Welcome to the Program

[airlockedmods]

Good Morning, Champions. In the interest of maintaining healthy sleep patterns, a day/night cycle is in effect. Your presence is expected in the cafeteria in exactly one hour.

[The voice comes through not a large speaker, but through the device that's attached to each Champion's arm. Further investigation of the features of the device will reveal a list of profiles, a mini-map, and a list of rules. The hallways are shiny white and silver, with running lights along the floor and lights on the ceiling, and at the junction of the hallways is a sign with a knife and fork icon and an arrow pointing down the hall.

Welcome to the Excellence Program, Champions. Time to get to know your teammates.]

Comments

[discalibur]

Romantic... Yes, I suppose so! I like that. [Oh god now he's going to run with this.] Like a modern day knight, in a way!

[karappo]

[Once you start running with it you'll never be able to stop running, I'm afraid.]

Yes, yes like that exactly! I suppose that explains why they made your title simply "Scorpion" instead of...Champion Spy, or something. It would ruin the illusion, non?

[discalibur]

I see. That does make sense. In that case, I will embrace the title fully!

Champion Scorpion has a nice ring to it after all.

[why are you both like this]

[karappo]

[Because even the weird ones need friends.]

Excellent! It is certainly less of a mouthful.

[But he will...try to embrace his. Emphasis on try.]

To whom do I owe the pleasure, by the way?

[discalibur]

Tsurugi Kamishiro. The man who will replace god with the slash of a sword!

[...What? Doesn't everyone have a catch phrase using the meaning of their name?]

[karappo]

[Obviously they do. He likes this guy already.]

And I am Matsuno Karamatsu! The man whose name will someday be on every billboard in Japan, with fans all across the nation!

[It's not quite as ambitious as replacing god, but it comes close.]

[discalibur]

Such a grand ambition... I like it! Everyone should have their sights set so high!

[karappo]

Why doesn't everyone have their sights set so high is a better question! Everyone should aspire to do great things!

[Says mister No Plan over here.]

[discalibur]

Very true. Jiiya once said that all men must aspire to greatness or be doomed to fall into obscurity.

Those who set their sights too low shall only ever be lowly themselves.

[karappo]

[Gee, wonder how low on the bar that places the matsus then, who have never done a single worthwhile thing in their entire lives.]

Well we cannot have that, can we? And you and I are prime examples of people who will never be that, right?

[discalibur]

But of course! We are a truly exceptional pair!

[Exceptional at something, sure...]

To think I would meet a kindred spirit in a place such as this.

[karappo]

Likewise!

[Karamatsu seems pleased as punch, surely. He's made a friend...]

Tell me, my friend. Is there anyone you know here, currently? My brother seems to have been included on our roster...but only one of them. I am not sure where the other four are...

[discalibur]

Aha, yes, I saw! I suppose that might get confusing. And you have that many more brothers? Incredible.

I haven't seen anyone I recognize myself, no. It seems it's just me.

[karappo]

I do, yes! We are all identical, so if you ever happen to see someone who looks like I do, do let me know! I figure if they are not here right now, then they must be back home...

[discalibur]

Yes, of course!

It must be nice having so many siblings.

[He sound vaguely... wistful.]

[karappo]

Every day is an adventure, that is for sure. My brothers and I were renowned in our ward when we were children...everywhere we went people knew us.

[More like you were infamous. You were little shits.]

Though now we are adults, our charm still remains.

[discalibur]

I see, I see. It sounds exciting! To get up to so much that you even gain such a level of fame.

[Tsurugi, don't make it sound admirable.]

I have to admit, I'm envious.

[You shouldn't be.]

[karappo]

[Oh. That just makes Karamatsu beam, honestly. Don't mind him as he just...absorbs the praise and attention like a sponge.]

I have no doubt in my mind that you could attain such notoriety one day! Someone with an occupation like yours...it is practically called for!

[discalibur]

Ha, well! I do intend to make my family as famous as it should be, though I'm sure it will be in a very different way.

[karappo]

Oh? How so?

[discalibur]

Well, it's my job to restore my family's former glory. And its wealth, as well. So I'm working hard to make that happen!

[karappo]

Oh, I see! What a challenging, grand undertaking...you lead quite the exciting life, my friend.