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

[mangata]

While it is his job, it's still a fact of their lives right now.

At any rate, Umi hopes she has the sense to notice if Alexandra decides to use this opportunity to mess with her. "I do wonder what you think I need help with, though."

[switch_over]

It is a fact, one she is willing to take for granted.

She's tempted to use the opportunity to do just that, but she's probably going to be working with this girl in the future. She should probably keep this relationship civil for now. There would be other opportunities in the future.

"I thought that much was obvious. You're uncomfortable with the situation, you need to learn to make it less obvious."

[mangata]

They can tease each other when Umi has something to tease about. That is how you bond with your coworkers? "Well, yes, that much is... obvious for now. I'm not really quite sure how to hide that sort of behavior."

[switch_over]

If someone even can bond with Alexandra, that would probably be the way to go.

"Well it would help if you didn't run away whenever someone looks at you." She says with a hint of a shrug.

"Just remember you aren't the only one here who isn't perfect, everyone in here has done something stupid before. They don't really have the right to judge you for what you've done."

[mangata]

Someone hast to be able to. She is a person. Right?

"I-I'm not running away from everyone. And it's... not just the judgment." In fact, she feels better about her past, lately; enough to at least speak with people from it. "I am just... not good with crowds at all to begin with."

[switch_over]

She is... But she's awfully good at avoiding the whole bonding thing.

"You weren't? You could have fooled me." Well Alexandra had to give Umi points, she didn't run from Carl or from herself. Though she didn't have to give them out loud.

"Well if you're still "technically" very young, you just might need some more exposure to them."

[mangata]

Friendship is power and things like that. Maybe. She's got a lot of memories from Marina Santana and the original Umi Ryuuzaki.

"...I didn't run away from Rose and I'd have a reason for that." Also, she did want to run. "Though perhaps that's... not too far off? My memories from Marina don't feel like they're me so it doesn't help."

[switch_over]

Alexandra doesn't buy it.

"One person is a start, but it hardly counts." Probably even more so if she knew that. "It's an idea at least." She didn't really know how to comment on the memory bit, she didn't really have enough of the other her to really know if it was similar or not.

She could probably fake it though if she needed to.

"I can only imagine that'll be less of a problem once you make more memories for yourself. ...But you're going to have to actually get out there yourself to make anything worthwhile."

[mangata]

Don't let Umi change your mind, Alexandra.

"Still, I'm better than I was, if you can believe it." Once upon a time, she would interact with almost no one, without Jasmine's permission on the matter. Now, at least, she was setting her own course. Slowly, hesitantly.

"You are correct though. Perhaps I should find... something beyond this party, to get myself out in the world."

[switch_over]

She's pretty set to not let anyone change her mind.

"I can't imagine you being any worse, if that helps." ...It probably wouldn't help.

"That sounds like a start, at the very least. That might be just what you need."

[mangata]

"Thanks a lot," sarcastically replied. "But yes, perhaps that's correct anyways."

[switch_over]

"Don't mention it, it's just the truth." She caught the sarcastic tone, but she didn't really care. She was kind of a total jerk.

"So if you suck so bad at social situations, just what exactly are you good at? It might be better to focus on that a little."

[mangata]

"I have magical powers. I have sword skills. Combat is my one real strength right now - although I wish to begin learning tactics." Putting aside the sarcasm, she had to be frank. "...I like to read, so I can learn that way, to begin with."

[switch_over]

Fighting? Okay she could get behind that. She liked to fight things. ...Her record could probably be a bit better, but that's because she keeps getting ganged up on by jerks.

"Well... You're probably in the right place to learn about that. It'd be a helpful skill to have around too." Umi's... double? Had been one of the people to fend her off the last time, so she was vaguely aware of what she was capable of. That could be useful but it didn't exactly interest her.

"We could always get you a handful of those "For dummies" books, that would be a start." Okay, she couldn't put down the sarcasm.

[mangata]

Umi didn't like to fight that much, but she could do it - and had considerable magic power. With something to focus her willpower on, more than ever, even.

"I would think so. ...sometimes I feel like a dummie lately or else I'd have a comeback to that."

[switch_over]

She'd smirk ever so slightly a that.

"Well you could start by trying to act at least a little offended when I insult your intelligence. You make it way too easy to walk all over you."

[mangata]

"...I could. I grew very accustomed to being walked all over, before... well..." she glanced away. "At any rate, you're right."

[switch_over]

Her brow perks up in curiosity as Umi glances away, but she decides not to inquire any further about the other girls past. That wasn't really important anyways.

"Of course I'm right." It was simple fact, she knew it.

"I don't really care how accustomed to it you are. You're working for my grandfather now, I'm pretty sure he wont appreciate a doormat."

[mangata]

"I know. I will learn and improve." Umi needs to, so that she can be of use. Hands on her hips, she takes a breath, finally raising her eyes back to Alexandra. "I suppose I should realize how amazing I am?"

Right?

[switch_over]

Alexandra was about to sigh and give up on the girl for now, but then Umi did something that she didn't really expect. ...She showed a bit of confidence.

Alexandra stared at her blankly for a moment, then gave a slow nod.

"It would be a start." Alexandra feels the urge smile, but holds it back. A step in the right direction wasn't enough for her to show approval.

[mangata]

She did good! Being proud of herself made Umi feel proud of herself. Maybe that was how people did it? "...I do realize that it's unusual to get down on myself, while thinking the world is populated by worthless idiots and bullies, but I... know what I'm capable of, that they aren't."

[switch_over]

It might be. Alexandra usually just got by thinking she was better than everyone else around. That worked for her at least.

"I don't think it's unusual, I just think it's ridiculous."

[mangata]

"...well that's nice." Huffing. "Most people are ridiculous, and I'm one of them, then. Lovely."

[switch_over]

"Yes, you are." She said in a flat, rather harsh tone. Then she sighed and glanced away.

"But you aren't going to be for much longer now are you? You're going to "realize how amazing you are", aren't you?"

[mangata]

"...you really are not very nice at all." A very obvious statement.

"But, yes, I'm starting to feel - better about myself lately. This party... this crowd... stunned me, somewhat, though."