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

"When a lot of people who all have something in common are in one place at once, they're either very safe or in a bad situation," he says, rubbing the back of his neck as he speaks. "I do trust Factor, and I think that he doesn't mean us any harm, but... that only extends to things within his control. Just looking around at this event, and seeing how he's reacted to some of the guests, I can't ignore the fact that he's not pulling that nice-to-meet-you card trick out for everyone. Did you see that blonde woman at any point? Not Arlene," he clarifies preemptively, understanding how she could easily be mixed up with the women he is talking about.

A the question, Lily's expression hardens a bit. She nods stiffly, sighing. She can't deny it - Lazarus is right, there.

"Lucille Cypress. New CEO of Thunder Corporation as of a couple months ago. Yeah, I know. I was trying not to focus on that aspect too much, and also laying low - I haven't exactly had kind things to say about them. Either in my book, or in the press in the past."

Plus, there was that whole thing about helping to steal Project Jump. Which then got stashed under Espresso Yourself, so certainly she imagines she doesn't even have to bring that up to him.

"She's trying to stoke the fires."

He nods emphatically as she speaks the name, maybe with a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure she's not nearby. "I don't blame you for avoiding her, especially given what you've said publicly. I'd watch your drink, too," he adds wryly and somewhat darkly. He's thinking about Project Jump, too, as it happens.

"I think that the more perceptive among us can figure that out, but I'm concerned about how some are going to react to her."

Lily blinks a bit, looking at her drink. It takes as second for the meaning to catch her, and she laughs a bit, at least. "Well... I'll keep that much in ind, at least." What's been said publicly, what's happened behind the scenes. There's a lot to worry about in both those areas.

"Are you... worried about someone doing something, here?"

He's quick to shake his head at the question. "No! It's not that. I highly doubt anyone would be so bold, and I apologize if I came off that way. The last thing I want is to behave or speak in a sensationalistic manner and concern others. I think it's just my own anxiousness and paranoia speaking, more than anything else."

She laughs a little bit. Yuri Tsukikage was poised and stoic, a lot of times - it's something Lily can pull off, but otherwise her nervousness shines through a lot easier when it crops up. As it does now. "Sorry! Sorry. No, I ... completely get anxiousness and paranoia."

Her therapist certainly heard enough about it. Winter, too.

"It's... kind of natural, all things considered."

Lazarus' own serious visage is at odds with Lily's nervous laughter. "Don't apologize," he urges, tugging at the hairs on the back of his neck. "I just think back to the day we met sometimes. What things were like back then, and ultimately how much they've changed now. Part of me can't believe that the good that's happened can come without a price, and I don't mean the invasion. I guess that it might be natural, but it's still irrational. Almost pigeon superstition, and I hate that I'm falling victim to that. Maybe I just don't want to believe in luck."

Lily gives a shake of her head, smiling. "I wouldn't worry too much about it, in this case. There are a lot of dangerous things out there, a lot of dangerous... people." She sighs lightly. Some dangerous things that aren't quite people, too. "We still need to be vigilant, and letting ourselves get too complacent here could end badly. It's a nice party, but... There's a lot of eyes on us. Including ones we don't want."

"You've never been poor at handling the media," Lazarus says, glancing over his shoulder. "I'm sure that any skeptical or malicious eyes couldn't give you more trouble than you could realistically handle. You and Winter have each other's backs, anyway, so... I wonder how much really can be considered dangerous, with that in mind."

He looks down at his glass.

"My drink is dry. I should let you get back to your evening."

Factor Industries Charity Event: October 18th, 2016

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