metalogs | Closed | Watching On The Wires

Entry tags:

Closed | Watching On The Wires

Who: David Alleyne

helpdesk_hero, Bart Allen

kid_flash_found, Balthier

portolan, Peter Parker

kindofamazing
What: Technopath Investigation of Excelsior
When: February 15th
Where: Excelsior City Streets, The Chai House
Content Warnings: N/A

I. The Initial Investigation | Closed to Bart

Picking where to live in a world like this is always something to be cautious about, and no one could honesty say that David wasn't a cautious person. He had to figure out what he wanted after all, and privacy was an important thing for him.

Which would be doubly true if he really was going to live here in this world as a hero. To finally have a chance to choose the life or not, and get to have the shocking chance to have an actual secret identity was strange. So he wanted to be able to protect it, and the people he loved, the best he could. Which was the purpose of being here today. From the little he'd learned of Excelsior, it was a perfect choice for him. Which of course made him all the more suspicious. Good thing he had backup for investigations.

"Here," he said to Bart, offering his friend his hand to hold now that they'd arrived. Not that it was his hand that he wanted to give Bart so much as the earwig in his hand. The best way to stay in contact with Bart without actually talking about what he's talking about.

"This place looks amazing," he said aloud as they moved through the streets.

II. A More Targeted Approach | Closed to Balthier (and a hint of Bart at the start)

First phase of the plan completed, David had to admit to himself that there was as a need for a whole different kind of assistance, and he thought he had an idea of who might serve for it. Sure, Bart could work in a pinch, but a specialist might be better. So he sent the text invitation and hoped for the man to agree to join him.

So he sat in the tea house, sipping a cup of the rose black that of course reminded him of the person he was hoping to get some help from. Still, he sort of twitched in his seat, anxious to see if he'd get the support he'd thought.

More than anything, though, he needed a specialist, and Balthier didn't show up, David might have to ask another favor of Loki.

As he looks up from his latest check of his phone he catches sight of Bart looking at him.

"What's that look for?"

III. Crossing A Hero | Closed to Peter (TASM)

Of course even after Balthier, David realized he still had other things to do. It wasn't intentional, but he'd been passing by the local police station by accident and... Well, he got to thinking. Not like anyone would notice him if he got onto the roof, right? And up there he could easily run into all sorts of wires and antenna and other methods that he could access a system out of sight. And since he'd gone with a very tech world look of dark brown slacks and a warm black sweater, all he had to do was stuff his yellow scarf into his pocket to be a bit less obvious. He circled the building casually, waited until there was a moment where no one was looking and he could see he was in a camera blind spot, and then he moved.

Climbing up the side of older concrete buildings like the police station wasn't hard when he could use his energy projection to form climbing claws on his palms. These helped him easily scale the side of the building, quickly and safely, until he lifted himself quietly onto the roof to look for some sort of access point for his technopathy.

Always helped to know what the local PD was working with.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Eloquence was a gift that David often ran into, but rarely did he ever see it put to use not to convince someone to another's point of view, but rather to say that it was okay to hold one's own so strongly. Listening to it all from Balthier just made it feel all the more right. It... It gave him hope. This friendship would work. And comforted by that, he squeezed Balthier's hand again.]

Going to put it out there that if looking into antiques or acting doesn't work for you, you should consider writing your memoirs. Except make them more fantastical and sell them as fantasy novels. People would want to read them, Balthier. I would claim to want to read them too, but I think I prefer hearing them the way I am, little crumbs that can be gathered together to find the shape of you.

[Perhaps that was weird to say, but it was true. Then again, suggesting such a thing to Loki had only resulted in quite the fight, so he didn't press further on that direction.]

If, perchance, you hear rumors of that sort of tech with the Society, or someone planning for that, don't try and stop it alone, okay? Get word to me, and I'll make sure there are people to deal with it. There's a serious difference between living your life your own way and something like this Ba'Gamnan or your father. And I won't live in the shadow of people like that.

[He finally smiles again at Balthier and pulls him along. They have other stores to check out. He'd made a decision for himself, he was going to keep Balthier. Friend or whatever didn't matter. What David wanted was the showy man around him.]

So, I know it's a bit late into our work to be asking this, but how am I paying you back for this favor?

[ There's something heady to being direct and having it accepted so readily. Balthier had been fully braced to part ways; he always was. David's hand in his didn't enter his calculations. He processes too slowly to react before David pulls his hand away. ]

I think epic poet with myself as the main character may be too grandiloquent even for me. But I wouldn't refuse a private audience. I'm not sure if I shouldn't be more careful about the shape I'm painting. [ Honestly he's both flattered and a bit intimidated. He's excellent at cons and bluffing. He's not sure what's actually there will hold up. But that's the point, isn't it? Learning to stand in that truth, too. ]

I can agree to that -- I've learned my lesson about acting alone. And you're clearly both experienced and brilliant. Both are helpful when trying to save the world.

[ If he knew about David's decision, he would both melt and be so caught by surprise that he would, as was rare occasion in his life, be at a loss for words. He's used to people flirting and charming him. He's not used to them seeing him, the real him, or sticking around. He feels that something has shifted though, and he's a little more at ease. ]

I know better than to waste the favor of someone so skilled. I'll let you know.

[ This time when he follows David's lead, there's no pull to be in control, no anxious energy. He could get used to that. ]

You think it would be too over the top, but I don't. One of my friends, Laurie, she made her life off of it actually. Though if you were to invite a private audience, he'd have to owe you at least a drink.

[Experienced and brilliant? Nope, not flustered and flattered. And man, he's definitely trusting this guy so much more than expected by not trying to get an exchange or idea of an exchange now. He trusts that Balthier wont' abuse the favor.]

Come on, the next target is probably more your speed. Not computers, but rather a jewelry store. It's going to be more complicated.

Oh this is actually a valid occupation? Fascinating. I might end up liking this world more than Ivalice. Regardless, I'll need to practice. Drink sounds like a fair entry price.

[ He has the absurd urge to take David's hand. Arm in arm is something he's had to do for events since birth, but hand-holding is intimate. That also makes it a little too forward. Flirting is one thing. ]

What's a jewelry store have that the tech stores don't?

Oh it really is. Writers are sort of beloved here. I'm going to buy you Lord of the Rings. You'll like it, even if it might be sort of deep. And you'll have to tell me what you like. I've also got the skills of a certified bartender.

[If only he did, if only he reached for that. But David, he's not thinking of the possibilities as they approach the next target. HE's got to focus.]

A lot more cameras. They watch a lot more closely. The cases everything is stored in are also alarmed. There will be more sales reps probably. My best hope is to try and touch a case and follow the electronics there, but zoning out won't be easy to get away with.

Now you have me wondering if I haven't stumbled into the afterlife. Unlimited access to funds, good company, and a bottomless list of recommendations for books. No one's going to believe I was a pirate when I end up spending all my time in cafes reading. [ Honestly it sounds too good to be true. Once, a long time ago, before his father and the Judges and pirates, he'd dreamed of going to university, becoming an actor or a professor or an art dealer, having that kind of quiet peace. He had moments of it on the Strahl with Fran, some of his happiest memories. But never within the fold of society. ]

Ah, the cameras. I haven't adjusted to consider those. Unfortunately my magick doesn't seem to fool those, at least not yet -- I'll happily take ideas in the future if there's a way to do so.

How long do you need contact? We could be looking for something to buy for you and point through the cases.

I doubt the unlimited access to funds will last. There's too many of us. The guilds can't maintain this without the Society going apeshit on robberies for someone's benefit other than theirs I expect. And there is nothing wrong with reading in cafes, though I prefer nice wood paneled private libraries when I read.

[He didn't read things often, save for the purpose of brushing up on the more scientific skills. When he did, he wanted peace for it, and not a lot of people around.]

Talk to your Society recruiter. Maybe they can set you up with something nice.

[Cameras not fooled by magic? How interesting.]

How long will be variable, if I'm honest. I have to find if there is a system, and then find a way to get through the glass and metal to the wire. That may not be possible at all. Then i've got to follow that to the system it's connected to and see if it-

[That's probably not helpful.]

I don't know. But yeah, looking for something to buy me sounds like a good idea. If we're lucky the place will be one of those that likes to show off ring designs. Some places in my world do that. You pick the loose stone and they help you pick a setting and the like. If they have that, it's the best way I can work.

And now you know why I'm setting up antique dealing. Haven't been to a place that the wealthy won't pay hand over fist for a rare and beautiful item. If I'm in the Society, black market clients will seek me out -- I can screen them, of course, but they'll pay better. Plus if there's anything like an aristocracy here, someone has pockets that are unimaginably deep. [ His family was new money. His father had coveted old money more than anything -- wanted Balthier to marry in, though that would have worked better if he'd been a daughter. Ironic, he supposed, that when he had a chance with a queen she was essentially penniless. ] Reading alone is also wonderful. I just haven't wanted to be alone lately. I'm sure that'll even out.

Alright, so we go in asking for help with a ring setting? William von Hombold can have some family jewel he wants reset but was too pearl-clutching to bring along. If you need me to separate and distract, tell me these just aren't your taste.

Rare and beautiful items, all sold by something equally rare and stunning.

[Listen, it isn't often David flirts, so please don't look too closely at his face while he's blushing for having said that. Just, don't.]

The US doesn't, in my world, have a lot of aristocracy. Just wealthy business people who see themselves as such. You'd need places like England for true landed gentry who are trying to show off with purchases. No, the New World, as it has been called, is all different levels of New Rich.

And my desire to read alone comes from being in a world where anyone ten feet around me is ringing in my head a little. So, you know, not always true here.

[Ring setting sounds like a choice. How do they work that out?]

Sounds good. We'll ask to see the loose gems first, as a means by which to compare what you have at least in terms of color, so we can use that as guidance in their systems. Might make it easier to make us seem very serious. What's my reason for being there? Is the resetting for me?

[ Balthier doesn't catch the blush but he catches that David's gaze is elsewhere. For how direct the fellow usually is, Balthier takes that as mild self-consciousness, and he's flattered. ] It does help. Pity for them that I'm harder to catch.

[ In a few months when Balthier has a better grasp on American history, he'll be happy to debate the idea of whether there isn't an aristocracy or it's simply been folded into more palatable terms. But for now, he takes David's word for it. ] New Rich has a deeper hunger for status objects. Sounds like I'm in business.

I'm glad that change in your abilities was a pleasant one. I know I'm repeating myself, but your life sounds exhausting. I'm impressed you accomplished as much as you did besides, but with navigating a head full of noise--it's a lot of self-discipline. I'm not sure I'd have ever left my ship at that rate.

I definitely think it's for you. We can use the same dynamic of your being uncomfortable with large purchases and my being insufferable. Are you my primary lover in this scenario or would there be someone else? [ He feels a twinge of possessiveness in that question. Balthier, darling, you met this person two days ago and are inquiring about their character. Easy. ] My question is does the piece of jewelry need to steer clear of any particular marriage or courtship conventions here? If we're doing jewel I'm assuming we'll look at something bulkier.

[There is nothing at all mild about that self-consciousness. It's there, it's full on, and he's trying ot keep himself controlled on the relief that Balthier takes the compliment and doesn't really have an issue with hit.

Though one day they should have that debate. It would thrill David to talk about it.]

Oh yes, very hungry for status objects. The United States has a very consumerist culture, and collector too. Even if you went into a different sort of sales, you'd find buyers. You won't have trouble there. It's the finding them and having them come to you that can be hard.

[As if 'never leaving his room' would have solved anything. David had dreams once too, just like Balthier. He's stated with his own longing for art, though his mixed with sports in the form of figure skating. When he couldn't have that he'd wanted college and university and beyond, and he hadn't known what he'd wanted to do with it. In some ways the paths they had taken were not too dissimilar. But that would be a lot of nights, and perhaps a few bottles of wine, before David would talk on deeply.]

If this Earth is like mine, there are deep meanings to getting another person a ring, at least if it is worn on the left ring finger. So provided we make sizing abundantly clear to relate to another finger, it would still be seen as a romantic gesture, but not a pending nuptial, which would be courtship. But men's rings are typically made bulky compared to women's. In my world marriage between two men is a lot more recent so there's still evolving trends on how you would make that look. You'll see pieces there which will help with the idea. But giving rings and jewelry is common. Most men tend to get jewelry given to them in the form of watches or cufflinks or if they have pierced ears, earrings.

[Which David clearly doesn't. Though his eyes do go to Balthier's. Some of his were very different from anything David was used to seeing.]

But earrings can sometimes be related to whole other subcultures and all of that. I warn you, they will be eyeing yours and evaluating you as much on that as on what you're wearing. Jewelry sellers can be snobs.

[And next to Balthier, David would look bland, not wearing a single bit of jewelry. Though, after a moment's hesitation he reached up and took his ever-present glasses off to pocket them. While he would prefer to display data on them, he wanted a specific look going in, to seem a touch more appropriate on Balthier's arm, which meant abandoning the glasses.]

Our worlds share at least some ring tradition and snobby jewelers it seems. [ He takes in the gender information for future thought. He’d assumed with David’s ease that male male relationships were accepted here. He’s disappointed to hear that’s not entirely the case but also all the more pleased David is willing to be seen that way with him, even as a con. ] There are other styles as well — I’ll have to see what I can spot that’s similar to home.

I have to admit I’m not used to being the least culturally savvy. I have a lot of studying to do. They can certainly judge my earrings all they like. Those came through with me.

[ He offers his arm again as David pockets the glasses. ] Shall we, dear?

[Oh, David had absolutely researched to make sure that being out wasn't going to be an issue here. It had been a relief. But that didn't mean that there were deep traditions yet.]

I'd be glad to know what reminds you of home. Mostly because the small things, like how people decorate themselves, can speak to culture and history. As for your earrings, well, they look nice.

[He wants to suggest that Balthier would probably be well served with asking his guild handler about some sort of cultural crash course. But that's for another time. He takes the arm and curls around it again.]

You know, it's a good thing I chose a sweater. Makes me seem a touch slighter. People would absolutely look at us weird over a guy built like me just snuggling up to you. This Earth clearly has some of the whole toxic masculinity mine does.

[ With the right teacher Balthier would be happy for culture and history courses. He’s going to enjoy YouTube when he figures it out. ]

My thanks. I’m certainly no stranger to typing and social scripts. Their loss. You’re exquisite and I prefer a solidly built gentleman. I’m also completely confident that we look dashing together. [ He could not care what others think but he is sensitive to harassment or discomfort of others. He doesn’t want David to feel uncomfortable especially if they are going to continue…whatever they seem to be doing. ]

[Just remember not to fall down the hole of 'build your own house with no tools' youtube, Balthier. It is deep and hard to get out of.]

Keep talking like that and I'll think you've put thought into how we look together.

[Time to go in. He puts on a calm persona and pauses at the door. There is every reason to expect Balthier, or the role he's playing, to be the gentleman here.]

[ It’s Balthier’s turn for a silent decision. He’s going to take David out properly. And be explicit about what he’s doing.

He of course gets the door and launches straight in. ]

I just think you’d be happier with something more unique. Classics are so easy to make look cheap in amateur hands.

[IT was a moment of resolve that at least one of them had come to. The resolve David had was for the work, and it slid into place before they opened the door. The line was just too easy to follow up with, and he knew the role to play. A lot less confident, a lot more likely to get along with the sales clerks, and trying to be placating so they wouldn't look at him as much as at the 'hassle' customer. So when he spoke it was as if to try and relax Balthier some.]

They're classics for a reason, and this shop isn't supposed to be cheap.

[And right away a sales associate zeroed in on them, greeting them cheerfully.]

Of course not. I wouldn't go anywhere that didn't have at least some recommendations attached. Ah, wonderful. We have a stone we want to have reset. Dear, let them size you. I'm not certain that last place performed it correctly.

Ww're looking for something modern, but still classic. Unique but not so loud. One of a kind but not gaudy. Maybe regional, but not quaint. Dear, do let me know if if you see anything. [ All obnoxious customers give contradictory artistic requests. ]

[The gentleman smiled at Balthier like he hadn't just spewed the most maddening series of requests in the world. Some of it was possible, of course, and the store did enjoy trying to 'modern re-imagining of classic looks' approach, but come on!

David did his part by giving the man a pitying smile, like he knew how Balthier was being, then moved to the sales clerk as they pulled out the loops for the ring sizing. While the man sorted, David laid his hand on the case itself, trying to will his awareness down through the case and into any electronics.

Truthfully he wasn't surprised to find nothing as the man offered him loop after loop to try on.]

All I know is that silver won't look good on me.

[That line was for Balthier of course. Because really, David was a guy for gold accents. Oh, who was he kidding, gold was the primary, everything else was an accent.]

No, you're warm toned, and the gold matches my hair. [ He's still in character but none of that is fabrication. He's noticed David's yellow accents; man has an eye for shape and color. ] It's too bad citrine is so cheap -- the color is so good on you. Alas. When my buyer gets those orange sapphires, we'll get you something else made. [ Probably should have checked on stones types before using them, but if the metals are similar, he's willing to take the risk.

He sees David pull his hands back. ]

I don't think any of these are right. [ He moves on to the next case, pulling David with him. They didn't look done sizing the rings, so hopefully that will buy them time for a second case.

He wonders passingly what kind of jewelry David actually likes. He hasn't seen any on him. ]

[The yellow association definitely wasn't David's doing. It had been given to him, and he'd learned to work with it over the years, even growing fond of it as he'd come to know and understand fashion. Though really he liked that Balthier was working this angle rather well.

Mostly, though, he has to work not to giggle over the way the sales clerk looks put upon to have to follow after David's hand when he's pulled away from Balthier. This was almost making him giddy, the way that Balthier commanded the space so effortlessly, especially as the sale clerk's coworker was definitely watching Balthier now. At least the sales clerk was trying his hardest to get David more ring sizes to try, accidentally having fumbled to the side of too large rather than too small now, and the man tried to offer some suggestions.]

We do have some lovely chocolate diamonds we could offer. They would go well to accent sir's eyes.

[And that's where David wished he had true telepathy, so he could try and warn Balthier off of agreeing. If Balthier was going to play someone so picky as to refuse citrine, then he might well know enough as a buyer to know that 'chocolate diamonds' was just the latest in decades worth of marketing ploys to sell bog standard brown diamonds at a mark up. Browns were usually the sort of off-color diamonds used for industrial purposes, and 'chocolate' diamonds were just the latest in a long line of names like cognac and whiskey diamonds to sell browns as jewelry quality.]

Wouldn't brown seem pale against my skin?

[It was David's best attempt to warn Balthier off as his hand settled on another case. Dammit that wasn't working either.]

[ David's protest is enough to tip Balthier to reject the offer. It helps that every rejection is an excuse to move to another case. Plus he isn't really expecting to purchase unless David signals otherwise. ]

Not enough contrast, no, plus if you don't care for it there's no point. Maybe fire opal? The color would be good though I'm worried about the softness of the stone.

[ Balthier is delighted the stone knowledge seems to cross over, though he steers away from any magical stone names. He'd be fascinated to hear about market issues. He has so much to catch up on. ]

Hmm. A lot of silver in this case too. [ He steps over again, trying to keep the cases in some semblance of order for David. ] I was told you had some very special pieces. I'm not sure I'm seeing any yet. This really needs to be a special ring.

[Something in how the female clerk looked at Balthier told David that the act was going well. He knew that a lot of jewelry store employees worked on a mixture of wage and commission, and so she was seeing the bucks rolling up the more Balthier talked, and was envious of the clerk that had finally made a pleased noise over finding David's ring size. As for David, he had to play his role so he demurred as he set his hand on a third case. Still no luck. Damn, they weren't going to get in through the security system.]

It's not that special of a ring. Though I guess nothing here looks as good as the one you showed me the picture of.

[The ring they were supposedly here to have a stone reset from.]

Perhaps instead of focusing on something we already have finished, we should talk about how to make something that will be truly special for you both. Tell me what sort of stone this reset piece is, we can bring up examples of it in our specialized preview software and use it to help us make something just for you. Consider it bringing modern technology to one of the oldest of businesses, to make every future memory with the finished piece its own marvel.

[ Oh, they're good. William von Hombold is absolutely the pompous idiot who would fall for this attention. But Balthier needs to get David to another case -- although maybe a preview speaks to a computer? ]

What do you think, dear, do you want to look at prototypes or would you prefer the physical?

[ He's considering which stone to say they have. Something expensive, of course, but he's also curious what color David may actually like. ]

Is the design software easy? I mean, do we have to talk you through it all, or can we play with settings too?

[Clearly it was what David wanted. A guaranteed in road.]

Well, normally we prefer to do the driving, so to speak, but clearly you are discerning men, and I'm happy to talk you through the system if you'd like.

[Bingo. David turned his attention to Balthier with a soft, curious look.]

Could it hurt to try?

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