[Open][Video; From Police Headquarters]

[mccrane]

[The video is taken from inside the Police Headquarters, as it usually is from McCrane. It is zoomed in closer to him than normal, and those with high perception may notice a strange screeching noise in the background. However, McCrane begins as if nothing is wrong.]

This is a status report and also an inquiry.

The murder suspect Tarn and his associate, Kaon, were apprehended approximately a week ago. They are in our custody, restrained, with Tarn's vocal synthesizer...

[Hm. What is the right word to use for 'mostly ripped out and we decided to leave it that way but I feel vaguely bad about it but not as bad as I'd feel if he hadn't killed people who mean the world to me?']

...Offline. If any wish to reach him, they may do so through text. I would like to put it to the Judicial Committee and the Defense Committee to determine an appropriate punishment for the pair, though if anyone has any suggestions I will note them here.

Many of our downed officers have since resurrected, but there are a few individuals unaccounted for. Please, if you get word of them let me know.

[His constant state of worry has been higher lately, but at least this was not as bad as it could have been. Other inconveniences, however...]

[The background screeching intensifies, and McCrane's winces in pain just before the video cuts out.]

[Locked to Prowl]

[He looks normal enough by the time he sends this message at least.]

How should we go about feeding Tarn and Kaon?

...

Have we been feeding Tarn and Kaon?

[Locked to Gunmax]

When you come within transmission range of the Haven again, please let me know. I've been worried...

[Locked to Laharl]

[The close up view of McCrane finally pans out, to reveal a very demonic-looking penguin that was attached to McCrane's pointer finger--by its penguin teeth--the entire time.]

It has your name on it. Please stop by Headquarters to retrieve your lost belonging, and in the future kindly inform the Haven when a dangerous creature is loose?

~

Comments

audio;

[thxforthememories]

... what is that noise?

audio;

[mccrane]

It's...It's nothing.

I am having some problems with pest control, that is all.

[A pause.]

Kagerou?

audio;

[thxforthememories]

Pest... control.

[See how skeptical he sounds? What kind of pest makes that sound?]

Yes?

audio;

[mccrane]

Y...yes.

I received a box and found something unpleasant within, and now am attempting to return it to its owner.

[He was thankful that there was a nametag, at least. But oh, right, he had a question...]

Why do you always start with audio?

audio;

[thxforthememories]

And that's what makes the sound? What is it?

[Wait -- what? He has to stop to chew that one over for a minute.]

I... what? Do I?

Video;

[mccrane]

I am not sure.

[He holds up his hand to reveal...]



I believe it is a penguin, but I have not seen one like this before.

[The rest is just a solemn nod.]

Almost always.

Video;

[thxforthememories]

A... penguin? What --

[... what. The look on his face is about as confused as he ever looks.]

-- do they usually look like?

[And then he blinks.]

I didn't notice.

Video;

[mccrane]

I believe they normally have just one set of wings. And actual feet. And are lacking stitches.

Like a bird.

But...ah. Not like you.

[He felt an odd need to make the distinction.]

It used to startle me.

Video;

[thxforthememories]

But they still look... fat? How do they fly?

[Because clearly all birds must fly. Right?]

Startle you?

Video;

[mccrane]

I think they swim.

[It makes no sense to him, either. Wildlife is so perplexing, and he hasn't even run into any wales yet.]

Yes. I would wonder for a moment who it was. If you were you, or if you were someone else. You sound different from Shadowmaru, but there are times your tone is very similar to him...

It is startling, that is all.

Video;

[thxforthememories]

Like... ducks?

[How do you know about ducks.]

... One day, I'll stop being surprised when you compare me to him.

I like audio better. It's... easier.

Video;

[mccrane]

Yes, but under the water.

[It makes sense. Somehow.]

He's the only basis of comparison I have for you. Power Joe and Gunmax would not work.

[Though the thought DOES almost make him grin a little.]

You are a little like a ninja...perhaps you just don't like to be seen?

Video;

[thxforthememories]

Underwater ducks... I think I like the regular kind better.

[Nothing underwater is good.]

Mm. I'm not used to comparisons. Not in a... positive way.

Sometimes. But -- I don't have to worry about making faces, with audio.