maskormenace | ( video o4 )

[ The man who first appears on the screen is easily recognisable thanks to the very prominent scowl between his brows. People may have seen it before. Usually it comes about when he’s forced to do something like this. In his hands are varying sheets of paper that he rifles through as though to ignore d’Artagnan and his eager camera.

Athos waits a moment, then two, before he sighs. ] Go on then, I know you’re dying to announce it. Let’s not keep them waiting.

[ That’s all the cue d’Artagnan needs. The camera wheels around to show his face, where he’s looking altogether too pleased with himself. ]

We have something to tell you all. [ The camera lingers on his face for a moment and then shifts up, fixing on a sign bearing a symbol that will be familiar to anyone who’s met the Musketeers. D’Artagnan’s voice accompanies the picture. ] We’d like to welcome you to our new offices.

The thing is, we’re Musketeers. This may not be our world, but we’re still able to work. We’d like to help, in the best way we can. And let’s be honest, I was never going to help anyone at the Renaissance Faire.

So, we’re opening an agency of our own.

[ The camera pans around the office itself, showing a mostly wooden interior, a desk, several chairs, and what looks like a modern coffee machine hidden in one corner. There are several doors, including one that leads out to a yard. A couple of horses can briefly be seen there. ]

We want to do our part, here in De Chima. We’re here to protect you. We’ll be your guards, if you need us. We’ll investigate crimes that you bring to us. You can come to us in confidence, and we’ll do all that we can to help you. This is our work, and we want to get back to it.

[ A large hand grasps to reposition the camera and in looms a set of curls and not much else before the camera settles on a desk and Porthos comes into the frame. ]

Not like we get all the praise and glory, despite it being something that’s been well-deserved by our regiment, in my very humble experience. Only, there’s the bit where we take the best. I mean, I’d accept mediocre if I could train it out of you, but I think Athos might have my head first.

[ Which is actually a good point. Athos makes a noise like clearing his throat and waits until one of his companions angles the device again to get him in it. ] We’re taking anyone who wants to learn and seems as if they’d be capable. Men and women. [ And that’s at least one sign that he’s becoming one with the times. And that he’s not as bad as all that, thank you Porthos. ] We only ask that you be over sixteen and that you are prepared to learn. It is not an easy life, you do not make it without dedication. We would expect much of that. But I can guarantee that it is worthwhile. And if you trust us to teach you then you will not be let down.

[ After all that, d’Artagnan pulls the camera back to himself. All of that seriousness has not gotten rid of his excitement. ]

You can let us know if you’re interested. We open for business two weeks from today. If we can help you, you should get in touch.

( nb: the occ information post is here and sign-ups are here. Athos is black, D’Artagnan is teal and Porthos is purple. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You mean those who were not brought here by the porter but are native? [ He has no loyalty to them, but still. ]

If they need it.

They very often do. And besides - a lot of them want to get to know us better. They don't know if they can trust imPorts, so training at our side could go a long way towards reassuring them.

[ Athos will defend the natives the same way he would a foreigner that found their way into his path. His loyalty may lie elsewhere but he is a good man and so he only nods in response to what Kitty is telling him. ]

You do not think that they would be concerned over our banding together?

[ He will of course let them join. He just wants to make sure he has all angles covered. ]

Not if we let them join.

[ Her face is bright and optimistic. ]

If we're open and honest with them, all their mistrust will evaporate. I'm sure of that.

I may need your aid in explaining that very concept, Miss Jones.

[ Does she feel like being their PR Assistant? ] I do not know that a man such as me would have the right attitude.

Oh - Well - [ Still every bit as earnest, she says: ] I will absolutely help you figure out how to word it.

I would appreciate it. It is important to me that I get this right. [ He had barely been made Captain back home and now here he is, setting up his own garrison. It is a lot of responsibility. It is something that could easily go very wrong. ]

[ That brings a real softness and fondness - bordering on adoration - into her face. There is no way to capture her heart like caring. And Athos just cares so deeply. Even something she just asked him to do, it matters to him that it's done properly. ]

Of course. I'd really love to help you all out. Anyway you need. Even if you need a volunteer secretary or something until you can hire a real one - I'm ridiculously organized, and very good on the phone.

[ She's a sweet girl. ]

We would appreciate that. Of course we would give you something in return for your aid. I confess I have never had to think about all the rest before. I deal with soldiers. Not offices.

[ With a laugh - ]

Well, you're in luck; I was expected to be a secretary before I took up arms, so I'm fairly well acquainted with both. But you definitely haven't got to pay me anything - not until you start making a profit, at least. Then you can buy me dinner or something before hiring a proper secretary.

[ It doesn't seem fair. Athos will talk to Lucy. Perhaps she can help him think of something to offer Kitty for her troubles. ]

Then we have an agreement. It may take us a few days to get the office into some bearable shape. And if you like you can provide us with a list of things a secretary may require. I have avoided the art of writing since I arrived here.

I absolutely will. It shan't be a long list, I think - I've got a phone already, after all. I suppose the main thing will be a printer.

[ A long pause. ]

I'm sorry. I do not not know what that is.

Oh!

[ She gives an embarrassed laugh. ]

Right, sorry. Of course you wouldn't. It's something that transforms files on computers, or on this communicator, into something written on paper. So that you can make digital files into letters to mail out, or flyers to post up. That sort of thing.

[ He hums a little in thought. ]

It sounds useful. Could you perhaps send me a picture of what it is like? Then at least I will know what to show the shopkeeper when looking for one. [ He hates shopping. He's pretty much avoided it since the jeans incident. ]

Alternate thought - just give me a bit of money when I'm helping you out, and I'll buy it for you.

[ Such relief! ]

Ah. Yes. That would be a much better agreement.

Don't worry. Your temporary secretary will ensure that things are very logical.

You have my gratitude.