01 ❖ video

[shenandoah]

[When the video feed turns on, there are no confused looks, questioning pleas, or obvious signs of the device being jostled about. The man only eyes the camera with a dissatisfied look, his mouth pressed into a tight, grimacing line before he speaks.]

If I've got this thing workin' right, I'd like to know one thing: how the hell I ended up here without my knowledge or consent.

[It comes out mostly as a grumble; his voice is, to those from or possessing a familiarity with the United States, noticeably Southern. He sighs and glances from side to side.]

And, assuming I do have this thing workin' right... If anyone would be so kind as to point me in their direction, I'm in need of three other things: somewhere I can eat, somewhere I can find a good smoke, and wherever I have to go to get a ride out of this place. The latter-most being a priority, of course. I'm sure you've got a lovely city here, but I've got some important business to attend to back home. [His expression twitches into a halfhearted smile.] Thank you for your time.

Comments

Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

I'm sure that you, like most of us, have important business to get back to at home, but I'm also afraid it's going to have to wait.

[A slightly apologetic smile, but only slightly.]

I can provide information and cigarettes, but I can't provide you a way out of here, sadly for everyone involved.

Video

[shenandoah]

That's a damn shame.

[But his mood is such that he'll take what apology he can get. He sighs.]

If that's an offer, I'll gladly take you up on either one.

Re: Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

It's an offer. I'm at my casino -- a place called Lucky's.

[And look, he's even sending a helpful little City map.]

It's not far from the fountain, you can't miss it.

video -> action!

[shenandoah]

Thank you kindly.

[He's never been to a casino before; he's never even seen one outside of television. Unfortunately, the novelty of the experience does little to improve his outlook on the situation as a whole.

It takes him a bit to figure out the map, but eventually, Cyrus makes his way there with little incident. The thought of the man's offer manages to keep his mood from growing much fouler.]

Re: video -> action!

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[The casino he'll find himself at isn't bright or flashy. It's relatively small, with card tables, a bar, and a piano. And, of course, a smiling owner, ready to greet confused newcomers as soon as they walk in the door.]

Welcome. Have a seat. I'm sure you have plenty of questions.

[shenandoah]

[That surprises him, but only a little. In truth he's somewhat relieved for the quieter atmosphere.]

Thank you. [He takes a seat as directed, but not without casting some glances over the rest of the place.] I do, and my first one would be to ask you about that cigarette.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[Meyer's already got a cigarette dangling from his lips as usual, so he just pulls out his cigarette case and lights another one off of the tip of his and passes it over.]

If only all our problems here were as easily solved by providing cigarettes.

[valentineluke]

[Quick, get in the car. It's a damn Yank.] Welcome to the City.

[shenandoah]

Thank you kindly. [The greeting does little to clear his mood, if anything at all, but there's no reason not to be polite.]

[valentineluke]

In answer to Question One; City collected you.

[shenandoah]

"City."

[Well, then.]

And that's all there is to it?

[valentineluke]

Yes. As to the 'why', sometimes there isn't a real answer to that.

[shenandoah]

If that's the case, then I'd be more interested in hearing about the other times.

video;

[mortemscintilla]

[ Li flashes an awkward smile that looks like it's offered in anticipation of a blow. ]

I'm afraid there's no way out of the City, sir. [ A beat. ] I'd be glad to point out where you can find food and a smoking place, though.

video;

[shenandoah]

[Well, now things are looking up.]

That would be sincerely appreciated.

video;

[mortemscintilla]

Right. I'm sending you a map. [ An electronic chime signals the download being transmitted on the device. ] Cafe Juliet is a good place for snacks. Or the Turnabout Cafe. Pandora is nice for smoking and lounging.

[ A beat. ]

Of course, that's once you have the City's currency. Dollars, Euros, Yen -- none of that works here. [ His forehead scrunches in a faint frown of concern (It's all an act -- this Nice Guy schtick -- but it's what 'Li' is trained to play.) ] Has anyone offered you a City Guide?

video;

[shenandoah]

[Ah. That was short-lived.]

I've received a map already, but no. [His brow furrows.] If not dollars, then what? Gold?

video;

[mortemscintilla]

[ Good news, in the City, is always an elusive phenomenon. ]

I'll send one over. It might help explain your ... um, new situation better. [ Incoming City Guide. ]

Not gold. The City functions on the basis of colored coins. Each shade has a value ascribed to them. It sounds childish, until you realize this place ... has no real economy to speak of.

video;

[shenandoah]

Colored coins.

[He's already skimming through the guide, but he just can't let that be.]

I'd like to ask whose bright idea was that, but I've a feeling there's no straight answer.

video

[deadmanbusiness]

Sometimes getting a ride out of this place doesn't help.

[Hai dragon. Have a necromaner demi-god with a zombie rat on his shoulder.]

video

[shenandoah]

[He's not so sure that he's ready to be convinced.]

Why might that be so?

Re: video

[deadmanbusiness]

Because you might end up coming back after leaving. It happened to me.

video

[shenandoah]

[Well, that's...the opposite of a comforting thought.]

Sounds like some stroke of luck you've got there.

Re: video

[deadmanbusiness]

[Theo seems to be failing at comforting lately. Maybe he should take lessons in it. The little rat on his should waves a bony paw at the dragon.]

Don't get me started.

[shenandoah]

[He's not sure what to make of that.]

So what is it about you that this place should find so appealing?