She's put her voice out for public consumption, if not her face. Like it or not, he'll learn that she's here. Hiding now will only make her look weak, her position compromised -- an even easier target.

Also wow does someone in this house own a dog?? Why the fuck is it barking so loud this is killing her self-important inner reasoning narrative. ]

DONE kill me

[fingerbang]

[ ANYWAY that's how there comes to be a low, ambiguously-smug voice cutting into his Network time! Surprise, bitch, I bet you never blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. ]

You really don't know how to keep to your own devices, do you? Not that I'm surprised by it. You've always been that kind of man.

NEVER i mean i guess if you insist 1/?

[incendere]

(Wow, excuse you, who do you think you are, cutting into my Network/Deep Thinking time HOW RUDE.

Also why is that voice so familiar...)

audio | infected with type B... or not! your call.

[gevurah]

[ Hey, she remembers him. Sort of.

Also Elizabeth and Kate, really. ]

When did this happen?

audio | Hahaha, sure!

[incendere]

(What do you mean "really" those are great code names.)

From what I understand, it only happened a couple days ago. Though, people seem to have trouble agreeing on an exact date. Some have even said it happened within the last few weeks.

voice

[retropolis]

[ Ah yes, more type Bs. Very good, very good. Distressing as the message is, Nelson can't help but burst in exuberantly: ]

Truly?! How awful! How mysterious! Goodness, it's like a riddle! No, a whodunnit, what really transpired in the curious case of the disappearing damsels? We should spread the word--! [ He's a little out of breath, doing stretches himself as he speaks. ] Pleased to meet you, Colonel, very pleased, Lt. Nelson Gardner at your service, I was discharged some time ago but it's always an honor, getting to know your comrades! You wouldn't also happen to be a Marine, would you?! What a coincidence that would be! Wait, when did these women disappear? Where did you hear this, what can we do?!

[ Enjoy your whiplash. ]

Voice

[incendere]

(Under normal circumstances, Roy would have given Nelson a look that said 'are you kidding me' after receiving such a burst of questions and statements.

But instead, he holds the phone a little closer to his ear so that he can make sure he hears everything because yeah, yeah! You're totally right, Mr. Gardner!! He's nodding emphatically to everything that's being said as he starts his jog. And when he finally speaks, it's with a little more energy than he knows what to do with.)

It would certainly be a good thing to figure out. I'd hate for them to go missing for so long, especially in a place as massive as this. (Also because they're my subordinates and I want to make sure they're okay!) The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Gardner. I'm afraid I don't know anything about Marines. In addition to being a Colonel, I'm a State Alchemist for the military in Amestris? (That's the same thing, right?) I overheard a conversation while I was looking around. Apparently, they disappeared a few days ago, but some have even said it was a few weeks. Considering how widespread the rumor is, it makes sense that the details would be muddled. I'm sure if they were able to, they would contact those who are looking for the--which reminds me, I'm looking for a florist. Do you know of any good ones around?

video;

[abadidea]

Five people disappeared, and no one knows anything? Why don't more people know about this? [And Cole, he's been seeing a woman who doesn't speak, who's wet, and who died and wants something done about it, most likely. Could there be a connection? How could there not be a connection?]

Eh...I'm Isaac Clarke. Sorry. Forgot to mention that. [Missing woman is just more important, man.] It's nice to meet you, Colonel. Can you tell me anything about the area they disappeared from?

video |1/2

[incendere]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Clarke. My name is Colonel Roy Mustang. (Oh, but I already said that didn't I? In an attempt to recover, and also because of the type B infection, he begins to speed up his words.)

They were near a hospital in the center of the city, but I'm afraid that's the extent of my knowledge in regards to their location. Apparently, the rumor has been spreading all across the area, but all of the details are still a little hard to piece together, considering how conflicting they are. (Mostly because he himself doesn't understand what's going on, and all the women mentioned are code names for his subordinates that he has yet to hear from. It's very disconcerting, and there's a pause in his response.)

video

[incendere]

(Then, after a good few seconds of silence:)

Exactly how many hospitals are near the center of the city? A place such as this must have quite a few, especially considering the vast amount of people here. Not to mention those who they're bringing in. From what I hear, they tend to import quite the amount each day. I had no idea technology such as that even existed. It's certainly advanced.

voice;

[reptiledysfunction]

I wish I could be more helpful, but I just arrived here as well.

voice; infected with Type B! IF you want...

[incendere]

I'm sure there are many others looking out for them, though I would have preferred to hear about them personally. I suppose I'll just have to wait and see what happens. I thank you for the concern, Mister...?

[symmachy]

You're an alchemyst. [disbelief everywhere]

[incendere]

(wow excuse you what do you mean "disbelief everywhere", how rude!)

That's right.

[psychomancy]

I'm afraid it's no joke, Colonel.

[incendere]

So I've noticed. (Deep, heavy sigh) They would have quite the sense of humor were it one.

video.

[selfequipped]

Where'd you hear about this?

[It seems good to ask, in part because she wants to look into it herself. To claim he's merely confused means that other people should look into it.]

video.

[incendere]

I simply heard about it while I was attempting to find my way around. It seems to be quite a popular topic amongst some of the residents here.