AINT NO PARTY LIKE A SAFFIT FUNDRAISER (DAY :47)
Just prior to the mission, everyone will receive handwritten copies of Sheena Frey's lists, previously held by Lexa. These lists contain the names of friends and enemies that Sheena Frey believes are not associated with H+H1. The Darkling has acquired the list, and immediately dispersed it among the nest. Because he is That Guy. There is a neat note from him at the top of each page, indicating that one of their goals is to match names to attendees at the fundraiser and to either confirm or debunk Sheena's legwork. There is also the matter of the well-earned findings, dredged up from Ngozi's files.
Under the cut, you'll find the mods description of the venue, some of the NPCs you might find there, and other general information!
THE VENUE --
The event itself is a benefit dedicated to raising money for those injured in the recent bombing, as well as for the families of those killed in it. It is being held at CAVANAUGH HALL - aka "THE OPERA HOUSE" - a live theatre and performance hall in the Beta Block. Some hosts (cough Mara and Hux cough) might be more acquainted with the layout of the building since they recently attended a performance there.
Most of the fundraiser is taking place in the Hall’s grand foyer rather than the theater itself. The foyer is four levels tall with balconies overlooking the main floor on each level. There’s a fabulous stained glass dome roof. The whole Hall is primarily decorated in shades of red, white and cream - white walls, ornate naturally cream woodwork, stunning glass-like fixtures, red carpets. For tonight’s event, a number of small white cocktail tables have been scattered throughout the foyer and a small circular platform has been erected in the center of the room where a small orchestra is playing music at any point that someone isn’t speaking over the microphone for the purposes of the fundraiser.
The catering is extensive, the outfits are lavish. The security is tight, so expect to either be in possession of an invitation or get ready to use your credit card to buy one (this IS a fundraiser after all - and for such a good cause!). Sorry Nathaniel, this is mostly a mingling and eating party and not so much a dancing party. On the plus side: that sure is an open bar!
THE MISSION --
The hosts initially have a twofold mission for this one: Carata, Aoba and the Darkling have secured a private meeting with Goram Saffit, and will be picking his brain for information. The rest of the party is a free-for-all for intel-gathering and - you know - in case you want to actually contribute to charity. There are a number of events-within-the-event to experience as well, including a lovely and rather familiar lion tamer, a silent auction ( all proceeds go to charity!! ), a live orchestra, and whatever else you all want to throw in there.
THE ATTENDEES --
Most of Saffit's guests are as follows:middle (and above) aged politicians business professionals media figures
There are also a few theatre stars, but it's unclear whether they're actually there to support the fundraiser or if they're part of the deal with the opera house. Despite that the event is a fundraiser, most people in attendance seem to be Saffit supporters and more or less share his sensibilities - that androids are useful for production, but they’re just advanced machines and their increasing numbers of the workforce are creating problems for people on the economic fringe. Many of the politicians are for increased regulation of androids in the workforce, though that point is clearly one for casual debate among even Saffit’s supporters. By and large, everyone is mortified about the violence that’s recently plagued the city; some seem to be unsurprised - “It was really only a matter of time” - but no one seems happy that bombs are going off in the city.
There are a few people in attendance, and they are clearly there for the charity and not for Saffit. There are a few small time politicians, or media affiliates - and there is at least one journalist from a semi-serious EXTRAnet news outlet, though she spends most of her time camping by the bar and eating hor d'oeuvres. This is probably the fifth or sixth fundraiser she’s covered this year.
For the hosts who were not as gung-ho about fraternizing with a bunch of wealthy anti-synthers or attending fancy-schmancy events, feel free to take a much-needed and well-deserved break. Have a movie night at the Bearings - I hear that one flick "keeping tabs on your fellow hosts through the security cameras at the event and commenting on every move they make while throwing popcorn at the screen" is a great one. You can assist with observations, hack where you please, run detail and defense from the outside and even feed intel to the hosts at the party. Otherwise, you've got the Bearings and the whole city to yourself for the evening.
C // Petre // post-Ilde upset
But he needs something. He needs a hit. The baggy of coke has been kept in place on the inside of his slacks only by their tightness, but movement has caused it to slip down from his waistline to the top of his thigh. There it brands him, a constant reminder of its presence. But he can't return to the balcony and being alone has never sounded less appetizing.
Then he sees him. Less him, than the memory of him ripping off the space pod's door like it was nothing. Paper to tear. Kavinsky's trajectory takes a sharp turn and he's walking in a straight line, pushing through a group of jabbering businessmen who make all sorts of flustered noises at the rude boy disrespecting personal space. Three feet from Petre. One foot. Contact. He grabs for his arm.]
C'mon.
[And starts to walk again.]
no subject
He doesn't care about that any more than he cares about being here. It ends up being about having company and being among other hosts; the hatred for being alone grows with each day, each new experience, be it good or bad, and whatever happened between him and Angel only strengthened the thought.
So he may be the walking, talking equivalent of nails on a chalkboard, but at least he... cares? In a really grating way?
And then, as if on cue, here comes another grating factor in the hive's life. Petre is yanked off with a loud hey, a kid whining and about to ask what he did wrong this time. Except it's Kavinsky, and since when does this guy ever reprimand others for anything? He's the class clown every teacher wants to throw an eraser (and brick) at. ]
The fuck, man! What do you want?
no subject
To blow your mind.
[He keeps walking, dragging the other boy along unless he makes too large a fuss to be ignored.
When Kavinsky first came to the party, he did a quick walk around to see where he'd be able to sneak off alone if need be. There's a supply closet not far from here with his name on it.]
no subject
Apparently he's chosen Petre for the night, for whatever this is going to do. Trouble, he hopes. But Kavinsky would get boring otherwise. ]
Yeah, it fucking better be. I was eating.
no subject
Nobody's learned it here. Not like they should. They will. Lots of trouble.
He finds the supply closet, waits for a woman in the hall to walk by, then wrenches open the door. Peter's stuff inside first, then Kavinsky follows right behind. The door's shut behind them and they can only hope there's no locking mechanism to accidentally trigger or this will get real embarrassing.]
You're gonna take a hit.
no subject
I'm gonna take a what? [ He interprets 'hit' as in a punch. He's Romanian, idioms don't always land. ] Are you stupid?