caughtinanetwork

[When the camera switches on, it shows not one, but two people - Serph and Ky. YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN THEM AROUND BEFORE. Serph’s the same as always, calm and expressionless as he speaks :| ]

This is Serph, leader of the Defense Force. Due to Vatheon’s nature--

[You know, putting people to sleep and returning people to their home worlds. Because the latter’s what happened to all the other leaders of the Defense Force.]

-- it’s unwise to have just one leader. From now on, Ky is also a leader of the Defense Force.

[Ky’s comfortable as a leader. He has, after all, spent most of his adult life and some of his childhood (depending on when various people’s definition of childhood starts) being one. He smiles, earnest and charismatic.]

I hope that I’ll be able to serve well in this capacity. If anyone has any concerns, or general suggestions for improvement, please come to myself or Serph. And if anyone would like to join and hasn’t yet, we’d be happy to have you join the team.

The Defense Force works to protect Vatheon from threats and serves the populace here. Everyone has the capacity to do something to help, if you want.

[Since Ky’s said everything that needs to be said, Serph nods and ends the feed.]

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[Ky doesn't have to knock much before Sola swings the door open with a bright expression that immediately falls into one of clouded worry when he sees people he did not expect at the door.]

Oh... hi.

[Serph sees that change of expression and mentally notes it down, though he doesn't know exactly the reason for it. He nods in greeting, before asking--]

Is Johnny home?

[Ky watches that worried expression with his own concern.]

We're looking for him. Don't worry, he hasn't done anything wrong. We'd just like to talk to him.

[Rinoa knows Sola has been worried, but something doesn't seem right.]

Sola, what is it? Is Johnny all right?

I don't know... He was supposed to be home in time for dinner but he's not back yet.

[The replica looks back and forth across the group at his door. He knows Ky and Serph are on the defense force, and all three are Johnny's friends. If they're all looking for him, then...]

Did something happen? Barry didn't get him, did he?!

[Sola's expression goes from worry to panic and he scrambles back into the house.]

I'll get my sword!

Sola, wait.

[Serph's voice is sharp, commanding. The last thing he wants is more people freaking out.]

It would be best if you wait for him here.

[SOMEONE ELSE EXPLAIN WHY; Serph's rapidly using up his word quota for the day--]

We don't know that anything's happened yet, truly. It just occurred to me that he has been avoiding me for weeks, likely since Barry first showed up.

We're going to go look for him to talk, but it's quite possible he just went out for a walk, and we need someone here in case we miss him and he returns.

Yeah, Sola, you should stay here and keep an eye out for him. It'd be pretty bad if we all went after him, only to find out he was just doing some shopping or something.

[The likelihood of that being the case is... slim, but there's no need to take the chance.]

And if something did happen and he makes his way back home before we find him, someone should be here for him, right?

[The replica doubts very much Johnny's just out doing the shopping as well, especially considering he does much of that himself, but there's truth to what they say; if Johnny makes it home, someone should be here to meet him. He stops in his mad dash to retrieve his weaponry and returns to the door.]

Okay... But if something happens you have to call and tell me, alright? Barry's out there still and I think he still wants to hurt Johnny.

[The anxiety in his tone is palpable.]

[Serph nods. Of course. He doesn't see much more need for him to say any more and turns to the other two, tattoo glowing blue as lines spread across his body.]

I can track Johnny.

[With that said, Serph transforms, standing about a foot taller than he does in human form. When the others are ready, he'll lead the way.]

[Ky stiffens a little, still not comfortable with this form at all, but he'll follow Serph in it, and trust Serph not to eat him.]

[To be fair, Rinoa has only seen his form maybe once or twice, so it's still a bit odd to her. But she's long come to accept it, so she gives Serph a nod.]

Hopefully it won't take long.

[Sola, in contrast, doesn't seem phased at all by the transformation. Granted he'd lived in a temple with a blob monster for his only friend under a master who could also transform into a giant demon pig thing, so on that front nothing's too surprising.]

Just.. hurry, alright? I don't want anything to happen to him.

[Or for him to do anything stupid...]

[Serph gives one last nod and an idle wave of his hand to Sola before he sets off at an easy lope for the other two to follow.]

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[action] aaand that's a wrap!