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[The first thing Claire did once he found the network was read just about everything he could find. By the time he finally decides to post something, he's looking rather excited about the whole thing.]

This is... fate, right? Me becoming a part of this network, that is. It has to be fate.

I mean, I was about to curse my luck a little while ago, with all these amazing stories I've been hearing about Locke City while I'm stuck over here in Vegas. It's not like I can just pack my bags and move. But now, I think I get it. All along, me living here, working here, maybe even being born here, was meant to be! Like it was written in the stars.

[He pauses dramatically for a moment... then laughs a little awkwardly.]

...Or something like that, anyway! Ha, what am I doing, giving such an outlandish first impression when all I wanted was to introduce myself? But then I am sort of an outlandish person, so maybe it's just me being honest? Heh, I guess that works.

Oh, right, about the whole other self thing... I think this other me may have been a conductor, so if anyone's got lots of memories of being on a train, I'd like to hear about it.

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[She thinks for a second, and then shakes her head.] Not necessarily surprised, really. More... we didn't know what to expect coming out here.

Makes sense. Not like this is something anyone could really prepare for, huh? From what I've been reading around here, everything used to be centered around Locke only until those lights appeared here, right?

That is correct. Hence the snake attacking there, and our collectively defeating it.

If things are starting up here however, it worries us that there may be something else dangerous beginning. That's what we're here to look into.

Oh, I getcha. So you came to Vegas to play detective, basically. Heh, well, I guess that's better than the reasons most people have for visiting!

So anyway, if you're here, have you found out anything interesting yet?

Well, most of the actual Numbered detectives have work to do back home. So those of us here will have to make due, for now. Not that I could go about any of those other reasons, at any rate.

Mostly though... Besides the lights, we've noticed the emergence of creatures called Vermini. They're strange little things, which can apparently infest other life forms. Mostly other animals. Normal people don't seem to notice them much, but since you're not quite in that category anymore... You may want to keep on the look out.

Not old enough for the big attractions yet, huh?

I'll be sure to do that. You got a description so I know what to look out for? Or is this a 'you'll know it when you see it' kind of deal?

I'd rather not have the distractions, honestly. [Really! She's serious. No need to gamble and drink here.]

It's... you'll know it when you see it, really. Have you seen the FAQ? There's documented information from when they appeared in Locke City there.

Don't underestimate this city. Even without the casinos there's still plenty of distractions around. So better be careful!

I skimmed it. Planning on reading it more thoroughly later, though. But I'll keep an eye out for that info, that should be helpful.

[A smile.] Yes, I'm aware. This is one reason why we brought parental supervision along with us.

But, good. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask.

[He can't help but laugh a little at that.]

Responsible teens in Vegas? What will they think of next!

Sure, I'll keep that in mind. And right back at you, by the way. I don't have any fancy superpowers, but I know this city pretty well. So I'm happy to help if you need it.

[She adjusts her glasses a bit.] Trust me, we're full of surprises.

Or, don't have them yet. There's never really any telling when someone starts out, but... thanks. It'd definitely be appreciated.

Oh, I don't doubt it.

No problem. And I suppose that's true, I mean, there's really no way to know what I'll get yet. It's kind of exciting getting to find out!

[She nods, but her expression sobers a little bit.] It can be, but... do be careful. Sometimes, what we discover can be dangerous, or... upsetting.

[Technically he already remembers some things that are maybe a little bit upsetting.]

Ha ha, well, I'm sure it can't be that bad!

[Actually, remembering in detail how he brutally murdered a dude was pretty bad. But that's not something he really wants to talk about.]

[Her eyes flicker a bit.] Well, it... can be for some people, but I'm not going to lay that at your feet.

It's just always good to remember you are who you are, and they were whoever they were. One has to figure out how to keep those things separate.

Is it like that for a lot of people?

I think I can handle keeping it separate, though. I'm pretty good at separating stuff in my life anyway, so what's a few more things, right?

[She frowns.] Sometimes.

[And quickly moves past it, and the frown turns up a little.] That's a good skill to have then, with all of this.

For you too, huh?

[What is tact? Is it something you eat?]

Seems like it, yes! It's a little early to say, of course, but I think I'll be able to handle all of this!

[Her eyes narrow, briefly. Mostly out of the fact that - wow, did she really make herself that obvious.] Not really something that bears talking about. [At least, not to strangers. Sorry, guy.

She smiles all the same, a tad.] I'm glad to hear that, then. I wish you good luck, and remember if you need any advice, we're around.

Oh, right, right. Sorry, didn't mean to pry or anything.

Thanks! It's good to know there's so many people around I can contact if I need to.

It's... okay. Really.

And we're probably not going anywhere for a little while, unless all leads dry up. Which... hopefully they won't, until we can get to the bottom of things.

Well, good luck with that. If I see anything out of the ordinary, relatively speaking that is, I'll be sure to let you know. With so many people looking around, someone is sure to spot something.

[She nods.] That's the idea, anyhow.

Thank you sir, and be careful.