Jack and Mr. E's Whimful Introduction

Thip's obvious Australian accent and Jack's eccentric hair were distinct oddities that cried "Tourist!" to the Chinese crowd and (including a number of very desperate pickpockets). This was not the first time either of them had traveled in a foreign country, but Jack had been walking through Switzerland and over the months forgotten the dangers of theft. He was standing at a food vendor when he felt a small hand pressure his back pocket, turning quickly only to find the crowd surging, his wallet MIA.

Moments later Thip had caught the same boy trying to sneak his hand into the leather satchel that bounced against his thigh. In sport, he offered the young thief two hundred Yen in exchange for whatever the he had in his pockets (two hundred Yen is roughly 25 USD if he remembered the exchange rate right). In return he was given a worn leather wallet, empty but for a forlorn-looking half-Yen bill. On one side was written an Italian phone number, below it the name "Jack E." Thip, a believer in following whims, immediately phoned the Italian number from his cell and stubbornly resisted the tide of people as the crowd turmoiled around him.

A mask-maker in Italy answered his call. He had to struggle to understand the fast-speaking voice and eventually snagged a number relating to a Jack; "the man you want, no??" What were the odds of finding the same Jack as on the bill? Small. He dialed unhurriedly, translating the Italian numbers in his mind, and raised the cell to his ear once more.

"Hello?" The sounds in the background mimicked the street callers and general market sounds around him. He allowed a small smile to twitch at the corners of his mouth.

"Konichiwa, Jack."