handwritten

[wastingtime]

[the number here may or may not be familiar to some, but its pen taps the paper for some time, as if trying to decide how to start. finally;]

How best do you convince the taximan (and whatever police he threatens to summon) that you did not, in fact, pack a greatsword with your luggage and the fact that there is one in there now is completely out of your hands?

And for that matter, am I allowed to keep said greatsword if I insist it was some sort of prank? It was my luggage, and if something saw fit to give it back to me I believe I should very well keep the damn thing. (Especially after it ruined my best shirts.)

Lyall, I hope you'll read this before you reach our meeting place. I believe I may be delayed for some time.

To the rest of you- if we've already met, I do apologize for these months of forgetfulness but I consider this headache my due punishment. If we haven't - my name is Elian, and I will be pleased to meet you once I am done convincing this poor man I'm as much a victim in this little debacle as he.

Comments

[dead_black_eyes]

There's been a lot of it. It's not possible for most people to keep up with it all... but what you need to be aware of right now is that the Mafia is gunning for a lot of us in Locke, and that people have died. If you have any specific questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

I'm Lazarus Lawliet, by the way. I own a coffee shop that's a known Numbered hub.

[wastingtime]

[...god, this is just like the first time he came in, after that poor boy was killed.]

Good to meet you, Lazarus. I think for now, my most pressing question is how an old man like me can manage to find a way to help, but that may be something I have to discover on my own.

[dead_black_eyes]

I don't think there's any doubt that we can find a use for you. We're shorthanded as we get spread further abroad, and any help is appreciated.

What is your profession? Notable skills, your trade...?

[It seems as good a place to start as any.]

[wastingtime]

I teach quantum mechanics at a college, back home in Colorado. Before, I was attempting to make some scientific sense with all of this, though I have little doubt that my notes are out of date by now.

[dead_black_eyes]

That is hardly a useless skill set, and it sounds like you're well-equipped to help all of us make sense of this. If you wouldn't mind, I would be interested in seeing your notes, outdated or not... maybe I can help bring them current.

If you're a teacher, perhaps you'd also be interested in seeing what I hope becomes the next, and hopefully far safer, Numbered hub in Locke City.

[wastingtime]

I'd be happy to share. [now you've made him feel valued, Lazarus. good job.] As well as meet with you. What did you have in mind for a haven?

[dead_black_eyes]

A school. It was the Willow Crest Boarding Academy back in the 1970s and for a brief time after it closed, a linen processing facility, but that company went bankrupt and for some years the building has been empty and defunct. It's bank-owned currently, but I have the liquid funds to purchase it outright.

I don't think a coffee shop is really enough anymore... too small, and too public, and too accessible. Its convenience is really overshadowed by the fact that it's an easy target.

BTW- does L's IC contact thing serve for numbers private messages too?

[wastingtime]

That must be no small feat. Well, if you're willing for it, by all means; I can help with physically cleaning up the place, if nothing else!

Absolutely!

[dead_black_eyes]

[A pause. When L pictures an "old man" he's not exactly thinking of the type of person who can help with smashing down walls, sanding down floors and hauling debris outside.

But if he's offering...]

If you have a truck... even a car that would be something. There's a lot of debris to clear out that I need to take off the premises, and I would, but I don't know how to drive.

[He should really see about remedying that sometime soon.]

Excellent, because it occurs to me that after this post Elian will want to give him an update B)

[wastingtime]

[you'd be surprise-okay, no you wouldn't. he's never been one for construction. blueprints, on the other hand...]

I could see about renting one. I'm still only so connected with all of this, so I doubt I'll have difficulty. [other than the given.]

:D

[dead_black_eyes]

[It's only extremely recently that L has dared to do more hands-on work, or indeed been able to.]

Yes... that makes sense. If you're new to the Network then others don't have reason to be suspicious of you yet, so it would be better for you to rent it.

Actually... I think we could use it for something else, too. Please get it for 48 hours if you can.

[wastingtime]

I shall do what I can. How soon do you need it?

[dead_black_eyes]

How soon can you procure it?

[wastingtime]

I can make a call, I suppose, and have someone pick it up in my name if necessary.

[dead_black_eyes]

"Someone" needs to be someone you run by me, who I trust. We've had leaks and resulting tragedies already, you understand.

[wastingtime]

I'd never dream otherwise, and am open to suggestion.

[dead_black_eyes]

In general, I trust anyone Numbered, as they're highly likely to have our best interests at heart... even if only to save their own skins. Some I trust more, because we have rapport... Tony, Richard, Shou, Xander, Emilia, Rakka, Toushirou, and Killian all come to mind, if you've spoken with these individuals.

I also trust Torin implicitly. He is the manager of my coffee shop and I would be lost without him.

[wastingtime]

I know Shou. I believe he'll work. (I shall have to make a note to meet everyone else.)

Torin might have some trouble picking up the vehicle, I imagine.

[dead_black_eyes]

Shou knows everyone, I think. It saves me a lot of trouble.

And it sounds like you must also know Torin.

I HAVE COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN WHETHER OR NOT HE KNOWS TORIN'S NAME BUT /TABLEFLIP

[wastingtime]

Only through this network, but from what I've learned, it's far better for use Shou in this situation.

Though if I had any grandchildren in the vicinity I might ask if he would visit their next birthday party. It'd certainly be memorable.

*soothes*

[dead_black_eyes]

Shou presents as far more human and therefore, I agree with you.

Torin's a lot more than just a colorful and entertaining character. That being said, he is excellent with children, which is fortunate, because I am not.

Re: *soothes*

[wastingtime]

Shou it is.

I'm sure you're excellent with something else to make up for it.

[dead_black_eyes]

We all have our talents and skills, or so we're told when we're too young to know what failure's like.