Futuristic Eradication

[Syrenrei]

Skye Yoona Park ((I don't know why I keep putting her name here like this, but it's a compulsion now))


The remaining slices of pizza had been consolidated to a singular box and placed in the refrigerator amongst the other edible sundries. Skye had cleaned the nozzles of the paint spray equipment, made certain the canisters of paint were sealed tightly, and inspected the rooms completed for any sign of flaws before they left for the evening. Finding nothing in need of attention, she withdrew to one of the guest bathrooms that did not have any setting paint and began to prepare herself for the night's festivities. Nary a peep was heard from the small enclosed space until she was finished quite a while later, emerging with a small matching clutch of aureate splendor.


"I called a car for us in the event we want to have something to drink. It's my parents' driver- he's a friend of mine. I hope you don't mind," she informed Hans. Rich, dark brown hair had been carefully curled and swept back into and elegant chignon that both framed her face and drew out the natural beauty of her ethnicity. That was not to say she was the most beautiful woman of the community or even close; yet wealth, practice, and experience with formal affairs meant she had perfected the art of accentuating her boons and smoothing away the flaws effortlessly. Skye recognized she could not compete that were a few or several years her junior, thus she pursued an aura of refinement, elegance, and a hint of sensuality that would have the government annoyed but unable to act due to the subtleties. A slender, smoldering ebony line was drawn along the line of her eyes and the eyelashes made fuller and longer, making her eyes seem brighter despite their saturated color. The light played across the delicate shimmer of the soft pink applied to her lips.


She slipped into her golden heels, raising her a few precious inches closer to his height. Even the gained altitude left her shy of his stature which was desired for dancing, assuming he could dance. It would not be much of a ball if it was simply milling about without any activity to partake in. A glance to one of the large windows in the living room assured it was more than chilly outside. With a motion to Hans that she would be but a moment she fled to her closet and quickly pulled on a thick coat made of a blend of wool and expensive synthetic fabrics. It was not exactly meant to be worn over an evening gown per say but was the most appropriate considering. When she rejoined Hans she was still pulling buttons through the holes. "We wouldn't want to be late," she remarked.


The drive was short and uneventful; Skye sat in silence spurred by intrinsic thoughts and contemplation. Upon arrival a small bemused smile formed. Finally they were here. It was the spectacle she had expected with the flashing, slightly gaudy lights in snow white and azure. The government was patting itself on the social experiment and liberties it had taken with their freedom. It expected and demanded compliance from the Love Harvest participants. How many were happy with the selections made for them? How many were fruitlessly angry? How many were pensive and hoping for happiness and children? How many still expected that buried in their genetics there was a chance to create the ultimate perfection, one immune to the impartial reaping of the virus?


Without waiting for either Hans or her driver to assist her, she pressed open her door and stepped out into the radiance of digital lighting, glancing around to see the other couples that were in attendance and their attire. It was not that of judgment or disapproval but rather curiosity. Who who would be bold and challenging, who would be quietly submissive and unassuming, and who would make the most of this opportunity? Other gowns dazzled and gleamed as her crystal-encrusted shoulder did, but she was pleased to see none were of matching style. It had been quite a while since she last wore this gown so it might be a little "out of fashion" for the elite of the elite. With all due respect, screw them. This was the most excitement she had in ages.


Skye stepped forward to the base of the stairs leading into the complex and patiently waited for her suited escort to come around the side of the car.


@Hanzax

 

[Agent Nine]

Takeshi's play-punch flew right past her arm. Novi stood there and stared at him for all of three seconds before shrinking back in mock-pain, her features contorting in an exaggerated grimace as though he'd landed the hit. "Saving the best for last," he'd said. Ha. Being the "best" at something meant that there were other things to be better than. And there weren't, really...unless Novi counted that one guy she'd dated for about a week when she was fifteen. But she distinctly remembered him being a douche. Takeshi would probably be pleased to hear that he was already doing a better job than him. Oh yeah. A much, much better job.


He walked around her, just then, announcing that he was off to get ready for the impending ball. Novi decided to do the same. He'd gotten a head start of about a foot, though, so she ended up having to wait while he laid claim to the first use of the shower.


It was at that moment, a while later, that Novi experienced the strange sensation that was bathing in a near-stranger's house. With the knowledge that none of the things around were actually hers, just touching a bar of soap had felt weird. At one point she'd fiddled with the knobs too much, and had to avoid shrieking as the shower-head spat scalding water at her. Once she was all cleaned up, she shut herself in her room and got dressed. It turned out that the shoes Kyoko had lent her fit perfectly, and the cocktail dress was surprisingly comfortable, composed of a soft material with a flow-y hem that moved with her legs. It'd taken a good amount of convincing for her to put the dress on in the first place, but it took even more for Novi to go and ask Kyoko for some "makeup assistance". In the end, she'd settled for some simple lip gloss and eyeliner.


The car ride to the place had been a mostly-quiet one, save for the occasional comments Novi came up with about Takeshi's "stylish monkey suit." She laughed a few times, at her own jokes, nonetheless, but was trying her hardest to will away how vulnerable the damned dress was making her feel. It wasn't everyday that she walked about without pants. The fact that it was freezing made things worse, but she hadn't bothered to bring along a coat.


Ah well.


Within twenty or so minutes, they pulled up to the illuminated building. Welp, the fat cats spared no expenses. This place is lit up like Christmas. "Do you think the food'll be any good?" Novi ventured, sticking her head out the window as the car slowed to a stop, her legs continually crossing over one another.


@CommodoreOlaf

​

 

[CommodoreOlaf]

"Do you think the food'll be any good?"


Takeshi shrugged in his seat. The event's sustenance were the least of his worries as the pair came up to the entrance of the Concord Center. The building was decked out in banners and streamers and the numerous lights lit up the place like a fantastic Fourth of July fireworks finale.


"I don't know. Whatever it is, they'll be serving a lot of it." Before the large front doors, Love Harvest pairs swarmed the steps like ants. Everywhere he looked, Takeshi saw the faces he had seen earlier that day, faces he had not taken the initiative to remember. Many of them seemed comfortable with their partners. The light laughter of friends getting together, the intertwining of a gem stone bracelet and a silver cuff link, even the subtle touch of fingers believing this was meant to be. It all was too foreign to Takeshi. Others obviously had not achieved a sense of relaxation with their new partners, marked by the far distance a pair stood apart, the staring off into another direction, and the mis-matched walking speeds that was all too indicative of a cautious relationship.


The Mazda rolled to a stop in front of the main entrance and they were greeted by a valet.


"Good evening, sir. I hope you two have a wonderful evening." The valet held his hand out, expecting Takeshi to place the keys in his hand, but he was hesitant. Takeshi extended the keys out but did not loosen his grip.


"What are you going to do with it?" It was a serious question, but the valet system was entirely new to him.


"Why, sir, I'm going to park it of course." The valet tilted his head to the side, but quickly adjusted his gaze, as he remembered how some people, primarily those of the Lower Class were not yet accustomed to the valet system. "It's my job, sir. I shall fetch your vehicle later in the evening upon your departure. It is only customary." The valet eased the keys out of his grip with a smile. The valet then drove away, taking a back road towards the parking lot. Takeshi turned back towards Novi, shrugged his shoulders, trying to appear unbothered by the encounter, but one could clearly see the unease on his face.


They both moved up the crowd of Love Harvest pairs at a snail's pace, only making progress after the process of verifying a couple's identity with the use of fingerprint scanners was finished with each pair. Takeshi, for the first time, examined his black and white tuxedo, admiring the quality and color of the suit, nicer than anything he owned in his closet. He was perplexed by its make, its pitch-black threads creating a patternless surface that accented his form. It fit him well, almost too well, and once more Takeshi was amazed by the lady-in-the-store's gift of exact measurement precognition. He noticed another guy, examining his own formal wear in the exact same fashion as Takeshi and he found himself thinking Wow, I must have looked pretty dumb.


After what seemed like hours of waiting, the pair finally reached the entrance to the Concord Center.


Takeshi's heart leaped and sunk simultaneously when he saw who was at the front, as unimpressed as always.


"Names." Marge didn't seem to recognize them. It was either that, or she hadn't cared in the first place. Takeshi almost felt attached to the woman, as odd as it was. The only representation Takeshi could relate their connection was of Mike Wazowski and Roz from the ancient cinematic children's film, Monster's Inc.


"Takeshi and Novi.. Oshiro." The phrase was, undoubtedly, a bizarre combination of sounds and syllables that left the different texture of foreign language loitering on his tongue. It was something he decided he would have to get used to if he was ever going to achieve comfort around Novi in public places. Marge checked her tablet for a few seconds and then nodded slightly. A familiar device was propped in front the old woman.


"You know what to do." She said, almost rolling her eyes. After they had scanned their prints, Takeshi and Novi waited for the results. Marge's tablet finally blipped green and they were admitted into the 1st Annual Community Ball at Concord Center, the event of all events, the celebration of celebrations, and the gala of all galas.


@Agent Nine


(( I was tempted to put the ball of all balls. xD ))

 

[Agent Nine]

Novi kept her eyes on the valet during the exchange, making sure that he caught her staring at him whenever his eyes wandered from Takeshi's questioning face. She had no reason not to trust the guy, but...well, just how much trust could you be expected to put in a person who parked your car? "Eh, this place is crawling with soldiers," she commented as they headed towards the crowd of couples. "That guy would have to be a pretty huge idiot to try stealing a car during a night like this."


Her words probably didn't work as a great reassurance, but she tried. Once they got on line, Novi redirected all of her efforts on keeping herself warm. The molasses-slow pace of the line wasn't helping her, and after a few minutes the young woman had grown tired of people-watching. There was a particularly touchy-feely couple a yard or two ahead of them that seemed intent on eating each other's faces off. Novi wrinkled her nose at them, though she doubted that they noticed. Geez. It's barely been an entire day.


The line idled along, and it was around the time that they'd finally gotten to the front that Novi had begun to appreciate all of the extra body heat floating around. Hugging herself, she walked alongside Takeshi to the check-in stand, and was pretty surprised to see a disgruntled Marge staring back at them, the bags under her eyes seeming to have doubled since earlier that evening. The sheer amount of lights and LEDs highlighted every wrinkle and fold on her old, aging face. For a moment, Novi almost felt sorry for her and the unbearable jobs that she was forced to endure. The young woman kept quiet, however, scanning in her fingerprint like she was supposed to. Then they were officially admitted, and made their way through the grandiose front doors.


The whitewashed walls that greeted them made Novi squint. "What the hell...? Is this is a ballroom or a clinic?" She muttered, sending a narrowed gaze around as she took in the tall white walls, somewhat-white floors, and glass ceiling. Not to mention the constant swarm of people. Couples walking hand-in-hand, couples chatting with other couples, couples avoiding one another...it seemed like all walks of life and attitude were shoved into once space. And here she was, in the middle of them all.


Once her amber eyes got used to all of the whiteness, Novi found that the sheer amount of people was a bit startling. Still hugging herself, her glances around the area became more and more cautious as the seconds went by. "So, uhh...where are uuhh...those friends of yours? The ones you'd mentioned before."


@CommodoreOlaf

​

 

[CommodoreOlaf]

"Friends of mine..?" Takeshi was confused for a second. He stared at her blankly before realizing what she had meant. He jostled himself out his gaze and said, "Oh, yeah. I'm not sure. They said they would be here." Upon entering the ball, they was greeted with the sound of soft classical music and the aromas only the Upper Class could create.


"Maybe I should look for them-" Takeshi was cut short as a large arm swung around his shoulders, bringing Takeshi into the torso of a tall, built man. "Or not." Takeshi rolled his eyes as the man appeared.


The he had curly blond hair, hazel eyes, and a square jaw (with a matching square nose) that always reminded Takeshi of a boxer.


"Takeshi! There you are! I was looking for you earlier. I was worried you had gotten caught up in one of your projects and I'd havta-" The man's lips stopped as his eyes fell upon Novi.


"Who might this be?" The man's concerned features turned into an impressed grin. He released Takeshi from his seemingly iron grip and sauntered to Novi. At a first glance, she seemed nervous, her eyes focused cautiously on him. However, as he neared her, she didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable, almost indifferent to everything.


"My name is Mr. Micah Red. I'm Takeshi's uncle. You must be?" He extended his hand towards Novi, careful not to appear demanding or submissive. It was important to leave a neutral impression on everyone he met so as to give the chance for own opinions.

 

[Hanzax]

Hans Grøngaard @Syrenrei


Having adorned his http://www.image.s5a.com/is/image/saks/0465279713400_247x329.jpg Dress Suit as Skye doubled checked the apartment for any abnormalties that need taking care of. Making sure his tie was straight and his shirt was yellow shirt was trimming correctly he awaited his partner in the living room. He was informed that they were to be chauffeured to the ball in one of Skye's acquintances. She had manipulated her hair into a style that Hans had never seen before, let alone thought could appear. It was quite fancy yet at the same time fairly mild and mature. Clearly time and effort had been spent on her look, which had payed out, the most extravagent feature of his own attire was the scare on the left side of his forehead.


As they stepped outside and into their transport there was not a word being said. The suit was surprisngly comfortable considering that it was designed to represent ones status at all costs. Spotting the military personnel scattered throughout the city to oversee the event was not difficult if one knew where to look. Silhouettes ontop of buildings and balconies were spread exponentially as they got closer and closer to the Concord Center. If it weren't for his particpation in the festivities he would of been stationed alongside his comrades.


They had arrived as the car came to a smooth halt and the unique sound of a car door opening following shortly after. Hans stepped out of the luxurius car, out into the chilling wind. Walking up to Skye's side at the feet of the stairs before the sparkling building which looked more along the lines of a firework. Taking the initiative, he hooked arms with his partner. "Shall we?" He said as he took the first step up towards the white and rich building. Moving slowly up through the crowd they had quite quickly made it to the check-in.





Having checked themselves in without mishap or concern gave them pass inside. His strides now giving off a differnt clang as they entered into the upper-class and crystalline white walls. Following the directions that had been spread courteously across the hueless walls. Joining the the crowd inside the ballroom that was protected from the elements by a huge overhanging glass roof. "So, what do we do now? I'm not experianced with the conduct of a ball."

 

[kitsunemage]

The dress was beautiful. Cut uniquely in the same fashion as the ruby one she had thought to wear for her love harvest- where the front of her legs were shown and the back of the dress draped and trailed behind her. The body of the dress was a brilliant white, feathering up over her chest and cinching her tiny waist to even smaller proportions- like a small glass doll. Fragile and delicate, it seemed to convey. The train of the dress followed behind her- the light fabric seeming to float across the floor, fading into a bright blue reminiscent of the unclouded sky. It was everything she had ever wanted a dress to be on the day of her love harvest- calling to mind old stories of grand weddings and true love.


A painful reminder, but one that left a sweet ache in it's wake.


As Whitman tradition called, her mother and father had both procured something to gift to Aislyn- her mother had crafted a brilliant white masquerade mask, delicately filigreed white gold that swirled and danced around fine blue topaz, branching off in a feather-like pattern to one side.


Her father simply gave her a white rose, attached to a band of sapphire blue ribbon to weave through her hair, a gift that sent her into another round of tears despite her best efforts to remain stoic.


Her own touch, a simple band of blue topaz set in silver, gracefully twining around her neck- echoing the deep tones of her eyes.


All she had left to do was work up the courage to step out of her car and join the throng of people on the steps. She had to stay composed, hold back the wetness that prickled at the corners of her eyes brought on by a strange sense of loneliness, watching all of the couples- happy or not- mingling on the steps.


"Miss, are you okay?" Shaun turned in his seat, the black cap of a chauffeur squishing his normally vibrant curls. She couldn't remember a time aside from the love harvest that she had been without Shaun. He was her guard, playmate, driver- a constant companion through the good times and the bad. Not that she'd really had many bad times in her past, but he was doing a wonderful job of keeping her from sinking into her thoughts once again. Her thoughts weren't the happiest of places to be lately.


"I'm fine, Shaun. I just... need to be fashionably late, you know how it is." Shaun chuckled, adjusting the fit of the cap on his head.


"Very well then, Miss Whitman." Aislyn had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. She had told Shaun time and time again to call her by her first name- and the one day he had actually gone along with her wishes resulted in a week of missing him from her regular contingent of guards. He insisted on using her last name after that, and he wouldn't tell her any more about it.


But still... the familiar banter helped shore up her courage, give her the strength she needed to finally take that first step out of the car, and make her way up the steps. Isolated, despite the press of people on either side- giving her a little bit of a birth due to the ridiculously expensive looking dress. Soon she was scanned in, and lost in a sea of white, littered with the colors of suits and dresses like spots of paint scattered across a canvas with no particular rhyme or reason.


Where did she go now?

 

[Agent Nine]

And then in came Rocky Balboa Sr.


Novi started a bit as Takeshi's self-proclaimed uncle emerged from the writhing crowd of couples, throwing an arm that was as thick as a tree branch around the guy's shoulders. She could see the familiar resemblance as far as muscles went...if genetics truly worked that way. Maybe they didn't. She'd always had trouble with that area of Biology.


"I was worried you had gotten caught up in one of your projects and I'd havta-"


'Havta' what? Beat him to a pulp with your pinky toes?


The man's attention switched over to her after a moment, and Novi found herself just the slightest bit unsettled by his grin. Un-slinging his arms from around his nephew, he walked over to her, and she kept a look of pure indifference upon her face until he was about a foot away. He outstretched his hand, and she gave it a look before taking it and halfheartedly shaking it. "Novi," She said, resisting the impulse to use her last name. Being legally "married" to Takeshi now probably meant that she'd be taking on his last name, but she couldn't bring herself to use it out loud. It'd take some time. Then a sly smirk wormed its way onto her face, and Novi asked "Could I call you 'Uncle Red' for the hell of it? Or just 'Red' if you don't want me calling you 'Uncle'."


@CommodoreOlaf

​

 

[CommodoreOlaf]

Takeshi watched anxiously as Red began to converse with Novi. The large man had a reputation as an avid party-goer. If there was beer, he was there. It wasn't an alcohol problem, no, but in Red's honest values a party without refreshments of intoxicating-capable nature was not a party. Takeshi knew he was a good-hearted man and had the utmost respect with others, but it took only one epicurean evening to turn Red into a boisterous, criticizing, jerk. As his eyes would droop low and his mouth would drool open, one could easily mistake his drunken state as that of a mentally handicapped citizen. His slurred, brazen speech made it even more convincing. He would later regret what had happened afterwards, sending apologies every time.


"We got matched up today." Takeshi said, his voice barely passing as whisper.


It didn't seem like Red was inebriated at the moment, so that was good. Takeshi feared for the later hours of evening as more alcohol was served. He was sure, he would have to leave early.


Red's face and tone turned very serious as he clasped his hands together.


"No. It's just Red. You may have been paired with Takeshi, but as of today, I wouldn't consider you family." His eyebrows narrowed as he stared at Novi with hard eyes and his lips were pulled taut. After a couple moments, Red's face contorted into an expression that could've been interpreted as easily as the expression of pain as he howled with laughter.


"I'm just kidding with you! Call me whatever you'd like. You're part of the family now! Though I feel bad for you; you got matched up with this guy." Red gestured at Takeshi, who had been looking around nonchalantly, admiring the ceiling work and the masses of people. Red, teary-eyed, neared Takeshi and elbowed him in the side to grab his attention. "Tell me, how does someone so inexperienced with women get matched with one as delightfully beautiful as Miss Novi?"


"I don't know, Red." Takeshi shrugged, as if tired. I think it has something to do with being sober. Takeshi admitted that would've been a low blow to verbalized the thought, but it had appeared in his mind fair


"Well, whatever it is: you seem to be doing it right." Red confirmed with a slap on the back and another hearty laugh. Then, he turned to Novi and asked,


"Miss, if you don't mind me asking.. what family did you originally come from?"


@Agent Nine

 

[Agent Nine]

The bulky man's features suddenly seemed to turn to stone, and Novi found herself staring at him, confused. His attitude had done a complete 180 degree turn, and the blunt words that left his mouth only succeeded in confusing her more. Once the shock ebbed, however, Novi narrowed her eyes and sent the man a vicious, searing glare. But before she could open her mouth and say anything, he started to laugh.

A joke, huh? He sure as hell had sounded convincing. Novi was silent as the man yowled and brought himself to tears. Part of the family, he says. Huh.

Right then and there, the young woman decided that she was on the fence about Takeshi's uncle. She didn't hate him, but she didn't much like him, either. He was nice, but he was also an eccentric, and merely standing next to him like she was making her feel a bit overwhelmed. It was like being in a room full of dim light-bulbs, only to find one that was ten times brighter than the others.

Novi smiled a little at Red's compliment, figuring that it'd be the reasonable thing to do. As he went on, her gaze flicked over to Takeshi. He looked...uncomfortable. Not a whole lot, but enough for her to notice.

"Miss, if you don't mind me asking.. what family did you originally come from?"

"Uhhh...the Yuille family," Novi replied, thinking that the question was a bit weird. It's not like the man would know who they were. "You wouldn't know 'em. Err, me. So, have you tried the food yet? Is it any good, here? With all the money that they're pouring into this thing, I'd hope it was."

@CommodoreOlaf
​

 

[Syrenrei]

Skye Yoona Park


Skye allowed Hans to take her arm and escort her up the stairs. At first glance the gown had some sheers layers but was not all that thrilling- yet when she ascended the steps her bare legs slipped through the slit and the exposed skin met the frigid air. A young gentleman and his wife stared at her briefly for this transgression but she pretended not to see as she continued with perfect poise. As one of the elder ladies here she was meant to be elegant and sophisticated, but also as modest and possible for she was wed and this was a community affair. Raised brows greeted her with some of the 'staff' and she gifted them only a charming smile as if she were oblivious to her minor transgression. What could they truly say? Plenty of the eighteen-year-olds were just as guilty of flaunting their figures. One of the greeters in particular pursed her lips at the sight in obvious disapproval.


"Well, we can dance if you are a confident lead, we can converse with the masses, or we can partake in the food and beverage," she offered. It was dubious they knew the same dances as he didn't frequent a ballroom but she could always be surprised. Assuming that he would rather partake in the latter she glided them towards a large table that was laden with both drinks and what looked to be a marvelous cake. The pizza had settled into the pit of her stomach in what felt like a ball of grease but she had no regrets. Skye convinced herself that the cake would solve the minor indigestion she was suffering from and the punch would soothe away the dull ache. Wiggling her arm free of his grasp she reached for a cup filled with the government-approved non-alcoholic concoction and eyed the cake.


No doubt there would be some people wandering up the concessions in a similar fashion. They, like Skye, would assume that all the best deserts would be gone and only sub-par leftovers would remain after the halfway mark of the ball. It was best to enjoy the confections now as the dancing would not cease until the end and it was also clear the government did not permit 'early dismissals.' With a glance around she did not see familiar faces other than Hans yet. A couple at the opposite end of the table were giggling and flirting shamelessly, clearly pleased with the day's events. Another were bickering and rehashing an argument earlier in the day about what residence should become the marital domicile.


"We can also just mull around here and talk with ourselves as some others appear to be doing. I don't suppose you had any siblings or other relatives that participated this year? I only have a couple cousins and they are my seniors by several years, not to mention we aren't very close. That is one thing I have certainly realized paves a difference between the various classes. The Lower Class relies on each other out of necessity, keeping each other close, while privilege tends to distance the Upper Class. While we may be bright, beautiful, and educated, it is surprisingly easy to be completely solitary. I've not been to one of these affairs in three years." She flashed a tempered smile and reached for a slice of cake. The flavour didn't particularly matter; allergies had been bred out of them and as such she suffered from none.


@Hanzax

 

[Auren]

Sammy was rambling about how her parents died when she was young, and how she came to love her adoptive parents when they recieved the letter for the ball. It didn't take long for both of them get ready and they arrived only a few minutes late, something that Sammy blamed on her mother's picture taking. When they arrived, Sammy was so distracted by the decorations, she barely noticed Flynn beside her.


Once they had entered the ballroom, she noted how her dress, which had been something her mother had worn around her age, didn't seem too outdated. It wasn't until they were near the refreshments, including the famous cake everyone talked about after such get-togethers, that Sammy turned toward Flynn. She grinned widely at him.


"Isn't' this exciting, Flynn?"she exclaimed as she nudged his arm with hers. He was wearing formal attire as well, and it flattered him quite a bit. Sammy gave him a once-over before winking. "I'm sure glad we are arranged to be together, or I'd fear having to fight off the ladies tonight,"she giggled. She glanced around the room, looking for familiar faces. She doubted she would see any of her friends, but she would love the occasion to show off her new best friend.


@Flabbysaurus

 

[CommodoreOlaf]

Red raised an eyebrow. "The Yuille family? The name actually does ring a bell. I used to know of a fellow with the last name of Yuille..."


Red began rubbing his chin. "I only met him once, but he seemed like a man of general benevolence. Would he happen to be of some relation to you, Miss Yuille?"


Red, out of the corner of his eye, spotted a waitress coming in with a tray of champagne. He extended his hand and gracefully swooped a glass, bringing the bubbling liquid to his lips and downing it in one go.


"The food, eh? Is that what you're so concerned about? I'd imagine at this point Takeshi would have manned up and made a proper meal for his new partner." Red shrugged his shoulders as he laughed a hearty laugh. "If you are still wondering, yes. The food is decent enough. I would've preferred the heart-fruit to have been cooked longer but I guess the crunchy version has started trending. I would recommend the Xango shots, though I know Takeshi wouldn't be so fond-" Red raised his empty champagne glass and placed it on another passing waitress' tray, but stopped mid-sentence as Takeshi stepped in with two champagne glasses of his own.


"I retract my case." Red said with a chuckle.


"I didn't know you guys were already best friends."


Why am I drinking champagne?!


Takeshi had never experienced being drunk or hangovers so the entire experience would be totally new and foreign to him.


Well, it's better than bringing Novi a drink while a a stand there awkwardly.


"Well, son. Some friendships just blossom."


@Agent Nine

 

[Agent Nine]

"I used to know of a fellow with the last name of Yuille... I only met him once, but he seemed like a man of general benevolence. Would he happen to be of some relation to you, Miss Yuille?"

Blinking at him, Novi gave a flat "No" before letting her attention shift over to some couple standing a few yards away. The guy was wearing a monkey-suit a lot like Takeshi's, the only difference being that every inch of it was a dove-white that made him blend into the walls. A major eye-sore, in other words. His partner was wearing a coal-black mermaid dress, one that pinched her waist and fanned out over her toes. Novi wondered if they'd planned on the contrast. She also wondered what kind of effect they were hoping it'd make; if anything, the man was virtually invisible and the woman was a black speck amongst a see of colors and styles. They weren't any more noticeable than the rest of the government's playthings that filled the ballroom.

Red had been talking the entire time she'd been willfully distracted. By the time Novi turned her head to look back at him, both the man and Takeshi had taken champagne for themselves. She sent a disinterested glance the waitress' way. "I'm gonna go and grab something to snack on," she said, already slipping her way through the mass of people as the words left her mouth, the light clip-clopping of her heels standing out a bit against the rest of the noise. After some time, she managed to make her way over to a clothed table, where some people were gathered. There was a good amount of food lining it, of all sorts of sizes, colors, and smells. Novi's attention fell on the tempting-looking cake a moment late, and then her eyes flicked to the woman who was currently cutting herself a slice. Gaudy dress, gaudy hair...an Upper Class woman, undoubtedly.

Novi reached around her and got a tiny place, then hesitated. "This is normal cake, right?" she ventured, asking the woman though really directing her casual question to anyone who bothered to answer. "Not some gluten-free, hypoallergenic crap?"

@CommodoreOlaf, @Syrenrei
​

 

[Hanzax]

Hans Grøngaard @Syrenrei @Agent Nine


Following his partners suit and lead he slipt on over to the table and the its centerpiece, the cake. Drinking this early in the festivites was not a possibility. In the few family parties that he had participated in everyone would first eat before drinking, not for etiquette reasons but something much more impressive. Being able to hold ones liquor well was important for reasons unfathomable. "Some how my parents managed to get away with having an only child. I have plenty of cousins but we'd only meet at special occasions and I doubt I'd recognise them in this crowd." He smiled as he sliced a piece of cake and placed it onto a plate.


"As far as my usefullness on the dancefloor goes, I know a bit of quickstep and that's about as far as it goes." He said as he a girls voice caught his ears, a question that was an icebreaker without the slightest doubt. It was directed to someone in his direction, quite possibly designated for Skye. "I'd hope so, sugar feels better than artificial sweetener." Hans heeded the girls call for a larger company than just her acquintance which did not seem to be acquainting her. Most noticeably she was of a height much more similar to his own, that and she was of a darker skin tone. Her dress was much more simple compared to Skye's and clearly had no outstanding interest in the festivities.

 

[Pequeno Burraidh]

Artis arrived at the ball far later than she had originally intended, wearing her street work gear, a black tank top, sleeveless hoodie with a skull on the back, ratty jeans with holes in the knees and knee high combat boots, from her operation a little while earlier, and rather disgruntled that Tobias had managed to wiggle his way out of the ball by scheduling and important meeting with a government official.


In fact, Tobias was obnoxiously involved with the government, and that wasn't necessarily a good thing in Artis' book.


Regardless, she was at the ball. Alone. With a rifle and a sidearm. She couldn't help but think that she needed to research a way to make friends. In the mean time she'd settle with enjoying the food that was being provided, as m.r.e's sucked, and tasted like slop half the time.


With any luck someone would come say hello, but cchances were she'd be chilling alone for the ball.

 

[Syrenrei]

Skye Yoona Park





The majority of the crowd was relatively well-behaved. Even amongst strangers they gravitated towards certain cliques: old Upper Class, new Upper Class, Middle Class trying to become Upper Class, middling Middle Class, and the like. She watched them out of the corner of her eye and observed as Hans cut himself a piece of cake and younger woman approached, speaking and grabbing herself a plate. It reeked of following protocol, obeyance, and moderation. With a smile to herself, Skye cut herself a generous slice of cake that would make most of her snooty peers recoil in abject horror. It was these little things that peppered her life with fleeting amusement... and she was quite fond of all things culinary. "Considering the exorbinant lengths they went to have this ball and the fact there are particular palettes in attendance, they'd be out of their minds not to serve indulgent cake. I'm not sure if you've seen an entitled young woman given sub-par chocolate during one of these occasions? They'd make such a fuss you'd have those well-trained security forces ready to shoot themselves in the head to escape." Skye retrieved a polished fork and pierced the confectionery with immense satisfaction. Scooping as much as possible onto the prongs, she took a large bite that made a passing socialite gasp. As an afterthought she dabbed away a few crumbs while she chewed. Yes, they had certainly pulled out all the stops. She'd send her regards to the baker if she was able to but it was unlikely he was in attendance.


After she swallowed down her dessert, she sipped at the punch and set that down as well to extend a hand to the woman that had approached her. There was no air of judgment; Skye acted as if they were equals and not of different social standing. Her gaze met Novi's squarely without looking down figuratively or literally. "My name is Skye, and this is my husband Hans," she greeted smoothly. She purposefully omitted their last names as she didn't want to create a question of how they should be addressed. One girl she used to know would state her first and last name to imply that everyone should call her Miss and her last name. It was exceedingly polite and haughty. At first Skye thought it was cute and clever but as the years wore on she found it incredibly pretentious. Jacqueline was no longer included in her circle of friends.


"So, what brings you here?" she joked before withdrawing her hand, not minding if the shake was taken or declined. It was quite all right if Novi was put off by her attire and status; many were. There was also the matter of the scandalous slit, of course. Catching a security personnel sweeping their eyes among the participants, she did a little wave as the female frowned at her. The government didn't appreciate 'interpretations' of their regulations. That was the biggest qualm she had with soldiers- they seldom smiled. It was reassuring that Hans did not suffer from an affliction of being insufferably strict.


@Hanzax , @Agent Nine

 

[Flabbysaurus]

Flynn listened intently to Sammy's story about her now deceased parents and her new adoptive parents. He was happy to hear how much she loved her adoptive parents. Flynn could only imagine how strange and difficult it was having two strangers act as your new mum and dad. Once the pair received the letter inviting them to the ball the rest of the day went by in a blur for Flynn.


Flynn was out of it for the most part, he seemed to be the only one confused by how fast everything was happening. He put on his dress suit that he normally wore when going to a formal event with his family. Whenever he saw a camera held by either his parents or Sammy's he automatically began to smile for the multiple photos that were taken. Before Flynn could even fully process the previous events him and Sammy were already at the ball. He nodded in response to Sammy's first question. Flynn honestly didn't want to be there. He'd already been to plenty of formal events like this as a child and this was no different, except he wasn't with his parents this time. The snow outside had caught his attention more and he would've rather played outside in the snow than stay at this ball. But he knew he couldn't just leave. The government probably wouldn't allow it.


"Do you see food anywhere? I'm starving." Flynn asked Sammy as he looked around the large crowds of people to see if there was any. He was starving.

 

[Agent Nine]

Novi gave a small grunt of agreement at the man's comment, sending another questioning glance at the cake. It was definitely pleasing to look at, what with all of its delicate frosting designs and sugar-bowties, but the appearance usually had nothing to do with the taste. For all she knew, it'd been laced with something. Novi gave a small shrug, anyway, and went to cut herself a good chunk of cake, following the example that "Skye" had perhaps unintentionally set. It was free food, after all; why shouldn't she indulge in it as much as she felt like?

...Huh. Skye. It was a nice name. And "Hans" sounded German, for some reason; the young woman was tempted to ask about it, but nodded instead and grabbed herself a fork to start dissecting her cake slice. "Novi," she replied, eying the woman's hand for a moment before she sacrificed her utensil hand to give it a half-hearted shake. Then she took a few forkfuls of the cake, surprised at how good it actually tasted.

Instead of smirking or snorting at the woman's obvious joke, Novi gave a prompt, flat response. The sarcasm was a bit difficult to pick up on, though. "I'm a real estate agent looking to con indecisive couples into buying Middle Class condos," she said, somehow stuffing her face with cake without it looking as uncivilized as it could have. "Ha. I'll bet there are some of those around, disguised to blend in with the crowd or something. Anyway, my uhhh...partner is the one in the monkey suit over yonder. Standing next to a blonde Rocky Balboa." The young woman pointed over to Takeshi and Red, having to stand on the tips of her toes a little to spot their heads over the scores of others. It looked like they were chatting and enjoying their drinks. ...Well, Red was doing most of the chatting and most of the drinking.

Novi frowned a little, wondering if she was supposed to go and drag him over or something. It wasn't like Takeshi was on his own, but...really, he might as well have been, with the way he was acting.

Did she feel bad? Maybe. Just a teeny bit.

Turning back to Skye, she was quiet for a minute as she mulled over what else to say. A conversation had been started, whether she'd wanted it to or not. And it'd be stupid to suddenly walk off. Looked like it was time to train those fabled "social skills" that the government so expected her to excel at. "So, uhh...do you guys know if there's stuff planned for the rest of the night? Or are we just supposed to stand around and talk for three hours?"

@Syrenrei, @Hanzax
​

 

[CommodoreOlaf]

Novi, with few words, left and made her way to the food table, which left Takeshi befuddled. He began to feel... Tiny, despite his large stature. Was it something he said? Or worse, something Red had said? Takeshi glared at Red who raised his hands up in mock submission.


"What?" Red's lips curled upwards in a grin as he swung another arm around Takeshi. The uncle eyed his glass, decently full but it's amount dangerously low, according to Red's terms.


Takeshi down his champagne as his nerves began surface, submerging his emotions with bubbly liquid. Maybe she was just hungry? Takeshi realized it may have indeed been just a lack of food or a simple curiosity of the provided nourishment (if cakes and sweets where what you considered nourishment) and that he was merely overthinking things. Taking a deep breath, he looked around the party. Among the many faces, he saw smiles, frowns, tears, and laughter. They were truly a diverse community, but they were all in the same boat. Takeshi just couldn't tell if he was drowning. Novi seemed to be enjoying the party or at least herself. Glancing back at the table, he confirmed this when he saw Novi strike up conversation with another couple. Well, might as well find some people to talk to.


"You know, she seems like a nice girl. I can't imagine the computer decided on you becoming her partner."


Takeshi twisted his head to look at Red, eyebrow raised. "Or vice versa."


The uncle released Takeshi and slapped him on the back. "The point is, I think you guys work well together."


"You think all couples work together." Takeshi returned, dumping the contents of the second champagne glass in a nearby plant, hopefully without anyone noticing.


"True, but Takeshi, this one. This Novi. There's something about her. I can't put my finger on it, she's..."


Takeshi glanced again at the food table, meeting Novi's eyes as she pointed to where he and his uncle were. Novi's talking about me? Takeshi felt his stomach squeeze up against his ribcage as he saw her hazelnut irises fall on him.


"... different." Red cocked his head to the side, wondering what Takeshi was staring at. He then tapped Takeshi's face with the back of his hand, bringing his nephew back to his senses. "You're drooling, Romeo. Go clean yourself up with a napkin."


Takeshi shrugged past Red, dismissing him with a wave, and weaved through the crowd of people. Red called after him,


"You only have once chance, Takeshi. Don't sit around, expecting things to happen." As the people began to thin and he reached the edge of the party, he slowed and turned to examine the entirety of the room. One chance for what? Old man.


For a second, he actually checked for drool, in the event that Red wasn't teasing him. Fortunately, Takeshi was fine. All of the people he saw were engaged in conversation or preoccupied with something; eating, taking pictures, discussing the effects of embryonic stem cell on the methods of cross breeding.. Whatever hot topic was burning between two people in the room, Takeshi couldn't find something to relate. Looking to the side, something caught his eye.


Extremely differing from the rest of the formalwear was a woman who seemed... dark. Her skin, as little as it showed, was not dark but how she carried herself, expressed an atmosphere of hostility. She was dressed in dark clothing and she had on jeans with holes in the knees, tucked into high combat boots. A hoodie rested on her smaller frame and next to her, lay a rifle, almost out-intimidating him with the menacing sidearm he noticed was strapped to her waist. A soldier? She looked nothing but, however only military were allowed to own and handle weapons and rebels were not stupid enough to flaunt their gear at such a highly protected event.


What the heck. There was nobody else to talk to in any case. Might as well try out these socializing skills, skills Takeshi believed still existed to some extent (he had done okay with Novi). Okay, maybe he sucked, but he at least he courage.


Nearing the woman, he cleared his throat, and said,


"That's pretty kind of you." He said, gesturing to the firearms. "To sacrifice your life for the well-being of our community." oh God, please be a nice person.


@Agent Nine , @Verrianna Valentine

 

[Pequeno Burraidh]

Artis' eyes lit up and her entire mood perked up as well as she realised she was being addressed by someone. Locking her eyes onto the man, she quickly assessed him before settling that, to her at least, he was not a threat and he seemed nice enough. Her bubbly side rising, she cracked a wide smile and waved a hello.


"Heya, some party huh? Evewryone's all decked out fancy, but I'm more function over fashion, y'know? Anyway, I suppose it's pretty kind. I grew up in the lowclass slums, lost my parents young. They got sick, and rather than risk things they sacrificed their lives, so I decided I'd follow after their model, already having an interest in law enforcement. I guess it's just being loyal to my own morals and beliefs, you know what I mean?"


@CommodoreOlaf

 

[Syrenrei]

Skye Yoona Park


"Most balls have only three activities: eating, dancing, and talking. Many of the older ladies at balls I've attended use it as a means to get caught up on all the petty gossip and making veiled attacks at each other under the guise of pleasant conversation. Don't suppose your monkey suit knows how lead a waltz?" For the briefest moment Skye considered offering to dance with Novi. It would create quite the stir as the Upper Class stared on in scorn, scandalous talks about her being a lesbian circulated, and the government glared with contempt at the display of non-married 'affection.' As tempting as it was she was relatively certain that would actually cause one of the parties to take hostile action. Dancing with either Novi or Hans also had the same core issue: Skye was almost certainly the only of the three that could lead and it was considerably more difficult as a shorter and smaller female.


Glancing over towards the other woman's spouse she noticed he was departing the company of 'Rocky Balboa' and was striking up a conversation with a woman obliviously of some military clout. Not just any soldier could waltz in here so casually dressed, much less armed, and not be sternly reprimanded by their superiors if not evicted. Would Novi be jealous if she saw? Sure enough there were still trysts in the community, but very little came of them. In the days of old romantic interludes might end with a couple eloping together or an affair could culminate in one of the pair leaving the other for a new lover. The government was an absolute authority and did not permit elopement or dissolving a marriage for feelings or an unexpected bastard child. It mattered not if your wife or husband had wandering eyes for they will always come home to you... and if they did not, force would be applied until there was compliance or eradication.


"So when you're not selling real estate, what do you do?" she asked in a joking tone and a smile. The big pieces of cake she took were lightening both her mood and spirit. Truly the way to her heart had become through her stomach. A few stubborn crumbs were sticking to her lipstick and the edges of her mouth but she seemed to neither notice nor care. "I'm a law student and Hans is in the military. Hans, do you know who her 'monkey suit' is talking to over there? She appears to be in the military as well."


@Agent Nine , @Hanzax

 

[Agent Nine]

"Waltz? Ha...I have the slightest idea," Novi replied with a shrug. "Honestly, though, it wouldn't surprise me if he did. Today's been a pretty...eventful day as far as surprises go."

Eventful. That was a good word. The day so far had been a surprise-fest, and Novi personally wasn't sure if she'd be able to hand any more of them. She'd had enough to last her the rest of the week. Twirling the fork around in her fingers a bit, she went back to digging into her chunky slice of cake. That was when Skye's eyes seemed to wander, and Novi was quick to follow the woman's gaze to its source. It looked like Takeshi was leaving his uncle to go and talk to some chick. Squinting, Novi noticed how the woman was interestingly clothed; everything was black, in a uniform sort-of style. That jacket looked pretty comfy. It hadn't occurred to Novi that the woman could be in the military, but Skye's assumption planted the possibility in her head. She certainly had the posture of one.

Damn. The military's allowed to stroll in here wearing whatever they want? If I'd have known that was a perk, I'd have joined.

It was a slight joke, but Novi would have been lying to herself if she'd said that she hadn't ever thought about joining the armed forces. It had always been a compelling idea to her, especially during those slow days where she couldn't seem to find things to do. Those were the moments that she'd sit back and imagine what it'd be like to be a soldier, to be skilled with all sorts of shotguns and rifles and blasters. She'd wonder what it felt like to be obligated to fight to protect a government that she, more or less, hated. The military get up was pretty cool-looking, too.

Did it bother her that her "monkey suit" was off talking to some other chick? Not really, no. She looked like she was an interesting person to talk to, and Red was probably on his way to becoming roaring drunk, anyway.

Refocusing her attention on the woman in front of her, Novi managed a small smile. She'd never spoken to upperclassmen or women, before, and had always held onto the preconceived notion that they were a bunch of show-off-y, pretentious, snobby assholes. And yet here was one, with a kind face and a sense of humor. "I do odd jobs at restaurants," Novi replied, more used to the words, now. "Errr...well, I guess it's a specific restaurant at the moment, but...waitress-ing and cleaning and such. Nothing uber-fancy."

@Syrenrei
​

 

[CommodoreOlaf]

"Law enforcement?" That sounded very cool to Takeshi. His eyes lit up and he immediately straightened. He had a feeling she was of military background but when she had confirmed it, something came over him like a wave that compelled him to assume a state of respect. Of course, it was his nature to show respect for every individual he met but this woman seemed especially honorable.


"That's very interesting. Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself. Did you come with anyone?"


Takeshi took up post next to her, making sure he looked comfortable enough to talk to but not so comfortable as to appear odd or weird, in a way. What he mentioned reminded him of his own partner and he found his gaze wandering over to Novi. She was still engaged in conversation and that gave Takeshi positive feelings. A warmth seemed to glow from his cheeks as he turned back to the military woman.


@Veirrianna Valentine

 

[Pequeno Burraidh]

Artis gave a slight chuckle, not only at the sudden change in posture, but at the idea that even if Tobias had come, they would not have come together. Instead she followed the man's gaze to another woman a ways away talking to another woman, also noting that she had been looked at once or twice by them.


"Nah, I came here on my own. My, ahm, 'significant' other is much more of the business man with business with the guys that pay me at the end of the week." Artis jibbed, "How about you? You seem like you're 'other' is over there. Which makes me wonder, what dragged you over to the refreshment table?"


As Artis spoke she snagged a bottle of scotch clearly being taken to a upperclass-man. One glare and a flash of the Bulldog at her hip had him shut his mouth before it even opened. Taking a deep swig and giving a slight face at the burn Artis tacked on one more comment.


"Also, you forgot your name, goof. Mine's Artis Latharnach. That's a phlegm 'ch' not a hard 'ch'."