☞ 022. (video)

[wouldnotkindly]

[For those who know him, Jack is looking somewhat unrecognizable again today. Instead of his usual sweater-and-jeans ensemble, he's dressed to the nines in a three-piece suit, and while the jacket is currently draped over the back of a chair, it altogether seems to fit his broad frame maybe a little too well. He looks more interested in the lit cigarette in his hand when the video begins, but by the time he starts to speak, he makes direct eye contact with the camera, his stare more self-assured than perhaps it's ever been.]

The great chain of industry cannot be pulled wantonly by any one man... It does not bend to any higher authority, whether that of the government or any god, but can only be moved by each man struggling in his own endeavors, free of and unfettered by any regulation that would aim to hold him back.

[By this point, if it weren't for his face and voice, his only recognizable characteristic would be the chain link tattoos on his wrists, visible past his rolled-up shirtsleeves. He pauses to take a drag off his cigarette, and gestures with it as he continues.] Or so it should be, at least in a city of this scale. Even in a world far removed from my own — not just my own, but your own, whatever worlds each and every one of us has been stolen away from — the metaphorical hand of the authoritative elite strangles us just as tightly.

But I see no reason why this should keep any one of us from taking action — from pursuing our own ideals in the face of those who seek to keep us in misery. I notice a number of you who already do just this, and I commend you for it, but why not all of us? Should the threat of a curse or the dangling hope of returning home prevent us from striving for innovation, for fortune, for the absolute pinnacle of what we as people can be? Or should we be content to lead our lives as the deities see fit?

[He leans back a bit, giving a soft sigh.] This City cannot compare to my Rapture... In size, maybe, but never in beauty or grandeur. I'm sure many of you would rather return to your own homes, as well. But there's simply no reason why we shouldn't make the best of this place while we're still here.

[He pauses again, and for a moment, the expression on his face flickers with a lapse of his earlier confidence. But it's quickly gone, and he takes a final drag off the cigarette before he stamps it out and speaks it again.]

Turlough, milyj moj. We are still on for tonight, yes? I'm still hoping to make up for last time.

( ooc: as was mentioned over on the plotting post, Jack is currently afflicted by The Years That Never Were and believes himself to have been raised by Andrew Ryan. so basically, he's become mister junior objectivist entrepreneur! whoops. )

Comments

[rudeandginger]

Alright.

[He leans forward, or as well as he can with his foot trapped, and steals a bite off of Jack's plate.]

[wouldnotkindly]

[That catches him off-guard, but it only makes him laugh.]

Well?

[rudeandginger]

Not as dull as I thought, but could still use some interest.

[The foot moves again.]

[wouldnotkindly]

[The expression on his face doesn't change as he shifts forward in his seat, pushing against that foot.]

Interest, you say?

[rudeandginger]

[You are a brave man, Jack Ryan.]

You know me. I like things to be kept interesting.

[wouldnotkindly]

[He's a brave man no matter what history he might have, it seems.]

So you do. [He smirks again, just as he closes his wrist on Turlough's ankle, nails lightly digging into him.] And so do I.

[rudeandginger]

[He takes another bite of dinner, more slowly and with much more licking of his lips than is strictly necessary. He can't move his foot now, although given want he can feel under it he reckons it was a job well done. He has to settle for less entertaining methods of seduction.]

[wouldnotkindly]

[With another grin, Jack releases his ankle, spreads his knees, and leans back in his seat again. It might just be another challenge.]

So... Is there anywhere else you'd like to go tonight?

[rudeandginger]

[Well that is just too easy. His foot goes back on the floor.]

I thought the earlier conversation involved convincing me to come home with you. Changed your mind already?

[wouldnotkindly]

[He's almost disappointed by that, really.]

The night's still young. I wouldn't be averse to bedding down early, certainly, but if there's anything you'd care to do before then...

[rudeandginger]

You sound like you're leading up to something. Get out with it, already.

[wouldnotkindly]

[He just shrugs.] I'm not, really. It was a sincere question.

[rudeandginger]

[A slow grin spreads over his face.]

I still haven't convinced you to come out dancing, have I?

[wouldnotkindly]

[He quirks an eyebrow at that, but chuckles again.]

No, I don't believe you have.

[rudeandginger]

Up for it?

[He takes another long sip of wine.]

[wouldnotkindly]

[And now he's grinning to match.]

Tonight, consider me up for anything.

[rudeandginger]

That was an excellent answer.

[The foot comes back on the edge of his chair again.]

[wouldnotkindly]

[He shifts a bit in his chair, though he still looks perfectly at ease.]

You know how I'm eager to please.

[rudeandginger]

[A wicked glint comes over his eyes, and he downs the rest of his one in one gulp.]

I need to use the loo.

[He stands, stretching before he saunters across the room and around the corner. Maybe you'll want to get the bill, Jack.]

[wouldnotkindly]

[Jack's grin sharpens into another smirk; he knows how to take a hint. He'll handle the bill and then some.]