01 // audio

[fatemeter]

Good evening. [However little that means in a place that doesn't seem to have actual days, it hardly hurts to be polite.] My name is Naoto Shirogane. In my... own world [there's just a moment of hesitation], I'm a detective by trade. As such, in the interest of consolidating what information we have, I have a few questions I'd like to ask.

[It might be a bit difficult to put a gender to the voice here without any visual cues. It is unambiguously young - but given the practised, professional air with which all of this is being reeled off, you might overlook that. To some extent, that's the point.]

Firstly: what are the last events you recall before waking up in this "realm of dreams"? Is the memory continuous as far as you can remember, or is there a gap?

Secondly: were you previously familiar with the phenomenon of movement between different worlds, voluntary or otherwise? If so, what comparisons could you draw, if any, to the process of entering this one?

Thirdly: from what you know of those in this same situation, can you think of any commonalities we may have had prior to our arrival here? Is there evidence to suggest that the selection is something other than wholly random - based on certain criteria, perhaps, or even a conscious choice on the part of some other entity?

And, finally... [This level tone of voice doesn't change.] Where in this place might somebody procure firearms, should the need arise?

[Potentially unfortunate implications? What unfortunate implications?]

I assure you, any answers you can offer will be helpful. Thank you for your time.

[Without fanfare, the recording switches off.]

Comments

[brodakota]

Well, I'm not sure. They're just sort of...everywhere. I don't think Traverse Town is their homeworld. I don't think it's anyone's really.

[fatemeter]

[Curiouser and curiouser. She's starting to sound maybe just a little more animated.] Nevertheless, a town was built... Or do you mean to say you believe it's more complicated than that?

[brodakota]

It's a bit more complicated.

[North is searching for the best way to describe it. It's still pretty weird to him.]

Ienzo can probably explain it better, but this whole town is considered one world, and all the worlds are like this.

[fatemeter]

Hmm. ["Miniature pocket dimension" sounds like a better description to her, and that sets her inner Featherman-watching seven-year-old abuzz like nothing else... as well as some decidedly more recent memories. But there's no need to over-complicate this for now, not while she's just gathering intel.] It sounds as if the investigation thus far hasn't concerned itself much with the origins of these worlds, as you put them...

[brodakota]

I think we're all a little more concerned on how to leave them, honestly.

From what I can gather though, and this is probably confusing, but the universe we're in has a bunch of different worlds in it, like Traverse Town here, or Twilight Town. And they're all sort of their own entity. However, the world we're in now is asleep. This is all a big dream.

[He sighs.]

Seriously, Ienzo explains it way better than I do.

[fatemeter]

[Oh, Naoto is concerned all right. Most of this seems to shore up her initial hunch, but if none of it is solid enough to bear any actual weight, where can she turn next? ...Not that she's impatient or anything.]

I'd certainly be interested to hear it. [She says this a little quickly...] What would be the best way of contacting them?

[brodakota]

He's available over the network, but he also works at the coffee shop. You can probably find him there.

I could also let him know.

[fatemeter]

That's quite all right. You've been very helpful.

[No, it's true, she's not dying to hare off on her own or anything! She just wouldn't want to impose. Really.]

Given the problems at hand, I can't promise any rapid breakthroughs, but would you like me to keep you informed?

[brodakota]

That would be great if you could. We're all sort of in the business of sharing information here.

I'm North, by the way.

[fatemeter]

Sharing information? Oh, yes, of course... Under the circumstances, it would hardly be useful to withhold it. [There's not much point to it without video, but she gives the communicator a little nod.] Well, thank you for your time, North-san.

[brodakota]

Sure thing....um...sorry, didn't get your name.

[fatemeter]

[Good thing she was a little slow in ending the call.] Oh, I'm sorry. Naoto Shirogane, private detective. I look forward to working with you.

[brodakota]

You as well, Naoto.