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

[speedpariah]

Edwin had seen enough smiles like that in his time. And yet, he grins in response.

"Your employer seems to be taking every opportunity to enjoy this evening. Surely you're allowed at least one drink."

[secretaryclarke]

Sonia bites back the sigh. It's definitely there, but so help her she's not going to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing it.

"My employer is due to facilitate the party however he deems necessary. Meanwhile, I know my job."

[speedpariah]

"Mmm, I suppose," he said, with a short laugh. It was best to cut this off rather than drive this further.

"Perhaps then, simple conversation would be enough? I feel perhaps that last time we got off on the wrong foot. I'd like to change that."

[secretaryclarke]

Yes, Edwin. Go with that feeling. Even if mentally she feels rather put upon to give him that much, eyeing for whatever angle he's trying to dig into this time. Still... knowing those angles can be beneficial too, can't they?

"Well, it is a party, yes."

And you were invited, for better or worse.

"By all means, I'm not exactly going anywhere."

Sadly.

[speedpariah]

And that was a small victory. Weller smirked, taking comfort in that fact.

"I'm glad to hear you say that, Miss Clarke," he replied. "I was wondering, then, if you had any thoughts you might share about this evening. It seems a bit brazen... which is interesting."

[secretaryclarke]

Sonia's expression actually flickers at that, giving him a look of utmost scrutiny for just a moment before settling back to normal.

"Brazen?" She repeats, and then shakes her head. "Mr. Factor wants to make a good impression. Which he is, I think, taking fairly significant strides towards. That's what I think."

[speedpariah]

"Yes, of course," Weller responded. "To the Numbered, he certainly is. But what about the media? What about his, ah, corporate rivals? Surely people will at least talk about his deciding to hold this in Thunder Corp's metaphorical 'back yard'..."

[secretaryclarke]

"People already talk," she says, a bit sharper than she might normally. She gives him a stern look over the tops of her glasses. "This is hardly going to be any different compared to the things he's done in the past. You seem unduly worried over this, Doctor."

[speedpariah]

"Maybe that's correct," Weller replied, eyes darting back and forth. "But you also seem to forget, what Saretha Kaiser said about what Thunder Corp has apparently been brewing. They're getting more aggressive, clearly."

He leaned forward. "Miss Clarke, your company provides a service to the Numbered. Do you really want to make an enemy of Thunder Corp and put that all at risk...?"