Chapter 18: A Parable for the Terrible

[~Ophelia Vespera~]

"This is true.." Ophelia said biting her lower lip. She hated the thought of going back out in the cold. But with or without flowers, she should inform Linnea of Mr.Keito's good intention to give her flowers.. "I lost her address though with the flowers..Might you be able to give me the address?"
She took out the paper which Heikki had written Hilja's address on and turned it over where there was more room for another address. She hoped at least that on her way to Linnea's she would find an outdated teleportbooth she could afford. As much as a free teleport fare sounded, she would not feel right taking it for free as Freak Boy had offered. It was just one of those values that had been ingrained in her, maybe in school, maybe at home. She was afraid if she started taking things for free, she might take everything for granted.

[††Venice "Cephrien" Ashgrove††]

Ceph crossed his arms and stared forward as he recalled the rest of the ideas that were presented to the Moderator during the party.

"On the likely chance that the Blimps system gets shot down, we also have Satellites and Satellite Pods with infrared capabilities. Along with that, we have Surveillance insects.. which would be a problem, I'm guessing."

He turned his red gaze back to Freak Boy. "Regardless of the outcome. We'll be needing your hacking skills."

It was at that moment that Ceph's attention was brought over to Ophelia. The flower-lady that he had met earlier that day. Fate really did act in a funny way.

"Why are you here?" He asked the flower-girl out of curiosity.

[Aubrey 16]

After what seemed like an eternity, Annette finally emerged from her office. Aubrey turned to her when she was addressed. "I'm here to escort you home." She reported. Actually, Aubrey was escorting Annette downstairs to the surprise party, but she might find it peculiar to have a Creditor just escorting her downstairs.

Aubrey considered Annette in her pantsuit, which was similiar to the one she wore everyday. "Have you ever considered an outfit change?" She asked, somewhat randomly. "I mean, not that I don't love what you've got on. I do." She quickly added, even though she didn't at all. Aubrey was trying to avoid getting threatened deactivation. "This, this whole thing it just works on you." The android gestured to Annettes ensamble. "I'm just suggesting a little...variety. Some pizzazz."

[Max Alexander]

Max shook the mans hand. "Nice to meet you. Max Alexander."

Max gave him a hearty smile. "Well, this party seems to be doing well. Wonder where our guest of honor is?"

It was then he noticed the young intern. "Dont i know you from the station? You are the intern, the one that gets the coffee. Well isnt it a nice surprise to see you here. What was your name again? I am giving you some more important tasks when we return." He gave her a smile.

[Archer Aylmer]

I follow Heikki's gaze over to the other side of the street.

"Oh... I see. Well, that's convenient. Helsinki is more popular than I would suppose."

I feel a little bit awkward meeting new people, and think most likely that this is going to turn into one of those times. So, I put my hands in my pockets and sort of withdraw into myself.

"Um. Finland was actually the only country to fully repay World War 1 debts. Don't know if... You knew that."

I read very often and it makes me more comfortable in situations to tell people little relavent facts.

[Calithin Crest]

"Those all sound really interesting. I particularly like reality TV. People are so crazy! I think that--"

I'm in the middle of talking to Max when the time comes for everyone to get quiet. The lights go off and other that the noise of people moving around trying to find places to hide it's fairly quiet. There's anticipation in the air as everyone waits with a sort of nervous tension for Annette to come into the room so the party can get completely under way.

[Annette Rosenthal]

"I don't like to look to flashy. I like to be taken seriously." Annette replies to Aubrey. She sees nothing wrong with her wardrobe. It functions just fine and people see her as a serious, business minded woman. She scowls at the idea that there is something wrong with her fashion sense.

"Oh, you'll escort me home. Wonderful. A person can never be too safe in the world today." Annette states in a more pleasant tone. She walks a little ahead of the android. "It sure is quiet here. Everyone must have gone home from work early. What a bunch of slackers."

[Hilja Kukkanen/Sasha Pisarev]

I write down Linnea's number and address on the slip of paper. "There...that should help. I think she would be happy to know that someone got her flowers. I think she gets stressed and lonely." I explain.

Since I've been half listening in to the blimp coversation, I turn back to Freakboy and Cephrien. Something isn't right with Freakboy, but I can't quite put a finger on it. "Can I get you anything to drink....?" I ask Freakboy.

[Freak Boy]

"I'll gladly put them to use, comrade," he said to Seph. At the mention of drinks, Freak Boy looked in Hilja's direction. "Got any vodka," he asked.

Trotsky appeared on his left shoulder. "You know... it's kind of the middle of the day." Freak Boy cast a "shut the fuck up" look at his left shoulder and then returned his attention to Hilja.

[Jack Kruschev]

Anthony continued on his journey into the party and eventually found his way into the room. Lon had gone before him, and nothing went off. No explosions, no traps, no poisons, it was almost perfect. Anth knew now that this was going to be a good party. He loved parties. They were often enjoyable. He had a blast at the Banquet of the Blessed quite some time ago, and that was so fun he decided to go to this one. Besides, it's always nice to have some time off.

Seeing The Moderator on the other side of the room, Anth approached him.

"Is it too late to input an idea for the Global Monitoring System?" He asked.

[John Sweet]

TO LI

John was still in the room living his life away and wondering when the hell Annette would show up to her own Goddam party. She was boring, yes, but John didn't think even she did nothing but work around the clock. Everyone needed a break, and John was one of the guys who really needed one at the time. Annette had no style, was too old, and was too serious for anyone to really handle.

While people had shown up, things seemed to stay just as boring. Boring, boring, boring.

Finally, Li Violet entered the room. Beautiful yet terrifying, she gracefully came in. John made sure he looked okay in a nearby mirror for a moment and walked over.

"Hello, Li," he began. "Master Scrag was wondering when you will deliver the speech for the new temple in Rome."

[Dr. Lonnrot Kukkanen]

"It's a pleasure sir," Lon said as he shook Max's hand. "Think Annette's every going to show up to her own party? Oh yes, and your intern's here."

Reading minds was always a useful skill. Lon could then tell anything he wanted about a person. Even little things, like knowing the young girl in the room, aged 16, was an intern. He could just tell by her thoughts. Amazing, really.

[Fitzhugh Dubois/Arah]

"And here he is!" Arah said to Fitzhugh with a chirpy tone. "Here's some bullshit for you! The Master himself. Scrag himself! The Genetech creation that now rules the world. He's the most powerful being on the face of the Earth, ya know. Indeed, yes, and wonderful he is. Creating a new world in which survival of the fittest is the ultimate reason to live. Yes, yes yes..."

"Ok, seriously, shutup for the next few minutes, douche-bag," Fitzhugh mouthed over to Arah before turning the face Scrag. The last thing he needed was to look like a lunatic who talked to the air and acted like the air talked to him. Master Scrag might take him as a threat to the public good, an insane imbecile not worthy to live.

Red Infinity would also be pissed if Fitzhugh was caught talking to Arah. They'd let him in on a lot and even helped him fund a few project (Even though he funded a lot of theirs) and even given him private records so that he could keep up on modern events. By all means, Red Infinity had treated him well.

Turning to Scrag, Fitzhugh said, "Indeed it is. I was just about to go buy some tribute to you, sir. Anything you want in particular, now that I'm finally meeting your honor?"

Making eye contact, Fitzhugh ensured that his tone was respectful, but not in fear or silliness. He made sure that he kept a good posture, and made sure that he faced the Master. But, most of all, he made sure that Arah wasn't going to talk to him.

[Niilo Ukkonen]

(Lost again, I'll go chill with Heikki.)

Niilo continued on his journey to the, now legendary seeming, van. People were already there. Fierce-looking people. People that looked like they could hurt other people. Niilo really despised violence, but he didn't want to do anything about it. People got hurt on a daily basis. It wouldn't really matter if he did do anything. Niilo did what he needed to do in order to defend himself, and that was all.

Step by step, he got closer until one of the men, hopefully the Heikki character he'd heard about, looked over to him. Perhaps this was the guy he was looking for. Maybe, just maybe, this being was Heikki. He seemed to fit the description that Niilo was given. Fair skin, slender body, and possibly even feminine build. Yeah, definitely, this was Heikki.

Niilo walked over and waved on his way there.

"Hello, I'm Niilo," He said to Heikki. "I assume that you're the oh-so-great Heikki I heard about. It's a pleasure," Niilo finished by offering a hand to shake.

[Hilja Kukkanen/Sasha Pisarev]

"No, we don't have Vodka, this is a drug and alcohol free house." I reply to Freakboy. I scratch my head and look at the time. It seems a little early for THAT. "Well, I can make some green tea if you like..."

I pour some water in the kettle and put it on the stove. I feel that I should be doing things to please all of these guests.