( ɪ ♛ ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ )

[girlybruiser]

[ Opting for the text function is definitely a less daunting prospect compared to airing a live video for strangers to see, but to Haru, first impressions are important. She can feel her hands and chest warming up, though a part of that could be attributed to the fact she's wearing that thick pink sweater. Still... she's not unused to addressing a large audience, it's just finding yourself in a world that isn't the cognitive one even with your friends here is somewhat unnerving.

But that's why video it has to be. She needs to convey a friendly approach and demeanor, otherwise it will be much harder to ask anyone for help should she ever need it.

There's no fumbling of the communicator once the feed starts up. Haru is seated close to the table it's propped up on, her hands laid neatly in her lap. She smiles at her unknown audience, a touch shy, but it's warm and friendly. ]

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Haru Okumura. [ A beat. Does she mention her family? No. ] It is very nice to meet you all. I've heard there are many of us who have been brought to this world. Um, I suppose some of you have been here long enough to hear the same questions over and over, but if you would indulge me I would very much appreciate it.

[ She shifts closer, speaking a bit more clearly. ]

I have heard that superheroes are real in this world ― something that government actively encourages. [ It's difficult to mask the intrigue. Her eyes seem to light up. ] There must be superheroines, yes? I can hardly believe it myself... but that sounds amazing! I wonder if they are anything like the ones I admired on TV as a child.

[ An abrupt pause, followed by Haru's shoulders rolling back and a whimsical smile settling onto her face. ]

Ah, my apologies. I seem to have gotten a bit distracted for a moment.

Comments

[girlybruiser]

Thank goodness. Though I'm certain Mako-chan would be able to take care of herself. She is pretty strong, after all.

[ She's Queen for a reason. ]

Isn't it strange, though? This government wants heroes, but people are sent back regardless?

[lempereur]

The government is grossly incompetent. They have no control over it.

[girlybruiser]

Such irresponsibility... something like that could fall into the wrong hands if they are not careful.

[ Or it's in the wrong hands already. ]

[lempereur]

There have been attempts to tamper with it that have ended in disaster.

[girlybruiser]

The US soldiers must have retaliated?

[lempereur]

The most recent case was government-sponsored. Everyone's powers went berserk, old nanite-healed injuries opened up, and anti-imPort protesters took the opportunity to get violent.

I doubt they will allow it to happen again.

[girlybruiser]

Could you explain? The government attempted to tamper with their own machine?

[lempereur]

They allowed a group of registered imPorts to do so, to try to find a way to control it.

[girlybruiser]

And nobody succeeded, did they?

[ Though it might be for the best if this machine is all that powerful. ]

I wonder if anything should be done about it.

[lempereur]

More research should be done before attempting again. I had a close friend's deadly injuries from home be reopened. As were Adachi's.

[girlybruiser]

Were they alright after?

[lempereur]

They were trapped in the hospital until the Porter was fixed, but yes. Adachi is, at least. Brendan was sent back a few months ago.

[girlybruiser]

I hardly recall you mentioning this "Brendan" until now. Who is he?

[lempereur]

He was a dear friend I met here. He was sent back.

[girlybruiser]

Oh.

[ A slight pause, her tone laced with sympathy now. ]

I am sorry, Yusuke-kun.

[lempereur]

[ Yusuke's face falls, just for a moment. It's hard to put up a cheerful front, reminding yourself that your friend's gone somewhere only death awaits him. But it isn't time for a sad spiel about someone Haru will never know. Quickly, he evens himself out, his expression neutral and deliberate. ]

Thank you. It is a fact of life, for us. There isn't really any way to prepare for it.

[girlybruiser]

[ She watches him, saying nothing at first and letting him have his moment. Then she offers a sympathetic smile. ]

An unfortunate truth of any world, it appears.

[ Her father, Yusuke's friend... ]

If you would ever like to talk about it, please don't hesitate to contact me.

[lempereur]

Thank you, Haru.

You should work on getting settled. I will see you soon, yes?

[girlybruiser]

Yes! I will see you all as soon as I can.