Factor Industries Charity Event: October 18th, 2016

[ceofactor]

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]

Comments

[scarlet_devil]

Well, that had to be Summer, now didn't it? The general difference in demeanor and being far less shy about the way she dresses was a dead giveaway. "You must be Summer. Yes, it's been a quite the party so far..." Though some positive attention from the locals would be nice.

Amelia's at the party too, but, somewhere near the edges.

[princesscut]

"Yes, that's what I call myself," she casually adds, sliding close to keep the other woman engaged. "I've been enjoying things, although I've been sticking close to my lovely partner for large portions of the night. Sticking to the catering, or are you up to anything in particular tonight?" She knows about Amelia, but... one at a time. She needs a different tactic for this particular reincarnate's mirror.

[scarlet_devil]

Well, Emi doesn't want her anywhere near Amelia, she fully expects Summer to try to hurt her somehow. "I've been sticking close to my friends for most of the night. Though, I might be persuaded to donate to charity..."

She would have done so if Locke didn't still shun her.

[princesscut]

Special exception for Winter aside, Summer would laugh at the notion. Things too nice to fight back aren't fun to get in the way of.

"Glad to hear it. Locke is a better place than it used to be, especially with Megacorp 1 and Megacorp 2 looking out for us. But I still don't walk around without an exit plan, or someone else looking over my shoulder. And I don't donate at things like this. Maybe after the fact, but something about it feels..." She fishes for a word, making a small face. "...tacky, to me. A check in a box is just the same as being seen handing it over in front of a dozen social elites, right?"

[scarlet_devil]

"I'll be doing for a simple reason... It'll improve my image." She still resents the people of Locke... but she had grown a bit over the last year. Actions spoke louder than words... But still, it was an act on her part.

[princesscut]

"Oh, yeah... you got run out of town with the rest, huh?" It's mildly less abrasive than someone might expect from Summer, though still not exactly quiet and pensive. "I don't know that I'm allowed positive cred with people like this, so I'll pass," she adds, with a dismissive wave that is probably not actually directed at Emi.

[scarlet_devil]

"I did, yes. I'm only here because of this event and whatever Thunder Corp is planning." Well, she's got friends her too... as well as her boyfriend around.

[princesscut]

Summer nods. "And that last part is the sixty-four dollar question. Queen Bitch is actually here tonight, along with Factor. The last thing I need is the clash of the titans to start, but even I have standards. It sounds like you're in agreement that, if something goes down, it'll be war. Am I right?"

She doesn't have Winter's weakness of a very obvious weapon in her plushie companion; her Commune isn't out of reach tonight. That would be careless. And also naive.

[scarlet_devil]

"I'll be steering clear of her, then. I may not be responsible for my actions."

She's actively trying to avoid making the Numbered's image worse.

[princesscut]

"I don't mind a little creative violence now and then, but... mm. Keep clear, and we should all be fine." She sighs. "It's advice I intend to take myself, to be honest. We don't need to make a mess tonight. That'll just put us in the hole with both of them." That's not a situation she wants to entertain the thought of. It's not worth any short-term gain she might get out of it.

[scarlet_devil]

"I do not shy away from violence myself, as I'm sure you must know." Ruining what little goodwill the numbered have was not something she wants to see happen.

[princesscut]

"My more idealistic half and I do swap notes once in a blue moon." Which is a pretty strong way to say that she does indeed know. "I do appreciate that you're holding back, Emilia. I'm just used to these things going wrong at the worst possible time. I swear, we're cursed."

[scarlet_devil]

"It seems that way a lot sometimes..." Oh for... where did Amelia vanish off to? "Speaking of cursed, people I look after seem to like vanishing on me."

[princesscut]

"Your soft-spoken other half? Haven't seen her." Which is true - she hasn't seen Amy tonight. "I'd like to meet her in person at some point, though. You don't mind, do you?" Part of Summer just wants to see how Emi reacts... but a small part of her is actually expecting to be told she can't, and she'll have a good time then.

[scarlet_devil]

"That may not be possible." As in Amy is actively trying to avoid Summer right now.

[princesscut]

Sheesh, that was fast. For the slightest moment, surprise and indignation flash onto Summer's face, before they're swiftly covered up with honest confusion. "Seriously? Is that by your will, or hers? If she really doesn't want to talk to me, that's fine. But people gave my brighter half a chance when she couldn't get through a sentence, and look where it's gotten her. Am I really that much of a demon?"

[scarlet_devil]

"Her, mostly. She is afraid of you and most other doppelgangers, and I doubt anyone can change her mind about that."

[princesscut]

This time, the flash of honest hurt is a little harder to cover up. "I see. Given what we are... I can't say I blame her. I'll give her that space, then. You have my word." That image is kind of her fault, given her decidedly unwelcome self-introduction in Vegas shortly after they'd awakened. So she's not going to fight it.

"I'd still like to meet her someday, but even I have honor. I'll wait until she's ready."