[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

[thekoistiger]

*Does he at least notice the hand on his shoulder?*

Whoa there! I know you gotta go where you gotta go, but you probably shouldn't walk into the middle of the road for it.

*The man points, and Ken might find he was about a step away from walking into busy traffic.*

[empireofmymind]

Ah...

[Startled, Ken steps backwards and stares first up at the man, then over at the traffic. Oh.

It takes him a moment before he recalls what to say. Albeit quietly.]

Thank you...

[thekoistiger]

Hey, think nothing of it! Can't let kids go and get themselves splatted, after all! Say, where're you heading to, anyway?

[empireofmymind]

[In response he holds up his piece of paper: "Ermis Suites, Room 405."]

They - said I'm. Living here now....

[But who are they, really? And who is he? What meaning does he have for this world--no. He has to focus. He'll be all right.]

[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.

[witheasygrace]

[Your friendly neighborhood policeman just happens to be on patrol-- and Ken just happens to look an awful lot like a citizen in need of assistance.]

Hello, I'm Officer Goodman! Are you in need of assistance?

[empireofmymind]

Oh. Uh -

[Where to even start. But it's nice there are people who offer to help. This city really does look after its residents.]

I - have to find my apartment...

[witheasygrace]

[Keith takes in the blank expression and the crumpled paper.]

Is your apartment in a building called Ermis Suites?
If it is I can walk you over, I know the way. I live there, too.

[empireofmymind]

[Ken nods.]

Apartment 405....thank you very much, Officer.

[He almost starts walking, but hesitates, since he doesn't know the way.]

Do - many people live there?

[manjuumagic]

[Suddenly, a shoulder full of Mokona. This is a daily hazard.]

Where are you going~

Are you lost~?

[empireofmymind]

[Ah! Is this normal? Ken can't be sure....but he'll stop in his tracks all the same to stare at Mokona a little.]

I...don't know.

[manjuumagic]

Really?

You're new, right?

Where are you going?

[empireofmymind]

Mm. [Ken nods in response, still unsure what to make of the creature perched on his shoulder. But it - seems friendly enough. And helpful. New people aren't left to fend for themselves. That's encouraging.]

Ermis Suites...?

[He holds up his piece of paper.]

They said I'd be staying there....

[bishonenbunny]

[Well, this is a rather interesting way to be meeting with your new roommate, not that they both know it yet, anyway. Barnaby is simply walking down the street when he notices the young boy about to smack straight into a pole.

That's not going to do, so he places a hand on his shoulder.]

Watch where you're going next time.

[empireofmymind]

[Ken starts, looking first up at the man, then over at the pole. Oh.]

I'm sorry.

[Belatedly:] ...Thank you.

[bishonenbunny]

You're welcome.

[...he's new. He knows, because he's been there before, been the person that didn't have a clue as to where he was or who he was, aside from his name.]

Do you have anywhere to stay? I'll accompany you there, if you want.

[empireofmymind]

[He's being helped. Why is he being helped? They don't know each other...not that he's in a position to say that for sure.

But it's nice, and he could certainly use the assistance.]

They said it's - here.

[He holds up the piece of paper with the apartment number on it.]