raisetheearth | Factor Industries Charity Event: October 18th, 2016

Even for Benjamin Factor, arranging this charity event had been something of a challenge. Just as he held great influence in Gateway City, Thunder Corp's influence in Locke was great as well. But with time and money, all things were indeed possible in this case, and the Memorial Dance Hall was playing host to the night's events. It was a glamorous affair: politicians, captains of business, dignitaries, and celebrities had been invited. For whatever controversy that existed, the world legitimately wanted to heal the wounds left by the invasion, and that meant there were a lot of people who wanted to use events like this to either advance that cause, or to make themselves look good.

But they weren't the only sorts of individuals who had recieved an invitation.

Benjamin Factor had also made it so the Numbered would be invited to his little party. Arrivals through the teleporter would be greeted by drivers at the community center, and the same courtesy was extended to anyone who might live in Locke. The only stipulation? Was that anyone who came make an effort to make themselves presentable. If that was a problem, or anyone arrived without knowing, they had clothes on hand for people to change into.

Indeed, it seemed that the Numbered would be well provided for tonight. That being said, their presence would get people to talk, given the presence of news crews making live coverage. Nevertheless... "getting people to talk" seemed to be exactly what Benjamin Factor wanted to happen.

[Event Links: Event Speakers | NPC Interaction | General Mingle]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It doesn't out him, exactly, and Phillip won't say anything since he's not officially outed either... but it's noted. "Yeah, I am. Um... it's kind of weird, but it's kind of nice to be back, too." Mostly to know that he can come back without Ruining Everything, but.

Weird is definitely to be expected in this situation. It would probably be strange if it wasn't weird to come back to a hometown of mostly rubble and destruction; so Jacob definitely shares Phillip's sentiment on this and nods a little bit.

He takes a sip of his drink as he tries to think of a way to continue the conversation. He might be feeling a bit awkward, trying to be friendly with a kid he doesn't know.

"So, your speech. I hope we can make a positive change happen, too. It would be nice if we could help this place not just get fixed, but to be better."

It's ok, Jacob. Really. It's ridiculous easy to keep Phillip engaged in conversation.

"Yeah, I hope so. And I hope everybody will be able to do it together!" He's more aware of how to be careful with his speech to make it sound less like he's Numbered. "Do you live around here?"

'Nope, I live in Shepherd's Haven, but if I say that, I'll really out myself.'

He considers carefully for a moment on how to answer Phillip's question. He wasn't expecting that table to be turned on him. Damn...

"Not exactly. I used to live here before the attacks. But, I guess that's many of the people here." Sure, you could still live in Locke, but his family didn't see much point in returning after things calmed down. He certainly didn't.

That... isn't helping Jacob's case much more, and Phillip is both a little suspicious and confused. His entire speech was based around how he liked the Numbered and thought everyone should get along. He's not entirely sure he understands the secrecy, here. "Yeah, I guess so. Why'd you come?" He's a speaker, he has a built in excuse.

It's not your fault Phillip. Jacob just doesn't like disclosing that information to many people, unless he's made good friends, and only if he's sure they're Numbered, too. And, he notices the kid is asking more targeted questions. Dodging questions is fishy, and lying isn't Jacob's game. He'll kick himself later.

"The same reason any other one of us showed up, I suppose: The invitation. Not to mention I rather like parties. It's interesting to meet new people." None of the reasons are exceptionally personal. He did, mostly, come for the fun. It had been a long while since he had been able to be amongst so many people at once.

"Where did you learn to give speeches?" After all, Phillip's so young, yet has this level of maturity about him.

That... probably means he's Numbered, which is answer enough for Phillip to stop asking the more direct questions. If Jacob doesn't want to let normal people know he's Numbered, then that's not a thing Phillip of all people is going to force on him.

"Oh, I do a lot of theater stuff. So Mr. Factor thought I could deliver a good speech!" Which turned out to be true, even though Phillip hadn't been totally prepared to actually write one.

Jacob gives a smile and nods his head.

"Well, I would definitely say he was right. Theater, though. That sounds like it would be pretty intense. Y'know, being on stage, acting in front of other people."

Of course, Phillip just made a speech, so obviously it doesn't seem to bother him. But, in Jacob's opinion, acting and being a real person in front of so many people can be two completely separate categories.

Phillip shrugs a bit. "I've been doing it for a long time. I'm sure it was scary when I first started, and sometimes I still get nervous, but I really like it." He's definitely more comfortable on a theater stage than a speaking one like tonight, but they have even parallels that he can manage. "What d'you do?"

"That's great. Have you ever thought about making something of it? Or do you want to pursue something else?"

Jacob starts to loosen up a little, and he feels a little satisfied when he's asked about what he does.

"I run a flower shop. I grow almost my entire stock myself. My eldest sister taught me about the language of flowers when I was much younger, and I just grew to love it that I wanted to manage a shop. It's quite rewarding, seeing how happy people can be when they get a gift for someone special."

"Um... I dunno. I like acting, so I'll probably keep doing it for a while." It would be cool to be a professional actor, he thinks, but... he's thirteen. What he's going to make of his life is kind of on his mine, but the details are fuzzy at best.

"Oh, that's really cool! Flowers are nice." That... is about the limit of what he knows about flowers, but he's sure there's probably more to it than that.

"Do you do a local theater? Or is it limited to school?" That question is so awkward!

"Thank you, you should..." Jacob was about to reach into his pocket and give out a business card when he remembers just where he is. Being in a whole other country is difficult when you want your business to grow. "You should... Check out a book on it sometime. I could recommend a few titles and authors, if you're interested."

"I actually do more local theater stuff, 'cause I was doing that first and it's hard to fit both in." Not to mention that school plays are like once a year, and if they conflict with a local play that he's in there is no chance.

Phillip isn't... that interested in flowers, but it would feel rude to say that. "Um, ok!"

Factor Industries Charity Event: October 18th, 2016

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