Dangerous Freeloader

[prodigal_hands]

Characters: Open, with permission
Purpose: Discovering an uninvited guest
Location: Room Cart C
Time: Evening of Wednesday, January 27th
Warnings: Possible violence

Summary: Ed is still getting used to acting as the co-conductor, both duties and uniform included. However, something rather unexpected turns up. How will he deal with it, given his

Comments

[obscuredwarpath]

Upon listening to the knock on the door, he tensed up. Nobody had ever done so before. Perhaps it was Ryoji, one of the few who knew he was staying in the room. Even if it was not, he knew how to get rid of 'intruders'. He picked up his pistol, which had been polishing, off the floor and placed it in its holster. Then he opened C7's door, the person on the other side was indeed a stranger... A stranger in uniform. "May I help you?"

[prodigal_hands]

"Oh, hey." It was a new face, which surprised Ed a bit. He wasn't pleased when it seemed to him that this guy didn't want to be disturbed. "I just came by wondering what you're doing in this room."

[obscuredwarpath]

He looked right at Ed's name tag, noting his title of 'co-conductor' and his name. With a small nod, his eyes met the blond's. "I dwell here."

[prodigal_hands]

He was sure they hadn't met before, once he caught the guy glancing at his name tag. "Is that so? The room is supposed to be empty, by my count." He tried to peek a bit inside, wondering if anything strange could be readily seen. "How long have you been here?"

[obscuredwarpath]

"For approximately one week and a half." Ragnar replied. "I was told that this would be my room for as long as I stayed on this train. Am I not allowed to live here?"

[prodigal_hands]

The story checked out, though he still wasn't entirely sure how this person got assigned to this room. "Well, that explains why I didn't find you before. I haven't done a sweep like this recently. Still, it's odd that you don't have your name on the door like everyone else."

[obscuredwarpath]

How was he to explain that?

As it caught him off-guard, he took a moment to think of an excuse. "I believe it is being made. At least I hope it is."

[prodigal_hands]

"They're usually ready by the time a new passenger's room is assigned from what I can tell. It's pretty bad luck on your part." Ed felt like placing a hand on his forehead. Of all the times to find an error like this, it had to be only a short while after he got the job having to deal with it.

[obscuredwarpath]

"Do not worry, Mr. Elric. I am not angered by this. It is only a minor discrepancy." Grimm pondered whether to pump the co-conductor for more information or make a swift retreat for the time being.

[prodigal_hands]

"Well, I'll make sure to check up on it for you." He thought he would have to, or else there would probably never be any resolution. Even though things tended to run smoothly on the train, Ed had a bit of an eye for spotting shoddy bureaucracy. "What's your name?"

[obscuredwarpath]

"John Smith." He replied, wondering if the time to strike might come soon.

[prodigal_hands]

"Alright." He was a little wary of the guy's supposed name, but tried not to show it. There was always the possibility of it being the truth despite how off he seemed.

"Also, is there anybody else in there?" Committing the name to memory, he had that last question to ask. "Just making sure."

[obscuredwarpath]

"No. It is only me. But that is not a permanent arrangement, from what I have heard."

[prodigal_hands]

Ed found that to be somewhat amusing. "Heh, you're right about that."

[obscuredwarpath]

Frowning at his reaction, Ragnar firmly placed his hand on the door knob. "Now if you will excuse me." The door was about to close on Ed's face, whether he stopped him or not was up to the co-conductor.

[prodigal_hands]

Not quite satisfied just yet with 'John', Ed lifted his arm and leaned against the door to try keeping it open. "Hold on for one more second." It seemed he had found something else to say.