[ OPEN ] willkommen, bienvenue, welcome

[feintofhart]

Who: The Adults Of Aldrip
Where: A handy dandy bar!
What: Claude has collaborated with one of the local bar-owners to host a Chosen-only night for the adults of Aldrip to have a nice night away from the prying eyes of locals.
Warnings: Alcohol, drug-use, grown men making embarrassments of themselves, potential hand-holding.



Welcome one and all to a place where the Chosen are able to unbutton that top button, sit back, and relax, free of the badgering eyes of locals, and able to mingle amongst like minds! Your local Apothecarist, Claude von Riegan, came up with this idea with one of the local bar-owners as a good way to drum up business amidst the Chosen for a place for the Chosen and the Chosen alone to be able to shed some of that weight they've been carrying. Claude himself has made no secret of the fact that he's the one who put this shindig together, openly advertising it as something of his own creation, a community building effort for everyone to bond with one another in a context in which they're not forced to do so by threat of death or imprisonment.

For this evening, liquor has been put out for the Chosen to serve themselves, and runs freely enough that everyone will be able to drink their fill, though there's a table at the back of the room laden with all sorts of bar snacks to help fill people's bellies and soak up some of that liquor; flatbreads and fried delights, a generous selection of meats and cheeses, and confections enough to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.

Along the south end of the bar there are a collection of booths, far enough away from the booming sound system to be able to chat quietly amongst themselves, if you're the more retiring sort and would just like to have a nice talk over a pint or two. In this area, you may also find a few hookahs at your disposal, filled with tobacco or hashish, courtesy of Claude himself -- though he hasn't shied away from cheekily including business cards at each table, advertising his place of business should you wish to purchase teas, salves, potions, and yes, all manner of smokable delights.

In the centre of the establishment, chairs and tables have been cleared away to make room for dancing, if you so please, with the sound system at the Chosen's disposal if they want to pump up the beats or put on a slow song to rock to and fro with a honey or two (or three?).

Lastly, there's a brand new karaoke machine that's been installed along the far east corner of the room, in case anyone would like to thoroughly embarrass themselves. What do you mean, you're a good singer? Then get out of here! You should know by now that that's not what the spirit of karaoke is about!

If there's anything else you would like added, dear player -- just write it in, and it's yours! Whatever can feasibly fit into a bar, you can assume it's present for all and sundry to enjoy.

Comments

[conflictresolution]

[Their interactions had not been many, but he had found nothing particularly untoward when it came to Miller. The man was one of the few grounded people in this place, and from what he had been able to observe, at least could moderate emotions and behaviour. Miller was also the only other 'old man' in of the Chosen, and that had to hold firm for elevating his opinion.

He walked off to a booth, finding one in the corner of the room that gave a relatively expansive view of people enjoying the festivities to their own detriments. He eased himself into the seat and set his tumbler on the tabletop, though it didn't appear as if he had actually touched it.]

It seems so. I have heard no complaints about it, and I would ignore most even if they arrived on my doorstep.

[He was fishing in his coat for his cigar case, despite cigarettes, hookah and other means of smoking were freely available. He side-eyed Miller as he dug out a half-smoked cigar then offered the case towards the other man.]

Have you endeavored to make a life for yourself here yet?

[melnik]

[ While he hasn't actually stopped to think about it, it is without a doubt true that the age disparity between himself and the majority of the other Chosen really makes Silco a desirable drinking companion. So, they have that going for them. There are all kinds of distractions to be had, of course, but these are really trying times without his crew to clink glasses with.

Once it's free of debris to his liking, Miller slides in on the opposing side of the booth to him. Speaking of distractions, his eyes light up with interest when Silco offers him the cigar case. ]

Where did you find these beauties?

[ Taking one, he turns it in his gloved fingers and waves it under his nose to take in the aroma. From Claude's apothecary? He was equally surprised to find one of the business cards earlier. Although he did hear what Silco asked, which dampens the appreciation he wants to have for all the luxuries available here. He stares at the cigar solemnly. ]

I have adjusted. My "life" is on a train in Novosibirsk. That will not change. But until I can make it back...

[ His other hand drops heavily to the table. ]

Well, I have to make this work. I have an arrangement with the casino. Acting as security. Do you have a light?

[conflictresolution]

I've had the benefit of being able to bring them in from home.

[He took back his case and tucked it into his jacket pocket again. Then he was searching for his lighter as he nodded his head as it seemed that Miller had managed to settle into Aldrip. With the borders closed to leaving, it seemed that such a choice was the only option.

He was far more keen to talk about Miller than anything else. Tonight might be the night for avoiding probing questions in return.]

A train, hmm? That sounds lacking in stimulation over long periods.

[He pulled out his lighter and flipped the lid to snap a flame into life. He offered it to Miller first to light up the cigar.]

Is that so? How do you enjoy working there? I assume it has had its make-over and is less shady?

[melnik]

Good man.

[ Far be it for Miller to start accepting the Council's conditional benevolence himself, but he must admit that having a stock of familiar niceties like this is a decent perk. He leans in to accept the lighting of the cigar appreciatively before moving back to settle into the corner of his side of the booth. The corner of his mouth turns wryly as he inhales a drag.

This isn't something he's wanted to be so forthcoming with, and he could have let it go misconstrued... but they've had a few conversations by now, skirted around it already, so he just decides to say it. ]

It is a fine vehicle, but it is not the train that I refer to... It's Anna. She is extremely ill. Her husband and I left her on that train to find a cure for her.

The casino is doing all right. I can personally vouch for one of the owners myself. But I am only trying to make ends meet while I keep trying to learn more.

[ Clearly that hasn't gone so well. He scowls, resting a hand on his glass only to swirl the liquor in it around aimlessly. ]

It's like we are rats in a damn trap. We are too short-sighted to make any progress.

[conflictresolution]

[Well, it seemed they had a taste for the finer spirits of life such as cigars and distilled alcohols, which he could appreciate on some level. Perhaps tonight was not the time and place for that given his mood, but he had come to escape that if possible. So once Millar's cigar had been lit, he brought the lighter to his own and dragged on it until it was lit as well. The lighter was flipped closed and tucked away into his vest pocket.

His attention sharpened at the mention of Miller's daughter whom they had discussed in the past cursory. That the other man felt confident enough to divulge some actual information as to the state of his daughter was both a boon and a curse as it turned his thoughts to his own daughter and her prolonged absence.]

What seems to be the ailment that plagues her? Illnesses are common in my city, so perhaps I can offer some assistance on that front.

[He realized it didn't matter what he said though because Miller was here and his daughter was there. Still, who knew what knowledge they would leave with, if any at all.]

Oh and which owner are you vouching for their character?

[He dragged on his cigar, hunching over in the booth uncharacteristically. His mismatched eyes focused on the table as he considered and to an extent he agreed. There was starting to be a desperation in some to leave this place.]

Did you have conversations with that element of this place? They were rather enlightening.

[melnik]

[ Fruitless as it may to try seeking out a cure here, it is a desperate situation, especially not being certain if time is passing for those they've left behind or not. So, if he's already being this candid, he may as well go all the way with it. He stops agitating his drink and stares down into it. ]

She breathed in a toxic gas. Probably a chemical weapon leftover from the war. We went to search a research institute in Novosibirsk for a cure. There was a nurse traveling with us who claimed they stocked a drug developed for exactly that purpose — but the radiation... even in the metro, it is eight times the levels of radiation in Moscow. Any wrong move and it would turn into a suicide mission.

[ He stops, downing the rest of the glass, and when he speaks up again, his tone dips low. ]

I abandoned them. I am stuck in this city with food and a bed to sleep in, and they are still there. Fighting for their lives.

[ Perhaps that was a lot for him to just throw on someone else. Miller has no desire to vie for sympathy though. These are just the facts, and if nothing else, it must make his desire to leave that much more clear. That last suggestion really grabs his attention. ]

What do you mean "element" of this place? Are you talking about the tower? [ Unfortunately, he wasn't able to reach the end himself, but he heard some talk about it... Ah, but Silco had asked another question. ]

I was referring to Toph who is leading the security team. She is truly first-rate.

[conflictresolution]

[Silco's gaze sharpened at the ailment afflicting Miller's daughter, and then his head leaned back to rest against the back of the booth. It was such a common ailment for the Undercity, particularly those who worked and sometimes had to live in the lower levels that it was almost easy to forget that such toxins may not be common for other populations to have to contend with.

Yet, for now, he simply listened so that Millar could speak his peace and the extent of the issue, and the man's motivations became all the more clear to him. So, playing at a peaceful life while the fear of allies and his daughter hung in the balance? It was a testament to Miller's patience to not just move to making constant demands to leave.]

You understand that you coming here isn't abandonment of your mission, correct? It seems to me that none of us are given the choice, and perhaps while they fight, you will be successful in finding that cure.

[He shrugged his shoulders, taking the time to have a long drag of his cigar and allowing to smoke to curl out from his nostrils.]

There was an element of this place content to seek information about us and in turn allowed us to ask questions. It was informative enough. Did you take that opportunity?

[He would try to avoid any conversation related to the tower. Just mention of it made his mood sour. Of course, his mood acidified at the mention of Toph; they had had a single interaction and he had not been impressed. If anything, his opinion of Miller reduced at the high praise, but no matter. Everyone was entitled to their opinion on another's character.]

Is she? Tell me about her, if you would.

[Never let an opportunity to learn about other people go by was something he learned a long time ago.]

[melnik]

[ For Miller, it is helpful for the problem to be approached in such a logical manner. He is not generally inclined to divulge he is struggling with something, but that's just it. If there is any progress he can make towards finding a cure, it will be easier to make if he is forthright.

But he doesn't say thank you. He sinks lower into the booth, breathing in another drag of smoke. ]

Yes, you're right... Is it an illness you're familiar with?

[ And although he doesn't make it incredibly obvious, the shift in Silco's demeanor is palpable enough for him to get the point that, no, he is not referring to the tower. Now he gets it. ]

Oh, that. Yes, I tried speaking with it... but just the fact that it appeared on our network may mean more than anything it had to say. Did you learn anything from it?

[ This response is probing, perhaps, but it isn't that Miller is unwilling to divulge what its appearance means to him. Depending on what Silco says, he will get to that. It doesn't occur to him that the tone shift has anything to do with Toph though, so on that front, he doesn't hold back. ]

Toph is a strong girl. I met her not long after I arrived here. She has a unique power and has seen battle at a very young age. When the miasma took hold of the town, she and I worked together to find the missing organs, but we ended up encountering a very grisly sight instead... In the Metro, it is not uncommon for children to become self-sufficient. I have met known many kids that work and fight on the same plane as men. But she is still one of the most remarkable I have met.

[conflictresolution]

We have similar illnesses where I'm from, though the cause is likely not the same. Still, the ailment and its effects have taken many of my people to an early grave.

[There was something to be said about being a poor miner from an early age and dealing with the noxious fumes, the poisonous chemicals and the contaminated water that degraded an entire population. Shimmer had systematically propped up and destroyed a generation as well, but it was no worse than what could be found in the Sump and below.

He was reminded of Jinx alone and concussed with internal injuries on the bridge. Sometimes death is a mercy. Never once had he believed that and looking next to him at Miller, he wondered if the man would make the same extreme choices to save Anna.]

As parents, people underestimate the extremes some are willing to go in order to save their children.

[He sat up and leaned back into the cushion of the booth, tapping ash off the end of his cigar into an ashtray.]

I did. This is not the first iteration of this place, and there may be a tipping point where whatever this is happens to be scraped and they start again. Where that point is, I don't know. It also has questionable taste in morality and seemed to want to learn from us, which... given some of the personalities here, I expect we'll all be doomed now.

[The distraction was appreciated on some level. He didn't want to think about the lurking nightmare waiting for him when he closed his eye to try to rest. This was better, gathering intel on someone he didn't have a fond opinion of from someone who clearly did.]

A unique power, hmm? [He knew of course. He had enough spies in this place to gather intel on obvious strengths and weaknesses.] Are you saying that she's a child soldier?

[melnik]

[ Ever since she was born, all he ever wanted to do was to protect Anna. It was a feeling that only grew and transformed as time went on—as their adversities mounted, as he was forced to reckon with what was truly important. It had all culminated in this battle for her survival. He found himself willing to throw everything away in order to save her, to know that maybe someday she would have a chance at a different life. They spent months on the road after the actions that had them seen as traitors to their own people and it wasn't until he was faced with the very real threat of her death that he found himself letting the preoccupation with finding his way back to Moscow somehow start to fade into the background.

And now he's been torn away from the ability to do anything at all. It's easy to become desperate, cling onto any shred of knowledge that might change things. So far he has resisted that through a combination of mistrust and reason.

But Silco draws his attention without even directly saying anything. Miller's eyes flit to him intently and stay there, the fingers on his free hand flexing tensely on the tabletop. ]

For example? You sound like you know this intimately.

[ As for the interaction with the intelligence on the network, this is also quite interesting. It seems to confirm some of the theories being talked about before. And Silco's transparency prompts Miller to start giving his thoughts as well. ]

Damn. Yes, I gathered that it was trying to accrue information from us. I am convinced a security system was triggered by meddling in the algorithm upholding this network. The appearance of this element, as you say, was a result of that. I don't think it's necessarily good for us to speak with something like that freely... but if it is an artificial lifeform, it can be influenced.

[ So, risky maybe, but it's progress that he's not seen up until this point. They need to take advantage of it. He pauses for a second, tapping ash from his cigar. ]

Well... I believe it is something like that, yes. I didn't ask for details.

[ She has her prodigy level earthbending, and he is aware that she played some part in the ending of a hundred year long war and that is about where his knowledge ends. As someone who keeps their cards close to the chest himself, he tends not to dig deeper than others are willing to go on their own, so long as it doesn't affect him. ]

[conflictresolution]

[This was not the topic that he wanted to discuss as it hit a touch too close to home, and yet, it was another decision that he had to make back then. Hadn't it made it back then knowing he could lose her anyway? A small treacherous part of him knew he could lose it all, but the risk was worth the larger opportunity to save her life. He'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if that decision would land him in the exact same situation he was now.

He glanced side-long at Miller, frown twisting his lips before he took a long drag from his cigar. He was buying himself a few extra moments of not speaking of his daughter.]

My daughter was nearly killed by a concussive blast at close range. She sustained... significant internal injuries. I made the decision to save her life at any cost, confident she would survive the process and... the substance required to save her life. [Shimmer. A dose that high... he hadn't been awake for the process, but he knew.

He stared straight ahead, nodding his head between the topics. They had to believe there was some control of this situation that they found themselves in, otherwise they would each other alive or rebel and break the system beyond repair.]

It is an evolving system then. People were desperate for information, and that was the first solid lead for many. Of course, they would offer more than they should. It would seemingly glitch out under certain questions in return.

[He shrugged his shoulders, letting the topic drop without a fight. He wasn't going to probe more than he already had, and it didn't matter much either. Most here didn't bother to hide their specialties.]

[melnik]

[ Miller is quiet as he listens to that, the cigar burning untouched in his hand for his attentiveness. It was not his direct intention to dig up bad memories, but as Silco avoids fully meeting his gaze, he feels the weight of it rather wearily nonetheless. He shakes his head, staring down at the table with his brow furrowing. It really isn't so different a scenario. While he bites his tongue on saying so witlessly, he's sure he'd have done the same thing. ]

What a terrible experience. Thank goodness that you were able to save her. Is that what she meant when she said she was a "super soldier?" What is this substance?

[ And was he suggesting that it might save someone in Anna's condition...?

Somehow the discussion of their fate here is the less heavy of the two. He stops to consider it for a moment. ]

I suppose there must have been limits to how much information it was able to relay to us. I'm no tech guy, but I wonder if this system could be dismantled further...

[ Sitting up straighter, he suddenly takes his empty glass in hand and looks up, giving a wave to a nearby server. ]

Another whiskey, please. [ And then to Silco, ] Can I get you another?

[conflictresolution]

[He recalled vividly Singed comment about if he was willing to lose her; hindsight made it clear that it hadn't been death the Doctor had been talking about. Had it been worth the consequences of saving her life? Yes. He didn't regret it at all, even if it cost him his own life in the end.]

Is that what she calls it? [He snorted and took a drag from his cigar.] Enhancements are some of the beneficial side-effects yes. It cures wounds, ailments, afflictions, and disease. [He breathed out the rest of the smoke.] It's called Shimmer. You may here various stories about it from those of my world, but I believe it could save your Anna at the right dosage.

[That was, of course, assuming that things here could go back to where they came from. After all, they brought items from home, and who was to say they couldn't trade? There was no evidence thus far for or against that, and what did either of them have to lose?

He nodded, considering the potential implications of messing with the system. If they pushed too far, too hard, or too fast, it might end it for them - for him. And then he'd cease to be. His empire would truly be over.]

The issue is the lack of subtlety from some which may disrupt the system out of what we can hope to control. As I'm certain you've noticed, compliance is not most Chosen's strong suit. Caution is also not their strength.

[He considered and simply nodded his head for another whiskey. He'd call it quits after that.]

[melnik]

[ This substance (drug?) sounds too good to be true. Usually when something sounds that way, that's because it is, but when the alternative is death, the drawbacks do tend to become more acceptable. And given that this is all a pipe dream at this point and he has no real way of knowing whether or not he could bring it back to her, Miller is highly inclined to entertain it.

Which is why he doesn't ask about these stories. About the less beneficial side-effects of which he's sure must exist. ]

Silco... Do you have Shimmer here?

[ It is clear from the way that Miller focuses all in on him, from how he sets his cigar down and brings both hands to the table, that he is gearing up to make a plea. All he needs is a "yes." Laying out all of his cards in front of a businessman like him might not normally be advisable to anyone looking to make a deal... but Miller is not concerned with splitting hairs. There wouldn't be any price too steep.

On the behavior of the other Chosen, he is in agreement. However, personally extending this cautiousness has not seemed to lead him anywhere so far. ]

You're right, but I do wonder if it is even possible to keep everyone in check enough to try a different approach. No matter what we do, people will keep bashing their heads against the walls like it's going to break them out of prison if they just don't give up.

[ Can he afford to just be patient? He really isn't sure anymore. But in any case, he's pleased to have the drink offer accepted and calls out to the waiter with a "make that two!" ]

[conflictresolution]

[Over the years, Shimmer had been refined to various versions, concentrations, and substrates for administration. The Doctor was responsible for that, and he would continue to fund any research requests because of it. He wondered if Sevika would upkeep the refineries with him gone or if they would be choke-held by another Chem-Baron. No matter.

He swirled his whiskey, ignoring the growing anticipation in the man next to him. It was palpable, so he knew what question was about to be asked of him. His mismatched eyes flicked over when he came, observing Miller with all that unspoken desperation of a father willing to make the hard choices for the benefit of their daughter.]

It's dangerous to ask such things. [He lifted his tumbler, dropping his voice to where the other man would have to strain to hear but still could.] Yes, I do.

[While he had no doubt that the sister and the enforcer were fully aware of Shimmer being present thanks to Jinx, he kept his dealings in the substance very subtle. It was for family personal use, but he was willing to entertain providing it to Miller based on previous discussions and the fact this one seemed to have restraint. Though, he did have to wonder what sort of monster could be let out of the bag if Miller was exposed to some of the newer versions.]

It would take something to bind us together with a united purpose, and I don't believe that we have reached that point. There are plenty of free spirits.

[So far there wasn't any one person that could bring everyone together. There were an extensive and complicated amount of competing agendas, and he wasn't yet willing to put the work in for a play at leadership. He also had little interest in following the directive of others.]

We will have to settle on some agreed solution to our existence here someday.

[melnik]

[ The message is clear to him already from the halting path it takes to get there. The last few softspoken words are just the seal. Instead of jumping to his feet though, Miller looks away, taking a deep, silent breath of the smoke still rising from his cigar. Of course he thinks of what Silco has brought this drug here for, but self-servingly, he lets it stay a passing thought and leans into the backrest of the booth with a casualness that removes the gravity of his request obvious to anyone out of earshot. ]

Your price... Name it.

[ What more needed to be said?

He isn't too keen on letting someone else take up the leadership mantle either, but if that was what it took to come to a collective decision, then so be it. That said, he does unfortunately have to agree that such a notion seems incredibly far off. ]

The problem is that this "something" to bind us together may never happen on its own. We may need to force it to happen. And that is a risky move that so far has given us very little payoff.

[ And it isn't that he's unwilling to throw his hat in the ring, mind you... it's just that it needs to have a ghost of a chance beyond let's blow shit up and see what happens. ]

[conflictresolution]

[If he had come here to this gathering expecting to be negotiating for his prized product as a distraction from his loneliness, he actually had no idea. Shimmer had to be a closely kept matter for him as he understood the current abuse of it could result in the Council removing it completely. He could not allow that to happen, and yet, a certain reckless part of him was interested to see what this place would be with it here.

He sighed from his nose at the open-ended request, mismatched eyes staring into the depths of his tumbler as he considered his options. He liked a decisive man, which Miller was proving to be.]

I'll think about it. After all, I don't yet know what you have that I want. I would advise when I provide it to you that you keep it on your person at all times in case you are taken from this place.

[Because he would give a vial to Miller. There was no reason to deny a father the opportunity to save his daughter, and Silco was convinced that he did have a solution to that problem in Shimmer. He had seen it work, and he hadn't cared for the cost even now when it had cost him his life. He would do it again in the heartbeat even if he had to repeat the decision.

He dropped his tumbler back on the table and reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose to chase away a headache.]

You speak truth, but there are some that will carve the power for power's sake, for control. The right person that most can get behind, even grudgingly, will be the most difficult part of any venture here. Who would want such a position knowing they have to hold the multiple factions together? It would be like herding cats.

[It would be a thankless, frustrating position. He figured someone would have to 'play nice' otherwise it would cause a war between the multiple groups. Normally he would just kill a few people to get everyone in line, but that wouldn't work here. He knew that and getting everyone hooked on Shimmer would also create a dangerous situations. He would have control in his own way, but it had to be subtle.]

[melnik]

[ This event was apparently designed for the Chosen to strengthen their bonds with each other, and although Miller had really taken it as an opportunity to gauge others' willingness to work together on investigative efforts, he also had zero expectation of where it has actually brought him. Specifically, where speaking to a familiar face has brought him.

The impulsivity of his actions are only starting to hit him now that he's heard it: "when" I provide it. Very well. That acknowledgement is satisfactory enough for now, more than satisfactory even. Maybe he was getting too in the weeds with this man he barely knows for this drug that he knows so little about. But what does it matter? It's all a hypothetical anyway. Any shred of information or power could truly be torn away from them at any time. If there was some chance that making a deal like this could help Anna, then he might as well try. ]

Alright. I understand. In the meantime, if you need an extra hand with your business, just let me know. Not as payment. Because I appreciate your forthcomingness...

[ The casino is not exactly an exclusive gig and for a guy like Miller, any amount of downtime here is quickly maddening. Hence, ]

And I need something to do.

[ Speaking of which, the way Silco talks about the arrangement that would be needed in this place is really making him think. He takes a drag, looking at the cigar that's reaching its end as he breathes out the smoke. ]

True. Sounds like a job for a truly crazy person. I used to do something like that, once. But one person cannot support an entire army. It is a unit. The key is to gather a small group of likeminded, trustworthy people first. The position of leader is not given; it is earned.

[conflictresolution]

[He would make a point so show Miller a little of Shimmer even after giving the man the vial, and while it would be a touch on the personal side, he didn't want the man to be under complete disillusion and inquire with others of his world. What he was offering was salvation between a man and his daughter, something no one else of their world would actually understand.

After all, Miller seemed reasonable and pragmatic enough to research for himself and the man likely understood that all cures such as thing had a few side effects. They were better than watching one's child die.]

There are always openings where my businesses are concerned. If you want a job or task to fill the day, all you have to do is ask. [Perhaps in time Miller could be someone he could build trust and loyalty with. It was interesting the man didn't entirely distrust him yet.]

Perhaps you will again then. Perhaps you are the key to pulling the right people together and become the glue that will keep many of the Chosen in line enough to work together. You're even tempered enough, and you've created no ill amid the Chosen, and you have experience. Something to consider.

[melnik]

[ Yes, some research would definitely be warranted—however, he couldn't wait to seize the opportunity when it presented itself. Now that they've reached at least some vague agreement, he'll just have to see how things pan out. What he actually learns about Shimmer...

In the meantime, he's pleased to get this response. ]

Good! In that case, I'm asking. Wherever you could most use a hand.

[ It is probably clear that he's best with physical work, but he's not about to act like he's too good for another job either. As for the considerations on moving forward in this place though, there is far less levity to his tone. In fact, he's quiet for a moment as he begins to tap the spent cigar into an ash tray. ]

I made a vow a long time ago... to protect my people, at all costs, and in our time of crisis, to never stand on one side of the line or the other. Never to get caught up in the squabbling of personal ideologies. This place may not be my home, but that throughline remains the same.

I am old, my friend. It was already time for me to pass the torch, and I don't care to take the role of "leader." But if I can influence others to help one another without getting lost in civil disputes, then that is what I intend to do.

[ Miller slides his glass closer to himself, to the edge of the table and lifts it briefly in Silco's direction. ]

Your input is valuable to me. Thank you.

[conflictresolution]

[He would make certain to get ahead of this before the others of his world could slander the legitimate good that Shimmer provided to his people, to his daughter. If he was providing this gift to Miller, it would come with more of an explanation, of course. For some reason, perhaps it wouldn't matter in the long run to the older man because this was an opportunity to save Miller's child. Who wouldn't make that sacrifice?]

Very well. It seems we are in agreement with each other. I'll let to know where I need the assistance, but the Last Drop could always use a strong man on the door.

[He wouldn't waste Miller's physical presence, and he had seen the mean side of enforcers throughout his life time to guess that there was military or law enforcement training that went deep in the man. It seemed to him that very little would ever intimidate the older man at this rate, and that was an admirable quality, especially given how few he could think that about in Aldrip.]

That is an admirable goal, though who you choose to protect here is rather different. We may all be called Chosen, but it hardly seems our goals align and many act against the interest of most.

[His daughter included, he would admit. Her need for chaos took her in directions best meant for Zaun. He enjoyed her antics, of course.]

Perhaps a mentorship role then. That could pass on your valuable experience and impose some restraint for those too exuberant to make a name for themselves. Time will tell if you have a name to put that experience behind.

[He lifted his glass in return, finishing off the liquid in it.]

As is yours.