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

[numberedshepherd]

Sadly, it's not exactly difficult to get Lazarus of all people isolated. It's his natural state, the one he returns to automatically when he's had enough of what feels forced and difficult. The faces are starting to blur together and the voices are too loud, and he makes the switch to water in an effort to unsaturate his buzz and keep himself sharp and alert. He's a prime candidate for needing a bodyguard; recognizable, controversial and weak-looking, he used to have one before he decided he was more likely to eat Lazarus than protect him. He can't help but brood on this a little as he makes his way toward a quieter section of the party, entertaining the notion of maybe slipping through a staff door to slip through the kitchen and find true solitude for a while.

He sees one, a discreet entrance that says "keep out." He's noticed caterers making use of it throughout the evening, but just as he's about to take his first quick, purposeful step toward it, he hears an unfamiliar voice speak his name.

You could keep walking. Pretend you didn't hear, make a break for it once you're through the kitchen.

Actually, he couldn't really. He paused too long, reacted too noticeably. It's obvious he heard, and he is here to do his part to support the one group that has always made him feel like he fits in and belongs, alone among all the groups he's ever superficially belonged to. He can endure one more conversation for their sake, can't he?

He turns, nodding. "Yes, that's right."

I don't forget faces or voices. I don't know his. Therefore we haven't met, and if he's Numbered he hasn't appeared openly on the Network yet.

"What is your name, and what can I do for you?"

[agentthompson]

If there's anything a man like Thompson knows, it's the sight of a man who looks cornered. Of course, Lazarus isn't the kind of man he typically sees in such a state, so he's sympathetic to the man's apparent social awkwardness. As Lazarus greets him, he draws closer, keeping his demeanor stern and professional.

"I was hoping we could have a conversation," he said, eyeing the exit that Lazarus was staring at. "You look like you want to get out of here, and honestly, I can sympathize with that. As for my name... I was hoping I might be able to tell you that in private."

After a brief pause, he continued. "I can imagine what you might be thinking," he said. "But be assured, I'm not up to anything. But you look like a guy who can tell when someone has something to hide."

[numberedshepherd]

Lazarus regards him with his typical glassy, dark-eyed stare, neither welcoming or dismissing his presence. He hasn't made a decision yet about the man, but immediately asking for a private audience with him isn't exactly reassuring.

Well, if you say you're not going to try anything, it must be true, said no one with any sense ever.

"Sometimes I'm that kind of guy," he says levelly. "But as flattering as that impression is, I have to confess that it's not always the case. I'd prefer to speak while I'm in earshot of my associates until I'm more certain, and if you truly have nothing to hide, you shouldn't have a problem humoring me."

It isn't so much a demand as a test; Lazarus wants to see if the man is willing to acquiesce to his terms, but doesn't plan to actually ask him to follow through. He wants to hear what he has to say at least as the man seems to want to say it.

[agentthompson]

Thompson regarded him for a moment. Lazarus was definitely smart, and he respected that.

"Alright then," he replied. "Maybe this can help you be a little more certain. Or at least why I want to talk more privately."

He nodded to Lazarus's words, and reached into his pocket... and pulled out what looked like a business card, which he then handed to L. The card identified him as an agent of the FBI. A message that, hopefully, would tell Lazarus why he didn't want to say more in a room full of crowded people

"You're not in trouble, Mr. Lawliet," his voice at a more level, private tone. "Just, we both want to do what's best for the Numbered, and I want to introduce myself as a friend. But a little bit at a time, first."

[numberedshepherd]

Smart, cautious... both things that benefit a person who looks like he could break under a stiff wind and doesn't hold up so well in dangerous situations. The card clearly piques his interest, but then again, anyone can print business cards with just about anything on them.

"If this is the truth, then your reasons for wanting to speak privately are good ones," he admits. "But business cards are easy to forge, given that anyone can print anything. Badges are a little more difficult; if you can discreetly show me yours, I'll follow, and we speak in as private a setting as you'd like, so long as we don't lock the door and it's within this building."

My friends know where I am, goes implied but unsaid.