video

[waitingforhope]

The screen flickers on to find two faces staring back. The first, a young woman who appears to be in her late 20s, appears to be smiling warmly. Attempting a pleasant enough first impression, regardless of any inner personal feelings regarding her current situation. The second, a young man roughly the same age, with a serious expression that otherwise says nothing about his current feelings aside from a weariness in his eyes.]

[It's the woman who speaks first:]

To whomever may end up seeing this...I'm Mai. And this is Trunks.

This isn't exactly the situation we were expecting—but that's probably a common reaction here.

We reviewed as much of the information provided to us as possible, but I'm afraid we still have a few questions. The first... [Here, Mai hesitates, as if still attempting to process the best way to phrase her words.] ...we were wondering about any local military organizations...or, at the very least, law enforcement...that may or may not be stationed here.

[And then, as if realizing how such a request might be interpreted, she made a point to add:]

I was told we were supposed to get jobs here, and wanted to inquire because we have many years of experience with combat and are willing to offer our aid. If it's wanted.

[With that, she turns the screen over to Trunks.]

We were also wondering if any is familiar with Capsule Corporation. It was a prominent and well known business in our world.

[Nodding to herself at his words, Mai turned back just long enough to end the broadcast with a light bow of her head and:]

Thank you in advance for your time. Anything that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

video.

[beamsmagicalgirls]

[Well well well, color him surprise.]

There are Guardians here elected among us for each city. As for military personal, I think there's one in Fayren. The regular citizens here doesn't mind too much who applies too much, I guess you could work as a law enforcer on the spot.

Jolly Eddy's isn't bad either. It's an escort service for Everglade. And wasn't your hair purple last time?

[light_of_willpower]

[Oh yes, that is a scowl. BUT...thankfully he's met the alternate 18. And her daughter. And found out she was married to Krillin. Which...is still a little hard to wrap his head around.]

You like your sister, with the family and changed and stuff?

[This is him being tense, but polite, okay?]

[beamsmagicalgirls]

[Thank goodness 18 filled him in on some stuff. Not a whole lot but enough.]

Relax. I'm not from that future. Yeah, I have a family and I work as a park ranger, back in my world.

[This feels almost confusing as he scratches his head, but whatever.]

Son Goku, my sister and two unwanted are here. And that other guy too.

[light_of_willpower]

[Okay, the scowl is....lessening. Honestly, Trunks is probably not going to relax for a while. But there is a bit of startlement at the idea of a family and-- A park ranger? Seriously?

That might be the part that surprises him the most.]

If you could give us their names, 17. Not just unwanted or the other guy.

[It's dry, but less brusque at least. Then there's a head-tilt.]

A park ranger?

[WHY?! HOW?]

[waitingforhope]

[Memories of years ago flashed before her, and though she had also met and heard about the Android 18 of the past...along with Trunks saying something about family and change...none of that registered quickly enough to stop a knee-jerk reaction:]

Android 17?

[beamsmagicalgirls]

[Seventeen doesn't phase too much about it. He hasn't seen people in terror in a long time though.]

Yes, but I'm not that Seventeen from your time.

[Making it crystal clear.]

[waitingforhope]

[There was a lengthy pause on her end. Considering his claim, if only because the 17 she had once known would never have bothered to lie about something like that. What would have been the point? He wasn't there in person to attack should she let her guard down, and to the best of Mai's knowledge, the broadcast was public.]

[...still, she remained tense. Wary.]

Then what time are you from?

video!

[slightlysaggy]

[ While Bulma has been monitoring the network, she hadn't really interacted much with anyone over the past couple of months. She'd blame work, if asked, but maybe it was something more emotional. When she sees the two of them in this particular video though, and actually hears their voices, she drops her phone and her coffee. She probably ruined something important for work, but it doesn't matter. She rescues her phone from the impending coffee flood, and replies. ]

Trunks! Mai!

[ Some of her room is visible in the video. It looks like she's been holed up in there for a while... And maybe neglected to clean. Not that it's particularly out of the ordinary. ]

Are you still in Genessia City? I can be right there!

[ She is, in fact, already pulling a sweater on and rushing out of her room. ]

Re: video!

[light_of_willpower]

[There's brief moment of surprise, before a smile blossoms on his face.]

Hi Mom we're still in--I guess that's the main city. We haven't gone through any of the archways yet, if that's what you're asking.

[Never mind he just left a version of her and Father--it is SO GOOD to see her. Alive and well.]

[slightlysaggy]

[ She stops just inside her door, and smiles a little sadly. She had so badly wanted to see her family, but seeing them means they're stuck too. She tries not to look bothered by that idea though. Genessia isn't the worst place to be stuck, she supposes. ]

I'm so glad to see you, son. And don't worry, I'll be there in a few minutes! Maybe we should meet at one of the cafes near you.

[ With Cell and Freeza around, hanging out on random street corners might look like an invitation. ]

[light_of_willpower]

Seventeen said something about a bar nearby, offering free drinks to those of us just arrived.

[There's a sigh, but Trunks is willing to let his guard down with his mother.]

I think for once I might need it, given...well...y'know.

[That smile is remaining, even if it's tired--and back to business.]

What're you aware of, Mom? In terms of my timeline.

video!

[waitingforhope]

[Not unlike 17, there were a wash of emotions at the sight of a familiar face.]

[The difference with Bulma, however, was that most of them were positive. 95%. Approximately.]

You're here too, Bulma?

[Her eyes were wide with surprise, and the gears in her head were turning. That made a minimum of two other individuals from the Past who had been brought here as well. She was starting to wonder if she and Trunks had actually been captured before the Time Machine had truly disappeared into the time stream, rather than in the midst of their travels like she originally believed.]

Ah...yes. We're still in the City. I haven't had much time to scout the area yet.

[slightlysaggy]

[ She smiles at Mai's reply. She's so level-headed, even in this situation, it makes Bulma happy that her son has someone like that to rely on. Maybe Genessia won't be so bad... Until she helps find a way back home, of course. ]

Yep, been here for a while now. I'm happy to see you guys, but... Maybe we'll talk about it more when I get there. I told Trunks I'll meet you at one of the cafes. Or maybe the cake place would be better. We might run into Goku there.

[waitingforhope]

[It was that level-headedness that gave her enough time to attempt to process all this new information before coming up with a response.]

[Bulma having been here for a while...]

Time Travel?

[It wouldn't have been the first time. Nor did Mai suspect it would be the last, the way their lives seemed to go.]

[But then...]

Goku's...here. [Another mixture of relief and concern, both of which were promptly overshadowed by:] And he's...at a cake place.

[She would ask why, except she already suspected the answer was because he's Goku.]

I'm fine with either option.

We'd only just left the Past before we woke up here, as far as we know, so I'm not all that hungry...but Trunks might be.

[She was well versed in not only typical Saiyan appetites, but the fact that she would sooner speak up for his than he would.]

[scarlet_devil]

[ Well, the look in his eyes very much tells her that he's seen some shit. With that and the mention of military, perhaps they are soldiers. ]

I see Guardians have been mentioned... Perhaps one of them will be willing to hire you on as Deputy Guardians. I assume you're both military? That experience will help.

[ The French accented little vampire will, uh... not comment on the name. This time. ]

[light_of_willpower]

Not exactly, although Mai has more direct experience with the actual military than I do. The hologram didn't give us much information beyond the basics. Each city has its own Guardian, which is the effective law enforcement for that city, yes? What about cross-jurisdictions? Is each city, including Genessia itself, like it's own nation somewhat?

[scarlet_devil]

[ Ah, close enough. It's the kind of weary look she's seen in many people over the centuries, usually veterans of war. ]

The Guardians are more than just that. They protect all the cities as a whole when needed, from threats the local law enforcement of each city can't handle. Like that shiny headed fool that wants to be Emperor. Such things tend to blow up in one's face.

[ She's speaking from personal experience here. Her attempt to conquer Gensokyo... did not go well. At least that resulted in the non-fatal spellcard rules. ]

[light_of_willpower]

[Definitely a veteran, although not necessarily from a war.]

So they're a step-above Law-Enforcement then? Also--a shiny headed fool? Are they still around, and could you tell me more?

[Better to try and learn about potential threats now, so he can be aware and prepared.]

[waitingforhope]

[A nod was Mai's initial response.]

Trunks was never formally enrolled. I suppose, technically speaking, neither was I...but circumstances of the world we came from lead me to the position. [She was being vague on purpose, although not just to be difficult; a fleeting glimmer in her eye betrayed the difficulty of those memories.] Do you know who we might get in touch with to speak about working with these Guardians?

[scarlet_devil]

That's as easy as asking to speak with one on this network. If not one of them, a Deputy Guardian like myself can be talked to. Goodness, look at me being all responsible...

[ Easiest way to talk to almost anyone with a device, she finds. ]

[captain_by_the_book]

Welcome, Mai and Trunks. The Guardians, who are elected to be in charge of their towns' security, hire Deputies occasionally, but if you're looking to get into law enforcement right away you might want to apply with the regular police forces in Genessia or Everglade. There are other ways to involve yourself, too, such as working as a bodyguard or joining a volunteer group.

[ He turns his gaze specifically to Trunks. ]

I've never heard of Capsule Corporation, no. I hope you have better luck with other responses.

[light_of_willpower]

[A nod, and a bit of an easing of some of the tension.]

We're having some better luck yes. Thank you for the information though. Do only the Everglade or Genessia have police forces? Any good information you recommend to new comers?

[captain_by_the_book]

The other towns have law enforcement, but it would be less suited if you're looking for paid full-time work. Attleton, my town, runs on a volunteer Neighborhood Watch, and Nova City has a robot police force. You might want to consider Fayren's royal guards, though. You'd have to ask someone from Fayren if they're hiring outside of people who passed their training camps, such as the one that ran a couple of months ago.

[ He pauses, trying to remember what he would have wished to be told when he was new. ]

I think the most useful advice I can give you is not to worry about finding the perfect job or place of residence right away. Many people cycle through a number of them before they find something that fits.

[waitingforhope]

[There was only the mildest disappointment when it became apparent any hiring by these Guardians would not be an immediate occurrence; she hadn't been expecting much anyway, and the fact that she was already beginning to make contacts affiliated with them was more than enough to ease her mind on that end.]

Those are all excellent suggestions. I'll be sure to look into each one of them and figure out what our best options are.

I admit, however, I'm most surprised that there appear to be so many.

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian gives a small nod. ]

I suppose it would... But most people brought here have fighting skills, there is a high percentage of soldiers and other fighters. That makes both for enough trouble that it takes other fighters to keep the peace and for a job market geared towards them. The locals know that most of us pendant bearers know what we are doing when it comes to fighting.