[video; 001]

[lickedthat]

[The video comes on to display Fraser's face retreating to an appropriately framed distance.] Ah. Hello.

[He straightens his lapels and adjusts the tilt of his hat, then clears his throat.] Residents of Traverse Town! I am Constable Benton Fraser, RCMP -- er, that would be Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Depending on your native cou -- ah, world, you may not be familiar with the long and noble traditions of... but that's not important at the moment, although, of course, I would be happy to explain to anyone who happens to be curious. Suffice it to say that I address you today with a purpose. During the recent fracas, I could not help but notice the remarkable number and variety of armaments employed. While I am sure that they are all appropriate in dire situations, I would like to confirm that there is no conflict with local regulations. After all, as visitors in this fair town, we have a responsibility to put our best feet, hooves or paws forward on behalf of our native countries.

In light of this responsibility, I would just like to inquire as to whether anyone might know where I could lay my hands on a copy of the local legal code. Thank you kindly.

[He tips his hat, and reaches forward to deactivate the video.]

Comments

[video]

[juniorganymedian]

[It's rare that someone is amusing enough straight out to warrant Jeeves' good humor. Fraser's earnest missive has the valet suppressing a small twitch of a smile as he replies, though.]

I'm afraid you'll find, Constable, that no laws exist in this particular world save those for some form of universal common courtesy wherein we should not murder each other. We live in anarchy, though not anomie, I think.

[video]

[lickedthat]

Do you mean, sir, that there is no form of authority here at all?

[He looks genuinely horrified by the thought.]

In a town with this many inhabitants? Surely some sort of, of civic structure must have arisen from sheer necessity.

[video]

[juniorganymedian]

From my observations, Constable, the only authority is that given to those who appear to have experience. All disputes between parties appear to be resolved through individual communication or collective action. Police Chief Beifong and myself are making efforts toward the establishment of a central headquarters within Traverse Town to distribute information to new arrivals here, but there are no jails, juries, or judges, as you might say.

Chief Beifong has not, to my knowledge, attempted to exert her nation's laws here. There are many systems represented, and an attempt to impose any one world's laws may lead to more conflict than it prevents. Or time period's. When do you hail from, Constable? My name is Jeeves from the City of London in the Year of Our Lord 1925. I suspect our frames of reference may be most divergent.

[video]

[lickedthat]

Surely there must be people here who aren't, well, dreaming. Local figures of respect--

[Which in fact doesn't have to be the case, does it? Dream towns may not need to be built. He's silent for a moment, blinking as he recalibrates.]

Or perhaps not.

-- Jeeves, pleased to meet you. Most recently, I was a resident of Chicago, attached as liaison to the Canadian Consulate, in the year 1996.

[video]

[juniorganymedian]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, as well, Constable.

The only natives appear to be the Moogles, the animals who supplied you with your communications device and the dream fragments to create your first Spirit. They seem to operate as a trade monopoly and guild in this realm. None have expressed any particular interest in the Rule of Law. I have yet to speak with them about it at length, though. I would be interested to know the results of the conversation should you undertake such an endeavor.

[video]

[whoseesbynight]

I don't think there is one here. Not one that I know of, anyway.

[video]

[lickedthat]

So I have been informed. [He still looks distressed.] That certainly does explain the, ah, the unusual--

[--gesturing vaguely at basically everything and giving up.]

[video]

[whoseesbynight]

It is suppawsed to be a dream. So why shouldn't it be unusual?

[video]

[lickedthat]

When it comes to dreams I generally expect more, well, snow.

This is something rather more unusual.

Video

[her_mouse_jesty]

Oh dear, that's a good point! I didn't think to ask about the rules and regulations here!

Video

[lickedthat]

Unfortunately, ma'am, it appears that there in fact are none.

Video

[her_mouse_jesty]

Well we can't have that! Someone could get hurt, or do something dangerous!

Video

[lickedthat]

It seems we are already in quite a bit of danger from the local wildlife. Local authority may be the least of our problems.

Voice;

[lessabrasive]

As Jeeves has mentioned, there are no rules or regulations within the dream such as you and I are likely familiar with, save how each world appears to work. For the most part, people work together or keep to themselves. And not all of use make use of the same weapons as others.

[video]

[lickedthat]

So I've been told. Chief Beifong, I assume?

[video]

[lessabrasive]

You assume correctly.

Most people around here usually play nicely. And there are plenty who are able to step in if that were to change unexpectedly.

[video]

[lickedthat]

While public opinion can sometimes lead to justice being done, it isn't always the most trustworthy option. Of course, it's hardly our place, as visitors, to implement a more involved system....

[unrecovered]

[Given that everyone else has already laid down the law - or lack thereof - Wash doesn't bother addressing that part of the post. He has something else entirely on his mind.]

Please tell me you're not walking around unarmed.

[lickedthat]

Well, I have a knife.

[unrecovered]

You've been fighting Nightmares with a knife.

[That is the You're Kidding helmet tilt right there. Not that he hasn't done it himself, but he's usually fully armored when he decides to do it. This guy's going to get his face eaten.]

[lickedthat]

And the occasional deployment of fisticuffs.

[audio]

[spaceracist]

[As long as no one's going to try to take his guns away, Emile doesn't mind people putting forth some kind of law and order.]

Only rule I know is, if you feel like fighting, take it out on the Nightmares instead of anyone else.

[audio]

[lickedthat]

A very sensible guideline. Excuse me, if I may ask... is there anywhere to purchase firearms in this city?

[audio]

[spaceracist]

Moogles carry ammo in their shops. Bet they could find a sidearm for you if you asked real nice and promised not to shoot 'em with it.

[Is he joking with that last bit? It's hard to say.]

[audio]

[lickedthat]

Understood. I'm sorry, I don't believe I've gotten your name.