first; video

[labrador]

[ The man shown on the feed looks anxious and rather frazzled; while he holds his phone in one hand fairly steadily, the other can’t seem to stop messing with his hair, his fingers smoothing through it as though it will somehow help. It doesn’t. Keith can’t understand just what it is that’s happened in regards to this strange network; this is the only way he can think of to find out. ]

Ah, hello! I realise that you all likely have to put up with a lot of confused messages such as this. I apologise for adding to them. But, you see… I arrived in Locke City a few weeks ago, and have just started out as a police officer. But as I'm sure you can understand, things are rather…

[ Just before he gets to finish that sentence, he’s interrupted by a rather large golden labrador jumping up into his lap, and suddenly Keith drops the phone so that he can deal with the sudden addition to this broadcast. Eventually he speaks again, though his phone is now face down on the floor. ]

S-steady, John, steady!

[ A few seconds longer and a rather loud bark later: ] What I meant to say is that if someone could explain this current state of affairs to me, as well, I would be in your debt. I've never seen anything like this before.

Despite my confusion over this network and suddenly being able to connect in this kind of way, please allow me to help you, as well! I will do my best to serve you all in any way that I can. After all, as a police officer, it is my duty to assist the people of Locke City!

[ And perhaps someone can dispel him of some of his oblivious enthusiasm...? ]

Comments

[video]

[stopinthenameofawe]

[.....oh no.]

See you're a rookie in more ways than one now. [Yup. She's not sure she wants to be the one to break 'btw apparently our police force is hella corrupt' thing to him, so she'll start with that.]

[video]

[labrador]

Ah, well, that isn't so bad, is it? I am always happy to learn!

[ Still cheerfully and painfully oblivious over here! ]

[earnedmystripes]

[No. No no no no no no no no.

No.

This is not happening. Why is this happening? It's not fair. That poor kid doesn't deserve this. Kotetsu stares at the post as if he could will it to go away, to make Keith forget and continue on in his blissful ignorance, but it continues to be there, and finally, Kotetsu sighs, scrubbing his face as he responds.]

....You wanna grab a drink or something, Keith? It's a really, really, really long story, and not one you wanna be completely sober for, trust me.

[labrador]

I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a drink together, Mr. Kaburagi! But... why should I be drunk for this conversation first, if you don't mind me asking?

[ The worst part is that he's genuinely oblivious, and he genuinely wants to help people. He just doesn't think that things could ever be that bad. ]

video

[neopianangst]

[Normally Shinji wouldn't exactly be the first person to introduce himself to an adult on the network but there's an animal here and that's the #1 way to get him to talk to anyone.]

If you're a police officer, uh, you might want to keep your dog away from the police dogs...

video

[labrador]

[ Now he's starting to wonder if something is up, but Keith is as painfully polite as always (and John is curious about this person on the other end, and can't quite resist sticking his nose up against the camera). ]

May I ask why?

[ It's not that he's going to ignore the advice, especially since he did ask for help. But right now, Keith is very lost. ]

( video. )

[disenchant]

[ so who's a loser and using the network to communicate instead of going to where keith is? this guy. ]

Sorry. [ about john, he wants to say, but it never quite makes it out of his mouth. ] He got away from me somehow...

( video. )

[labrador]

Oh, do not worry! He is just excited about our new surroundings. I'm sure that he will calm down in time...

[ No, he won't. John is always excitable. ]

Would you like him back?

[Video-As-Audio]

[scramasax]

[The one connecting isn't on the screen - but a hoarse and high voice comes through.

From a suppressed cough.]

We have a guide, sir -- I can... [Swallows.] -- can't -- show it to you, un - unfortunately -- because I'm connecting on paper. I - don't know how to link -- but I could, uhm. Try -- if you have any questions to start with...

[Recoiling down to a trailing-off mumble.]

[labrador]

There is a guide? Thank you for letting me know! I will do my best to locate it. As for questions, well...

[ He has to think about that for a moment. ]

What else can you tell me about this network? How long has it been around for?

text;

[centurian]

[ So... Gerald might feel kinda bad for this guy. Actually, he feels really bad for this guy. After all, he can definitely relate to being a rookie, and chances are, they might've arrived in Locke City at roughly the same time (given that he was here on FBI business, he'd been "uncomfortably" close with the police and they'd been... about as helpful as you'd expect a shady police force to be).

Seriously though. Poor guy. ]

You might want to be careful about showing your face too much around here. Call it "paranoia", but I always get the feeling that if too many people know who I am, it makes me an easier target.

By the way, has anyone linked you the FAQ yet? It's sorta a must-read for anyone, but especially for law-enforcement types.

[labrador]

Ah... if I may ask, why do you think that? Not that I think it is bad advice, but a lot of people here have been warning me to be careful about the way I conduct myself.

I've been told that one exists, but I have yet to read it for myself.

[Voice]

[dododo]

I think you might find the police aren't quite with you on that point.

[Voice]

[labrador]

Yes, so I have heard...

[ And he sounds incredibly troubled about that. ]

Is there anything further you can tell me? Please.

text;

[disdainfully]

I trust you have been briefed about the police at this point?

text;

[labrador]

Yes... Thank you.

[ Due to that, Keith has wilted considerably by this point. ]

Even so, I know that I cannot let that stop me, despite the downsides such news carries. I am determined not to be like them.

Text

[vaimo]

[Awww no, it doesn't seem right to crush his enthusiasm. His message has been up long enough for other people to have had a go at that and Åsa doesn't want to help them even if the poor guy's got himself involved in something that he really needs warning over.]

Is that your dog? He's really cute!

Text

[labrador]

Yes, it is! His name is John. He has been with me for a few years now. John is my soulmate.

[ If there's one way to boost his enthusiasm again after it's taken a hit for anything, it's to let him talk about John. Even through text, it's fairly easy to pick up on his excitement. ]

I believe he is enjoying the city even more than I am. There's much for him to explore around here!

text;

[hotshots]

New to this whole Network thing too, though I've been in Locke my whole life.

Gotta echo what's been said on discretion being the better part of valor. Though I guess that's probably been drilled into your head enough as it is.

Still, someone else in the cops who isn't out to kill us is probably a good thing, in the long run.

text;

[labrador]

Ah, yes, I have learned as much from the people here. Thankfully everyone has been very kind to me, so I have a better idea of what to expect now.

But I will do my best to help the people here. I will not allow myself to fall victim to the same corruption.

[talkshitgetsis]

Take care of your dog.

[labrador]

Oh, I shall do my best! John is very important to me. I would not want anything to happen to him.

[wasthatmymom]

It's dangerous to go alone take this.

[labrador]

... We must use our superpowers for the betterment of society?

[ What. ]

Text

[buildyourworld]

Watch your back, I supposed.

What are you planning to do now that you know about what's happening in town?

Text

[labrador]

I still intend to protect the people. That is still my duty.

But ensuring those connected to the Network are not in danger is even more important now.