[voice]

[ryuuzaki]

[Ryuuzaki's low voice is accented in a way that people from places other than the U.K. might think of as "generically English," and when the message begins, his tones are pleasant and measured without being effusive.]

Hello, everyone.

The Ingress has brought us to the Moira from any number of places. When I meet someone, I can't say whether our similarities will outweigh our differences, or vice-versa... when you're this far from home, even small commonalities can seem important. It's led me to be curious about the broad strokes of everyone's backgrounds.

[A pause, as he approaches his real question.]

What can you tell me about the government in the place you came from before this? Both the form of government and, if possible, specific names of leaders.

If it wasn't your original home, I'd be interested in hearing about that, too, even down to what year it was for you.

If you'd prefer to answer privately, that's all right with me. I can promise you my discretion.

Thank you.

Comments

[vengeance_driven]

The old country, Yugoslavia, is now many countries. American government is a shitty example of democracy. The president is Joe Lawton.

[ryuuzaki]

I've never heard of Lawton, although Yugoslavia has broken into several countries in my world, too. Serbia and Herzegovina, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia. Does that sound about right?

can't repeat icons will feel dirty

[vengeance_driven]

Yeah. That sounds about right.

You got Liberty City or "New York"? Los Santos or Los Angeles. [He's still not good at saying "Angeles".]

I know that feel

[ryuuzaki]

New York and Los Angeles. The others may exist, but as smaller towns... nothing worthy of note.

Do they appear to be the same thing, or at least very similar places going by different names?

[vengeance_driven]

Same places. Different names. I found out from other people how similar.

[ryuuzaki]

That's interesting.

Are they only the same places geographically, or also politically?

[vengeance_driven]

I don't know. Is America run by white upper class assholes that treat minorities like crap, exploit immigrant labor, and like to blame everyone else for the problems they make for themselves?

[Niko has feelings about his time in America but he's not biased or anything.]

[ryuuzaki]

I think a number of people might make that argument, but it would depend on who you asked.

[So, yes, more or less -- but as tedious as it might sometimes be, he often relies on their cooperation.]

Los Santos is the center of an entertainment industry?

[vengeance_driven]

Yeah. A place called "Vinewood" is there. Where a lot of movie stars work. I am not so big into movies. [He doesn't have a great suspension of disbelief. He's more a "live show on stage" kind of guy.]

[ryuuzaki]

It's "Hollywood," for me, but it sounds like the same kind of place.

What are you into?

[L was historically not into movies, for the most part, unless there was a work-related reason to be into a movie for a while. Then he was into movies to whatever extent was necessary until he'd closed the case, at which point he would be into whatever the next case required. It's the same way with a number of other things: he has his own tastes, but they never used to matter much... he used to strive to be indifferent to trivialities and distractions.

More recently, he's had time for trivialities and distractions, if he wanted them, but not to the extent that he had any interest in watching lengthy, interminable soap operas made for an Alexandrian audience. The Tranquility had not been designed with entertaining people from his time in mind.]

[vengeance_driven]

Cabaret. News papers. Internet back home when I had access to a computer. Documentaries on TV.

My life has enough drama. I do not need to watch for fake things.

[ryuuzaki]

I can appreciate that.

If you have the opportunity, would you like to return to -- where in Yugoslavia?

[vengeance_driven]

Serbia now, and it is in bad shape. I would not be returning. And because of certain circumstances, I will not be returning home in general.

[ryuuzaki]

I suppose those "circumstances" would come under personal information.

Who is the current ruler of Serbia, for you?