GM: Wyldfire
Players: Effek, Smoke, Molly, Thistledown, Hardy, Frost, Johny
Synopsis: Big Speech, open bar!
Date: Thursday, Dec 10th, 2069
Frost nods to the Doctor "Yes, I am very concerned with the effects, I guess its natural for all awakened beings to be concerned, the well being of the earth is a primary concern to me. I look forward to hearing your speech."
Effek listens carefully pretending like he is interested in what /she/ has to say. He quickly summons his attention to the various people around him, scaning the room for anybody that may look potentially interesting. Slowly inching his way from the women he makes his way to the balcony to possibly get a better angle on the guest.
Stacy Sommerhaus cannot help but chuckle softly, finding herself actually liking this strange character who breezed into her life so unexpectedly. "I usually don't let me escort me. It tends to be demeaning to women, implying they need protection." The man who Thistledown just paid for — the young man — is clearly a college student, who doesn't exactly have the money to attend, but he has the look on his face of a devout true believer. Even if his suit fits poorly. "Th-th-thank you, sir!" he beams.
The troll slides through the crowd like a fox in a yard full of chickens. The social elite seem to cluck and move away from the troll and his escort as if thinking the condition might wear off on them. Hardy seems not to notice at all as he escorts Molly to the refreshment area and takes a moment to look over the bill of fare. He looks at the selection and then to Molly and gestures with one ham-sized hand, "What do you think? Straight Water or be adventurous with a juice?" His amusement is easily apparent on his face, the fact that Molly owning a bar and wishing to remain alcohol-free amusing him to no end.
The club/restaurant has been entirely bought out for the evening. Instead of the usual decor, images of the planet, baby seals, tiger cubs, and other sorts of cute animals guaranteed to melt the hearts of donors adorn the surroundings of the room. People in black tie formalwear and ladies in evening gowns fill the place, while no-nonsense security people scrutinize everyone who comes in. An MAD scanner, as well as other items, make up the required security checkpoint. The security personnel are efficient, though polite. The mandatory registration fee can be paid in cash or credit — they are not picky at all.
OOC: Please let Wyldfire know if you are bringing in anything illegal, or have large amounts of cyberware.
OOC: Attire is black tie/formal. Please make sure you have appropriate clothing.
OOC: Please +pay Wyldfire 2000 =Y= for your attendance to the event.
Smoke shows up at the entrance to the room and looks around for who is taking money for this event. He looks slightly uncomfortable in a suit. He stands there with his hands held together in front of him, checking out all the people that he can see.
Leaning her head against Hardy's elbow, Molly speaks quietly to him. She lifts a gloved hand up to her mouth and taps her lips with her index finger. She looks over the bar and she comments to Hardy, "I suppose I'll live on the edge and take a juice. Orange Juice would be perfect." She looks over the crowd for a moment before she looks back up to her escort and she says, "Sorry I was late getting here, I had to get my hair done."
The man Frost is talking to seems to rapidly gain interest, setting aside the notes he was preparing. "Indeed! The Awakened have a special role to play in caring for the Earth, I think. In fact, the Sioux are among our largest donors. They have a long heritage of caring for the land."
He considers, then lowers his voice. "In fact, it can be argued that the Awakened are in a special position to help. Perhaps if you know people, you could meet with after my presentation. There are often tasks that require special skills."
The woman does follow Effek for a few moments, before she suddenly spots someone even more interesting — Johnny. She — and several other of the petition-takers — descend on him in a swarm, wanting his endorsement for this or that. He looks important, and the fact he's a member of the club here makes him easily recognizable, and gossip travels quickly.
Out on the balcony, exiled there, are a few men smoking cigars or pipes, or even a few young people guiltily huffing down cigarettes. The interior of the place has gone smoke-free for the evening.
Frost smiles to the Doctor "Ahh, my good man, I do so want to help as much as I can, but sadly that is beyond my talents. Though." he pauses a moment "I may know someone, perhaps I can meet with you after your presentation, and we can discuss things further."
Johnny already had his fee paid. You pay that sort of thing before you arrive, in advance, when you don't want to deal with the plebian 'cash or check' question. It's so -GAUCHE-. Standing in the Foyer, he passes off his coat to the coat-check woman. "Hello Trisha. How's the family been?"
"Oh, Mr. Wulfson! Good to see you again. Jennies doing well. She's adjusting to her new school. You know how resilient kids are."
"That I do. Who's working Security tonight?"
"It's a new guy. Contractor for this event. Mr… ah… Delouise? Yes, thats it. He's just over there."
Johnny nods, then moves off to the security check in. He shows a small ident-card, and the men with the MAD scanners sort of move away from him, though he does offer over a small light pistol from a shoulder holster. A gentlemans self-defense weapon.
"Thank you Mr. Wulfson, please, enjoy your evening. It's good to have you back."
Dr. Cortez gives Frost a warm smile. "You would be surprised. Anyone with Awakened talents can help in their own way," he says. "I would be happy to meet with you and your associates after my presentation."
Near the balcony, however, there is an older man, who has faded to the edge of the room. He looks to be in his mid to late thirties, dressed in a tuxedo, and almost painfully thin. He wears glasses that make him look a little geeky, and he's clearly uncomfortable here. In a way, it almost looks like he's hiding…
Smoke walks up to be scanned by security and cocks his head when the scanner picks up his tanto. "Pardon me, it is an item I carry for ceremonial purposes. I will turn it in." He pulls out the sheathed tanto and hands it to Delouise. "Please take care of that for me sir."
Thistledown laughs, "Ah, you know that's funny, here I was planning on riding the coat-tails of your beauty into the room, and trying to look educated and aware by being near a woman who obviously has a firm grasp of what's going on." He smiles and tips his hat, to the young man, which is an odd trick since he still hasn't put the hat on. He continues in with Stacy, "And you think I was offering protection instead of seeking it." He considers, "Perhaps instead of escorting you, you might let me accompany you instead? I'll won't even complain you buy the first drink…" he looks around, "…or at least tip if the drinks of complimentary." He wanders arm in arm chatting merrily towards the bar.
Frost chuckles "You give me far too much credit for being awakened, I am merly what is referred to as a groggie, the sad people that are only half awake and are denied the full blessings of magic. But, enough about me, I should let you get back to your preperations for your speech, or at least to find more funding for you. We will speak later." With that he clasps a hand on the doctors back, and then turns to head back in among the crowds.
Delouise, perhaps surprising for a security guard, takes the item with both hands and an incline of his head. "It shall be cared for carefully until we return it, sir. Thank you for your understanding." Someone has been carefully coached, and it is clear he has strict instructions to avoid pissing off the rich people.
Effek catches the women as the situation suddennly went from him trying to get rid of her to her finding him less interesting. His eye catches the swarm of people surrounding another man, Effek having a eye for important people he dicedes this would be something he could waist his time for. Thinking "Hmm who knows maybe i might learn something I may need!". Effek being new to Denver needs all the contacts he can get. Heading down the stairs from the balcony that he just seconds came up. Approaching the man he overhears a fellow croud memeber yell out Johnny! Effek reaches out "Hello Johnny! Effek…" shaking his hand trying his best to seem like somebody Johnny would talk too.
Leaning down, Hardy listens as Molly whispers something to him behind her hand. His eyes are full of mischief for a moment before he starts to laugh a little too loudly, a deep rumbling sound that startles a socialite nearby. Hardy covers the laugh with a small cough and a fist to his mouth, "Excuse me" He gives Molly a look that oozes pantomimed promises of death and destruction. With an exaggerated roll of his eyes he turns and fixes the attendant behind the counter with a level gaze, "Can you make two orange juices without harming the oranges?" He sort of leans in to the attendant, "While we are at it, where are these oranges from? Farm grown or au natural?" His face is straight, he seems genuinely interested in the origin of the oranges in the juice.
Stacy cannot help but laugh again, shaking her head. "You," she says to Thistledown, "are a very confusing young man. Yes, you may accompany me. The drinks are complimentary, but I can't indulge just yet. There is too much to do, and I fear this evening is work rather than pleasure for me. I'm Dr. Cupertino's assistant." She glances around, tilting her head. "Where /is/ he?" she wonders, scanning the room.
Johnny inclines his head to Mr. Delouise. "Of course. Have a good evening, Sir." He moves then in to the main room, pausing near the doors to scan over the crowd. Oh my, it's a veritable who's-who of Denver. One hand drifts to the line of his tuxedo jacket, smoothing down a wrimple from removing the firearm as he spies a girl moving through the crowd with drinks. One is taken, just as Effek sort of 'goes off' like an Area-Effect Greeting.
The smile tightens as the Tuxedo'd troll barrels his way for Johnny. "I'm sorry, have we met?"
Smoke nods to the security man and heads toward the bar, already recognixing several people. He listens to the babble of conversation as he passes by different groups, but doesn't engage anyone directly. When he reaches the bar he orders a club soda with lime.
Wrinkling her nose a little, Molly says, "Oh I had some of those 'farm grown' oranges once." She shakes her head as if to banish a distateful memory. She pats Hardy's hand again as she holds close to the large meta, "If they're not natural then I'd just rather have water." Turning to look around the room her eyes drift from face to face before she looks back towards the bar waiting to hear the answer from the man behind the table.
The bartender looks up, overhearing Molly's comment. "Sorry to overhear, miss, but everything here is all natural. All the fruits are organically grown, as are the vegatables. The items in the buffet were prepared to exacting standards by our chef with only the finest ingredients!"
He smiles. "So what can I get for you?"
Frost moves around the crowd, and then pauses near Smoke "Good evening, how is your day? By the way, I have someone I want you to meet later, so keep an eye out for me." he smiles to Smoke.
Out on the Balcony, Sectioned off from the 'normal people' by a VIP section rope and a small phalanx of entourage, it looks like Jeremy Falloon and Elizabeth Kalhiem, the heads of government for both the UCAS and CAS, appear to be having a discussion. A laugh comes from Falloon, along with one of those pointing gestures that says 'gotcha!'.
A moment later, he's rubbing his jaw from her rather forceful slap. The area around them goes silent just in time to hear Falloon ask… "What? You don't like -Pizza-?"
As Smoke takes a seat the bar, the bartender approaches, giving the obviously Native American man a warm smile. Smoke has been treated with near deference by just about everyone since he came into the place, almost with a hint of awe. In fact, one of the women slowly approaches, giving him a warm, if slightly shy, smile. "It's good that you could make it," she says, with sincerity in her voice. "Tell me, you think you would be willing to say a few words, as a representative of your people?"
Thistledown shakes his head, "Oh, no miss, I'm quite simple. Put me in a room full of people and you'll find me talking to the most desirable woman in the the room, as such I stand here with you. You see, very simple." He stands on his tiptoes, turning around, "Though, I think, perhaps, I would be more help if you would describe the person I'm looking for…is he more of an Ichabod Crane type professor or an Indianna Jones type? I see the schoolmaster of sleepy hollow over by the balcony, and I swear that man is channeling the very spirit of Dr Jones…"
Thistledown eyes the VIP section, "…amendment to previous simplicity, I will be with the most desirable woman, or someplace that I ought not to be…"
Stacy's eyes scan the room, unable to suppress a hint of mirth in her expression. She doesn't get out much, and Thistledown is enough to flatter the pants off the Devil himself, pressed, starched, and neatly folded. "Where? Oh… Ichabod!" She actually giggles mirthfully. "Yes, that's him. Dr. Cortez isn't really much for events like this. But he knows they're important. Come, I'll introduce you."
Effek is smart enough the catch that the man is not interested. He shrugs twisting his tie back straight, eyeing the large area he spots the bar but a loud slap catches his attention as he peers through the crowd at the man. He shakes his head as he continues through the crowd snatching a wine glass from the women walking in circles. He comes to the bar and sets down his drink, lifting the back of his tux as he sits.
Smoke first nods to Frost and says, "Doing well friend. I will keep an eye out for you." His gaze is drawn by the woman that approaches. His listens to her politely and smiles, "What kind of words would you like me to speak?" He hits her with a little Sioux stoicism.
As quick as the Effek-Storm brewed, Johnny finds it dissapating. He pauses a moment, to ask quietly… "Was it my breath?" He makes his way after the Troll, breaking a cardinal rule in the process: Never chase a troll. You may catch it.
Thistledown nods, "Wonderful, I hear Ichabod was a great dancer…out of curiousity, do you know anything about blue rabbits?" He chats for a bit as they make their way through the crowd.
A meaty thunk vibrates the bar slightly as the troll smiles widely and pats the bar quickly with his hand. "See there, all natural, will wonders never cease." He gestures towards the bartender with that hand, open palmed and nods quickly. "Alright then my friend you have a deal…" The huge troll's head snaps towards the sound of the slap, his hand gripping the edge of the bar quickly, other arm crossing his body towards a pistol that is usually there but isnt tonight. He catches the motion and frowns slightly, scratching his side in an attempt to conceal the motion. At the exclamation from Falloon he turns back to the bartender, "Who doesnt like pizza I mean really, but I digress…so orange juice? Two? Tall? No chaser?"
Frost chuckles and pats Smoke on the back in a friendly matter then turns and walk away from him, leaving Smoke to speak with the woman alone. Frost simply drifts slowly about the room, looking for something new to catch his interest.
She manages a shy smile. "We weren't sure if your people were going to send a representative, but since you are here, we were hoping you could say a few words about your traditions, about the environment, the sacredness of the Land…" She manages a nervous laugh. "Things like that. People really enjoy that."
The woman manages a shy smile at Smoke's stoic question, clearly a little uncomfortable. "We weren't sure if your people were going to send a representative, but since you are here, we were hoping you could say a few words about your traditions, about the environment, the sacredness of the Land…" She manages a nervous laugh. "Things like that. People really enjoy that." (repose)
Effek taps on the bar and snags up his wine glass, chugging it he wisk he breath "Ahhh!" looking at the Bartender he waits for his attention. He smiles "Can I have some Peach Snaps with Ice, but have the ice crushed please?".
The center Curtained Room's(#2) curtain draws back, showing Yamaha N-A's CEO, Sir Edwin Winterthorp III, holding court with a few of his closest friends, members of the Yamaha Motors Racing team and… is that.. Josh Rienholt, CEO of Ford Motor Company? Ford is one of those rare 'independent' companies that still pose a challenge to the Megacorps in its respective field: Quality Automobiles at a decent price. THat is sure to set the trade-papers to talking. An alliance between Ford and Yamaha could breath new life in to the micro-car, with Fords engineering and Yamaha's small engine know-how.
Smoke softens his facial features with a genuine grin. "I'd be glad to. My name is Smoke, it is very nice to meet such a pretty lady." He holds out his left hand to shake with her. "What are you called?"
A twitch of the lips spreads into a smile. Molly looks up towards Hardy and she says, "Could have asked for a better drink for the evening." She nods towards the bartender as he comforts her at the idea of drinking that foul 'farm grown' orange juice. She lifts her brows and she says, "It was a memory I won't soon forget." She reaches into her bukly purse and she pulls out a credstick, holding it between her index and middle finger asking, "Who is it we make the donations to," absently.
Effek turns to catch the curtain open as he notices almost everybodys attention turn. Spotting Johnny as he chases him back to the bar, Effek wanting to smile but keeps his cool.
Johnny slides in to the bar next to Effek. "I'll have the same." He turns to Effek then. "You come at me shouting my Christian Name…" A pause. "And I don't even know yours. Could you perhaps aleviate my social disadvantage, so I can decide if I should ignore you or not?"
Effek nods his head and smiles allitle brisk "Im sorry ill be honest, I overheard somebody calling you that as I approached!" He reaches out to shakes the mans not at all expecting the man to graps his large hand. "Jonny is my name, but that is not what i wnted to talk about sir. I am obvisouly new to Denver due to me not really knowing who you are. And no disrespect in my case!" Effek still smiling "Im actually intriqued by say your populartiy and would love to gain knowledge of such important people as yourself." Effek reaching down and grabbing his wine glass "But im getting off track sir. I simply wanted to start a conversation with you to have an knowledge of what you do sir? Effek takes a drink of his wine making a snazzsing face but trys his best to hold it in, he gains his composure and waits for Johnny responce.
Johnny's features sort of glaze over about halfway through the trolls rambling ode to the Popularity and Suaveness of Johnny Wulfson. He takes the drink when it comes, sipping it and giving the troll the chance to finish what he's saying. "I see." he says quietly. "And because you heard someone use my Christian Name, you thought it was socially acceptable to charge after me, shouting it, and then, to run away when I turned my attention to you?" He looks up to the troll, not seemingly affected by the size differential. "You are a -very- queer person, our similarity of name not withstanding."
The woman talking to Smoke smiles warmly, and makes a few notes. "What tribe are you with? How should I introduce you?" She tucks the clipboard under an arm. "I'm Dr. Janice Ian, and I'll be introducing Dr. Cupertino. We were thinking of having you go on before Dr. Cupertino — to help illustrate the traditions of your people." She reaches out to take Smoke's hand, then lays her own hand atop his in a warm clasp. "I'm so glad you could come!"
Local club owner and Musical Promotor Perry Annweir, dapper in a brilliant royal purple suit and black silken tie, casually strikes up a conversation with Naomi Volt, recent 'It Girl' for 'CHROMIUM', a high fashion/transhumanist Scream-Vid.
The bartender gives Effek a warm smile. "Indeed. Troll-sized Schapps over gravel, coming up!" And he sets to work, efficient, skilled. In just a few moments, he has a perfect drink.
The bartender gives Molly a warm smile. "Right over there, if you wish to donate to NASPEN. They are happy to accept all donations for their work!" He says this while he works on Effek's drink.
Effek nods "I was not expecting you to even take notice of somebody like me, and if I offended you by stating your christian name then I am sorry sir." He takes another sip of his wine. "So sir you still have not answered my question, that is if you still care too." Smiling "What are you here for?" Effek trying his hardest to keep the man intrigued but that of which seems to not be working.
The bartender gives Hardy a smile, gestures to one of his assistants. Said assistant puts great care into the preparation of two tall glasses of orange juice, served at just the right temperature. Unless you utterly hate orange juice, this stuff is divine nectar.
Thistledown carefully sets his hat atop his head as he strolls through the crowd, checking himself in the mirror he adjusts a few of the spikes of his hair to better frame his face as they fall back away from the brim of the hat. As he moves through the crowd he pauses every so often to lean near a young man or woman, "Pardon, I know this is dreadfully rude, but as I was passing by that gentleman there I couldn't help but overhear him comment to his friend on your remarkable beauty. His friend tried to encourage him to come over and talk to you, but I think he thinks you're out of his league. It's probably an imposition but he sounded so taken with you that I couldn't help but let you know in the hopes that, if you were available of course, that you might go over and speak with him…of course you mustn't let him know that I told you, he'd die of embarrassment, then probably kill me…but if you feel so inclined…" and on and on from one single person to the next as he trails along in the wake of Stacy heading towards the schoolmaster.
Smoke blushes a little, "It is a fine thing to make your aquaintence Janice. I am not that eloquent, but I can speak a little on tradition. I am Lakota Sioux. You can introduce me as Martin Paintedhorse, Smoke is a shamanic honorific so to speak." He sets his club soda down and places his free hand atop hers. "Can it be a short speech?"
Johnny Wulfson turns his gaze from the troll, to his drink as it arrives, then looks to the crowd. "It's a party. A fundraiser for a good cause. Why are you here?" A pause. "Other than to win friends, influence people and test the limits of your tailor?"
The 'schoolmaster', Ichabod Crane, as Thistledown named him, was staring toward the stage, as if trying to prepare himself for something. He has the amazing tendency to melt into the background, as if oozing into the wall somehow. Even so, as Stacy approaches him with Thistledown in tow, he glances in her direction — then does a double-take at the sight of the green-haired man. It takes him a second to recover, before a smile slips onto his face. "Stacy. I wondered when you would find me. Duty calls, hmm?" He shoots Thistledown another smile, perhaps waiting to be introduced."
Two large hands reach out and collect the glasses of Oj. Hardy turns and offers one to Molly and waits for her to try the drink before trying his own. "Well thats handled, where to now? Ladies choice.." He allows this last bit to hang a moment as he searches the room, moving from conversation nook to nook taking in the Who's Who. After a moment he smiles and looks back to Molly waiting for her reaction to the drink and her choice of social direction.
As the handsome Lakota man places his hand atop hers, Janice cannot help but feel her cheeks flushing. "Short, of course. We don't have that long in the schedule, but it would mean a lot to the people here to hear some acknowledgement. Many of the people here honor your people's traditions, and strive to live up to their standards." Her voice is almost reverent, hardly daring to even look up and meet his gaze.
After collecting her OJ and Patting Hardy's hand lightly, Molly says, "I'll be back in a moment, I need to go make our donation." She nods her thanks to the bartender and she glides across the floor towards the person collecting the donations. Her step is light and graceful moving with the grace of a dancer, she looks to the lady collecting the donations and she offers her credstick. She lifts her brows and she says, "For such a worthy cause I just couldn't resist making a donation."
Frost drifts about the room, waiting to be ambushed for more fundraising opportunities, though really not looking forward to parting with his money, he will do so if it comes to it. He drifts slowly around, looking at various things and people, after a moment he grows bored, and starts reading aura's, yes, its impolite, but he uses masking to make sure people don't notice his activities.
Effek smiles and he feels the man judging him "Well im a kind person at heart, and if giving donations to help out the enviroment helps me feel more like that kind person I like to state I am!" Effek grabbing his drink and twisting his wrist to stir it. "Winning good friends and showing off my limits of tailoring is just frosting on the cake, besides what better friends to make then ones supporting a good cause?" He smiles to the man and takes a drink of his wine followed by stirring it some more.
Right now, the centermost table of the row of booths is occupied by a tabletop display for NASPEN — The North American Society for the Preservation of the Environment and Nature. There are several nice items on the display about industry and the public sector cooperating through agreements with this Not-For-Profit, talking about a bright new day and saving the planet. A video is playing in one of the panels of the display. The young man there behind the table was in animated conversation with, in fact, the young man whose admission Thistledown paid. In fact, the conversation they are having seems to be less about the environment and more about other aspects of animal behavior, of a more practical nature. But the youth behind the table breaks it off with a flush of his cheeks and greets Molly and Frost warmly. "Welcome to the event. I trust the staff is taking good care of you?"
Said young man does indeed accept the credstick, lets Molly key in the amount she is donating. All very discreet and friendly and dignified.
Frost glances at Molly, still using his astral perceptions and smiles then looks to the man looking for donations "Everything is wonderful, I was hoping to make a small contribution to your cause." he reaches a hand inside a pocket and returns with a neatly folded wrap of UCAS Script. "Where should I place a cash donation?"
Watching the crowd, johnny cracks his neck. "Your lack of subtly is amazing. In one moment, you made me stand out in the crowd, put all eyes on me and made it so that even if I wanted to, I couldn't move and mingle without being obvious." A pause as he turns to Effek, tipping his glass in salute. "So… thanks for that. Don't bother me again unless you have something to do other than humping my leg. In the mean time, enjoy the party, donate to the cause, and I'll see you around."
"So far," says Molly as she takes the credstick and slips it back into her oversized purse. She takes a sip of her orange juice and she nods politely to Frost as she moves back across the room towards Hardy. Once she's collected her companion she says, "Let's go find a place to sit down. Such a nice place I just want to soak in the atmosphere."
Smoke smiles at the woman and then removes his hand, not wanting to be too forward. "It will be my pleasure to help in any way that I can. This is a good cause." He reaches for his drink, finally breaking eye contact. "Just tell me when you need me. And thank you Janice for the honor of speaking."
The young man gives Frost a warm smile. "I can take that. We have a lockbox for cash, though most of the people here choose to use electronic forms." He smiles in a friendly manner designed to put Frost at ease. "Every form, though, helps us accomplish what we are trying to do. Thank you very much!"
To Molly, he gives her a warm, effusive smile and thanks as well, ready to talk more about what she is helping to do, but she has already walked back toward her troll companion.
Effek nods and chuckles to himself alittle bit. Nodding to the man as he leaves "Very well Johnny!" He says looking at his Peach Snapps, taking a breath then chugging it really fast. He sighs and nods to the bartender "Another please!" and the continues to scan the dance floor.
Johnny pauses then, looking back to Effek. "Wulfson. Mr. Wulfson." With that, he slips in to the crowd, making his way forward, to the donation station.
Frost chuckles and hands over the cash "I understand the preference for electronic currency, its so much easier to carry. I simply prefer to remain an annoymous benifactor, sometimes your names go down on these lists, and then next thing you know, its sold to some corporate reasearch group and your having to deal with all sorts of visitors and mailings."
Thistledown removes his hat and offers his hand to the scholarly man, "An honor and a privilege meeting you professor, it will be a distinct pleasure hearing you speak this evening. I expect you to do an admirable job of emptying my wallet to the benefit of cute and fuzzy creatures everywhere." He grins, "Stacy was kind enough to get me through the first part of the evening, and she informs me that drinks are complimentary, so after you've inspired me to give until I can give no more I would be happy to buy you a drink to wet your throat…ah, me, my manners are terrible, I'm sorry I just get flustered when face to face with personages who command such a high level of respect in their field…my name is Thistledown."
An arm the size of a small tree is extended and Hardy is collected by Molly. He grins and nods towards the curtained rooms as the only real tables or areas they could approach. "We can take ownership of one of those and just keep the curtains open." He gets that glint of mischief in his eye again, "For propriety's sake of course.." He takes another moment to look over the crowd and grins, "Lots of biz in this room.." A few steps slides them back into the current of the room, they slide through like baracuda looking for their next meal towards the curtained rooms.
The youth nods swiftly. "I know just what you mean. But our group doesn't do that. All our donations are anonymous. We understand that many of our clients may have… shall we say, public interests that might prevent them from contributing as openly. Discretion is part of our specialty, sir."
Frost smiles and nods "Well, in that case, let me double that donation, I admire a group that understands the needs of its patrons." He reaches into another pocket, and pulls out another wrapped wad of UCAS Scrip, and hands it to the fellow.
The man — Dr. Cupertino — seems almost washed away in the torrent of words from Thistledown. The torrent of flattery. "Yes, I would enjoy that," he tells Thistledown. "It's always nice to unwind." He glances to the stage, then to his wrist-chrono. "Where's Stacy? This is about to begin!" He seems nervous, more than anything, though Thistledown's words draw a slightly self-deprecating smile. "I'm nothing special, sir. I'm just the one who had some ideas, and so far I've been lucky enough to make them work."
Janice, for her part, dares to lift her eyes back to Smoke's face, and she smiles warmly. "Perhaps afterward, we could talk more, if you are not busy." Yes, there is a hint of hero worship in her expression as she regards the handsome Lakota man. Then, she glances toward her own chrono. "Come with me," she beckons, then heads up toward the front of the room, gestures to a seat near the front for Smoke to occupy, then approaches the podium at the center. "Thank you all for coming!" Her voice, standing near the podium, is suddenly easily audible through the impressive sound system. More than anything, it simply sounds /natural/, as if she were simply everywhere at once, with no visible microphone. "If you would all take your seats, I think we are about to begin."
Johnny slides out of the crowd near Thistledown and Dr. Cupertino. "Mr. Feldspar! Good to see you!" Says Johnny then, reach out to clap Thistle on the Shoulder. "How have you been? Things good for you and the lady?" he asks, then looking to Dr. Cupertino. "Sorry, I am -so- sorry! I havn't seen Mr. Feldspar in a while. Wulfson, Johnny Wulfson of Wulfson Security and Consulting." HE offers a hand forward.
Smoke stands and leaves the bar.
Effek lifts the side of his tux as he catches underneath him, twisting his fram around to face the lady speaking.
Dr. Cupertino offers his hand to Johnny in an absent sort of way, nodding once. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Wulfson," he murmurs, keeping his voice lower, though his eyes are on the stage. The keynote speaker has stage fright. He shows all the classic symptoms.
Smoke follows Janice and sits in the seat near the front. He watches her quietly, taking a deep breath and thinking about thhings he would like to say.
Johnny shakes firmly, then turns his attention forward, to the keynote speaker.
Frost turns his attention from the man he just gave a second donation too, and then looks to the speaker at the podium. He remains standing near the place he was, only taking a few steps closer, and watches.
Thistledown laughs as Johnny cuts in saying, "I would call one gifted enough to have the idea, dedicated enough to work for it, and patient enough to keep at it till luck gave way special…Mr. Wulfson, please call me Thistledown or Thistle… Mr. Feldspar sounds far to formal…how is the tonic treating you?"
Smoke nods to Janice and smiles again, giving an affirmative nod. The he follows Janice and sits in the seat near the front. He watches her quietly, taking a deep breath and thinking about things he would like to say. (repose)
Johnny murmurs queitly. "It itches. A lot. Is it supposed to burn?" He asks in a sidelong whisper. "And please, Johnny, John or 'Hey, get off my wife', but Mr. Wulfson is so formal for friends."
Effek stands up and heads to the dance floor to get a closer and better angle on the speaker. Twisting his way through the crowd bumping someguy "Sorry sir!" he nods to the guy and stops just ahead to peer and seem interested.
Janice continues. "I'm Dr. Janice Ian, vice-chair of Environmental Studies at the University of Boulder. And I'm so pleased to see so many people here, so many who have turned out to help support our cause, and who care so deeply about this fragile world we share.
"The environmental movement made great strides last century, culminating in the famous Copehagen Accord back at the end of 2009 that some regard as marking a turning point in the environment. Unfortuantely, that lasted only a short while until the corporate world gained extraterritoriality. And what we've seen since then is a slow erosion of those things we worked so hard to gain over the years, as the corporations literally do whatever they want, without regard for the consequences.
"Dr. Cupertino, whom you will hear from in a few minutes, has found some new ways, some new methods for working /with/ corporate interests and goverment bodies, to provide some exciting new opportunities for the planet as a whole. But first, we are honored tonight to be visited by Martin Paintedhorse, a shaman of the Lakota Sioux tribe, who has been so gracious as to agree to say a few words. Martin?" She steps to the side to make room for Smoke at the microphone.
Dr. Cupertino glances over his shoulder to Johnny and Thistledown, and he takes a slow, deep, shuddering breath. "I hate this. The waiting," he admits, sotto voce, to the two men with him, as he seems to shrink back a little further into the wall. "Janice is so good at this. Me, I feel like I'm in the school play, and I don't know any of my lines!" he admits.
Johnny chuckles quietly, sotto-voice returned to Dr. Cupertino. "Do't worry about it. It's for a good cause, a right cause. Don't worry about speaking, let your subject do the talking. You'll be fine."
Dr. Cupertino seems to take a certain amount of comfort from that. "Good advice… Mr…. Wulfson, was it? It's possible we might have some work for you, potentially, depending if your company does private consulting work."
Thistledown nods to Johnny's comments then smiles at Dr. Cupertino, "You've got me beat, I never even know what play they're doing." He tilts his head looking at Janize for a moment, then at Martin, "Though I'm the impatient type as well, how about a sneak peak at what you'll be talking about, not the whole speech of course, but just the juicy bits, what've you been up to?"
Smoke takes a deep breath and stands up. moving to the podium. He looks out over the crowd and smiles, taking a sip of his club soda. "I was pleased to be asked to speak this evening and will make it short. I have read about what the group NASPEN is doing and I felt I should coe support the cause as a representative of my people. We have long lived in harmony with the land. Out traditions are such that there is no difference between, man, animal, spirit and plant. All life is sacred. In this perspective we have lived out our lives in such a way so that the world will sustain us for all time. It is through endeavors such as this that a better world can become possible. With that I give you Dr. Cupertino." He inclines his head and then departs from the podium.
"Depends on the industry." Admits Johnny then. "We can discuss it later, absolutely." He gives his full attention to Smoke then.
Thistledown blinks and looks up…"Wow, I was expecting something much longer and preachier." He applauds politely the brevity of the speaker.
Frost chuckles softly at Smokes rather short speech, then waits to hear whats up next.
Dr. Cupertino blinks, surprised as Smoke introduces him. That wasn't part of the program. He had opened his mouth to reply, but then gives Thistledown a quick shrug, trying to cover the look of panic on his face.
The rest of the room, though, will see a rather unimpressive-looking man in his mid-thirties come forward. He is slightly balding, and wears glasses — rather unusual in this day and age of easy cybernetic implants or vision correction. He makes his way to the podium, with a simple pocket secretary, and he places it in the podium in front of him, even while several of the attendees applaud enthusiastically. He looks out at the audience… and smiles, and all traces of the fear he showed disappear.
"My friends, I am always absolutely stunned at any gathering like this. That so many people care so passionately about the environment, and are willing to contribute their efforts and the product of their effort to our cause. Truly, it makes me think that perhaps, just perhaps, what we hope to accomplish is attainable, and that somehow, individuals can make a difference. That working together, we are stronger than the strongest among us. Because of the strength of what we share — not only a belief, but the firm knowledge of the right course not only for ourselves, but for metahumanity and this planet that we all share."
Thistledown smiles commenting to Johnny, "Personally, the trick that works for me if I get nervous is to just ask everyone to get naked…I know the traditional solution is to try and picture everyone naked, but then the audience doesn't get much out of you standing there staring at them…"
Smoke moves back down and sits in the seat that Janice had told him to sit in. He looks up at the speaker and then over at Janice, leaning in to whisper, "Was that okay?"
Johnny listens to the speach, nodding to Thistle… "Orientation system, ultrasonic emitters, math coprocessor and an image link. I don't know what you're talking about. You're all naked already."
Dr. Cupertino is absolutely nothing like the shy, dimininuitive man whom Thistledown and Johnny encountered. Instead, once the lights are on him and he begins to speak, it's almost impossible to remember his appearance, his attitude from before. His voice is rich and flowing, giving the proper emphasis to each word. He is a very, very gifted orator, and his words flow from his lips and seem to resonate in the heart of the listener. It is almost supernatural.
"What we have begun to accomplish is nothing compared to what we /will/ accomplish. We have already done the impossible. We just signed an agreement with Ares Macrotechnology to promote recycling of their manufacturing wastes, and worked with the UCAS government to provide a regulatory structure. The cost to Ares is minimal, and yet it will reduce huge amounts of heavy metals and toxic chemicals from being discarded.
"We have worked with the local branches of Saeder-Krupp to explore new technologies, pioneering achievements in the world of electronics, to remove the arsenic and other acid compounds from their manufacturing processes. All of these things were done voluntarily, once we got the companies to see how it was in their best interests.
"But there is much more to be done. These are real strides, but more than these, we need to explore the possibilities inherent in direct action. In defense of the Earth, we will have to get hands-on, and work to create something new. Nothing violent — never violence, my friends. Our cause is just and will remain so, the more so for us taking steps, together, working carefully and yet boldly to create the sort of future Earth that metahumanity deserves. Some of us working for th benefit of all of us — even the corporations," he says, drawing a laugh.
Frost frowns slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd slowly and then back to the man speaking. His brow furrows slightly and he continues to watch the man speak.
Listening to the man, Johnny gestures to thistle. "See? Like any expert, shy, until you get them talking about their field of expertise."
Smoke shifts in his seat, getting a bit of a rush from the intensity and passion of the speaker. He looks over at Janice and smiles, "He is really good." He glances at the crowd to see how they are responding.
Effek smiles as he listens to the guy, waving his wrist back in forth in a slow motion as it hurts.Effek thinking to himself "Nice speech, although I know nothing about this nature bullshit, it kinda makes me interested in helping out?" he continues to watch the man give his speech feeling rather a little bit inspired.
Thistledown nods, "Yeah, like a whole 'nother person. Makes a lot of sense though, don't hear many who speak as passionately as he does still able to keep it on the level that everyone can get behind."
Lifting her brows, Molly looks around the room. She adjusts the gold band around her right ring finger as she takes a sip from her orange juice. She places the glass back down and rests her hands folded on the tabletop next to her bulky looking purse.
Hardy listens to the speaker, his face changes as his attention is completely taken from his banter with Molly and absorbed into the speakers message. He leans forward, his head nodding up and down in agreement with the mans sentiment. He has an inspired look on his face, his demeanor going from disinterest to almost fevered passion. He looks briefly from the speaker to Molly and says something quietly to her.
Frost pauses as he looks back over the crowd, and then moves carefully towards Molly and Hardy, he leans close and whispers into Mollys ear.
Johnny sips his drink, his eyes flicking over the crowd to see how old Dr. Cupertino (A lovely little town) is doing. How he's hitting his target audience… The variety of reactions is interesting. Not a bad speaker… no, not at all. "He's doing remarkably well. Half the people here are here to be seen. The other half are here to see the ones to be seen. There is only a small actual target audence here.. but he's… connecting well."
Rubbing her left hand's knuckles into the palm of her right hand Molly nods her head to Frost and she looks towards the speaker thoughtfully. She takes a calming breath and she settles into her seat, her torso kept in perfect posture thanks to the corset she's wearing. She reaches over and pats Hardy's massive hand with her own as she leans up to murmur to Frost.
Frost smiles as he leaves Molly, then makes his way around the crowd and up towards Thistledown and Johnny. He nods as he gets close, then taps thistle on the cheek and whispers quietly, though more than likey Johnny will hear him.
Frost whispers "Its a magic speech, you've been hit by it Thistle."
Thistledown nods, "Can't help but connect with a message like that…" he turns to look at Frost when his cheek gets tapped, "…hoi, Frosty!"
Have you ever been to a concert with a true virtuoso? The most amazing thing is the silence. Nobody moves. Nobody coughs. Nobody says anything above a whisper. Nearly everyone in the room is listening with intense, rapt attention, utterly transfixed by the words of the skinny, geeky man on the stage.
"It is a sad fact that in this world, nothing changes without money. People have not felt the pain of the Earth, nor will they, until and unless things get so bad that it will already be too late. We have all crushed ourselves together into cities, eating nothing but soy except for a few privileged elite, when the bounty of the Earth should be for everyone to share, to enjoy, to profit from.
"Instead of properly enforcing the externalities — the damage that those privileged few do to the shared resource that is the Earth — instead, the goverments of the world have become complicit in this destruction. Our task… is to affect their bottom line. To make it less expensive for them to do the right thing, than to continue to do the wrong thing. Only then will the accountants and bureaucrats, the budget analysts and regulatory lawyers, only then will they begin to cooperate."
Frost seems rather serious as he frowns and speaks in a hushed whisper to Thistledown. He tires not to be too obvious about it, but well, what can you do.
Hardy looks briefly from the speaker to Molly as she pats his hand. A wild look comes in his eye brielfy as he starts to complain to her about the interruption but he seems to realize this too would be an interruption. He turns his attention back to the speaker his hand wandering of its own volition to the credstick secreted in an inner pocket of his tuxedo jacket.
Johnny raises a eyebrow at something Frost says, then turns to look at Dr. Cupertino again, his eyebrows drawing down in to a furrow of a frown. "I see…"
Thistledown pouts for a moment, then his eyes unfocus a bit and his hair glitters, a light dusting falling from the spikes pressed down by his hat.
Smoke leans back into his seat enjoying the speaker. What the man is saying makes sense. But he's heard about people with great plans before and hopes this guy isn't all just preach. He looks over at Dr. Ian and smiles at her again while taking a sip off his club soda.
Cupertino looks around the room, and meets the eyes of each and every person in the room. "To that end, I am asking for your help — not just in funding what we are doing, but your help in a more direct fashion. The different forms of that help may vary. Some may simply speak at council meetings; others will suggest new ideas within their corporations. Still others can pass the word. There are an infinite number of forms that direct action can take, all toward one objective — to place the Earth foremost in people's minds, and the elevate their understanding."
Cupertino smiles warmly. "Our goal, unlike the Marxists who hijacked the Environmental Movement back in the twentieth century, is not to disable industry. No! We acknowledge its vital role in providing for our standard of living, creating jobs and keeping the wheels of commerce turning. But instead, our goal is to help find ways to provide the goods and services that people want and need, at less cost to the environment, without placing undue burdens on anyone. We can have SUV's /and/ seals. We can have our pocket secretaries and pristine forests. We can have the Matrix and Mother Earth, both together in harmony instead of striking dissonant chords of strident opposition."
Cupertino again looks around the room, meeting the gaze of every listener briefly, as he pauses to take a breath. "My friends, I cannot do this alone. Even those in this room cannot do this alone. We will need more friends, but our successes so far have shown what is possible."
He manages a small smile. "To that end, I would like each of you to think about what you can do to help our cause. We have sponsors not only in this room, but elsewhere, and our resources are growing. But we need people with the will, with the courage to stay strong, to stay resolute, to never waver from what we know must be done. I want to ask each of you to speak to one of us after the meeting, and tell us one thing, just one thing, that you know that you can do to help us. To bring about a better world for /everyone/, corporate executives and wage slaves, government leaders and the homeless. We all benefit from clean air, pure water, biodiversity, with an eye toward the future and and ear toward the past, learning what works and what doesn't."
Again, Cupertino seems to meet the gaze of each person in the room, sending a strong, clear, pure message. "What can /you/ do?"
There is a pause, and then he smiles once more, the spell suddenly broken, though its effects seem to linger in hearts and minds.
The room breaks in to an enthusiastic, heartfelt (Or at least, heart-compelled) applause, as though Dr. Cupertino… is the second comming of Jim Morrison…
Thistledown begins applauding.
Johnny places one hand on Thistle's arm, stilling his applause with a firm grip. "We're going now, Thistle."
Frost steps back from Johnny and Thistledown, his eyes once more roaming the crowd with his astral perceptions, he looks back to the speaker, and simply stares him down, frowning the whole time.
Hardy seems to almost ignore Molly as he joins the applause for the speaker. He rises to his feet, his clapping getting louder and more insistent as he looks around the room in an attempt to get others to clap. His gaze isnt gone from the speaker for long before its locked on the man once more, his face almost fanatical.
Thistledown quirks and eyebrow at Johnny, "Hmm? Why? Drinks are free, and I owe Dr. Cupertino one."
Effek raises his arms clapping rather loud over the rest of the crowd due to his large hands, he smiles turning around and begins to head to the bar still clapping. Arrivng at the bar he stops clapping but still smiling "Can I get another Peach Snapp please, crushed Ice? Thank you!"
Thistledown looks around, "Hmm…might have some competition getting him a drink…"
"Because, Mr. Feldspar… I don't mind listening to a speaker… I mind magical compulsion, and our mutual friend Mr. Frost informs me that the speaker swayed the crowd with such… and judging by this… ovation…" He says, gesturing to the amazing response… "It's not out of scope. Come."
Johnny said that.
Even the bartender seems rather distracted, transfixed by the speech. As Effek approaches, he blinks, then shakes his head to clear it. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure!" He sets about it, but his mind is clearly elsewhere, unlike the focussed work of before.
As Hardy breaks into an applause, Molly stands up and pats his shoulder leaning against him. She lifts her brows and she asks, "Are you ready to go?" She fans herself and she says, "I'm getting a little tired," her voice kept low as she speaks. She moves over and takes her purse, sliding it up onto her shoulder.
Smoke applauds and smiles, the speech a rather good one. He looks at Janice and assenses her during the loud clapping.
Frost does not applaud, instead he goes back to looking over the crowd, gauging the levels of compulsion put on them. He shakes his head a bit and then looks over to see what Dr. Cortez is doing right now and how he was affected.
Hardy shakes his head slightly as the spell is broken, his face going stony and his eyes narrow. He stops clapping and his gaze locks on the speaker, his hands start to whiten at the edges from the force of his grip. His distrust of mages is widely known among those that know the troll. He nods to Molly as she recommends they leave, "Yeah I think it might be time for us to go, I would hate to break anyon- er thing in here." The huge troll is not amused and doesnt care who knows it.
Thistledown chuckles, "So what's a little magic amongst friends? Besides, I owe the man a drink, it'd be discourteous to leave before settling up…you've really got to ask yourself Johnny, what can you do…you know, then go ahead and do it, and I think one of the things I can do, is get the man a drink."
[Watchers] Magically Delicious Kassandra says, "at least for the 1st place. dunno what he was planning for 2nd and 3rd"
After he is finished speaking, Cupertino looks stunned at the reaction of the audience. Truly floored by it, as if he had no idea such a thing would happen. He looks a little confused, perplexed — and that stage fright is back as he swiftly departs from the stage, slipping back toward his previous position near Thistledown and Johnny. A few people in the crowd start to try to follow him, but Dr. Ian gets back up on the podium, and says a few more words, then introduces Dr. Cortez.
Cortez is older than Cupertino, much more balding, perhaps with a hint of a round figure. He is a decent public speaker, with plenty of visual aids on a slideshow behind him, but his effects are nowhere near the sheer fascination that Cupertino's speech drew.
Cupertino gives a shy smile as he approaches Thistledown and Johnny. "How'd I do? Was it as rocky as it felt?"
Johnny pulls Thistledown close, almost growling in to his ear… "I donated 50,000 Nuyen personally, so I feel pretty goddamn good about myself. So lets -go-." A pause as he looks to Dr. Cupertino. "It went as well as you expected, Doctor. Good day."
Thistledown smiles, "Only if you mean that you hit people with truth like an avalanche and -hwup" he cuts off being pulled, then tugs back batting at Johnny, "Oi, whisper in my ear and I'll follow you anywhere, growl in my ear and you'd better look good in a negligee…"
Leading the way, though holding Hardy's arm and seeming to walk with him Molly says, "Let's retire to a more cultured locale." She twitches her lips and she says, "I know this great bar." She steps past the security and she heads towards the elevators with her companion.
Out of a Shadowy corner, behind some photos of cute creatures, a woman steps out. She is Japanese, and wearing a suit that costs more than most vehicles. She is very pretty and walks through the crowds and touches Thistledown on the shoulder "Thistle? Will you go with me please?" she smiles at him.
Cupertino looks visibly surprised at Johnny's sudden and obvious hostility. "Mr. Wulfson, I'm truly sorry if anything I said offended you! May I… May I ask what it was?" He looks between Thistledown and Johnny, clearly perplexed, looking actually extremely apologetic in that awkward sort of way of a geeky teenager turned down by the hot girl for a date.
A thundercloud in the skyline of the room, Hardy escorts Molly to the elevators. He gives the security a withering look as they pass as if to lay blame for his lapse at their feet. He steps onto the elevator and disappears from sight, only his stench remains.
Johny eyes the doctor for a moment, his attention torn away by the woman. This is the wrong place for any kind of confrontation. Not enough data, not enough support. No understanding of scope. "If it was not you, Doctor, you have a problem. A very serious problem." A pause as he flips a business card out of his pocket with the deftness of a slight of hand expert… "And you should call me."
Thistledown smiles at the woman holding up his left hand, "Sorry darling, a few weeks late I'm afraid, I'm taken permanently now, but I'll buy you a drink, in fact, I'll buy the house a round…they're still free right?" He chuckles looking curiously between his associates. "Speech was great Dr. I think my friends are just a bit shaken by the truths you've revealed" He looks over at Johnny, "That or he's just fishing for business…kinda like those lawyers who are always asking if your neck hurts…"
Johnny has the social graces not to object to Thistledowns less than polite suggestion that he would cause a social scene for the sake of profit. He keeps his eyes stead, and clear, on Dr. Cupertino.
Dr. Cupertino swallows once, nods. "I… I'm not sure what you're talking about, sir," he admits, and seems very sincere. He reaches out to take the card, with both hands, respectfully, then looks at it and slips it into his pocket before he nods once to Thistledown. "I… I think I could use that drink you mentioned," the gangly man admits. "Mr. Wulfson, perhaps we can talk later. When I speak, I feel… drained afterward. I'm sure you understand."
Effek taps his fingers as he waits for the applause to die down. Looking back at the distracted bartender he peers nomatter to it, he has time and patients. Glanzing around the room for maybe a last minute conversation.
"Oh." Says Johnny then… "I do. You should rest." he says, disentangling himself from the crowd and Thistledown. "Have a good night Doctor. I'll be waiting for your call."
"Agreed," Cupertino says, and his smile is warm and friendly. Perhaps thinking he is forgiven for whatever he said that might have annoyed Johnny. Then, his attention is back on Thistledown. "So what about you, Mr. Feldspar? Thistledown, right? So what is the one thing you can do to help our cause?"
Thistledown waves cheerfully to Johnny, "Hmmm? Oh at the moment I was thinking get the parched speaker a drink, after that I'll think of another one thing…I'm a bit short sighted that way, but it makes for a lot of little sucesses. Let's see I drink Cherry coke, how about yourself Dr. Cupertino, I've got you pegged as the Slow Comfortable Screw sort." he deadpans that delivery.
Smoke smiles to Dr. Janice Ian and moves to stand near her and Dr. Cupertino. "That was inspiring," He says to Janice. "I think my one thing might be to buy you a drink." He jokes and then adds, "And maybe I can talk to a few friends with links to the Sioux Council about helping."
Cara, the Japanese woman in the very expensive suit, steps away from Thistle down and to Frost after he gives her a slightly negative nod. She nods to Frost, then walks away and turns to look behind one of the posters or displays, and then, when out of sight, she vanishes.
About this time, Stacy — Dr. Cupertino's assistant — approaches, clears her throat. "Are you sure you're up to socializing, Doctor?" she asks solicitously. Cupertino smiles warmly. "I think I am, actually. I think you and Thistledown here were also having good conversation. Perhaps you could join us?" Smoke and Dr. Ian also get warm smiles, while others on the staff are circulating, dealing with the other well-wishers, who seem to politely stay out of the way of the small group.
Frost remains a few steps back from Thistledown, his gaze now moving towards the woman Stacy.
Thistledown smiles to Stacy, "Oh don't try to steal him away quite so quickly, you get him all to yourself all the time, share a bit…" He steps a bit to the side, "Besides, I hear that there might be dancing later."
Frost continues to frown as he watches people. His gaze moves back past Thistledown to the doctor again, almost staring, but just for a few seconds.
Smoke's eyes drift to Cupertino's assistant and then back to Janice. He stays quiet wondering if the woman wants a drink or not. He has found that remaining quiet during social situations and simply paying close attention, sometimes reveals interesting things.
Dr. Ian gives Smoke a warm smile, watching as the speaker finishes. "A drink would be wonderful," she says to Smoke, having been distracted by a few people asking questions.
On the stage, Dr. Cortez gave an eloquent presentation, took some questions from the audience, and then after spending a little bit of time speaking to people, he approaches Frost. And smiles. "You mentioned some people you wanted me to meet?"
Frost snaps out of his brooding rather quickly, putting on a smile to Dr. Cortez "Ahh yes, actually, you have seen one of them, the native fellow who spoke earlier, he is an aquaintance of mine." he looks over to Smoke and gives a gesture for him to join them.
Cupertino chuckles and waves a hand. "Stacy, the rest of the staff can handle the attendees. You have the rest of the night off, if you want it. You've earned it," he says, with a warm smile. "As for dancing, I don't think I'm up for that," he admits, with a laugh. "Two left feet. And as I said, public speaking always leaves me drained. I get passionate about it."
Thistledown takes a pull of his cherry cola, smiling at everyone cheerfully. He then leans to the side and plays matchmaker again, "…from what I overheard she was thinking that the one thing she could do was spend time, out in the wilderness, learning, you know…but she said she couldn't bear to be alone, and then, the way she looked at you…well, I was thinking if there were two people don't their one things together, we'll that would be an even better thing…" He smiles sheepishly at Dr. Cuppertino having only caught a bit of that, "Yes, I guess walking with two left feet could leave you drained…" he offers trying to guess at the bits he missed.
Dr. Cupertino laughs softly. "Indeed. Actually, I'm feeling pretty tired. It looks like things here can go on as well without me as with me." Then, he gives Thistledown a warm smile. "It was good to meet you. And… there is more to you than meets the eye. Stacy… I think Thistledown here might be able to help us in more ways than simply financial. Maybe he would be willing to volunteer?"
Smoke smiles at Janice and asks, "What would you like?" He catches Frost's gesture and gives him the 'just a moment' look. He waits for the woman with all of his attention now focused on her.
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