Chapter 18: A Parable for the Terrible

[Calithin Crest]

"That's a really good idea Max! Certainly better than blimps. It would also make the transition a whole lot easier... Using an existing satellite system. I'm no astrophysicist, but... I do know that sending things up into space is very expensive. And these aren't the times to be pushing budgets. Except for my company. We're doing fine."

I smile at my own thought and grab a drink from a passing weighter. Really, I'm in the best industry there is.

"You know Max, I think you and I are a whole lot alike as business men. We both provide people with things that are, although not technically addicting, very addictive indeed. You with television, and me with energy. People probably couldn't stop watching tv or wasting power even if they wanted to. Yep. We're in the right sort of business, you and I. Cheers to us!"

I life my glass up and take a long sip. I feel solidarity and pride in the way things have turned out. I feel like this is a party for me... But then, I feel this was about most parties. Or really I feel that most everything is for my sake.

[Archer Aylmer]

((To Heikki and Co.))

After finishing up a fairly successful drug deal in one of Helsinki's suburbs I have my latest client drive me into the city. We ride in silence, as the relationship between dealers and their buyers is often an awkward and strained one where both parties know the balance of power is extremely uneven.

Arriving downtown I exit the vehicle and begin to wander around. It's raining and the knowledge that I don't have a place to spend the night weighs more and more heavily on me as time passes by and it becomes later in the day. I sigh and walk aimlessly around, trying to figure something out for myself.

Eventually I make it to the SOTA factory. I look up at the stone edifice and am faced with the harshness of being alone. It dawns on me that although I can give this building significance, and the world can decide what this building is and what it means, the building itself does not care. Not about anything. I walk on blindly into some nearby alley, envying the total conscientious autonomy of the building.

To my surprise I see a van full of people sitting in this particular alley. This being a familiar scenario with drug deals, I assume that I've stumbled upon one and approach the van. I figure that if I can make another sale tonight I may have enough for a hotel. As I peer into the van I see that it is not a drug deal, but the disappointment of this doesn't scathe me since I immediately recognize faces.

"... Heikki?"

I tap on the window and look at him expectantly. What luck.

[††Venice "Cephrien" Ashgrove††]

(( To Freak Boy and Co. Sorry if this isn't accurate. @a@;; ))

Before too long, Ceph had arrived at the Socialist Home where he presumed that Freak Boy would be located. He didn't bother knocking on the door and waiting for someone to answer.. No, he phased himself right in using his shadow abilities. He didn't really have time for introduction formalities, he just needed to speak with Freak Boy. The young man, cloaked in black walked into the house and was eventually led to the kitchen by the sounds of talking.. and the smell of pancakes..

Standing at the entryway frame of the kitchen, Ceph poked his arm in, pointing directly at the man he needed to speak to.

"Freak Boy."

[Will Bonacelli]

Will listens to the plans as he sips his drink. He didn't made any plans since he assumes that only people who owns company and/or with a business background. Still, Will like some of the ideas.

"I wonder if Annette actually comes to her own party or not...." Will mutter to himself.

It might be a waste of his time if Annette didn't came to her birthday party because he need go back to work for his Temple back in Manchester.

[Max Alexander]

"Indeed." Max said with a smile as he toasted his glass with the mine owner.

"Now if only we could improve upon what we already have, it would be perfect." He said. "We should really get a meeting between us going some time. We could make big strides together and produce wonderful things. Let me know some time by e-mail."

[Calithin Crest]

"Definitely. I'll have my secretary set up a meeting. Maybe Crest Mining could sponsor some TV shows in return for product placement and advertising time. I'm all for television. I think it's great. Mass media and all that. I think it's more important than the internet, in fact. You guys do great work."

I nod intently and think of the possibilities a successful business venture could spawn.

"So tell me, what's going on in the world of television? What are you up to over there? Any interesting new shows?"

[Linnea Korpela]

Linnea stayed very quiet after Tristian left and followed Horacio as he went with his new friend. After staying at the house for a few minutes she felt slightly odd and overwhelmed so she quietly made her exit.
Walking down the street she thought about what happened, she then realized it wasn't a good idea to walk around the street alone. Turning the corner she made her way home.

[Max Alexander]

"I will keep an eye out for your conformation email." Max said.

"What is new at M TV? Well, we are getting MTV news re designed. A make over if you wish. We are also adding a few reality TV shows with different real live people, and we are also generating ideas for new series. Not 100% final yet, but we are working on it."

Max drank some gin and tonic. "And yes, a business venture would do wonders for both of us."

[Jack Kruschev]

Fixing his suit and walking into the party, Anth stopped at a reflective piece of artwork on the wall to make sure that he looked okay.

Anth had been preparing for the party and gift since Jumala had visited him in his lab just a few days ago. So, essentially, he hadn't been preparing for long. He hadn't done much really. Bought a new suit that actually fit him (He'd lost quite some weight in the past few weeks due to stressful work) and genetically engineered a cat for the bitch.

Anth never reall liked Annette, but he had to represent Dr. Hoito for the party. The old genius hadn't talked for weeks, and Anth thought he might even be dead if it weren't for his occasionally appearances in his own lab to check progress.

And so Anth walked into the large room and grabbed a drink from a passing woman with a tray.

[Niilo Ukkonen]

(TO FREAK BOY AND THAT WHOLE GROUP, I'M TOTALLY LOST ON WHAT'S GOING ON NOW )

Niilo walked about the streets until he finally found the van he was looking for. Things had changed lately, they seemed to be more dynamic. Either that or Niilo was seriously getting good at mooching off people. Despite the reason things seemed to be changing, Niilo was loving life as of late. Times were good, as was he at everything he did.

What was going on again?

Oh yeah! He was going to get some yummy drugs. Sometimes, Niilo just thought he could fly away because he was so high. Drugs were whoever created the universe's gift to humanity. He was human, so this gift included him.

Niilo always wondered why the Manalists didn't like drugs. Drugs were good. They kept people at bay, kept him high, made life easier, kept him high, ensured that things ran smoothly, but, most of all, kept Niilo high. No matter, Niilo was always able to get his hands on drugs, and that was all that mattered.

Niilo continued to walk over to the van.

"Yo!" He said in a chirpy voice. "I hear you're the peoples I'm lookin' for."

[John Sweet]

TO WHOEVER

John walked into the room filled with people.

Why was he here again? Oh yes, for Annette's birthday party.

He hadn't prepared for the party. He was still even in his work outfit. A tie, a shirt, and a pair of pants. Nothing fancy, nothing particular about him. Just normal ol' John.

John continued into the room and set the gift he had brought along down with all the other gifts before looking around to see who was here.

[Dr. Lonnrot Kukkanen]

Lon walked into the room right after Anth. He'd seen the boy enough to know him, and never really liked him. As a result, Lon largely ignored him.

Lon continued making his way into the room and finally got into the crowd enough to use his mind-reading abilities to listen in on who was saying what and what people were planning to say. Lon found a conversation he liked after a moment or two, and it was right behind him.

"Indeed, M TV does need a little work," he said as he offered his hand to Max and got ready to offer his other hand to Calithin. "I don't believe we've met before. My name is Lon."

[Freak Boy]

Freak Boy was about to accept the money when he heard his name and bolted around. The combination of PPD and the drugs in his system was probably not the best thing in this situation, as he was jumpy enough when he wasn't coked up.

He lept from his spot, rushing down on one knee so he could pull his pistol from his boot. He drew it and aimed for Ceph's head. "State your name and the nature of your business with me," he demanded. "Who sent you, how do you know my name, what do you want?"

[Niilo Ukkonen]

Perhaps this was a bad time.

Niilo witnessed the man who was clearly somewhat high, or at least had post-high effects zip around and whip out a gun. Aiming it at the another man's head, he was clearly locked, loaded, and ready to kill. All this through a window. This was indeed a bad time, or so it had seemed.

Niilo had seem the scene before this event and everything seemed relatively peaceful. People were talking peacefully. People were discussing peacefully. And things seemed to be being bought peacefully. So, what was going on all of a sudden?

Not much for violence, Niilo continued to walk to the apartment knowing the risks. He wasn't much of a risk taker, but he sensed that he was going to leave unharmed. He just had a feeling in his gut. Not much to go on, but enough for Niilo.

Niilo continued on his journey up the stairs until he reached the apartment he was looking for. Knocking on the door, he said, "Knock knock, Enlightened Brotherhood man here."

[~Ophelia Vespera~]

(( We aren't with Heikki and company. ^_^;; We're inside of Hilja's home. - Heikki, Bonifaz, and Archer are outside. ))

Ophelia backed away next to Hilja. At least the gun wasn't pointed at her this time. But she recognized Ceph who came into her flower shop earlier that day and hoped very much he wouldn't be hurt by the suddenly jumpy Freak Boy.

"Is everyone in Helinski this quick to pull out a gun?" Ophelia whispered to Hilja.