→ o1. [video]

[aperfectthird]

[The feed opens quite abruptly on a young man looking into the device with a combination of consternation and confusion. A finger appears and taps on the screen, then the view promptly swings around to a pair of perfectly polished dress shoes. The view shakes for a moment before coming back to Percy's face, brow still furrowed.]

Oh, I think it's one of those communication devices - felly - no - telly - telephones? Is it on?

[He speaks loudly now.]

Hello?! Can anyone hear me?

[Beat. He looks worried, biting his lip, then squares his jaw, thinks for a moment, and continues. His tone is firm and authoritative, though those who know him well might be able to spot a very fine thread of fear running through it.]

If anyone can hear me, then I demand safe passage back to England immediately. I am employed by the British government and I guarantee that the Minister will not be pleased to find I have been taken.

I await your response.

Now how do I turn this off?

Comments

[video.]

[aperfectthird.livejournal.com]

How you -

[A sharp intake of breath.]

- how you died?

[dontcrashnburn.livejournal.com]

That's right. Not everyone here is alive and kicking, as it happens. I still have the kicking part going for me, at least.

[aperfectthird.livejournal.com]

But that's impossible.

[He's sounding less and less sure of this fact, though.]

The dead can't come back to life.

[dontcrashnburn.livejournal.com]

That's what I thought, too. Turns out it's not even the strangest thing that happens around here.

[She's going out on a limb, but she kind of figures she might have earned herself some honesty for that one.]

So, you were saying about your line of work...

[aperfectthird.livejournal.com]

I -

[Sorry, Jessica, but he's still pretty 'gfkdgkjcf' over here.]

- I told you, I'm a bureaucrat in the British government. That is true.

[dontcrashnburn.livejournal.com]

I'm sure it is. But I'm guessing that's the light version.

[aperfectthird.livejournal.com]

I work directly under the Minister, if that's what you're asking.

[dontcrashnburn.livejournal.com]

The prime minister? Of England?

[aperfectthird.livejournal.com]

In a manner of speaking.

[dontcrashnburn.livejournal.com]

Uh huh.

[Resting her face in her hands now. Getting closer.]

And what exactly do you do for the PM?