[ic] cerevice inbox

[unionjackoff]

[there is a pause that has been recorded, unintentionally, followed by the sound of someone clearing his throat]

Uh. Hullo. This is Arthur Kirkland. Please leave a message. Or text. Or whatever...

[beep]

Comments

[unionjackoff]

[yes, he got that. he nods, still grinning]

I see... I hope, someday, I can at least visit that future.

[faithfulflame]

Well, when all this is over, perhaps you'll have the chance. But...for now? I'd like to know more about what you are. You're the...spirit of England?

[unionjackoff]

[aha, England was expecting questions about himself to come up. it was fair, considering Rei had told him about herself]

I'm not so sure I would call myself, or any of my colleagues, spirits. We've been called personifications, or embodiments of nations. [okay, the fish and chips aren't bad. now to try the shepherd's pie] We represent not only the land, but our people, and ideals related to our countries.

[faithfulflame]

[That Rei did not order, but she eats small meals anyway.]

Is that so? So you are the embodiment of the land, the culture, and the will of those people?

[unionjackoff]

Something like that. My duty is to those people from my land who are in power, though I am not allowed to interfere in the choices those people make. [actually, the shepard's pie tastes pretty authentic. he wonders who the cook is... and if they are British]

[faithfulflame]

[Probably a robot.]

No? Then what do you do, if not intercede?

[unionjackoff]

I give advice, mostly. Sometimes I fight. It depends on where I'm needed. Being what I am, though, I am not allowed to make major decisions, or harm humans.

[faithfulflame]

Which means you fight other beings like you?

[unionjackoff]

That's right. Though, even then, it's still the humans who are in charge. [hm... their tea is cold. he's going to call for a fresh pot when their waiter comes by]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei nods in understanding.]

And there are rules about what you can and can't do if I understand you right. Is your existence common knowledge at home?

[unionjackoff]

Oh, yes. Almost everyone knows about us. Not everyone believes in us, but they've at least heard of us. Those who have fought with us, been to war with us, have seen us suffer what would be considered fatal injuries to a human and live.

[faithfulflame]

I take it then, you are immortal? Or, live so long as your nation stands?

[unionjackoff]

You would be right again. I'm immortal in the way that a gun or sword, or any weapon will not be able to kill me. It can hurt me [and it does hurt], but I will survive as long as I still have people who believe in me.