003 | Day 116 | Private Audio to Edgar Stane & Balthazar

[lightgunhustler]

Stane?

[She's not sure how else to address him, really. 'Mayor' feels too formal and she's not sure it's entirely accurate beyond his claims, but calling him by his first name is too far in the other direction.]

If you have a few minutes to spare, Balthazar and I would like to talk to you about something. Whenever and however's best for you.

Comments

[tryingitall]

Check. [Balthazar's listening, and wants to make certain they're both aware of that.]

If you prefer in-person to the network, I'm quite game. Probably it doesn't matter as far as being overheard, though, does it?

[kore_npc]

I suppose that depends on the nature of the request. We could meet in person, if you like.

[lightgunhustler]

It's about some possible safety precautions.

When and where is good for you?

[kore_npc]

I'm currently in the library if you'd like to join me.

[tryingitall]

I didn't know you were a scholar. The library suits me fine. I'll be there in ten.

[By which he means 'seconds'.]

--> Action!

[lightgunhustler]

Got it. Be there shortly.

[She can't zap there in an instant like Balthazar can, but she still makes pretty short work of the trip, pushing her way through the front door just a few minutes after her last message. She quickly scans the area for Stane, heading over the moment she spots him.]

Thanks for meeting us on short notice.

[kore_npc]

[ Balthazar's arrival is surprising, but he's happy to wait and make small talk until Jo can get there. He leans back in his seat and gestures for her to join them. ]

It's no trouble. What can I help you with? You said something about safety precautions?

[tryingitall]

[Balthazar rises when Jo enters, almost like he's a gentleman or something. He stops short of pulling out a chair for her, though.]

There will always be sudden disappearances, but it's occurred to us that encouraging residents to keep track of one another might enable us to know more quickly when someone leaves.

[lightgunhustler]

[How thoughtful of him. Jo flashes Balthazar a smile as she joins them, then proceeds to sink her hands into her back pockets, casual despite the otherwise business-like nature of this meeting. She nods in agreement as the angel speaks, turning her attention to Stane a moment later.]

Some of us are lucky enough to have friends from home or housemates we're close to, but there are others who live alone or just don't have anyone here. We were talking about how a town registry might be useful. Something that would be accessible for everyone here to view, and could also be used to pair people up, like a buddy system. Make people accountable for each other.

[kore_npc]

It's definitely a good idea. I know some people in the past have tried to keep up a list like that. Unfortunately, they're no longer here. That would be the sticking point.

I hope you don't think you need my permission to do something like that.

[tryingitall]

Permission? No. Cooperation, perhaps. We need a central location for the register, and town hall was the obvious first choice. That way, if both of us vanish, and you as well, the list won't be quite so hard for the next generation to locate and start back up.

[lightgunhustler]

Right.

[She nods again, confirming.]

And a little enforcement regarding the buddy system would help a lot. If there's an official announcement for it and the registry is put in place at the town hall, people will take it more seriously.

[kore_npc]

I'd be happy to help. You would like me to make the announcement for you?

[tryingitall]

[Balthazar looks at Jo to gauge her feelings on the matter. Personally, he thinks that would be a good idea.] If you wouldn't mind, yes. Jo and I can certainly keep track of it, though, long term.

[lightgunhustler]

You announcing it would probably get people's attention a lot more effectively than if we did it.

[She's with you on this, Balthazar.]

Aside from that, I think we can handle the rest.

[kore_npc]

Very well. I will do that soon.

Could you explain what you mean by a buddy system?

[tryingitall]

I didn't have anything too detailed in mind, myself. Just people pairing off or grouping into threes or fours. Everyone checks in with their group every day at a specific time. If something's off, the person to notice should make a note on the list and notify the rest of the Cape, perhaps?

[lightgunhustler]

That's simple enough to work, I think. Three or four people is better than just two, in the event that both people who had been paired up could conceivably go missing at the same time.

But that's the idea. Just make people accountable for one another and encourage them to use the registry to make note of who's here and who's not, as needed.

[kore_npc]

That sounds reasonable enough. I'll be sure to announce it.

[tryingitall]

[Balthazar smiles weakly.] That'll do, then. I have some paper and supplies. Perhaps Jo and I can put a booklet together and leave it at the town hall in the morning?

[lightgunhustler]

More than doable. We appreciate your help on this one.

[kore_npc]

It's no trouble, really.

[ He smiles, even as he realizes what he's probably going to have to announce in conjunction with this. How much longer can he hold onto this notion? ]