[001] video/action - new in town

[empireofmymind]

[The video screen's fuzzy for a moment, then sharpens to - a jerky shot of the buildings and streets surrounding the lab. Someone doesn't know his feed is on.]

Uh--umm...

[A crinkling of paper as he consults some written instructions.]

Ermis Suites....Ermis Suites....

[If you're in the area, there's a boy with a rather blank expression on his

Comments

[a_civil_service]

Hello. [The young man seems about to walk into Yuri, and so he speaks, as he steps a little to one side.] Might I assist you in some way?

[empireofmymind]

[Oh....another person. Ken stares a little blankly, then clears his throat. Can he be assisted...?]

Ah...I have to -

[He holds up a piece of paper with the words "Ermis Suites, Room 405" written on it, glancing back in the general direction of the lab.]

Is this far?

[a_civil_service]

[He glances at the paper. He's not surprised to discover that this is another new arrival. He smiles politely.] No, not at all. I live there myself, though on the third floor. I can show you the way.

My name is Yuri Petrov. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[empireofmymind]

Same to you. [Ken gives a little polite bow. This man remembers his whole name. He can say it with such confidence. So Ken'll surely be able to do that someday, too.]

I'm Ken...Thank you very much.

[a_civil_service]

You're welcome, Ken. It's no trouble at all. [He indicates the proper direction, then begins to walk that way, unhurriedly.]

I know it can be disorienting and stressful when you first arrive. I'm sure you'll begin to remember things shortly. [He tries to be reassuring. It always strikes him as especially unjust that young people should be brought here.]

[empireofmymind]

[Ken will fall into pace slightly behind Yuri, doing his best to listen intently. So the people here will help him, because they remember what it was like....that's encouraging. Even if he knows no one, he isn't alone.

He nods.]

I have to. It really doesn't - take very long?

[He intends to do whatever it takes. Though what he can do on an exploration...he hasn't quite figured that out.]

[a_civil_service]

It varies. Depending on how many anemoi one obtains. But even without them, memories gradually return on their own over time.

A few of us have started a pool of anemoi for the recently arrived and those who might have difficulty gathering them. I'll see that you receive some shortly.

[empireofmymind]

Really?

[He asks as if he's not certain whether that would be all right - he doesn't want to deprive anyone else. But what can he do like this?

Besides, he wants to know. Even a little - without memories, he's adrift, he can't make sense of the world. How can things have meaning for him without a context in which to embed that meaning?]

Thank you so much! I'll gather my own, soon.

[a_civil_service]

Yes, of course. [He smiles. This serious, polite young man reminds him a little of himself at that age.] You're quite welcome. If there's anything I can do to help, you need only ask. We must look out for each other here.

I have some anemoi in my room. I can bring them by for you later, once you've settled in.

[empireofmymind]

[He nods in agreement. Right. Everyone is struggling through this together. He doesn't have to do this alone.

Ken starts feeling better about his chances.]

I'd appreciate that. When I've gathered some of my own...

[He looks down at his piece of paper, steeling himself to offer his own anemoi later. It's not easy. But someday, someone else is going to be in his position. Ken doesn't know what kind of person he is, but he hopes he's one who'd help out like Yuri.]

Anyway, when I'm settled in I'd be happy to help. You - said the building is close by?

[a_civil_service]

Not a problem at all. I'll see that you receive them. I'm provided with two or three each week by my employers, so it's no hardship to give some up. [He usually gives them all up, but he doesn't mention that.] So far, everyone who's arrived here has done a fine job of coming together for the greater good.

Yes, here it is. [As they're almost there, he gestures down the street toward the building.]

[empireofmymind]

Employers?

[He speaks softly, almost to himself. That's right, people can work for anemoi here....not that Ken expects anyone to employ someone as young as he is. But maybe there are jobs he can do here and there.

And here's his building. The first place of his own Ken will be able to recall. He'll settle in there, and then - and then...figure out what to do, he supposes.]

Ah, thank you....I'll be fine from here....