00111001 (Video)

[want_a_vacation]

*Allen has dark circles under his eyes, like he's barely slept at all recently. But that's not the point of this post. In fact, aside from the dark circles, he looks wide awake and serious.*

I've been doing some research on the Churches of Three since that news broadcast. This probably won't surprise too many people, but it does make my suspicions seem more likely...there's nothing in any publicly accessible records about anything by that name. No founder, no precepts, nothing. As far as I can tell, it didn't even exist until this past week.

*He pauses to take a sip from a cup of coffee. You don't want to know how many he's had.*

Considering the fact that the name of the hotel owner fits the obvious theme of the church, it should be pretty obvious that they're related. Trey Matre...I've been told it roughly translates to Three Mothers. I came up with a lot of references to three in religion, just like Issei said, but it's too clear cut to be a coincidence. Either this is just now coming to be an organized religion, or something like it has existed behind the scenes for a while and now it's finally coming partly into the light.

The fact that it's already infiltrated the government means that we're probably not dealing with something small and new. I wouldn't be surprised if the hotel wasn't the only business they had a connection to here, either. Ryuunosuke's already offered to infiltrate the church if it comes here, but I think we also need people to investigate the local government and major businesses on the island. In the meantime, I'd suggest being careful how freely you talk about what's going on. We don't know who's involved, after all.

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't communicate. I'm going to be putting together a list of people who are doing investigations, so if you're looking into anything and you want the names of people you can trade information with, let me know. The list won't be public, just in case, but unless anyone objects, I'll give it to anyone who wants to help and won't turn around and broadcast it to everybody.

Ah, and in case anyone was wondering, my name's Allen Ridgeley.

Comments

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

But, actually, I'm glad you replied. It's looking like I'm going to have to do an investigation into the mayor and his father myself. Do you have any advice for dealing with politicians like that?

[Video]

[namedforcat]

I see. Unfortunately I don't know how much help I can give you, most of my experience was from speaking to them from an equal or higher footing, not from the masses.

But I'll help you in any way I can.

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

And I doubt I'm going to get any kind of political leverage here, even if I wanted to. *See this face he's making? He really doesn't want to.* But that just leaves...if nobody here can question them directly, someone's going to have to go under the radar and ask around behind their backs.

[Video]

[namedforcat]

[A-Allen, don't make that face at him! He'll help you don't worry!]

I know, I know. I'll give you some tips. What do you want to know?

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

*Sigh. Give him a moment to wrack his brain for a method that wouldn't leave him feeling sick to his stomach.*

There are rumors that the chief of police and the mayor don't get along. Can you think of any way to get him to talk about why without making it obvious what I'm doing? I don't want to risk too much getting out if the rumors are wrong.

[Video]

[namedforcat]

Hmm...well, there are a few ways that you can do that depending on the disposition of the police chief. You should find out what he's like first. If he is the type to be flattered, or subscribe to gossip or slander, there is always going the 'journalism' route. If he is honorable and values this city, you are a concerned citizen, in this circumstance you may be able to recruit him to our cause.

Of course you must always keep in mind that his animosity towards the mayor may be a front just to draw out people like you trying to get information, and thus keep tabs of somethings we'd rather not have kept tabs of.

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

*Ewww, deception. But it's not like he didn't say anything misleading in Labyrinthos.*

That's why I don't want to be obvious about it. We've got enough problems here without the mayor knowing we're investigating him.

[Video]

[namedforcat]

Allen, if the mayor is involved in what's going on here, it's entirely possible that he has access to the networks so that point is almost futile.

When working with politicians, always assume that they know something that you don't. Most of them are dumb, and the rest just play up the stereotype so you never know what you're dealing with.

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

I don't want to assume they know everything either, though. I think it'd be best to act like he doesn't know any of this but keep in mind that there's a chance that he could know everything. We can't even entirely rule out the idea that one of us Persona users is actively leaking information.

[Video]

[namedforcat]

There is always that. Welcome to the world of politics Allen, trust no one, but make yourself seem as trustworthy as possible.

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

Unfortunately, I already knew that. It's close enough to the business world, and I had that drilled into my head since I was a kid.

[Video+Private]

[namedforcat]

Business is politics to a certain degree. Instead of selling a product you are selling an idea and yourself. To be honest, most of the skills can migrate from one field to another.

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

Neither of them are fields I ever wanted to get into, though.

[Video+Private]

[namedforcat]

You and me both Allen...you and me both.

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

*He sighs and takes a drink of his coffee.*

Would you mind being around somewhere while I talk to him, just in case? I don't want to drag you into a fight, but I'd like to have someone I trust watching my back if things go crazy.

[Video+Private]

[namedforcat]

I don't mind if you want me to be there. I said I would help you in any way I can after all.

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

Thanks.

*He's sure Gaignun would be able to pull this interrogation off too, but he's more useful as backup than Allen. And someone generic looking would probably be best, anyway.*

Here's hoping it goes better than most governmental dealings back home, though.

[Video+Private]

[namedforcat]

Actually most government dealings were very boring and went along smoothly. Let's just hope this one doesn't go as disastrously as the more spectacular ones.

What's your time frame?

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

Maybe for you. I almost got transferred to the military because of Vector's deals with the Federation.

*He winces a bit at the memory of that close call, then takes a drink of his coffee to help get his mind off of it.*

But I'm hoping to talk to him by the end of the week.

[Video+Private]

[namedforcat]

The Military? How horrible for you. [He's half teasing, half sympathetic. He wouldn't wish being in the military on his worst enemy if they were not inclined to go for it in the first place.]

Well, let me know when and where you want me to be and I'll make sure I'm there.

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

Thanks. I'm glad I have someone I can count on for this.

*He smiles and relaxes a bit, although it only makes it more obvious how little sleep he's working on.*

[Video+Private]

[namedforcat]

You're welcome Allen. It just wouldn't do to send you into a situation like that with out some kind of back up.

That being said, you should get some sleep, you look like you've been dragged around by Mary on a shopping spree.

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

I've got a few more people to sort out, then I plan on going back to bed.

[Video+Private]

[namedforcat]

How many is a 'few'?

[Video+Private]

[want_a_vacation]

Ah...about two more, unless someone else replies.

*Yes, he is managing these conversations all at once. He'd never get anything done if he couldn't multitask like woah.*