[Video] 41

[maddest]

[Like so many others will this week, Break wakes up screaming. The PCD isn't pointed at the bed, so it doesn't capture anything but sound until he scrambles off of it, past the camera and towards the window, throwing it open to get fresh air.

This all hits a little close to home.]

Why-

[He asks, hoarsely, a few minutes later,]

-does the network insist on displaying our grief? The timing is too consistent to be accidental.

Comments

[al_truism]

That's... well, it'll do.

[He laughs a little.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

It will, won't it?

[al_truism]

If you could butter this bread on the outside-

[Al slides a plate closer, and goes quiet again.]

Would you be interested in having something to do?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, please.

[al_truism]

There is a police force forming.

[Al works a can open.]

When it formed, there was a suggestion that we appoint an ombudsman. Originally, I nominated someone from my world, Colonel Roy Mustang. Though he was given the position, he was recently hurt badly, and he stepped down from the position.

A man named John Mandrake announced he'd be taking over that job- as well as all other positions of power related to the force he didn't already have.

Though a couple of my friends trust him, I want to keep an eye on it, so I've volunteered to help him with the workload.

If you're interested, a need another set of eyes, so to speak.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mind ombudsmaning, but-

[al_truism]

I know.

[Reassuringly.]

What I need is for you to watch him along with me. You may notice things that I miss, and I value your opinion. Naturally, I'll add you to the filter.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

-people don't trust me, nor should they.

[al_truism]

You've been doing a good job of distancing yourself, yes.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

For the best, I'm sure.

[al_truism]

But you're here now.

[Soft, thoughtful.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Well, so I am.

[al_truism]

Mhm!

[He flips a sandwich over. The kitchen is starting to smell amazing.]

Tea should be finished, I think.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

[Break goes to pour.]

Cream and sugar?

[al_truism]

Please and thank you.

[He fixes a couple of plates, watching Break.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

[Break prepares two cups, Al's with both, his with extra extra extra sugar.]

[al_truism]

[He can't help it, he laughs.]

Old habits don't die.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

There's a right way and a wrong way to do everything.

[al_truism]

You think so?

[Shrugging, still chuckling as he puts the plates down at the table.]

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Absolutely.

Who are you going to try for for ombudsman?

[al_truism]

Personally, I think there are a lot of ways to do something the wrong way.

[Thoughtfully, soft.]

Other than the Colonel, my first choices would be Ms. Unohana or Negi. But Negi is still...

[He nibbles his sandwich.]

He's got precious little of his innocence left as it is.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Undertaker. Katara.

[al_truism]

Not Undertaker.

[Softly.]

Katara would be a good choice, but she's Negi's age too.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Does he frighten you too?

[al_truism]

... I know when someone is keeping secrets. And when someone is playing down their own intelligence.

He may be harmless, but he might also be something else.