poly_chromatic | ♦ ♦ 12th Contract

~~A breach in the City's barrier?~~

[ He's noticed this population-influx in past Network entries. Tourists. Some leave with the weekend, taking Citizens with them. Others stay behind -- semi-replacements. A law of equivalent exchange -- something gained for something lost? ]

[ He doesn't know. ]

[ He's caught between observing the phenomenon up-close, or retreating Underground. But parsing his separate threads of choice, he decides to stay Topside. To, for once, maximize instead of satisfice. There might be familiar faces. There might be outsiders with answers. He wants to learn more about the City. He wants out. ]

[ And solving any problem is predicated on understanding it completely. ]

It's really crowded today, isn't it? [ Li sits in a bustling little caff, enjoying breakfast. He slices into the strawberries with a fork. The juice runs out, dark-red, like blood. He smiles at his device -- calculated, a perfect mix of innocence and sweetness. ] It almost reminds me of rush-hour in Tokyo. But hopefully there's no need for train-tetris or pushmen. It's sort of a Fact Of Life back home. But not everyone here would enjoy that, would they? [ He skates the strawberry around with his fork. Bites into it neatly. ] I wonder how many of these visitors have been here before...?

[OOC: Gimme all the trolling! Gimme! Just please avoid spilling his real identity over the Network :3 ]

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[ He doesn't flinch-- he's hard to startle. But he recognizes the woman instantly. M16. In his mind, calculations zip, scenarios form. She's not here to enjoy coffee and admire the scenery. Same as him. Every Contractor plays an angle to suit their own end. ]

[ And the art of disguise is hiding in plain sight. ]

S-Starving? [ 'Li's facade slips in place -- eyes wide, cheeks coloring. ] I wouldn't say that. Just curious about all the visitors. [ A shy smile. ] Is it your first time in the City?

Something like that. I still haven't figured out which city this is. [ she eases into the seat across from him sliding an index finger across the rim of her cup before she sips, never breaking eye contact. ] What's with this place, anyway?

[ He keeps half an eye focused on her hands. They're a key factor of her ability. But Contractors can do serious damage in other ways. It's all about cunning, resource, and available weapons. Hei is proof of that. ]

It's not any city. It's called The City. [ Sheepish. ] Not a very creative name, if you ask me.

[ The Black Reaper, an unstoppable force of humanity that was colder then any contractor. Yes, Hei would be proof of that if such a fact was known outside a small tiny circle. Unfortunately, April is far removed from such privileged information. ]

The City? [ she laughs, full and boisterous and 85% genuinely amused. ] My, that's hardly a name one would forget. [ he leans on a hand, smiling wanly ] Is that it's real name or are you joking? [ it sounds almost like something November 11 would say, but without the "just kidding." ]

[ Unfortunately. Or fortunately for him. Every bit of leverage helps. ]

Not at all. [ All polite smiles. He cuts neatly into the waffle, biting off a chunk. A fork can be a useful weapon in the right hands. Assailants can race across a distance of twenty feet and cause lethal wounds before someone with a gun can overcome their startle reflex, draw, and fire. Handy tidbits acquired from years of experience. ] Apparently it kidnaps people from different dimensions. I know it sounds like the plot of a science-fiction movie. But it's true.

[ she leans forward, eyes bright and eager ] Kidnaps you, eh? Then what do you think of it right now? I've heard rumors we'll all be gone in a day or two so why bring us here at all?

It's certainly unlike any science-fiction movie I've seen. [ and she's seen a few, especially the bad ones. November, for whatever reason, enjoyed them. ]

[ Sagely nodddd. ] Well, they say most of the visitors are old Citizens. Or friends and family of those living here. [ He takes another bite of his waffle. Chews slowly. ] Maybe the Deities want people to know how powerful they are?

[ He hasn't seen many movies. Not as Hei. Or as Li. But the gist of improbability, surreality, rampant stupidity is the same. ] What about you, Miss? Did you see any friends here?

[ she shakes her head, the movement slow and melodic ] Haven't seen a one, but I'm not worried. They'll show when they want to show.

[ they always have ]

You certainly do seem to know a lot though. I'm glad I took a chance on you. [ she took another sip of coffee, not rushing. It was always the quiet ones that seemed to know the most. She's a perfect example of that herself. ]

[ Haven't seen them? He'll take that to mean her team either isn't in the City, or she's simply lying. What is said is seldom what is meant in their world. Outwardly, he affects a sheepish smile. ]

They sound like good friends. [ He colors up at the compliment, pretend-flustered. Always the quiet ones, it's true. One of the reasons why 'Li's camouflage is so effective. ] I don't know much. This place is full of surprises. But people here are always ready to offer help. [ It's unusual. But, for any Contractor, useful. ]

Friends, huh? [ she smiled wryly, thinking that November could've kept her just a tiny bit more in the loop. But, ah, whatever. That was just like Jack. ] You could say that. They could be a bit better if they kept a girl company while she drank.

[ she sighs dramatically and flops back, looking relaxed and ever so annoyed ] Ahh! What kind of place is this that a girl can't even drink before noon? [ her eyes sharpen on Li ] You don't drink, do you?

[ Contractors? Keeping each other company for drinks? The concept is laughable. There'd been an illusion of camaraderie in Hei's team, during Heaven's War. Fellow soldiers watching each others' backs, guarding each others secrets. ]

[ It ended in deceit and disaster. ]

....Hm? [ His blush deepens at her question. ] Me? Drink? [ He scrubs an awkward hand across his nape. ] S-Sometimes, I guess. But never before noon. [ eep! ] Not that it's my business what you do with your time, Miss! [ But if she wants a drinking-buddy, that's a good way as any to keep an eye on her. Like a high-wire act, Li will concentrate and calculate, grinning through his routine, face turned toward his audience. ]

[ And like any jaded performer, he's in it for the benefits, not the thrills. ]

[ she sighed and started kicking her heels, looking outside ] Stay up all night and sometimes you just want a drink.

Up all night? [ So innocently earnest, he could be selling Bibles. ] Doing what?

[ she raises her eyebrows before laughing again, her voice rich in unexpected mirth. ]

What, you've never worked a third shift before? I would've guessed that's where you've been.

♦ ♦ 12th Contract

\^^/

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