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]

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."

[switch_over]

"Keep in mind that this is me trying to help you out." Could be worse, Umi. Could be worse.

"Well that's a start. Baby steps, I guess. I'm not a exactly a huge of things like this either. Unfortunately I have to make the best of this situation."

[mangata]

"Yes, I should be amazed that you have done it at all." Jerk.

"At least the food is good. Almost worth it on its own."

[switch_over]

She smirks faintly at that. "It's more like you shouldn't get on my bad side if this is my good side." Truth.

And then that smirk lightens into a bit of a bit of a smile. "I'll give it that, yes. Not really what I'd normally eat, but it's good."

[mangata]

"Oh so threatening. I'm shaking in my shoes." No she's not.

Umi looks around. "Tell me about it. ...I was living off of scavenged scraps so I like the change of pace."

[switch_over]

"Now I'm not sure whether I should be annoyed with the sarcasm or impressed that you're showing some backbone."

"Luckily that shouldn't be something you have to deal with for a while now."

[mangata]

Umi shrugs. "I'm glad. If I could make adequate meals out of dilapidated gardens, mangy squirrels, and canned everything, then I should be set now."

[switch_over]

"...Well it's not as extravagant as this, but it certainly beats the hell out of that." Alexandra might understand a bit better where that lack of confidence comes from.

[mangata]

"Yes. I have eaten much better in recent months and thank goodness for that." Although the squirrel wasn't too bad when it was fresh.