001 | video

[hemokinetic]

U-um...

[The girl peering at the camera looks like she has no idea what to say, because she doesn't.

This is so unpleasant.

Mirai frowns thoughtfully, expression twisting in such a way that it suggests she's about to say something, but what she does instead is adjust her glasses, huff, and — and then blinks at the camera, like she somehow forgot it was there.]

Oh! Yes, hello. My name is Mirai Kuriyama. I'm new here. I was wondering if anyone recognizes any of these names:

Akihito Kanbara
Mitsuki Nase
Ayaka Shindou
Ai Shindou

If you do, please let me know! They're —

[Another pause, this time paired with an uncertain look.]

They're my friends from home. [She very nearly stumbles on the word "friends."] I'd very much like to speak with them, if possible. And if any of you are reading this — [Here she wrinkles her nose, suddenly annoyed — ] especially you, Kanbara-senpai! — please tell me. I'm —

[Scared.

Quietly:] Thank you all for your time.

Comments

[hemokinetic]

No I don't!

[doneproperly]

"Maybe" implies uncertainty.

Are you uncertain or not?

[hemokinetic]

Why do you ask so many questions?!

[never mind that he only asked one sHUT UP]

[doneproperly]

I don't believe one question qualifies as a plural.

[hemokinetic]

You're being unpleasant!

[PLS STOP]

[doneproperly]

... My apologies. I'm being discourteous.

How about we start over. I'm John Mandrake. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Kuriyama.

[hemokinetic]

[OR WHAT IF SHE HANGS UP?

...no, she won't.]

Hello.

[Note that she doesn't say it's a pleasure to meet him. Ha! Take that!]

[doneproperly]

[He notices, but it's such a minor slight he has to stop himself from smiling with faint amusement. It's almost cute.]

I'm temporarily managing a fund for Unsettled imPorts. If you decide not to register and you need financial or job seeking help at any point, you can contact me any time. My office will help you out.

[hemokinetic]

[That's actually good to know. And now she looks interested.]

I — I haven't given it much thought yet.

[Which is partly true. The unfortunate fact is, she's had such a hard time scrounging up enough money just to eat that this seems like a dream come true: getting to work at a job that doesn't involve killing things, being supported by someone other than herself...

It might be too good to be true, but. She's been desperate.]

[doneproperly]

Of course. You have some time yet before the next swear-in ceremony. No need to rush a decision.

[hemokinetic]

That's good to know.

[Swear-in ceremony?

That sounds very fancy.

And public.]

What are those usually like?

[doneproperly]

It's different every month. The government holds a function for imPorts to attend-- whether they're registered or not. Many go-- it's a good networking opportunity, even if you don't intend to register. If you do, you attend and basically register your details with the government, and that's it.

[hemokinetic]

[Networking. Shudder.]

When will this month's happen?

[doneproperly]

It changes from month to month. But you should get a notification in your... ah, inbox, soon.

[The way he pauses before and then places special emphasis on the word "inbox" is like that of someone not really used to saying it. At least, not in this context.]

[hemokinetic]

[She picks up on that, but decides it's probably not important right now.

Instead: A nod.]

Thank you. I'll look for it.