VIDEO ✍ 009 --> Backdated to prior to the Dreamwalking event

[inseine]

[The entire announcement is filtered from Alice Liddell. The initial part of this video broadcast is made via official channels, with the caller ID exhibited simply as SCPD.]

Young women from their teenaged years to their middle twenties are cautioned to keep out of the dark. You have all heard the news by now unless you are blind to the papers. Or unable to read.

Walk in pairs, or keep a sturdy man close at hand. There will be no official curfew yet, but it is not wise to be out alone past dusk.

The Somarium Police Department is also accepting any worthy scraps of information concerning the recent murders. A reward of up to ten thousand credits will be paid to the most valuable spies. The identity of the murderer is top importance. All information concerning this ugly matter shall be sent to Chief Inspector Javert at the Government District Police Headquarters.

[This second message is made in the same backdrop as the first - a clean wall behind a massive, looming, dark and authoritative figure, files stacked beside him on what appears to be a desk. Chief Inspector Javert's jaw twitches subtly, the furrows between his brows lowering a millimeter or two. He is very tired and a touch melancholic, but calm and in remarkable control.]

There is a girl in need of a competent new caretaker. She is well-groomed, Christian, and under ten years of age.

Don't call me about it unless you have time and serious interest. I am not a pawnbroker for children; I will expect a faithful and fair commitment to the girl.

Comments

[unpained.livejournal.com]

[The pause continues.]

...

...

...

[For some time.]

...There is trouble in the city, Sir?

[chose-death.livejournal.com]

[Javert returns the favor with almost as lengthy a silent stare as Daniella had given him.

Almost. Except his is far more sardonic than her emotionless, dead gaze.]

Apparently. Else I would be wasting my time. It is mostly a police matter.

[He looks at her closely.]

Your master must skip the dinner table conversations in your earshot.

[unpained.livejournal.com]

[Something seems to spark to life inside of Daniella for the first time in this man's presence, a cruel smile slipping onto her face.]

Vile... What foul actions go on within this city... It is...unclean.

[chose-death.livejournal.com]

[A hungry, predatory spark alights in Javert's weary eyes. It is as if he coils to life; he leans into the video feed almost imperceptibly, his expression sharp. If he were a wolf he would have licked his chops in delicious anticipation for a morsel, any scrap or hint.]

Indeed, [he murmurs with a slow emphasis appropriate for speaking to an infant.] Cities are hives for such atrocities. You will find all sorts of creatures buried in the streets.

The police service will clean them all clear. In time.

[unpained.livejournal.com]

In time... [she repeats distractedly, still grinning.]

I must complete my chores, Sir.

[chose-death.livejournal.com]

What chores? [Javert asks abruptly. His stare burns fiercely.] Around the home?

--Do they keep you quite busy?

[unpained.livejournal.com]

All of the chores that the Master assigns me.

...The cleaning of the manor...the cooking for the family...tending to the garden...

[chose-death.livejournal.com]

You are a live-in. Tell me now! Does it take all of your time? Are you bound to your duties? Or do you have latitude?

[unpained.livejournal.com]

...

...

...

[Daniella has turned from the Dreamberry to walk away and begin cleaning. You'll have to try her again another time, Javert.]

[chose-death.livejournal.com]

[Javert's hungry frown turns into a fierce sneer when Daniella disappears from view. He silently watches the video for a few moments longer, poised to receive the young woman again should she return.

But the seconds tick by, and with no reappearance from the servant, he mutters an incomprehensible frustration under his breath and hangs up. Next time, then - or he could try a new angle... ... ...]