07 | audio

[implying]

Do you know, I've been here for a year now. Oh, how the time flies, or whatever other cliches you might like! But then with all of this time flying, I'll get straight to business and stop wasting it.

I'd like to suggest a celebration. I personally will be celebrating a year here, but I'm certain we can find a good handful of other causes, if you're in need of one to allow yourself a little food, drink, and dancing!

Ah, let's see… we might celebrate that the Initiative has finally come to its senses and realized the value of a therapeutic trip to the beach. Yes? Lovely, that one. I'm sorry to any of our new arrivals who've missed it! Or if you're not a fan, for some reason, of sun, water, and half-naked people, then maybe we might celebrate a favorite holiday from home. Calendars between here and our collective homes hardly match up, so it shouldn't be any trouble at all if it isn't the right time of year for it. Or if you're of a grimmer persuasion, perhaps we might simply celebrate the fact that, despite the United Earth's occasional brutal efforts, most of us are still alive.

So then. What do you think? Shall it have a theme? I've already done a masquerade in Versailles, it would be unsightly to do a repeat performance. I don't suppose there are any suggestions? Food requests may be delivered to Adrasteius, who I'm quite certain won't mind at all managing the banquet again. He's very agreeable like that.

Comments

[implying]

Oh, please, my dear. If I'm organizing a party, it's going to be fancy.

[allucinator]

I'm not your dear and if it's fancy, it's gonna be borin'. Rich parties always are. It's just talk and food.

[implying]

You, Jack, haven't been to the right rich parties.

[allucinator]

[He thinks vaguely about thanking Vanadi for that use of his name-- positive reinforcement and all-- and then decides it would do more harm than good.]

I've been to plenty o' poor ones, though. What exactly makes these any better?

[implying]

Better aesthetics. Ah, and better drugs, if that's of interest.

[allucinator]

Ah--

[Actually, that's of serious interest. Jack glances around, as if Rin might hear him (although she's not anywhere near) (but still) and then adds:]

Sorry, you wouldn't happen to be sellin', would you?

[implying]

Why, Mr Kelly, you didn't strike me as a delinquent.

[allucinator]

[His tone becomes just a little sweeter-- nothing dramatic, but it's less basically distrusting than it had been.]

Then I apologize, cuz that's always the impression I wanna give. But that ain't an answer.

[implying]

Apology accepted. But your answer is no — do I look like a gardener or a chemist?

[ a beat ]

I do, however, know a few charming individuals who provide.

[allucinator]

Just as good. Who?

[implying]

There are a few names. You're welcome to come along next time.

[allucinator]

Or you could just tell me now.

[A beat. He sighs.]

Or we could go now. Please.

[implying]

Now? Are you in a rush?

[allucinator]

Rush enough.

[implying]

Do try not to be. It's unseemly, in dealing with altering substances.

[allucinator]

I'm sure they're used to it. They deal with junkies all the time.

[implying]

And are you a junkie, then?

[bloodspeaker]

You'd better not be fucking talking about what I think you're talking about, Vanadi.

[implying]

Please, my dear. There are other options here — ones kinder to a human system, I imagine.

[bloodspeaker]

I'm not your dear. [He makes an irritated noise in the back of his throat. He's not keen on any drug use, but.] Just keep the thistle between you and my worthless excuse for a roommate, please.

[implying]

Trust me, I'm not keen to share. It isn't unlimited.

[bloodspeaker]

It better fucking be.

[implying]

Would I lie to you?

[bloodspeaker]

Is that a trick question?

[implying]

Oh, come, when have I lied to you? [ a beat. ] Recently?