Scene #9408: Welcome to Wuthering Heights

Owner	Pose
Angela	Catherine, the mistress of Wuthering Heights, recently asked Trideag to help bring her brother home from a round of gambling in T Corp's backstreets. The mission was successfully completed and even some extra friends with a local criminal gang were made in the Backstreets in Matthew after Xion, Odette, and a pair of friendly kamen riders helped treat and 'restore time to' a wounded member of the gang. And so it was only really a matter of time before Nelly, the Chief Butler of Wuthering Heights passed on word to Trideag that Catherine would like to personally thank them for their help with a dinner at Wuthering Heights hosted by her along with her fiance. Lilian has also received a private communication from TimeTrack Corporation indicating a representative would be present at the dinner--apparently that card Lilian had given the representative at the Naming Ceremony did eventually reach someone in the upper echelons of the company. TimeTrack, also known as T Corp, was responsible for the TimeTrack technology at Lobotomy Corp that allowed the corporation to constantly reverse time in order to have as many tries as they needed to for their plan to succeed. They were also allies of L Corp during the Smoke War. T Corp also has some manner of control over light (lower case l) as evidenced by their ability to steal away certain colors from the poorer areas of the District. The Wuthering Heights is in the northern area of the District, properly within the Nest, and up a large hill. It's raining when you arrive--the weather there is frequently of gloomy temperament, Nelly will warn, with frequent rain and thunderstorms. Nelly meets Trideag at the gate, already ready with an umbrella to hold over Lilian's head once they get out of the cars they rented to get here. Everybody else is left to their own devices. "The other butlers are busy preparing the meal for the day. I have taken the liberty of borrowing Knifty for the day so she could learn how to properly prepare for guests. Josephine, the other Chief Butler of the house, is taking care of her. You might have difficulty recognizing her." Nelly cracks a small smile at her own little joke. "As you are our guest and I've already been working with you, I felt it prudent to meet you out front and ensure no difficulties getting in." She uses a key to unlock the front gate even as she holds the umbrella over Lilian's head and pushes it open with a foot. Immediately past the gate is the only splash of color in an otherwise sepia setting. The blooming flowers before the manor proper are all vibrantly violet. Considering color must be paid for, considerable expense must go into maintaining the violet fields here. Nelly doesn't comment on it herself and will only mention it is a 'fascination of the Mistress' to keep the fields this way. The interior of the manor is considerably emptier than those of you who were at the Naming Ceremony would remember because the manor isn't hosting representatives from most of the Associations along with political elites and ceos with their respective retinues. And there's something just uninviting about the place even though the interior does also also seem to pay for color--it might as well not. It reeks of old money which might be the aging carpet, actually.
Angela	A slew of butlers appear out of the woodworks to take coats and umbrellas, replace boots, and so on. If someone didn't dress 'nice enough' they are bound to be sized up and given a change of clothes and guided towards a changing room. Otherwise, they lead you to the dining room which is on the ground floor--at least there's no climbing stairs. Catherine herself, along with a pale blonde haired man who is a bit gaunt with a severe look in his eyes, greets Trideag at the entrance to the dining room. Catherine enthusiastically shakes everybody's hands, asks how they're doing, inquires about their adventures and so on whereas the blonde man introduces himself as Catherine's fiance (Catherine didn't mention) Edgar Linton and is polite but decidedly more distant in his inquiries to Trideag. He is significantly more put together than Hindley who is already seated at the table--when he sees Lilian he goes pale and subconsciously adjusts his coat and tries to somehow become invisible while at a dining table. "Lilian, I hope Nelly has been treating you well, she can be a bit snarky at times but she means well and is invaluable around the manor. And I am ''so'' curious to hear about how you've been helping those poor people in District 12, it must be so hard to go without power for so long, I'm so relieved they have people like you looking out for them. I'd love to hear about your adventures in the outside world, perhaps we can talk over the course of the meal? Oh this is so exciting...! Would it be inappropriate to give you a hug? Gosh!" Chipper as ever, hug or no, she eventually makes her way to the head of the table. Each seat has little placards indicating where people should sit along with their names. Lilian is nearest to Catherine which is, no doubt, absolutely no accident which is, coincidentally, across from Hindley who is also seated near Catherine. Already on the table are bowls, covered with pot cozies. Smells like stew. The butlers, including Knifty, waddle in and helpfully remove the cozies as Trideag arrives. Knifty isn't struggling to lift them off the bowl anymore! Progress! Nor does she giggle at a strange time. Also progress! Work done, she leaves, for now, with the rest of the staff. Upon closer inspection of the stew it's clearly a duck, carrot, and potato stew. It smells good! It's difficult to miss the T Corp representative, who didn't move up to greet, also already seated at the table. He is a shaggy black haired young man wearing a pith helmet with a T Corp logo--an Hourglass with a T and an upside down T within it. He is wearing brass gauntlets and a uniform of a Class 5 T Corp Collector uniform. Lilian mightt remember him from the Naming Ceremony. "Ah! Director! It's me again, you might not remember me? From the Naming Ceremony? I never got to give you my name before. Please, call me Mai." He says. "It seems your contract with L Corp is up, but I actually came for a different reason today than to try and recruit you--but rest assured, the CEO is very interested in what T Corp and Trideag can do for each other." The man gives a lazy smile and a wave towards the Dame Commander. "Oh T Corp wished to send someone once they heard I was setting up this meeting, you're all so popular... Already the Liu is singing high praises." Catherine sighs dreamily.
Riku Asakura	Riku wasn't involved in that mission; rather, he's a new addition to Trideag. Today, he's dressed up in the Trideag uniform, which is similar to your standard fixer uniform but with freshly pressed pants and a nice shirt. He looks like he belongs, for once, instead of his usual jean expression. He's also got a nice pair of dress shoes to wear. Throughout the trip through Wuthering Heights, he's in awe at the sights. They live in a higher class than he's used to, and the flowers and the estate are all so overwhelming to him. He's careful not to touch anything because he's afraid of breaking something, or at least knocking it out of place. The lady of the manor addresses Lilian, and he's thankful for that, not sure how or what to say to someone who owns all of this. Instead, he bows silently in a respectable way and remains silent. Instead, he's taking in the sights and sounds of Wuthering Heights, attempting not to make his first official outing as a member of Trideag an embarrassing one for himself or Lilian. Sitting down at the table where his name was indicated, he looked around and smelled the stew. It's absolutely delicious smelling, now just wondering when it is appropriate to eat it. So instead, he waits, in slight agony, for someone else to eat first before he digs in. He looks a little like a fish out of water, thrown into the deep end of uppercrust affairs without much of the know-how.
Odette Raskins	Fancy dinners aren't the sort of thing Odette's really used to, between her upbringing and training as a cog in the Company machine for so long as well as being a member of the Watch rather than a more prestigious group. Despite that, she's made sure to dress in her relative best for the occasion, even though it's hard to tell while she's coming in with everyone else from that rented car. Luckily, she's prepared for the inclement weather with an oversized opaque poncho. There's enough little bumps and protrusions from underneath it that makes it obvious that Odette probably still has her medical case held closely to her underneath it. "Thank you for inviting us, Miss Nelly! Having butlers prepare all this for us sound like it really be something special." She comments while tugging the hood of her poncho forward a bit to keep the rain out of her hair, wincing every now and then when the wind gets it past her glasses and directly into her eyes anyway. "Knifty's getting a whole glow up, too? Hehe... I can't wait to see that." She adds with an eager giggle, following Nelly and everyone right on through to see properly colored flowers, a grand manor, and... Even more butlers. She's a little overwhelmed at first when they come out to take her poncho and coat, leaving the EMT looking just a little frazzled at actually being served in such a way. Odette's dressed in clothes that actually look somewhat fitting, even if they were clearly bought off the rack rather than fitted to her: A light dress shirt and short tie, high-waisted slacks, and dark dress shoes that look like they could double as running shoes in a pinch. Catherine's greeting is met with Odette shaking her hand in return along with a light bow at the waist, as though she had practiced it a bit before coming out tonight. "Hello, Miss Catherine! Mister Edgar, hello! My name is Odette Raskins, and I'm a Fixer with Trideag. I'm doing alright, thank you. Um... Oh! It's been the usual kind of work here between the rescues and the Distortions and all that. There was that whole thing with those guys trashing the burger place, too, and...." She's not really sure how much to elaborate on, but she's certainly ready to do so the moment Catherine (or anyone, really) prods for more. She tries not to go too much into detail about Hindley's role, though, after seeing his reaction to what she can only assume is Trideag rather than noticing his reaction to Lilian specifically. At her own seat, Odette goes a little more wide-eyed at the curious-looking food bowl cover, and she starts feeling a little more self-conscious at butlers even coming out to take off the cozies. Spotting Knifty, Odette suppresses the urge to wave at her and instead just settles for nodding at her when she passes by. Knifty can totally see Odette smiling proudly in passing, though. What the EMT isn't sure about is when to actually start eating. She dares not dig in first, glancing around with just a bit of nervousness to see if anyone else has started yet. Seeing Riku's discomfort gets a sympathetic look from her, at least!
Timespace Riders	Sougo has an umbrella held over him, more because Woz doesn't want to be outdone than for any other reason. Despite that intention, Woz's manner towards Nelly is possessed of the utmost respect. "My Demon King wishes to express his utmost thanks for the invitation." "Thanks for inviting us!" Sougo bubbles. It isn't nearly as grandiloquent as Woz makes it out to be, but then, Sougo is pretty open with positive feelings. You might have difficulty recognizing her. "On the contrary, Nelly," he says after a polite laugh, with a little shake of his head. "I am more poised to notice excellence in this noble art than most any other. If you see potential in her, then it is undoubtedly there. I look forward to the results of Josephine's tutoring." Sougo, outwardly, is all smiles, too, but he had commented negatively before on T Corp's monopoly on color. Despite his cheery demeanor, an observant person can notice the way his eyes linger on the violets and the way his smile doesn't quite reach as far when they do. Inside isn't much better; the faded colors and stain of years upon everything is not storied, here, but stifling. It's like money's being spent to keep the past alive when the present's what's in danger. Sougo sighs through his nose, and one could be forgiven for thinking that it's quietly-impressed with the surroundings as everyone enters. Not that that's unusual... it's just rare that it's this out-loud. Woz checks his umbrella with the help, offering it up with a respectful nod. He handles his and Sougo's attire himself, straightening up their uniforms starting with the Demon King, who patiently sits through it like a well behaved labrador retriever. They're both spotless by the time Woz is finished, boots even cleaned and polished. Sougo and Woz's having been assigned next to each other at the table is a surprise to neither of them. Woz watches Knifty out of the corner of his eye, stroking his chin, then nodding as she departs. It is polite to introduce yourself to your hosts. In the initial introductions, Woz doesn't quite get a word in edgewise. He ends up being happy that he doesn't, owing to Mai's presence. "Lady Catherine. I am Woz, retainer to his majesty, Sougo Tokiwa." He leaves out 'future demon king of time.' His majesty beams towards the head of the table. "Hi, Ms. Catherine! I'm Sougo! Thanks so much for having us over. This soup smells delicious," says Sougo warmly. He does mean that, and it's hard not to cheer up at least a little in Catherine's presence. "Perfect for a rainy day, too."
Lilian Rook	Lilian has been wanting to pay Catherine a personal visit for a while now, so having a reason to keep it from sliding down her eternally refreshing list of critical priorities is a welcome surprise. The letter from T Corp is not. Catherine is a major contributor to Trídéag and a big part of why Lilian can be generous with her funds, as well as a loyal fan besides. T Corp had been greasonously interested in her from the start, and she'd already turned a Fixer from their Nest away before (only partly because he had the same name as her brother and that's Weird). It's the most mixed she's felt about a social occasion in a long time. Well, that and T Corp contains multifaceted layers of deeper and deeper evil that register on a more deeply upsetting level to her than even the wildest depredations of other corporations. L Corp had been a sickening meat grinder of human lives trapped in repeating death and horror for ten long years, and it doesn't budge her in the same way. Rain and thunder is business as usual for someone used to England, or what's left of it. She steps out of the car as smoothly as a thousand times before, in perfect lockstep with Nelly holding her umbrella. Dressed in her Director's outfit, wearing her usual personal modifications as always, so as to brook no mistake in identity, she carries the Association's now-standard weapon openly at her hip; or rather, Night Mist is sheathed in a Trídéag scabbard, modified only for gold fittings to match her jacket and a red-magenta ribbon at the locket. A certain amount of conformity is required to put forth a strong face; that's what Lilian earnestly believes, and often finds true. 'The other butlers are busy preparing the meal for the day. I have taken the liberty of borrowing Knifty for the day so she could learn how to properly prepare for guests.' "Approved." Lilian says, thoroughly after the fact. "And see that she learns how to smile properly, too. I think she's put off some of the new hires." She even knows how to walk at just the right pace, steady and without veering, so that Nelly neither has to speed up nor anticipate stopping. "Trouble recognizing . . . ? Is that going to be a problem?" Lilian asks, turning her head without slowing. Lilian allows the butlers to take her jacket, thinks twice, then moves on instead after thinking thrice. There's nothing all that interesting to analyze about it, since she used City technology to commission it, and no one is stupid enough to steal it. She's wearing sleeves under it for a change as well, wearing the usual button-up formal blouse and black ribbon under it. Her boots stay on. She only has to lift one heel to show that they're mysteriously dry.
Lilian Rook	'Lilian, I hope Nelly has been treating you well, she can be a bit snarky at times but...' Catherine is always so enthusiastic that Lilian can't help but smile. Her enthusiasm helps her forget that she's spending her family fortune on colour under the current Nest's regime. "She's been nothing but an absolute darling. Her attitude is frankly appreciated around headquarters; numerous personnel have gotten observably neater and better about punctuality with her making the rounds. I wish I could make a copy of her to keep, haha~" It's like riding a bike. Lilian never forgets the affect, the tone, the gesture and posture, even if she actually means the words these days. "The power affair is a little complex, but I was able to pull some strings with my connections to divert the surplus of humanitarian supplies we ended up having-- you know, those refugees are actually very industrious people once they have something to be thankful for, it's quite something to see-- in exchange for the energy stockpile that an essentially defunct project had left over; once I convinced them that there was obviously no hope of completing it, of course. Under extraordinary circumstances like these, I often find what works best is to simply point towards people's mutual interests; what they actually need and what they only think they need. We're starting to near completion on the replacement grid, slightly ahead of schedule, as well, so it's all in hand." Lilian thinks about Sonetto asking how many people were still out there at the orientation. While she talks, of course. "It's just about time to begin integrating Offices under the Association, I think. Liu and Zwei have been wonderful allies in the interests of public defense and civil wellness, not to mention all the work Deyvat' has done for us on generous rates, but it's no good to coast on goodwill forever, isn't it? At some point you have to get up on your own two feet." In the pause between sentences, Lilian looks directly at Hindley, and grins just a tiny bit when he looks away. "Rising stars and established names that will accept moving into our main territory. I have plans to base them near the edge of our controlled area, to expand our reach and thus the size of our relative safe haven, as well as to multiple our personnel with trusted outsourcers we can leave the important but more minor work to; not to mention I'd love even obscure veterans to show our greener Fixers some tricks of the trade." She pauses awkwardly enough to be considered a freeze when Catherine asks to hug her. Even in socialite mode, her shoulders visibly square, and her fingers curl halfway up. Bracing herself with a short exhale, Lilian smiles, says "Of course. Aren't we friends~?", and opens up her arms. She's not weird about it when she's ready, at least. Now it's a requirement that she acknowledge Edgar, whom she offers a handshake and a "A pleasure to meet you, Mister Linton. I hope you've found our earlier service satisfactory." says Lilian, choosing to start with a reason to remember that she is on the side of the old money here and not the shitty little brat who caused trouble. "Congratulations on the engagement, by the way!" That's something she can enthusiastically see him as a peer about, at least.
Lilian Rook	. . . . . . . . Old-fashioned food is pleasantly nostalgic, even if she always secretly preferred what Cecilia made with nobody around. What's less pleasant is the T Corp uniform at the table. The image of an hourglass from those people is somehow slightly obscene to her. Like he came wearing a suspiciously stylized skull. At least it isn't a clock; that'd be like a full-on swastika. 'Ah! Director! It's me again, you migh not remember me? From the Naming Ceremony?' "I do, actually." Lilian says, forcing a smile but telling the truth. "I never did get your name, so I'm grateful to learn it now." she says. "Naturally, that contract is a thing of the past, though extraordinary times have their own pressures. If a serious offer finds its way down the chain sometime in the middle future, I'll of course give it fair consideration." 'Oh T Corp wished to send someone once they heard I was setting up this meeting, you're all so popular... Already the Liu is singing high praises.' Difficult to make out, that. Lilian stuffs down the urge to just read Mai's mind ahead of time. She'll still be processing it when he just says it out loud a minute later, and then she won't be convincing in her reaction. There's no reason to be nervous here. "Oh? You have good friends in Liu, Miss Earnshaw?" Lilian finally pays attention to her fiancé for more than just introductions. "May I call you Catherine? Given present company, and all. Well, I suppose I should at least expect someone like you would be popular amongst distinguished talent." Another glance at Hindley. She gets to do this all whilst finding the right spoon and going through the automatic motions. §Thank god. The cup noodle boy knows to behave himself. His father must have actually raised him properly. I suppose he's more even-keeled than he seems, despite his gullibility and hesitance. Even Raskins hasn't dissolved into a puddle yet. Perhaps it's that Sougo and Woz are here?§ "Sougo Tokiwa and his retainer, Woz," Lilian says, nodding over despite introductions. Their naming schemes fit the City, so she thinks about it only briefly before making a decision. "are amongst my most trustworthy, as well as understanding, personnel. Riku Asakura is a new hire, and inexperienced, but he's from a good lineage and has enough promising talent that I've brought him along to learn from experience." Closest to an outright lie she's gotten in a while, sure, but it keeps him out of trouble, and isn't exactly wrong. Ultraman certainly is a lineage. "Odette is an experienced doctor; I'm certain her presence here is unnecessary, so consider her yours as well whilst she's here." Maybe she gets to taste for poison? Yay! "Feel free to discuss matters at your leisure." means 'So? What is it?'
Sarracenia	Sarracenia was also not involved in the mission involving Cathrine's brother, though she recalls it being listed along with others on the day she was given her Grade. And though it has been a while she is certain she has encountered Catherine before. So, Sarra is a bit self-conscious when she arrives having an eye patch, silver hair, and noticeably less vitality in her skin. She of course is in her custom-made Trideag royal gown since she is a princess and considers herself no simple Fixer. When they arrive...only Lilian is provided an escort with an umbrella. This is quite understandable, but even so Sarra huffs softly before she pulls out an umbrella of her own (all black with Bob-omb eyes on it) that is large enough around to protect her and her dress fully from the rain and follows the others inside. She will not stop others from seeking shelter under it, but she does not offer. When Nelly mentions why she came to meet them, Sarra nods. "Quite considerate." She can't say more than that because...well...the last time she invited someone to her kingdom she did not exactly give them a proper welcome or escort. When they enter the manor's garden, Sarra's eyes widen. "Oh my! What lovely flowers!" Hearing it is a fascination of the Mistress, Sarra makes a note to ask Cathrine about them. When they reach the door she hands over her umbrella. Sarra smiles and shakes Catherine's hand when it is her turn. "It is good to see you, Lady Catherine. Thank you for the warm welcome!" When Edgar introduces himself Sarra curtseys politely. "Princess Sarracenia Sundew, Crown Princess of the Sundew Kingdom. Grade 6 Fixer of the Trideag. And Aspiring Heroine!" When Cathrine asks if she can hug Lilian, Sarra freezes almost as quickly as Lilian does. But, of course Sarra is waiting to see just what happens. Though Lilian handles it well, Sarra can't contain a small giggle. Sarra then finds her seat at the table and waits for a member of the waitstaff to attend to seating her (i.e. pulling her chair out and pushing her chair in once she is seated). If this does not happen she stands there for an uncomfortable amount of time before doing so herself. Despite being somewhat ill-mannered Sarra does know proper etiquette when it comes to fancy dinners. She waits for the cozies to be removed and offers Knifty a wave in the process before leaning forward to let the smell of the stew waft into her nose. "It smells lovely~" she says with a smile, then...waits. One does not start eating before the hostess.
Angela	''Trouble recognizing..?'' "Oh I'm just flattering her progress. She has a distinctive appearance, you'll have no problem." Nelly reassures her. In this case it was just a figure of speech but she really should be more careful--no doubt in the grand multiverse, startling transformations aren't so rare as to not come to mind. Nelly gives a small nod to Sougo. "Oh I wouldn't say she has potential, what she has is a passion for the work and a cuthroat determination for success." Nelly rubs at her neck but leaves it unstated whether throats were actually cut or not. "But that's more important than talent for Butlers." The Butlers don't seem interested in robbing anyone. This is a class of people who don't need to rob people. They're set for life so long as the household is set and trying to steal Lilian's jacket is an unthinkable risk to them as a group. ''Refugees.'' "So many people underestimate them. I'm so glad you're not the type. They might be a bit awkward, but they can be pretty sharp if you give them a chance. I've experienced that first hand." Hindley mutters something about 'that damn mongrel' under his breath but cuts himself off. He's trying to follow Lilian's advice from before even if he's really bad at it. There's a sense of struggle between his brain and his wretched heart. His shoulders shoot up and stay there like he's expecting to get wrecked every little moment. "Too true." Catherine adds. "But I'll support you as long as I can. I have some inventions I hope to be selling soon to offset the costs and--ahh--I mostly know people in the Tres Association rather than traditional Fixers, but I can see if I can scrounge up any new vets for you to bring in." Edgar smiles faintly at the congratulations on the engagement. "Thank you, Director." That seems to soothe his mood some. "Though I should warn you, vets are all well and good but they can be slow to learn new tricks. I know you have...Ceri Wood from the Cinq Association? A representative from the Cinq trained me in fencing when I was a child. I was hoping she'd make it, but she's been long disowned. A terrible pity, if it were up to me I'd be making her the head of the household but I had thought her dead." Catherine squeaks happily when she gets to hug Lilian and she does so with gusto.
Angela	''A general uncertainty as if to one can eat now.'' "Ah, please eat." Catherine says. "Stew is best eaten hot, after all, and there's four more courses to come! Please, please, please relax. You are honored guests." "That we have sunk significant capital into." Edgar Linton adds. "Oh suuuush. Papa always considered noblesse oblige to be our foremost responsibility. How can I say I'm fulfilling his will and testament if we don't support the grandest force for a new future for The City? Oh you should've heard her speak at the Naming Ceremony, Edgar, I felt like a new woman." "Of course, Cathy." Edgar says. ''Oh? You have good friends in Liu, Miss Earnshaw?'' "Oh not at all," Catherin twirls some hair around her finger. She is barely touching her soup because she's eating Trideag all up instead. "But I do know some people in the Stigma Workshop. I don't have an official workshop myself, but I've always enjoyed tinkering my whole life." She brightens as Lilian asks if she can call her Catherine. "Oh please, call me Cathy. All my friends do." Eventually all those little glances at him get to him enough that he feels like he HAS to speak up. "Appreciated your advice, Director." He says, managing just barely to avoid sounding sullen about it. "What are your criteria for who gets to join your Association? Is it just those that need it for a better life?" He looks at Catherine with a gaze that seems a bit accusatory. There's a suspicion of SOMETHING going on here. ''Grade 6 Fixer of Trideag'' "Grade Six? Impressive for an Outsider in a short breadth of time." Edgar says. "I spotted her umbrella from the window. Super cute." Catherine adds, remembering to have some of her stew but it's clearly not on her mind. The next course is brought out eventually which is a leg of lamb along with a beat salad. It's at about this point that Mai gives a nod to Lilian before looking to Sougo and Woz. "So I hate to bring this up at dinner, but our records showed a sudden and large expenditure of temporal resources in the Backstreets near where you were working on a job. And when our Collectors went to investigate, we found members of the Dead Rabbits who--ah--pointed our people towards you and and your retainer," Mai says. "It seemed more logical to us that an Outsider would be responsible for such a sudden large expenditure of temporal resources that my employers felt I had to deliver your bill in person." Cathy rolls her eyes. "Oh is THAT why you were so insistent? Come on, I'll handle it--what is it?" "Our estimates indicate that the price of such an expenditure should be 299792458000 ahn. Ah, rounded down of course." Mai continues without missing a beat. Cathy's face goes pale. "Ahh...." "But that is surely a bug in our detection systems due to you being an Outsider. Different methodologies of temporal manipulation clashing. So instead of going to the trouble of demanding payment, I was hoping you could help us with some tests." Mai smiles.
Riku Asakura	'Seeing Riku's discomfort gets a sympathetic look from her, at least!' Riku looks across at Odette and gives her an uncomfortable smile, trying to maintain his best behavior. Though he sees that the discomfort isn't only being felt by him. He does speak to her. "I like your outfit," he says, trying to strike up some conversation with the medic. 'Riku Asakura is a new hire, and inexperienced, but he's from a good lineage and has enough promising talent that I've brought him along to learn from experience.' It's pretty much a lie, but Riku doesn't correct her about his lineage. The only thing he knows about his lineage is that it's from Ultraman Belial, who would rather destroy the city and enslave its people than do anything else. Or at least, that's what he knows about the Ultra. This is all because of the lesson that Vertin taught him about lying and when it might be appropriate. So he keeps quiet so that his boss doesn't look stupid in front of her supporters. Instead, he bows his head to Lilian out of respect for her words and keeps his eyes intently on the stew. 'Ah, please eat.' Riku doesn't immediately jump in, but he's expressing self-control. "Thank you!" he says first, and then jumps into the meal with his spoon. He doesn't know which spoon to start with, so he picks the farthest one out first and starts with that one. When he hears how many courses they are about to eat, his eyes light up. He's never had such a big meal before, or at least such a robust one. 'Our estimates indicate that the price of such an expenditure should be 299792458000 ahn.' Riku nearly spits up his stew at this, managing to swallow it and stare up at Mai. That's a lot of money for claiming something that Sougo did in aid of the mission. He looks like he's about to say something, but stops. This is Sougo's problem and not his... he'll back him up whatever he decides, but right now it's up to him rather to take him up on his counteroffer of being tested.
Odette Raskins	Even with so much going on, Odette finds herself able to focus. Is it time to eat? No, not just yet. Not until Catherine actually says so, but she doesn't dig in right away yet. No, Odette needs to know WHAT to eat with. Lilian's going for that spoon? Okay, that's the spoon she'll have to use, too. Does it matter which hand she's using? It probably matters which hand she's using. "So many.. Ah. Ehm. Y-you're too generous, Miss Catherine. We'll be sure to savor every last bit." Odette assures with a genuinely grateful smile, only slightly warring with her attempts to sound more proper and fit in with the higher class surroundings than she's used to. She'll need to pace herself, too, if there's four more courses. Looking over at Riku, Odette chuckles with just a hint of embarassment and smooths out her tie a bit. "Eh? Oh! Thanks, Mister Riku. M-uh. I had help picking this out. Y-yours is looking good, too!" ". . . so consider her yours as well whilst she's here." Hearing her name gets Odette to sit up a bit straighter, trying not to puff up too much at the praise. "Th.. That's right. I'm sure your staff is well-trained to handle any sudden allergic reactions or... Erm. Anything else, but I keep my emergency kit on me at all times." She explains while patting her pocket, trying not to melt a little at realizing how naked she suddenly feels without her full case of supplies on her as well. She really hopes there's nothing poisoned here tonight. "Super cute." "Oh, you should see those big flowers." Odette suggests to Catherine with another chuckle, glancin over at Sarracenia to give her a quick nod and semi-subtle thumbs up. "Those could double as defenses if Distortions are ever a problem. I wonder if they could be reproduced with clipping, too..." ". . .sudden large expenditure of temporal resources . . ." As Odette continues eating, she slows down a bit when Mai addresses Sougo and Woz. There's a slight hitch in her breathing as she hears 'expenditure' in particular, but not quite enough to stop her from eating and following Lilian's lead in figuring out which utensils to use with the stew, the lamb, and the salad. She just makes sure to take smaller bites, because that particular phrase has her on edge. ". . . 299792458000 ahn." Odette's face freezes at hearing the first few digits, and then she forgets how to actually move arm to continue eating when she hears the full amount. How much does that convert to? Ahn to credits, credits to station funds, station funds to Company scrip... "... T-testing, huh? Um. What would that kind of testing involve? Is it just of their powers, or... Or something that we'd all be able to help with?" The EMT asks, inwardly screaming at herself for not just keeping her mouth shut. She couldn't possibly afford that kind of money, so any testing would have to be impossible for someone like her to handle! Still, Sougo and Woz and Lilian could probably handle it easily between the three of them, so maybe it could turn out fine. Definitely.
Timespace Riders	"Oh," says Sougo. "So you guys left off a few fees. Woz was thinking it might've been more expensive," he says with a nod towards his retainer. "Thanks!" Of course it's more than he can afford to pay with his Dorado card; one of the few times that's been the case. But a number like that, bigger than the human mind can imagine, big enough that someone in an old estate who can afford to lease color for flowers should go pale at the mention of it, isn't ever put forward with serious intention to collect. Countries have national debts. But only people who don't really get it would ever worry that one would try to collect on it. Not just because that'd be a great way to ruin good relations, but because it makes them a lot more money to just collect interest or even sell it off to someone else. So... "You didn't bring that here expecting anybody to pay it, any more than what I did actually cost you that amount. Unless we're talking opportunity-cost, but you seem like you'd rather leave that kinda talk to the finance guys, haha." "I'm a member of the Trideag Association, but, I'm also a king. Or I will be!" He smiles. "I know you don't really have those here, but you can think of it like I'm going to be the head of a Wing one day. If T Corp was going to, I don't know..." Did. "Make a deal with another Wing to lease some technology to them, it'd make you guys a lot more money to let them rent it than it would to just up and take it away one day, wouldn't it? So, I'm happy to establish a business relationship, if we establish a few ground rules." "Would you agree that's fair, Mai?"
Sarracenia	'So many people underestimate them.' "One should never underestimate the masses, especially when they have some hope to focus on." Sarra says. "My hope is to provide hope for others through what we do at Trideag." 'Ah, please eat.' Sarra nods lightly and starts to eat politely, taking small bites of stew with the proper spoon while she listens. 'Grade Six? Impressive for an Outsider in a short breadth of time.' Sarra smiles at the both of them. "Well, thank you Mister Edgar! It was certainly not easy to obtain. But, my efforts have not been enough so far. I have made a few mistakes, and I wish to do my best to give the City back as much of what it has lost as I can." 'I spotted her umbrella from the window. Super cute.' Sarra practically beams. "Why, thank you, Cathy! I am pleased that you liked it! Would you like one of your own? And since we are friends, feel free to call me Sarra." 'Oh, you should see those big flowers.' Sarra smiles at Odette at the thumbs up. "Quite true! I have many flowers that would double as defenses. And some of them even walk and talk! SPeaking of, I noticed the flowers in your garden. They are quite lovely! I have a garden myself back in my castle's courtyard. An entire rainbow of colors arranged with fruit trees of similar colors. Of course, we do not have to worry about the cost of color." Sarra says, intending that last part as a light jest. She even laughs a small high-society laugh! 'Our estimates indicate that the price of such an expenditure should be 299792458000 ahn.' Sarra is second in command of a country, so large numbers do not make her spittake. But, even she is taken aback by that amount. Even moreso when Cathy seems to go pale. "...ah...forgive me. I am not sure of the exchange rate between that and the credits we tend to use in the wider worlds." 'You didn't bring that here expecting anybody to pay it, any more than what I did actually cost you that amount.' Sougo is of course on top of things, and Sarra just listens with slightly wide eye while she nibbles at her stew.
Lilian Rook	'Oh I'm just flattering her progress.' Phew! Nelly isn't aware that Lilian mostly tells people apart by their clothes, mannerisms, and voice! The first two of which will typically be identical amongst other people's servants when visiting their house as a guest, and the third of which you might not necessarily even hear in the same context! "Catherine is a bit of an odd duck, when it comes to her Butlers, but I hardly mind 'distinctive appearance'." Lilian says, ever so smoothly. "I'd be a hypocrite if I did." Cecilia has two-tone hair highlights! Truly the early 2000s were such a different time. 'They might be a bit awkward, but they can be pretty sharp if you give them a chance. I've experienced that first hand.' "So I've seen all too often." Lilian says, nodding in reply. "Even if it might seem self-aggrandizing, I really do believe that it's up to a matter of guidance. We accept that children turn out better when they have responsible parents and a proper upbringing, don't we? So it doesn't surprise me that even my Fixers who had former employers will suddenly display hidden talents once I give them some direction. Frankly, I wonder why it surprises anyone else." 'But I'll support you as long as I can. I have some inventions I hope to be selling soon to offset the costs' "Please make certain that you don't extend yourself too far on my behalf." Lilian says, with half-genuine concern. "Trídéag isn't such an idealistic project that it can only function on charity. The collapse of Lobotomy Corporation may have set us back a ways, but the Association is still steadily operating at less and less of a loss. The up-front costs of turning desolate Backstreet into a place of civilization, much less a place of professional business, certainly weren't small, but long-term plans for financial sustainability are still moving ahead." That is, giving employees things like 'free housing' and 'high-quality gear' was expensive, and Lilian plans to 'break even' by getting rich clients and Nest folk involved, whom she can charge for 'premium service'. And also, frankly, save money by not trying to turn a profit off the Association; what fucking use would she have for that? That's stupid. Rita is wrong. And stupid. 'Though I should warn you, vets are all well and good but they can be slow to learn new tricks.' Lilian laughs; because she's expected to, but because it's nice to talk about, as well. "You're right, of course. That's part of the reason I've hired far in excess of my minimum quota locally. Multiverse-types tend to be veterans already, so they're hard to teach them discipline and organization. I'm accounting for having a few eccentric professionals for specific jobs in my vision of the future." 'A terrible pity, if it were up to me I'd be making her the head of the household but I had thought her dead.' "It was quite a surprise where she turned up." Lilian says, smoothly moving along. "She'd have been good at it, too. She handles so much of the day-to-day while I'm away that I'm one step short of putting her in a butler uniform myself~" That was a joke. Probably! "She'd been previously paralyzed from the waist down, due to a spinal injury, so it's no surprise; I got her the treatment and footed the bill, so I'd certainly hope she feels a sense of gratitude towards me. Ah, but the help we get in life truly does depend on luck as well, no?"
Lilian Rook	'That we have sunk significant capital into.' Lilian feels a twinge of something, looking at a high-class suit-wearing man currently marrying his way into historical old money, and already concerned about the fortune. But she's not the man she thinks of, because that man is dead. So she trusts her concern for Catherine's finances has gone over well with him instead. "It'd be a great luxury if the day that you're grateful for it never arrives." she says, solemnly. "But . . ." No, it's not fake. She really does consider strongly whether she wants to bring it up. "The Red Mist. The Purple Tear. The Black Silence. Who else can claim to be good friends with someone who personally knows them all?" And whom she has a bargaining chip or two with. "It's number seven, on the back wall of the main lobby, right as you come in." she says, oddly conversational. "I don't make a habit of forgetting people who've stood by me from the beginning." It's as clear an implication as she can make without affecting Catherine's optimism. Despite Catherine's (rightfully, she thinks) starry-eyed attitude about her, Lilian is very aware that if her top donor finds trouble, they expect the top shelf names to see it fixed. 'I don't have an official workshop myself, but I've always enjoyed tinkering my whole life.' "Cathy, then." Lilian smiles. "Goodness, I never knew that. Or rather, I don't think I'd know by looking at you? Ah, but good for you! There's no use in living a life free of worry if you don't indulge in some self-betterment and rounding-out, is there? It's a fascinating hobby to see from afar; I spend most of my free time on the arts; and my fiancée, of course~" 'Appreciated your advice, Director.' "I'm happy to hear it." Lilian says, with effortless pep. She always finds it so easy to be niceys to people who are properly whipped. "And that's a very good question. Whilst I do my best to search for less-fortunate souls who might be polished up into fine material, I do, naturally, have my standards. For instance, a certain amount of physical aptitude, level-headedness, a capacity for listening, learning, and obedient execution of responsibilities, an eagerness to improve, and a demeanour that puts people at ease; I'd much rather have these than someone unremarkable, who simply happens to have no eccentricities. It's about looking under the surface, with an experienced eye." 'we found members of the Dead Rabbits who--ah--pointed our people towards you and and your retainer' Here it is. Chatting with Catherine was so pleasant that Lilian nearly forgot the wolf in the room. Almost. She hesitates on whether to set down her fork just for show; like it doesn't ring any bells, but seems too serious to tactfully go on with her salad. "Begging your pardon, Mai, but as Trídéag is based in District Twelve, my knowledge of how TimeTrack Corporation's system works is only what could be learned secondhand. I'd be lying if I told you that I know what you mean by 'temporal resources', or how you measure them. Is this a service that your company currently provides some of my employees?" It's such an innocent, earnest question, which could be easily asked in perfectly good faith, that it becomes razor-tipped for being asked with intent.
Lilian Rook	"If you could, would you please elucidate to me how my employees acquired these resources of yours? So long as I understand it, I could take it on faith that they expended them as well." Lilian says, resting her cheek against her hand. Her knife hangs between two fingers. "You'll of course forgive me for needing to hear it from a respectable organization, rather than taking the word of a criminal gang." 'So instead of going to the trouble of demanding payment, I was hoping you could help us with some tests.' §Yeah. That's right. Go on.§ Lilian raises a hand at Catherine's worry, and carries on herself, all business. "What sort of tests? I'd hope that it's something like needing my employee's advisement to calibrate your system." Even she doesn't want to pay two hundred million credits to avoid a Nest war. "If that's the case, in the interests of maintaining a friendly relationship with TimeTrack, I'd be happy to loan him for only his house-call rate as a Fixer, rather than at a research cost." A polite but firm reminder that it is, allegedly, their bug, and thus their problem, which they are hiring a Fixer to see to. Sougo is already taking an angle she can work with, so . . . "I really do hope your employers haven't put you in a more difficult position than that." Lilian sighs. Her sympathy is flawless. Mai is clearly such a little guy middle-manager and all! It's just that, when she seems distracted like that, she takes off her next cut of lamb without really thinking. It's dull, thoughtless habit, that she spins the knife around her finger as if she were holding it by a chain, most likely; and the way she removes the cut with just a motion of her wrist, without touching a fork, and accidentally through the bone. "It'd annoy me a great deal if your superiors were to be asking something unreasonable without showing up in person. Could you explain that as well? In precise terms?"
Angela	''Forgive me, I'm not sure on the exchange rate...'' "That would be around 200 million credits." Catherine says, "The kind of fee desgined to rattle Wings, not be used on people." But there's a small sad expression in her eyes that she quickly buries when Sarracenia brings up the violets. She smiles at Sarracenia and adds, "Oh, someone dear to me was fond of the color. But he left long ago so I suppose it's my little way to remember him. I know it's wasteful but I hope he can return home someday, feeling welcome in my house." The longing in her eyes takes longer to dissipitate than the sadness. The third course is roast suckling pig complete with the apple in the mouth. The butlers wordlessly move in to help with the carving, Knifty manages to just barely control her enthusiasm for this task but her knifework has considerably improved, her cuts are clean and quick and precise. She's not working on it alone, but she's matching them. Periodically Nelly checks in on her and she does help carry the load of the suckling pig for her because she was having trouble reaching her side of the platter, but it seems like it's going well. ''Y-you're too generous, Miss Catherine.'' "Please don't say so. The least I can do when you have worked so hard and have so much hard work yet to do is ensure you are properly fed! Besides, there's appearances to consider." Edgar nods solemnly in agreement, though he seems troubled. And not by the money. "I'd love to see these 'super flowers' of yours sometimes. Maybe I could plant a nice little patch of them for the rear garden." Cathy adds. ''So I've seen all too often ... on extending ... and Rita being wrong. and stupid.'' Catherine enjoys hearing about this sort of thing. She's so enthused when Lilian speaks about her work and even when Sarracenia and Odette speak of the grander multiverse than when talking about business. "I think some people think that circumstances of ''birth'' is all that it takes when it comes to excellence." Her voice takes on a Malkuthian tone as she shoots Hindley, and even her FIANCE a bit of a look on that. "It's backwards thinking. Maybe I'm fortunate I gained an interest in the workshops at an early age and got to see the excellence of the commons for myself." She sighs, leaning back in her chair. "Don't worry, we are still far from being insolvent." Edgar is stubbornly refusing to get into the topic of class, though he is less severe about it than Hindley whose face has turned bright red. "I suppose she wouldn't have interest in running a household anyway, else she wouldn't have made the choices." Edgar says, clinically stiff. "But honor matters more than the depths of one's pocketbook. I don't suspect that class determines the strength of one's honor, but--" His gaze slants to Catherine. "Suffering does not inherently add to one's kindness, nor is there an inherent nobility to being from the Outskirts. One's conduct, what they make of their circumstances, that is what matters." Catherine sighs and glances away from Edgar for a moment, closing her eyes and mouthing 'one two three' all the way up to ten before smiling again, "So you say, Edgar. We can but offer opportunity." Edgar nods, seemingly content to leave it at that. "How did she end up paralyzed, Director?"
Angela	''It'd be a great luxury if the day that you're grateful for never arrives.'' Edgar seems less moved by Lilian knowing three Colors than one might expect from most City folk, but he leans back, thinking about the Code. "What the Association invests in you is to only be used for the good of the Association, and those the Association protects. After the fall of L Corp, I am not so certain Nests are safe anymore." How does he know seven by heart? Nelly gives Lilian a small smile as she refills water glasses. "But don't get me wrong." Edgar says. "I consider your organization to be an honorable one, as befitting one with some Cinq DNA within it, particularly with a representative from the Wood family whom I respect. And you fought hard to minimize the damage of the fall of L Corp." He places his hands together on the table as he watches Lilian. "Rest assured, assisting the Association is something Catherine and I believe in for reasons beyond what it can do for us. That is why our support has been unwavering. But like you said, we can only operate at a loss ourselves for so long. I want to encourage you to eliminate that loss. Honor matters more than one's pocketbook, but what you can do with your honor will be limited by what you can afford." Cathy can be seen pouting a little--she clearly cares less for the balance books than Edgar despite what they both say. ''I don't think I'd know by looking at you?'' Cathy giggles, "Oh gosh, I used to come up to dinner in overalls stained with oil, now I keep my work in the basement and clean up before greeting guests. But papa always insisted on bettering myself. Hindley's a bit of a musician, though he's fallen out of practice." Hindley's hands tighten into fists but he remains behaved and he quietly nods at Lilian, though he's staring at Catherine while saying it. But eventually the matter turns back to the 'time tax'. "...You are an adept negotiator, Director. But I'm afraid my masters put me in difficult positions all the time. And what puts me in even more difficult positions is my curiousity... I know I'm just a humble Collector, but I genuinely have a fascination with temporal physics, so sometimes I overextend myself out of excitement." Mai says, smiling. "But I'd be happy to explain what I want and what I'm willing to pay for it and what I'm willing to offer you, Director, without getting into specifics regarding the Singularity of course which even a CEO wouldn't be at liberty to share, let alone myself!" He turns to Sougo as he is already providing a track. "I certainly would like to solve the bug in our system. So we'll happily pay Fixer rate for that. But as the Director so deftly noticed, we certainly are interested in other avenues of research. And if you are a King, that's wonderful! A deal between Wings is one of the most solid forms of Contract there is, if only because nobody wants the war that open violations would cause." rHe rests his chins on his hands, not unlike the way Angela does sometimes. "Some Wings do operate more like kingdoms, but T Corp doesn't. We're a corporation and there's a board and there's shareholders and it's all very messy but..." He smiles, "Let's say... T Corp will support your bid to be King for starters--preauthorized to offer that, haha! As for the particulars of how much we'll pay you to aid us in our research, I'll have our negotiators conduct that with Woz. I can't exactly get into the weeds at dinner here but depending on how much you're willing to work with us, it could be anywhere from access to our tech to a spot on the board."
Angela	He stares at Sougo. "Of course, some of that is worth a bit more than research, even for a guy like me." He smiles. "So we can work out those particulars either. But in the meantime, as a show of good faith, would you mind if you answer a question regarding the fall of L Corp? You see, the CEO of T Corp has two proteges involved in L Corp. One of them, I hear, was killed." "But we haven't heard much of Benjamin. Is he still alive?" He asks.
Riku Asakura	'I had help picking this out. Y-yours is looking good, too!' "Thanks!" he says back to Odette, beaming at her as the next course is carted out. He looks at Nifty, who is dressed up for the occasion, too. He smiles at her, having seen her around Trideag HQ but not really having gotten to know her much yet. He turns back towards Odette, "Well, your friend has good tastes, as do you!" he says, keeping the conversation going. '...but what you can do with your honor will be limited by what you can afford.' Riku frowns at this, knowing full well that this talk of turning a profit is something Edgar is more interested in than Catherine is. More than that, they expect a profit. Which isn't why he signed up for Trideag, it was to stop there being more Black Silences. To stop there from being more victims from the fall of L-Corp. Lilian hasn't answered yet, or responded to him, so he remains quiet, fixated on the conversation. He listens as he eats, letting Lilian take the lead... as he should. In this situation, he'd have likely gotten them kicked out by now. He takes a breath, much like Catherine, and counts to ten, and comes back with a smile. The situation with the money and T-corp seems to be resolving on its own. All he can do is watch Sougo handle it with Lilian. He hopes growing big in the City doesn't cost him a lot of money, or he might be in serious trouble!
Timespace Riders	I can't exactly get into the weeds at dinner here but depending on how much you're willing to work with us, it could be anywhere from access to our tech to a spot on the board. Sougo smiles and nods. "Okay! Sure, I understand. We'll be looking forward to hearing from you soon." Outwardly, it looks like he matter is settled. They're offering that much? I know it's not out of the kindness of their hearts. Sougo's pleasant chuckle might even look like being pleased at the situation, instead of sardonically amused at his own thoughts. These are the same people that charge to see colors and lord everyone's free time over them. Were they just looking for a way to get a stake in the Association? He takes to his stew while it's still warm, as bidden, going for the outside spoon (Woz has taught him a few things about fine dining, as a king ought to know). No... what would they get out of that? I have to think about what they want. Which is money and power. I obviously threatened both of those by getting caught, and L Corp falling probably has them extra cautious about people reverse engineering their stuff. They want me out of the picture, and this is the neatest way to do it, isn't it? Well... I know what I can't do. I'm not even going to think it. But maybe I can use it to learn about them, as much as they want to learn about me, especially if I work with Lilian's angle. I can figure out how they saw me and influence them away from looking that way again... "Oh, Director," says Sougo conversationally, "Um, remind me to talk with you about shifts, in that case! I promised someone I'd make a suggestion if mine opened up," he innocently asides, with a puppy-dog smile.
Odette Raskins	"Woz was thinking it might've been more expensive," Odette's eyes widen a bit more at that, and she tries not to look at Woz too hard even though she's totally glancing at him. Just what kind of money do those two work with on a daily basis?! They don't strike her as the type to be particularly rich, but considering how they've got time powers... Maybe it isn't that impossible after all. Then again, it sounds like he's more likely to work with that testing plan rather than just up and paying all that money, but the idea of all that money being floated around reminds Odette that this is all way over her head. Catherine outright saying the credit-conversion really has her reeling, too. "Two hundred... That's-oh, gosh. I don't think even station captains make that much money in a... Ever." She chuckles, but it's another clearly forced one that has Odette suddenly feeling grateful that she's not in Sougo's shoes right now. The suckling pig is a welcome distraction from the concept of lifetime servitude, and watching Knifty really holding her own with all that work does bring another smile to Odette's face. "The least I can do . . ." "Well, when you put it that way... We'll just have to make sure that all the work really does get finished, then, so the appearances are... Justified?" Is that how that works? Odette's not really sure, and she's not quite good enough at hiding it to maintain that the entire meal. Edgar's nod isn't missed, either, and Odette does sort of show that by looking right at him for a moment, but she's not really sure how to address that. Should she even address that? So many things being left unsaid-yet-signaled is making it harder for her to keep track of what she should be speaking up on, and biting into some pig meat is the only thing she can really do to get her mind off that. The pig does wonders, based on her quiet she gets after the first bite, carefully nibbling on her serving for a good while just to focus on enjoying it while it lasts. "It's backwards thinking." "I've seen plenty of people that started without much do big things, yes. And... Plenty more that started with everything turn out to be pretty bad at doing anything, too." Odette chuckles lightly at first, then with a tinge of disappointment a second later. She nods at Catherine briefly, then at Edgar shortly afterwards. "Mostly at work, mhm, and mostly... Er." Wait. This is the exact type of thing she shouldn't be saying around higher company, right? Pivot, pivot! "Th.. That's why I think it's really great that there's people here that aren't like that." "Let's say..." "We'll be looking forward to hearing from you soon." It sounds like T Corp might be willing to take Sougo's deal already! Visibly relaxing her shoulders at that, Odette lets herself munch on more of that delectable food while turning to Riku, then to Knifty again with a pleased laugh. "She does! Well, she's got good training now, so... I think she'll be okay with all this. No more-" Wait, talking about scrounging in the streets might not be the best thing to bring up during a fancy meal. New words! "Um... She does!" Smooth. Riku talking about her tastes gets another chuckle out of Odette. "Speaking of taste... When you change. Do you... Can you still eat when you're that huge?" Somehow, that's the thought that comes to mind, probably because of the fancy dinner.
Sarracenia	'That would be around 200 million credits.' Sarra's eye widens as she hears this. "Oh my." is all she says. She doesn't like the idea that someone can 'own' time much less charge for it. She gives Hindley a sideways glance, but then returns to Cathrine as she talks about this lost someone. The way she talks about him and the look in her eyes makes the princess's eye drift to Edgar for a moment before back to Catherine. Is this person who left more important to Cathrine? Sarra isn't going to ask that, at least. Instead, she smiles sympathetically to Catherine "It is a lovely color. I hope whoever it was returns some day." The third course...puts Sarra off her appetite. A cute little baby piggy?! "...oh...um..." It would be rude to refuse such generosity, but...Sarra is too sheltered and not decadent enough to indulge. When the dish is brought to her, she doesn't end up touching it. 'I think some people think that circumstances of ''birth'' is all that it takes when it comes to excellence.' Sarra nods in firm agreement. "The circumstances of one's birth matter little. As I always say, heroes can come from anywhere. But, that can be extended to greatness can come from anywhere. Why, the most well known hero from my world is not a royal or a formally trained hero of destiny. He is a plumber from a place called New York!" Uhoh. She's now talking about heroes. "I myself am seeking my own hero. It is a bit of a tradition on my world that princesses will find their heroes through the trial of being kidnapped or otherwise threatened. Then, the hero will appear and rescue her and they shall be betrothed~" Sarra is hardly listening to the time tax talk anymore. It is of little interest compared to talking about heroes and the multiverse and... 'Oh gosh, I used to come up to dinner in overalls stained with oil, now I keep my work in the basement and clean up before greeting guests. But papa always insisted on bettering myself. Hindley's a bit of a musician, though he's fallen out of practice.' Hobbies! "I am something of a fashionista in my spare time. I love designing clothes, and helping others to find their look. While I am forbidden from wearing such an outfit myself since I am a princess, the overall stained from hard work is a classic and noble look. If you do not mind me asking, what sort of things have you tinkered upon, Cathy?" Sarra is smiling cheerfully by now.
Lilian Rook	'I think some people think that circumstances of ''birth'' is all that it takes when it comes to excellence.' 'Suffering does not inherently add to one's kindness, nor is there an inherent nobility to being from the Outskirts.' Ah. An argument between lovers. One they've had enough time that it's a low-level political dinner debate. Joy. "I hate to be a 'truth is in-between-er' but if you're soliciting my opinion, Cathy, I do have to say that your fiancé isn't wrong, exactly." she says. "It should be considered a grievous flaw of society that our default posture towards common people is that they cannot, or will not choose to, achieve anything of important. Even if you care nothing for the social responsibilities of it, it's simply a waste of talent and manpower." Lilian says, idly twisting her fork back and forth in thought. "But common people don't develop the talent and character that might surprise you because of living a humble and difficult life. Those things only prevent them from falling into the traps that ensnare the wealthy from time to time; they can't afford laziness, waste, or frivolity." For once, she doesn't look at Hindley. "But whether suffering makes someone better or worse, I couldn't tell you. As far as I'm concerned, it's totally unrelated. Being forced to suffer only shows you how someone copes with suffering." Lilian sighs. This is an old topic. One she's had too much time to think about after first being made to by Persephone. "If you have millions of people, all of them living miserably, it's easy to see which ones will rise above any adversity all on their own, if you're paying attention, but it doesn't show you which ones might achieve greatness if only they faced a little less. That adversity will quickly reveal how many of those many of those millions to be weak, rotten, perhaps even irredeemable people, and at the same time, it'll induce many otherwise good people to behave in ways that are difficult to tell apart from the dregs. High birth is less confusing; you very quickly see who will thrive when given every advantage, and who will squander it doing nothing." "I wish it were as simple as it seems, when you look at the Red Mist. The hero from humble beginnings is appealing, but it's easier to raise her up because everyone slightly weaker than she was is dead." That's probably about Gebura. Probably. 'What the Association invests in you is to only be used for the good of the Association, and those the Association protects.' Lilian smiles. This must mean Edgar is a fan, which means he's a good person, actually! "If that's the case, then please be assured that I appreciate your fiancée too much as a friend and supporter to want her her last penny. If the situation becomes too financially complicated, there are still other avenues I might pursue. It's the generous support of Catherine that allows Trídéag to operate without compromising our honour so smoothly. Even if it's not ideal, we'll work through it somehow." 'Hindley's a bit of a musician, though he's fallen out of practice.' "Oh really now?" Lilian says, raising an eyebrow and turning her head in his direction. "That's a surprise as well. I hope he finds the time to try his hand at it again. There was a period I ceased all of my hobbies, and picking them back up again helped me quite a bit with focusing on the weighty tasks ahead of me."
Lilian Rook	'I know I'm just a humble Collector, but I genuinely have a fascination with temporal physics, so sometimes I overextend myself out of excitement.' "I see." Lilian has a lot of different ways of saying those two words. This is the kind where she's already envisioning something happening to you in her head. "I'm sympathetic to the demands placed on someone in the middle of the top brass and the people on the ground, but I have limited patience for idle curiosity, Mai." Lilian says. The restless twirling of her dinner knife feels somehow agitated. Like a physical tell. A twitching tail or raised hackles, if it could be expressed with a knife instead of a bodypart. The edge is nicked, now. "Please do your best to be especially aware of your status, given present company." The sensible read would be that she meant for him to be respectful in front of Catherine Earnshaw. What she really means isn't difficult to figure out. "And please do your best not to confuse 'honourable' with mild-mannered." 'A deal between Wings is one of the most solid forms of Contract there is, if only because nobody wants the war that open violations would cause.' It's unfortunately true. If someone threatened her, personally, with 'all the force that T Corp can bring to bear', it'd make her reluctant, but not actually back down. Trídéag, however, is a place and people that can be attacked and harmed. She won't put them in the line of fire like that. However, she knows how much T Corp really cares about Mai; at least, better than he'd like her to. In terms of their relative position, she's reasonably certain that she could behead him at the dinner table, file a complaint to corporate for his alleged inappropriate and insulting behaviour, and they'd issue an insincere apology, a fine, and send a replacement to go and talk to Sougo on his own, somewhere else. 'Um, remind me to talk with you about shifts, in that case! I promised someone I'd make a suggestion if mine opened up' Even though she knows she won't, Lilian dedicates far too many mental cycles to turning this dynamic over and over in her head; fiddling with the facets social leverage like faces on a rubik's cube, and imagining the list of fates that could befall Mai. She doesn't have to think hard to know what to say after Sougo. 'But I haven't heard much of Benjamin. Is he still alive?' "Thirteen percent." Lilian says, seemingly out of nowhere. Her gaze doesn't suddenly shift, like she'd just snapped out of a daydream. Her tone is as steady and even as if it were completely on-topic. "Whatever you agree to pay, trade, or promise him, thirteen percent. I wasn't born yesterday; I won't entertain Fixers wearing my badge using my Association as a platform to find big deals under the table elsewhere. And if anyone tries to go over my head, I'll hold you personally accountable as well." Lilian says. "Then and only then are we going to talk about what Benjamin was doing at Lobotomy Corporation, with Ayin and Carmen, and in the final days before it all went to hell." Lilian says, snapping her eyes back down to Mai's face. "By which I mean your superiors and I are going to have a long talk about how much where to find him is worth. Don't try to second guess if I know, because I clearly know more than enough to know that information is far above your pay grade." "And I'd really, truly prefer to politely enjoy dessert."
Angela	Sometimes, even wealthy people have beliefs and ideals beyond the need for more money. That doesn't mean they're good beliefs or ideals. Edgar was raised to be a man of excellence and love ended up unmooring him. He'd throw all his money away for his love, every last cent, but Catherine wants Trideag to change the world. She's been more full of life since she watched that video with Lilian's climatic battle against the Red Mist. And he's aware of how just as easily that new lease on life can be ripped away with a moment's carelessness, or an unexpected tragedy. "I see you frowning there, boy." Edgar murmurs. "But utopia isn't arriving tommorrow." What Mai, or Mai's masters, dream of beyond more money is not quite stated just yet but you can learn a lot of the master by watching the pupils. Mai gives a nod to Sougo as he agrees to at least consider the deal, though he waves a hand, "Ah, yes, you're too right. Now is not the time for me to ramble on." Mai COULD be decapitated and T-Corp would hire a replacement the next day and business would continue as it always did. If they wanted conflict with Trideag, they might use that as an excuse, but if they didn't--they wouldn't even bother to mention it. It's as true for their CEO or for their middle management. Everybody at Lobcorp always said that even a CEO is no different from any other Feather. They're just as replaceable as a Rat. Mai has taken risks in his life. There's a sense that what T-Corp--or at least someone with power within T-Corp--wants to know the answer regarding Benjamin more than anything else. ''Thirteen percent'' "This might not result in much a payout," Mai admits. "What T Corp values most, however, is the study and development of new technology. And the expansion of the futures beyond what the eye can readily see. I will pass on your base terms and the corporation will establish some viable plans and we can discuss those plans in further detail then. With the both of you. Above board. We don't have any desire for an aimless conflict with a new Association. We're much more concerned with the opportunities of the Multiverse than the dangers, since you seem to have the latter well in hand." He then bobs his head to Cathy as if to suggest his interjections are over.
Angela	Cathy is relieved, and miffed about it, but she isn't eager to pick a fight with T Corp either. She might be old money! But T Corp is the power in the region. The balance of power between two forces like this involves a stupid combination of norms, tested boundaries, and the who knows who. "You're quite compassionate, aren't you Odette?" Catherine says to her. "A doctor with true compassion, it can be rarer than you'd expect. I hope you hold onto that." Spoken like someone who doesn't have the best experiences with the medical industry. "I'm so glad you understand, Odette! I'm not going to try to poach you but perhaps we could share letters now and then? That wouldn't be so bad, would it?" Cathy is a mercurial lady who can make shocking decisions for someone in her position at the drop of a hat. ''The circumstances of one's birth matters little.'' "Mm... that may be an overstatement. I don't think it is the whole package," Edgar says. "But are we not products of society as well?" Edgar puts forward, though he isn't particularly hostile about it. ''While I am forbidden from wearing--'' "Oh Sarra... Honey, please... I know you've your station to consider, but when you are on your own surely you can experiment and try some outfits yourself. After all, you can't be a fashionista if you're going to cut off your options. And I'm sure you'd look great in overalls." ''I hate to be a truth is in-between-er'' "Oh! I'm wounded...!" Catherine flings herself back into her chair, bringing her arm up to her forehead as if she's about to have a fainting spell. This kind of behavior is common enough that Edgar doesn't even look up from his meal, though there's the hint of a smile on his lips. "No no no, speak freely, love, I want you to feel as welcome as if you lived here. You've lived so vibrantly, of course your word has value here." She takes a breath and says, "I believe I see what you mean. If a full pocketbook does not a good man make, then neither does an empty one." Edgar slowly nods to what Lilian says about suffering. He and Cathy exchange a glance and Cathy manages to restore her smile. "Then it's best to create a world where there's the least suffering all the same so as it helps our eyes find the diamonds out there that might otherwise be missed." Hindley's temper is subsiding. A faint guilty and desperate look enters his eyes as he looks down into his lap. Is it too late for him? His father is long gone and he only has his name. "Can a trapped man ever pull free?" He murmurs, looking away like a kicked dog. ''Everyone slightly weaker than her is dead.'' "Even I've heard stories of her. They always seemed so far off, but they were closer than I imagined." Cathy, ever a romantic, whispers. ''This must mean Edgar is a fan'' Edgar actually kind of is a fan. He isn't exactly a 'fan of fixers', however, he's more a fan of discipline and holding oneself to account. He's only ever had interest in the Cinq before but he keeps an eye on Trideag now thanks to his fiancee. "I appreciate your understanding, Director. Catherine's kind heart--I wish to nurture it--but I worry an open heart sometimes invites the daggers of the world. Of fate. Of ..." He cuts himself off. It would upset her to say that last thing. "Edddddgarrrr!" Cathy, now bright pink in the face, kicks at him under the table but can't reach him. It's a little silly and Edgar overs a smile with his hand.
Angela	''There was a period I ceased all of my hobbies...'' "That was possible? You managed to do that?" Hindley blurts out. He's a bit stupid. "...Surprised to hear someone like you ever hit a slump at all." "Oh she does make it look so effortless." Catherine agrees with a bright smile. "But just because something looks effortless--doesn't mean we should assume it to be so! Our dear Lilian is such a hard worker, and I have to imagine her friends here work quite hard as well. It isn't always effortless to be effortless," She beams. "But Lilian's right! It's time for deserts!" And so the last courses are brought out. A variety of delicious scones and, as the final desert, a slice of tira misu cake for everyone. Even Hindley, who is thinking about a future for what might be the first time in his life. Cathy had wanted to ask LIlian something. But she doesn't get the chance today. But maybe soon she can make her own little effort to find whom she wants to find more than anyone else. "If I may toast..." Catherine raises her glass. "To the Trideag Association. May the victories of yesterday and today pale before their glory of tomorrow!" Even Mai raises his glass. The spirit of a celebratory dinner is saved.