{2}

[depaysement]

Is there a way of fashioning a lock for the trunk one receives on arrival? I'm not fussy about the exact type.

Comments

[Text]

[tohko_amano]

You could tie a couple of chains around your trunk so that no one can break through! And there are a couple of people here that can fashion locks for you.

[depaysement]

Chains would be bothersome, I'd prefer something more subtle if it's possible.

[tohko_amano]

Hmm...well, there's a girl around here named Rei that can makes locks. Maybe she can make one for your trunk.

[depaysement]

If she shows up, I'll ask her.

[tohko_amano]

Alright then. I'm sorry that I couldn't be more help...but if you need help making a lock or protecting your stuff, I'll gladly help you out!

[depaysement]

It's alright. I can't very well ask the entire tower not to touch my things without my permission, so a lock is better.

[tohko_amano]

Well, of course not. Even if you did something like that, I don't think many people would listen to that warning. Hopefully you'll be able to find a good lock soon. Or a guard dog.

[depaysement]

Do they allow us to keep pets here?

[tohko_amano]

I've seen a person with a horse here, so I don't think they mind animals.

[depaysement]

It makes me wish my cat was here.

[tohko_amano]

Ah, that would be nice! Hopefully your cat manages to come here soon so you can pet it and cuddle up with it. A cat, a cup of tea, and a few good books..not much can beat that!

[Tohko hadn't ever owned a cat, but she had seen enough of them and read enough about them to think she knew about them.]

[depaysement]

If they let him come. He's sweet but he gets into more trouble than you would believe...and I think he loves my housemate more than he loves me.

[That's because one of them treats the cat like a prince and the other treats the cat with less privilege. He does not deserve praise when he knocks over ink bottles.]

[tohko_amano]

Hopefully they will..and I'm sorry to hear that. Is there any reason why he might?

[depaysement]

Because someone thinks he can do no wrong even when he does things like run outside for the whole day and make me worry that he's found danger until he sits at the window and asks to be let back inside.

[tohko_amano]

That's terrible! Your cat shouldn't do that to you, and he shouldn't think any less of you just because you worry about him. Especially when he's giving you a good reason to do so.

[depaysement]

He's a cat, it's his nature to be difficult.

[tohko_amano]

That's true, I suppose. However, that still doesn't mean that it isn't a bit frustrating to deal with.

[depaysement]

As long as he isn't being a bother in my absence, I can forgive him.

[tohko_amano]

Well, he probably isn't being too much of a pest. He's probably a little worried about you, waiting for you to come home so that he can mess with you again.

[depaysement]

If he shows up, I'll introduce you two. It's a promise.

[tohko_amano]

Ah, that'll be wonderful! Thank you very much! I'll be looking forward to that day. In return, if my friend, Konoha Inoue, shows up here, I'll introduce you to him.

[depaysement]

I'm not sure whether I should say I look forward to that or I hope the day doesn't come if this place really is terrible.

[tohko_amano]

While this place is pretty terrible, I would still like it if he popped up here. While I've been making friends here, a few familiar faces from home are always nice. And..if he has trouble in the Tower, I'll help him out, and I'm sure he'll make friends too. He'll be alright. At least..that's what I think.

[depaysement]

Then I know what to say: when he shows up, I'll be glad to meet him.

[tohko_amano]

I'm glad that you'll be happy to meet him. I'll be more than happy to pet your cat and say hello to him if he ever manages to pop up here.

[anonymous text]

[denigrator]

I'm sure there is. Or perhaps a trap. Either are easily manufactured.

[depaysement]

A trap is unnecessary, as my room's not all my own. A lock will suffice while respecting my roommates.

[denigrator]

A trap could be more interesting, and could be designed so as to only affect those who attempt to meddle with your belongings. A lock with a trap would be ideal.

[depaysement]

Naturally, however it would have to be designed to ensure the safety of the content of the trunk and only target the person. Perhaps something heat sensitive.

In any case, there's nothing that special in there to anyone else.

[Yet. She knew she was going to have to keep her notes under guard.]

[denigrator]

I would recommend a poison or corrosive agent that would affect only those who incorrectly tried to open the lock. Granted, some might not be affected by the poison, but heat sensitivity wouldn't necessarily work where all residents are concerned, as some are not organic lifeforms that give off heat.

Regardless, one's belongings should be protected.

I might adopt such a safeguard myself.

[depaysement]

I couldn't trust myself to choose what might be right, I'm not that progressed in scientific studies. Likely I'd choose something too dangerous or too weak.

[denigrator]

I'm an excellent scientist myself. Poisons aren't difficult to come by.

I would think too weak would be the greater problem in a place without actual death. It must be strong enough to serve as a deterrent.

/something like 10% locked, very easy to hack/

[depaysement]

Perhaps we could come to some sort of trade arrangement? I'm more inclined to speak in person on matters like this, however.

/rather more difficult to hack; Hojo has a way with computers/

[denigrator]

I hadn't considered offering my assistance, but if you can give me something worthwhile, perhaps I will.

What kind of goods or services might you be able to provide? I might be willing to meet in person, depending.

/thank you Hojo/

[depaysement]

I offer my services as a tailor, work on repairs and new construction equally accepted. My secondary job, though, was in information.

/Hojo lives to serve!/

[denigrator]

Tailor? I'm not particularly interested in tailoring.

[Mr. Wears His Lab Coat All the Time isn't of a sartorial bent.]

Information is another matter, but how can you provide me with information I cannot obtain myself?

[depaysement]

Do you have the time to be going out and gathering all the information yourself?

[denigrator]

As a researcher, information gathering is part of what I do, although I do prefer the analysis. So, no.

What I mean to say, is what makes you qualified to do this work? When another, or myself, might suffice.

[depaysement]

Permission to talk myself up somewhat?

[oh she actually enjoys this.]

[denigrator]

Isn't that the idea? I wouldn't want to engage someone who lacks confidence.

[depaysement]

I'm sociable, I'm a top notch actress, I'm dedicated to my work, and absolutely everything is confidential. For three years I've not had a complaint about my methods that I couldn't swiftly resolve.