♔ quatorze || let them grumble

[ensorceler]

[san diego; action]

[ Anne's right leg is not doing well, all of the forced pressure on it for days only worsening her limp, but she refuses to stay inside the hotel, even if they have nicer accommodations than anywhere she's been here. She only takes advantage of the bath, but then she's back outside with her combat boots, camo pants, a dark blue hoodie, and long hair wrapped back in a bun.

But if anything's going to make her look strange walking out and about, it's the small rifle she has strapped to her back, uncaring of any stares it might get. Like Hell she is going anywhere unarmed now. Who's going to arrest her? Well, of course they can try, but it won't end in a pretty fashion. Despite wanting to see this city, she is nervous about their transport, and who wouldn't be?

She is really getting a crash course in culture shock here. It's even worse than her arrival in Paradisa, as she only assumed that to be a dream at first. Now all she sees is giant, screaming metal monsters, buildings that seem to touch the sun, and more people than she can barely tolerate. Modern civilization, what is this? But she wants to explore, and see what she can of this world. Of course she happens to locate a shopping center that contains a large square, and isn't right next to a busy road, making her feel more at ease as she looks, and marvels. Especially at some of the jewelry she's seeing displayed in a window.

It has been a crappy month, okay. Can't she make doe eyes at some emerald earrings while she looks like a Lara Croft reject? ]

[/san diego; action]

[dicated;]

What currency is used here? I have no coin, but there must be something to be done for our efforts and sacrifice.

Comments

[heloise]

A lady needs not coins to find hospitality here.

[ensorceler]

[ Why, Lucrezia, are you working some tricks on the corner? Anne couldn't if she tried, looking like this well maybe to a really specific crowd. ]

And how do you fare?

[heloise]

[ The question is, when is she not? ]

Much can be said for having escaped death's grip. We are both fortunate in the matter, are we not?

[ensorceler]

I had hoped all would survive, but I heard of at least one death, though I did not see.

[heloise]

[ Oh, that is worrying, since Lucrezia is in no habit to check up on the people she mildly cares about. ]

What was their name?

[ensorceler]

A woman by the name of Harding.

[heloise]

Was she an acquaintance of yours?

[ensorceler]

No, I was not originally brought to that camp.

[heloise]

She will be missed. [ Not really, not by her. ]

Is it coin you seek here?

[ensorceler]

It is merely a curiosity.

[heloise]

Only news of coin then.

[ensorceler]

[ Lucrezia you're annoying the frack out of her. ]

I have the news I require. And you? Are you quite enjoying yourself?

[heloise]

[ It isn't her temper she's losing! So what does she care. ]

How can I not? There are places called The Movies here where shows are held all day and all night through.

[ensorceler]

The Movies? What sort of show?

[heloise]

I heard one about King Lear is showing.

[ensorceler]

A play?

Dictated forever

[whichwayyoulean]

I heard some of the bellhops talking about dollars, so I guess it's those. My world has dollars, too, but I don't think they're the same.

[ensorceler]

I carry none such dollars.

[whichwayyoulean]

You should ask the InGen people. Tell them you need emotional compensation or you'll take them to court. They'll soon give you all the money you need.

[Because if there's one thing the Once-ler knows, it's how to screw over everyone else with business talk]

[ensorceler]

I have no lawyer to argue my case.

[ Is a pair of earrings worth this, hm. ]

[whichwayyoulean]

You won't need one. They're on really sensitive ground right now, they can't risk any more bad press from a court case. They'd just pay you the money upfront, hush money, y'know?

[ensorceler]

Crooked.

[whichwayyoulean]

That's big business for you, they're crooked all the way through. You have to beat them at their own game.

[ensorceler]

I suppose I may give it an attempt.

[whichwayyoulean]

I'm sure you of all people can talk your way around them. I've got faith in you.

[ensorceler]

You humble me. I will be certain not to disappoint, then.

[whichwayyoulean]

Not at all, I wouldn't say it if I didn't think it was true.

I'm sure you won't.

action;

[gottaknockhard]

[It's by chance this time that Spike would happen to be in the vicinity when Anne decides to take a stroll. (Well, mostly. She'd be harder to stalk in her "modern day" disguise if it weren't for the way she walks and the very obvious rifle.) The past few days have reminded him to be careful about wishing for a big distraction, and while it wasn't all that bad, he needed to step out for a breather. Just her luck that they had the same idea.

Of course once he picks up on the clues, he eventually stomps out the cigarette he'd been enjoying, and crosses the street to her side. Rather than say hello, he leans in over her shoulder, trying to see past his reflection at whatever she's admiring.]

I hope you brought your credit card.

[ensorceler]

[ The sudden proximity makes her shrink away suddenly enough to bump into the display window before she steps away. ]

My what?

[gottaknockhard]

[His expression turns mildly apologetic; he hadn't actually wanted to startle her. Well, not that badly.

He makes up for it by not answering her question.]

I don't know that they're giving them away, but we could always ask.

[ensorceler]

[ Anne's mood regarding Spike is still an unstable one, something that bounces back and forth, as if she can never quite make up her mind. With a sigh, she steps back awkwardly, heavily favoring the left leg as she considers. ]

Do not be ridiculous. If they were, then they are no real gems at all.

[ She glances over her shoulder in the direction they all came from. It's a long walk to the pier. ]

Master Once-ler suggested a tense talk with those from InGen. I may undertake such an endeavor, with some rest first.

[gottaknockhard]

[He's not really in the mood to tell her that most likely InGen won't exist in a day or two. At least for them.]

That's one way to get money. We could probably get them to pay for damages.

[ensorceler]

[ Yeah but who cares if they give her cash under the table right now, huh? ]

Though I suppose it does not matter, if I can merely wish for this the moment we return to the castle.

[gottaknockhard]

[Silly Anne, always going the extra step when it's so much easier to swipe whatever the want.]

It's not quiet the same as getting a souvenir.

[ensorceler]

[ She still has morals, skewed as they may be. ]

Souvenir?

[gottaknockhard]

A memento. [See how many words he knows?] Although I think you're supposed to get those from places you'd like to remember.

[ensorceler]

This bizarre jungle and city have given me better memories than the castle itself. I would have something, if I cannot have my dinosaur.

[gottaknockhard]

If you wait around too long, it'll be gone too.

[ensorceler]

Why do you not go to the docks? Work your own charms in getting us the payment we are due for our troubles, and threaten to bring the law against Mister Tembo should he argue.

[ Or beat him up, does she really care? The guy's a crook, anyway. Then she can sit on the bench and just wait for him, give her poor leg a break. ]

[gottaknockhard]

[Of course she'd be trying to get rid of him as quickly as possible, but still. That's so much more work than stealing it outright, Anne. Although beating him up would be justified, so it's tempting...]

I guess I'm not doing anything important.

[Also he can just lie and say that's where he got the money.]

[ensorceler]

[ He could. What would she know? Those horseless carriages do move fast. ]

Are you ever? I will wait here, then.

[gottaknockhard]

[Biting back a retort to that, he manages a smile instead. He knows she's still hurting.]

No problem. Maybe they've even got a dinosaur left on the shelves somewhere.

[ensorceler]

Yes, that would certainly be something, wouldn't it.

[gottaknockhard]

Yeah, something.

[Whatever, he'll just go. The 'be careful' advice will have to be implied.]

[ensorceler]

[ She'll sit and wait, and try not to feel like a fool in these clothes. Sigh. ]

[gottaknockhard]

[He's kind of hoping she hangs onto the clothes. But that might just be a novelty thing that winds up getting in the way of the fantasy.

But still. That image will have to count as his souvenir.]

[ensorceler]

[ Spike you have interesting kinks, but then who could blame you. ]