“You were raised in the city, you wouldn't quite get it.” - Neverland - 5.26.8

SihuLumbee: Hello, Mister Lampp.
SihuLumbee: It looks like we've hit a snag with our catering, gentlemen. Let's hope it's not a sign of things to come, huh?
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
Mirmaker: Im sure it will be fine.
Starschwar: Just so long as there's no problems with the lighting, I'll be happy.
*SihuLumbee taps her foot.*
SihuLumbee: That's really a shame, I had heard that the restaraunts 'round here are top notch.
Mirmaker: There are some good ones out here.
*SihuLumbee nods.*
SihuLumbee: Have you lived here long?
Mirmaker: Yeah...all my life
Mirmaker: So far ::chuckles::
SihuLumbee: Oh wow, so you'd know.
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
Starschwar: I've lived in this city for a while too... I don't get out as much as I'd like though.
Starschwar: Pretty much.
Cadsuane: Good evening everyone.
*SihuLumbee twists her lips empathetically.*
SihuLumbee: Miss Evans, hello again!
Starschwar: And yourself?
*You wave to SihuLumbee.*
SihuLumbee: With any luck, I'll be the boss pretty soon.
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
Starschwar: Oh? Someone's retiring?
SihuLumbee: I received your package last night, thank you so much.
Cadsuane: Oh, I was hoping it would get through in time!
SihuLumbee: Yeah, something like that.
*Starschwar nods at Collbard.*
*Collbard nods at Starschwar.*
*Mirmaker bows his head to Collbard.*
*Collbard bows to Mirmaker.*
Collbard: Heya fellas
SihuLumbee: I ended up in an unair-conditioned room with the zoning board for nearly two hours, and when I finally got back to the trailer down here, it was such a nice surprise.
*SihuLumbee nods at Collbard.*
SihuLumbee: Hello.
Collbard: Hi
SihuLumbee: I'm Sihu Lumbee of Deitz Construction.
Starschwar: Ah yes, air conditioning. One of those little wonders you never stop to think about untill its gone. Gotta love life in the city.
Collbard: Very nice to meet you.
SihuLumbee: You too, Mister...
Collbard: Ah forgive me! Justin Robinson.
SihuLumbee: No apology necessary, it's nice to meet you Mister Robinson.
SihuLumbee: We'll give the others a few more moments and begin the ceremony, huh?
*SihuLumbee nods at TheTaxidermist.*
SihuLumbee: Hello.
*Mirmaker bows his head to TheTaxidermist.*
*SihuLumbee nods at Basiun.*
*Starschwar nods at TheTaxidermist.*
*SihuLumbee kicks a rock toward the sidewalk.*
*Cadsuane watches it go.*
*Starschwar coughs.*
*Cadsuane whispers to Sihu.*
*Basiun looks over the wall.*
*SihuLumbee spots a large locked box.*
SihuLumbee: A ha!
Starschwar: Hrm?
*SihuLumbee picks up something.*
Mirmaker: Umm...
Basiun: Hmm...
SihuLumbee: A ha!
Cadsuane: What's in there?
*SihuLumbee places a small gold key in the lock, and opens the box.*
*SihuLumbee rifles through a double handful of blueprints and construction bits.*
*Collbard watches curiousely.*
*SihuLumbee pulls out an orange megaphone with 'Dietz Construction' printed in green letters.*
SihuLumbee: You might want to step away for a moment.
*SihuLumbee clears her throat.*
*Cadsuane covers her ears.*
*Starschwar sighs.*
*Starschwar can't hear GamiSB's evil.*
*Mirmaker hears no evil.*
Mirmaker: Mirmaker slips a cigarette from his jacket pocket and lights it.
SihuLumbee (shouting): Anyone illegally trespassing on Dietz Property, please leave immediately. If you are here for the groundbreaking ceremony, please move to the upper ridge as soon as you can.
*Cadsuane frowns at Mirmaker and checks to make sure she's upwind.*
SihuLumbee (shouting): I repeat, any individuals on Dietz property without a groundbreaking ticket will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Mirmaker: Mirmaker looks at Cadsuane and puts the cigarette out..
SihuLumbee (shouting): Okay gr-
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
SihuLumbee: Ah, excuse me.
*Starschwar hears no evil.*
*SihuLumbee places the megaphone on the ground.*
SihuLumbee: Great, I believe we should begin, I'd hate to take up too much of your time.
*Collbard looks graciousely at the megaphone on the ground.*
SihuLumbee: Good evening, everyone. My name is Sihu Lumbee. I am here on behalf of Francis Dietz, and Dietz Construction.
Cadsuane: I set aside a while, I intend to enjoy the gala without having to worry about deadlines
*Cadsuane listens attentively.*
SihuLumbee: This evening will mark a monumental change in the paradigm of this city.
SihuLumbee: Myself, along with Mister Dietz, and our associates have been working night-and-day to bring you, the citizens of this fair city, a new frontier of entertainment, luxury, and adult gaming.
*Cadsuane does shifty-eyes at mention of 'adult games'.*
SihuLumbee: Tonight will mark the first hole dug, the first brick lain, the very first moment that the Neverland Casino and Resort will enter your lives.
*Collbard claps at SihuLumbee.*
*Mirmaker claps at SihuLumbee.*
*Starschwar claps.*
*You clap at SihuLumbee.*
SihuLumbee: Ladies and gentlemen, I know that some of your fellow citizens have campained vigorously against legalized gambling in Lamar...
SihuLumbee: I understand their concern, and I'd like to present this promise, no...this vow.
SihuLumbee: We will leave no dark alley unguarded, no bathroom unmonitored, and no elevator without a camera. We vow to live up to the prestige and luxury that is synonomous with the name of this well-established neighborhood.
*SihuLumbee glances across the crowd for a moment, hoping they believe her **bullcrud**.*
*Mirmaker claps at SihuLumbee.*
*Collbard claps at SihuLumbee.*
*Starschwar claps at SihuLumbee.*
*You clap at SihuLumbee.*
*Paralaxis claps at SihuLumbee.*
*SihuLumbee holds up a hand.*
Euforia: Euforia wanders in just catching the last little bit.
SihuLumbee: You're too kind, everyone.
SihuLumbee: Now, does everyone have their tickets with them?
*Cadsuane digs about for her ticket.*
Starschwar: Yes, of course.
*Paralaxis looks for his ticket.*
Cadsuane: Here it is!
Paralaxis: Got mine
*Collbard fumbles around, finally grabbing his ticket.*
*SihuLumbee pulls an orange sheet of paper from the lock-box.*
*Euforia pulls out an envelope from a secret pocket in the top part of her trenchcoat.*
*Cadsuane waves her ticket about.*
*Paralaxis makes sure he has everything he need.*
SihuLumbee: Before I read tonight's lucky winner, I do remind you that you will need your ticket to verify its correct numbering.
*Starschwar gets his ticket out.*
*Paralaxis pulls his ticket out.*
SihuLumbee: Let's see...according to this, ticket number 148809 is being held by...
*SihuLumbee grins, pausing for emphasis.*
*Collbard looks around.*
*Cadsuane holds her breath.*
SihuLumbee: Miss Evans!
*You are in disbelief.*
*You cheer.*
Cadsuane: Woo!
*Collbard claps for you.*
*Mirmaker claps for you.*
*Starschwar claps for you.*
SihuLumbee: Congratulations!
*You giggle at SihuLumbee.*
Cadsuane: thank you!
SihuLumbee: May I see your ticket?
Cadsuane: Sure..
*Cadsuane hands it over.*
SihuLumbee: One-four-eight-eight-zero-nine. Yep!
Collbard: Congratulations.
Cadsuane: Hehe.. I didn't know there'd be spot prizes...
*Euforia claps for you.*
*Paralaxis claps for you.*
SihuLumbee: Miss Evans, you were supposed to win a two-hundred dollar gift certificate to Darling's Steakhouse, but unfortunately, our caterers have not graced us with their presence.
*whiterain and Duffie wish they had tickets..*

SihuLumbee: Instead...
Cadsuane: Hrm.
Paralaxis: Greetings Gami.
*SihuLumbee slowly digs her hand into the box, pulling from it an ornate golden shovel with orange and green piping along the sides.*
Paralaxis: I had a talk with Euforia
Starschwar: Shh.
*GamiSB nods at Paralaxis.*
*Cadsuane boggles at the shovel, her jaw dropping.*
GamiSB: Will discuss another time.
Starschwar: Classy.
Paralaxis: Shh.
SihuLumbee: It's with sincerest jealousy that I present you with the honorary golden shovel, and ask you to break ground for Dietz Construction.
*SihuLumbee hands the shovel to Cadsuane.*
*Cadsuane accepts the shovel with reverent awe.*
*Mirmaker claps for you.*
*SihuLumbee claps.*
Cadsuane: Wow.. I don't know what to say...
*Paralaxis claps for you.*
*Cadsuane tries to hold it right without dropping it.*
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
Cadsuane: Thanks!
*SihuLumbee agrees to a hug.*
*SihuLumbee hugs you.*
*SihuLumbee holds up a small orange camera.*
*Cadsuane poses and smiles from ear to ear.*
SihuLumbee: Whenever you're ready...
*SihuLumbee snaps off a few shots.*
*You give SihuLumbee the thumbs up.*
Cadsuane: Cheese! hehe, okay, what's next?
SihuLumbee: Pick a spot and dig!
Cadsuane: Hmm, down in the lot right?
*You point straight ahead.*
SihuLumbee: No, no. This will do. Can't very well place a fountian in the middle of the basement, hmm?
Cadsuane: Oh.. okay.. I dunno, fountains are great wherever you place them.
*Cadsuane holds the handle and tries to figure out which way the spoony bit goes.*
*JamesHooke clears his throat loudly.*
*Cadsuane manages to put the tip in the dirt and takes a firm hold of the handle with both hands.*
*JamesHooke smiles pondering his words carefully.*
Cadsuane: Everyone ready?
*Paralaxis nods.*
*SihuLumbee holds her camera up, smiling.*
*Starschwar nods.*
Collbard: Go for it!
*Paralaxis wipes a tear from his eye.*
*Cadsuane makes a mighty effort and a notable mess as she breaks ground for the new construction site.*
*SihuLumbee claps.*
*You stomp your foot.*
*SihuLumbee claps.*
*Mirmaker claps for you.*
*Duffie claps for you.*
*Starschwar claps.*
*SihuLumbee cheers.*
*Paralaxis claps for you.*
*Basiun claps.*
*Collbard claps for you.*
Cadsuane: Woo!
*JamesHooke claps sarcastically.*
Euforia: Euforia claps .
*Mirmaker cheers for you.*
*Cadsuane cheers and tries not to drop the shovel.*
Cadsuane: Here, you better hold this.
JamesHooke: Ma'am, I'm afraid that's the most ground that will ever be moved from this place.
*Cadsuane hands it back to Sihu.*
SihuLumbee: S'cuse me?
*SihuLumbee takes the shovel, placing it next to the megaphone.*
JamesHooke: Oh, where are my manners?
*Cadsuane looks confused.*
*Collbard watches curiousely.*
*Paralaxis cracks knuckles while eyeing JamesHooke.*
*Mirmaker is wondering about JamesHooke.*
Paralaxis: Shut up James.
JamesHooke: I am James Garrison Hooke the fourth, I'm the proprietor of a legal firm which is housed just down the block from here.
*JamesHooke points to the right.*
JamesHooke: In the big building.
Paralaxis: Shut the F*** up
JamesHooke: Excuse me, have we met?
JamesHooke: Are we friends?
JamesHooke: Chums?
JamesHooke: Buddies?
*Paralaxis insults JamesHooke.*
Starschwar: You really should learn some manners - no reason this can't be civil.
Mirmaker: Indeed
JamesHooke: I do not believe we are, and I do not believe that anyone, under any circumstance should speak to a stranger in that manner.
Paralaxis: Please go on, Sihu Lumbee.
SihuLumbee: Mister Hooke, it's good to meet you, my name is Sihu Lumbee.
JamesHooke: Yes, I know.
*Cadsuane looks faintly uncomfortable.*
*Euforia studies the conversation wondering what it could be about.*
JamesHooke: Sihu Lumbee of Dietz Construction, formerly of Wahlgren Development, Hunter Construction, and a triple-handful of halfway homes and streetcorners, yes?
*SihuLumbee glances around uncomfortably, and puts on a false smile.*
SihuLumbee: I believe you have me mistaken with someone else.
*Starschwar makes a discreet exit.*
SihuLumbee: Perhaps you know another Sihu?
*JamesHooke coughs.*
*Cadsuane coughs just slightly.*
JamesHooke: Another Sihu? Yes, of course! Sihu is such a common name.
*JamesHooke rolls his eyes dramatically.*
SihuLumbee: Err...
Cadsuane: Uhm.. if she's what you seem to think she is, wouldn't it make sense for her to change her name?
Cadsuane: You know.. to something less conspicuous.
JamesHooke: Ma'am, ego is a powerful and pungent dish.
JamesHooke: Though, I do believe that she often answered to the alias Tiger Lily, yes?
SihuLumbee: I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, Mister Hooke.
*Cadsuane studies the both of them.*
SihuLumbee: Now, unless you have some legal precident to be here, I must inform you that this is a private function, and without a ticket, you are trespassing on private property.
*JamesHooke pulls a greenish ticket from his pocket.*
*Paralaxis reads a book.*
JamesHooke: Will that suffice?
*Cadsuane frowns at his apparent ticket.*
JamesHooke: Miss...Lily, I am here representing the Lamar Development and Beautification Bureau.
Paralaxis: Paralaxis continues to read his book.
JamesHooke: We strive to keep this upstanding, prestigious, beacon of a city-unto-a-city clean, drug-free, and most of all, crime-free.
SihuLumbee: Mister Hooke, as I've already stated to these lovely pe-
JamesHooke: Cameras, guards, ushers, right?
JamesHooke: Tiger Lily, the drug lord of the twin cities reduced to pandering security systems.
JamesHooke: Certainly the poetry isn't lost on you.
SihuLumbee: Mister Hooke, I fail to see what we've done wrong here.
SihuLumbee: I spoke with the zoning board for two hours yesterday, finalizing our paperwork.
Cadsuane: She did! I saw her on the way.
JamesHooke: Yes, and you'll find that tomorrow morning a red envelope will be sitting in your trailer's mailbox. Inside that letter will be a statement along the lines of "We're sorry, but we'd rather keep drugs gangs and whores out of our business centre."
SihuLumbee: I...
Cadsuane: Hey! Watch your language!
*Euforia raises an eyebrow.*
Paralaxis: Shut it you blue pill!
JamesHooke: Watch your allegiance, miss.
Paralaxis: Leave her alone you noob
JamesHooke: Sir, I've already asked you to quiet down.
*Paralaxis insults the world.*
*Euforia takes Paralaxis by the arm and whispers.*
JamesHooke: I'd hate to quote legality to you, but I've no doubt that another word from you could land your *CENSORED* in a cold cell and on a nice man's lap.
Euforia: Shhh.... no need to tell everyone.
*Paralaxis laughs at JamesHooke.*
SihuLumbee: Sir, there's no need for that here.
*SihuLumbee disagrees with Paralaxis.*
*Paralaxis shrugs indifferently.*
SihuLumbee: We can certainly speak with the zoning board, Mister Hooke.
JamesHooke: Yes, but once your status begins to waver, your shareholders will want to reclaim their precious money, won't they?
Cadsuane: Ah hah.. so this is blackmail?
JamesHooke: Then it won't matter whether or not you can get back to digging tomorrow afternoon, you won't have a cent with which to do it.
*SihuLumbee pauses for a moment, channeling her anger into a cohesive argumenyt.*
SihuLumbee: And what about you, sir?
Collbard: Mr. Hooke I advise you to seek legal help if you have a problem with Ms. Lumbee
SihuLumbee: Is this the face you'd like to associate with your law firm?
SihuLumbee: Once Dietz breaks it to the Sentinel that Lamar's...what was it? Lamar's Stagnation and Fearmondering Association? Would you want your name tied to extortion?



JamesHooke: Extortion? Hardly.
*whiterain waves to Duffie.*
*Cadsuane tries to follow the conversation.*
JamesHooke: We'll be hailed as heroes, keeping the big scary invading foreign company from infecting our neighborhoods with drugs and crime and the like.
Euforia: How do you know they are to bring drugs and crime with their business?
SihuLumbee: I've heard enough sir. If you don't leave now, I'll have you forcefully removed from the premises.
JamesHooke: Of course, ma'am.
*Collbard cracks knuckles while eyeing JamesHooke.*
*JamesHooke curtseys.*
JamesHooke: If anyone would care to hear the real truth about this Miss Lumbee, I will be at the Duality Club in Kedemoth in a small while.
Cadsuane: So what's the deal Sihu?
*You cross your arms at SihuLumbee.*
*SihuLumbee sighs.*
Mirmaker: Are our investments safe?
*SihuLumbee grins politically.*
SihuLumbee: Yes, Mirmaker.
SihuLumbee: I can assure you, there is no threat to the construction of this building, and no threat to your generous investments in Dietz Construction.
*Euforia wonders why an attorney would level threats against Sihu Lumbee.*
Mirmaker: Thats good to hear
Collbard: So you will continue as planned?
SihuLumbee: I will admit that a handful of locals have been somewhat...uneasy about the introduction of legalized gambling in this area, but we are doing everything possible to quell those concerns.
SihuLumbee: Yes, I see no reason to wrench these plans.
*Collbard nods at SihuLumbee.*
Cadsuane: Except for possibly being shut down...
Cadsuane: ..and threatened with financial ruin.
SihuLumbee: Well, we'll burn that bridge when we come to it.
SihuLumbee: Meanwhile, the investors' gala will be taking place at Club Avalon in Midian Park.
SihuLumbee: I hope to see you all there.

JamesHooke: There is no deal with Sihu, because Sihu doesn't exist. Her name is Tiger Lily, and she is one of the most dangerous drug peddling, pimping low-brow mongrels to ever defoul this city.
Mirmaker: Oh really?
whiterain: Do you have proof of this?
JamesHooke: It's so nice of you to ask.
JamesHooke: You'll notice she's a big fan of the colour orange, yes?
whiterain: Yes
*The other player adds an item to the trade.*
*JamesHooke offers a trade.*
Collbard: Yes, that was quite clear
Mirmaker: Aye
*The other player accepts the trade.*
*You accept the trade.*
*You successfully traded 0 items and 0 information for 1 item and 0 information.*
JamesHooke: JamesHooke passes an orange canister of green pills to whiterain.
whiterain: hmmmm
JamesHooke: I bought this from a 'Dietz Construction' representative not one week ago.
whiterain: These are the same colors...
*whiterain inspects the drugs.*
JamesHooke: Pass them around, would you?
*You add an item to the trade.*
*The other player accepts the trade.*
*You accept the trade.*
*You successfully traded 1 item and 0 information for 0 items and 0 information.*
*Character data for whiterain has been written to the database.*
whiterain: But how do we know you got them from her?
Collbard: Halucinogens?
Euforia: Euforia inspects the drugs.
Basiun: Basiun examines the drugs closely.
whiterain: Other than the colors of course.
JamesHooke: I'm afraid you don't. You have only my word, and the well-being of the entire eastern coast of downtown resting upon your decision.
Collbard: I'll say better safe than sorry.
JamesHooke: This was bought within one mile of the Mahath site, by an individual wearing Dietz tags.
whiterain: Hmmm
whiterain: I would not back anyone dealing drugs.
JamesHooke: Now listen, we have an opportunity to end this right now, but it will take a tremendous leap of faith on your part, and a large amount of credibility on my part.
JamesHooke: The majority of you are Dietz shareholders, are you not?
Euforia: How do we know that she is controlling the drugs. Many people do thaat kind of thing on their own too.
Mirmaker: Aye
*Collbard nods at JamesHooke.*
JamesHooke: Like I said, a leap of faith.
JamesHooke: She's supposed to be meeting with you at Club Avalon in just a few moments.
Mirmaker: Aye
JamesHooke: I want you to bring those pills with you and question her, really question her about them.
JamesHooke: Get the truth out.
Collbard: What...sort of pills are these? These the knock you out for days or keep you up for days type?
Euforia: And what if the truth isn't what seems obvious?
JamesHooke: JamesHooke nods to the bartender, telling her to walk away for a moment.
JamesHooke: Then you will recieve an SMS message from someone.
JamesHooke: You will not get this someone's name, and you will not ask.
Mirmaker: All of us will?
JamesHooke: From then on in, you follow their messages to a T, and you do exactly what needs to be done to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Collbard: Mhm
JamesHooke: I leave this choice to you, sirs and ma'ams.
Mirmaker: All of us will get these messages?
JamesHooke: You'll need to send me a message first, and I'll give this individual your name and number.
whiterain: What message would we send to you?
JamesHooke: Just any little something. Enough to let me know that you're interested.
JamesHooke: Right now, it would be in your best interest to get to that gala.
*You nod.*
JamesHooke: Perhaps your limos got stuck in traffic?
whiterain: Perhaps.
*You have successfully changed your RSI's mood.*
JamesHooke: All the best.
*Mirmaker shakes JamesHooke's hand.*
Mirmaker: I shall await this message
*You target [JamesHooke] the level 4 Coder.*
*[JamesHooke] is friendly.*
*JamesHooke agrees to shake your hand.*
*JamesHooke shakes hands with you.*

Cadsuane: Thank you.
Cadsuane: Sihu! I hope you like margaritas!
SihuLumbee: Sorry I'm late. I'm not afforded with the luxury of a private vehicle.
SihuLumbee: Oh, nothing for me right now, thank you.
Cadsuane: Oh..
*Cadsuane looks silly holding two glasses.*
Cadsuane: One for later than.
Cadsuane: Where shall we sit?
*You look around.*
Cadsuane: Duffie!
Cadsuane: Take my spare.
*Cadsuane holds out a drink.*
*Duffie takes the glass.*
SihuLumbee: I do hope that Hooke's words did not concern you.
*Cadsuane puts her drink on the table after taking a sip.*
SihuLumbee: Though, by the lack of individuals here, I will guess that they hit home a bit.
Cadsuane: Oh they did. But then, I'm the kind of person who worries about everything.
SihuLumbee: Understandable.
SihuLumbee: This is not much of a shareholders meeting...
Cadsuane: I guess not.. maybe they got stuck in traffic?
*Cadsuane bops her head to the music, occasionally taking a sip of her margarita.*
SihuLumbee: Perhaps.
SihuLumbee: More likely, Hooke's lackeys got to them.
Cadsuane: I guess James really did the damage with that little speech of his.
SihuLumbee: Oh, I don't mean like that.
SihuLumbee: James Garrison Hooke is a corporate marauder.
SihuLumbee: He takes what he wants by any means necessary.
SihuLumbee: He is a pirate of the financial world.
Cadsuane: Hmmph, you know he was saying thatsame kind of thing about you.
SihuLumbee: Yes, but I have proof.
Cadsuane: I'm sure if someone asked him, he'd claim to have proof too.
SihuLumbee: On the subway ride over, I was able to make a few phonecalls. Our caterers all received cancellations from a man named Smee one day ago.
Cadsuane: Ahh.. well that's telling...
Cadsuane: Why didn't you mention this to him before?
SihuLumbee: Mister Smee is the right-hand man, and hopeful partner at Hooke's firm.
SihuLumbee: Because I do not believe in this type of business.
SihuLumbee: Dietz Construction is an honest company, and the last thing we would use is blackmail to get what we want.
Cadsuane: Fair enough, but that doesn't leave you a lot of options when something like this happens.
SihuLumbee: ...then we take action.
SihuLumbee: We get to the street, and we protest, and we get to city hall, and we raise hell, and we go to the door of that law firm and paint it with the blood of their sons.
Cadsuane: With the.. blood of their sons?
*Cadsuane looks unsure.*
SihuLumbee: Sorry, it's a figure of speech where I'm from.
Cadsuane: Riight..
*Cadsuane answers the phone.*
Cadsuane: Oh, uhm.. okay. thanks.
*Cadsuane puts the phone away.*
Cadsuane: Err..
SihuLumbee: Are you needed?
Cadsuane: We're about to have company.
Cadsuane: Our 'friend' is on his way.
SihuLumbee: Oh?
SihuLumbee: Mister Hooke?
Cadsuane: The very same.
*Cadsuane finishes her drink and discards the glass.*
SihuLumbee: You do understand that if I were this...Tiger Lily character, it wouldn't have any effect on this company, or this project, right?
Mirmaker: Sorry for my tardiness
SihuLumbee: Oh, no problem.
*SihuLumbee glances toward Cadsuane.*
Cadsuane: I don't really see how it wouldn't...
Mirmaker: Traffic is tough here in the city
SihuLumbee: I'll bet.
SihuLumbee: I suppose private transportation is both a blessing and a curse.
Mirmaker: Heh tell me about it
Cadsuane: Here comes everyone now...
Collbard: Sorry about the delay Ms. Lumbee.
SihuLumbee: Oh, no problem. Mister Mirmaker was just telling me of the traffic.
whiterain: Yes traffic is backed up.
Euforia: The route came from had an accident...
SihuLumbee: Oh no!
Collbard: I haven't been here in some time; nice place.
Euforia: No one was injured.
SihuLumbee: Oh, that's lucky.
SihuLumbee: Definitely Mister Robinson, isn't the color pallete great?
SihuLumbee: Though, I suppose we should move downstairs. That is why we reserved it.
Collbard: Ah yes of course. I gather orange to be a bit of an obsession of yours?
*SihuLumbee giggles at Collbard.*
SihuLumbee: If you'll excuse me for just a moment. I'm going to put on something a bit more reasonable.
Collbard: No problem
Cadsuane: All to ourselves!
whiterain: lol
Mirmaker: Woo!
Collbard: These kids and their bizarre posters
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
*You wave to SihuLumbee.*
SihuLumbee: Well, the bar is open and the night is yours.
Collbard: Looking sharp Ms. Lumbee.
SihuLumbee: Thank you so much!
Cadsuane: Gosh.. that's quite a severe outfit!
*You giggle at SihuLumbee.*
SihuLumbee: I'll be speaking numbers on the balcony in a few moments if anyone's interested. Otherwise, enjoy yourselves.
Cadsuane: I totally should have brought something less formal...
*Collbard cheers for you.*
*SihuLumbee yawns.*
Collbard: I'll have a White Russian!
Mirmaker: Make it two
Collbard: Good stuff
Cadsuane: They have girls up there!?
Mirmaker: Indeed.
whiterain: Just orange juice for me please
SihuLumbee: Hello gentlemen. Wondering what we're going to do with your money?
Collbard: So what future plans are in store for Dietz shareholders?
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
Collbard: Well yes, I'm a bit curious.
Mirmaker: Well Money is quite hard to come by so yes ::chuckles::
SihuLumbee: Well, the site we've purchased is, as you've seen, in a well-developed area, so the first major project is building a small tunnel from the local orange-line subway to get large construction vehicles and parts into the construction zone without tying...
SihuLumbee: ...up traffic and creating a huge eyesore for local businesses.
whiterain: A tunnel? isnt that a bit odd?
SihuLumbee: It's the best, and most cost-effective solution we had in front of us.
Mirmaker: Sounds good to me so far
Collbard: What services are being offered by the Casino?
SihuLumbee: Moreover, the city will be paying for part of the project, as they hope to increase orange-line service, and even place a station in our basement!
Cadsuane: Wow.. that sounds good.
whiterain: Interesting.
Mirmaker: And how much will you be needing to start this project?
Euforia: A very sound development plan, that.
SihuLumbee: Within the summer, we hope to have the major gaming area complete, you know, tables, private rooms, slots, the works.
SihuLumbee: We're spectating that the majority of starting profit will be from the gambling itself, and not the resort, so we're pushing to finish this, like I said, by the end of summer.
whiterain: Thats not along time to build everything.
SihuLumbee: By mandate of the city, the next project will be the subway station itself, which is scheduled for late fall and early winter.
whiterain: a long*
Mirmaker: What of this Jame Hooke character? Will he be of any concern against our investments?
Mirmaker: James I mean
SihuLumbee: A small handfull of xenophobic locals have been a bit leery of legalized gambling, by fear of an organizaed crime influx a la mid-century Vegas.
Collbard: His concern about drug peddling is interesting. We have enough drug dealers in this city. Why would he associate your company with drug dealing?
SihuLumbee: But thusfar, these have only been empty threats.
whiterain: And what will you be doing to make sure this will not create crime?
*SihuLumbee hesitates for a moment, glacing at Collbard.*
SihuLumbee: I'm honestly not sure, Mister Robinson.
SihuLumbee: Perhaps he's just grasping at straws to keep this project from getting underway.
SihuLumbee: As for crime prevention, the construction itself works to our benefit.
whiterain: How is that?
SihuLumbee: Since we have a city project going on in the winter, and zoning speculation right now, it is mandated that we keep two city officials on staff, and no less than eleven police officers on duty around the clock.
Euforia: Excuse me, Ms. Lumbee, do you know what these are about?
SihuLumbee: Hmm?
Collbard: I've heard rumor that recently a worker wearing Dietz tags supposedly was handing out pills. Green Pills.
*Euforia shows Lumbee a small vial with a few pills.*



Mirmaker: In an orange container
whiterain: Yes I have heard this too.
Collbard: Those very pills.
*Cadsuane pays attention.*
Mirmaker: Isnt green and orange your companies colors?
Mirmaker: Company's even
SihuLumbee: They are...
whiterain: So how do you explain this?
*SihuLumbee furrows her brow for a moment, then grins.*
Collbard: Now Ms. Lumbee we don't mean to appear hostile towards you, we just want this all straightened out.
Mirmaker: Indeed
Collbard: It is very important that you tell us the truth.
SihuLumbee: It's unfortunate that one bad egg has found his way into the dozen, huh?
whiterain: Just one?
Collbard: You claim to have no knowledge of such distribution?
SihuLumbee: This is going to be a disappointment to you, but our background checks of low level poersonnel has been a bit lacking as we've been pushing to hire enough employees to get this project off the ground.
whiterain: So you let these people sell drugs freely?
SihuLumbee: Obviously, someone clever enough to take a bit of food dye to a batch of narcotics and paint an aspirin container orange has made it into our ranks.
SihuLumbee: Miss, I was entirely unaware of this practice.
Mirmaker: So you honestly have no connection with this...
SihuLumbee: None.
Collbard: You do understand how incriminating this appears?
Euforia: I'm sorry to bring it up, but the question is a valid one, as I'm sure you understand.
*SihuLumbee changes her tone, adopting Collbard's side.*
SihuLumbee: Oh, entirely. This is a huge concern, especially when there's so much money involved.
Collbard: And the safety of citizens.
SihuLumbee: Right, that too!
Mirmaker: A Casino can be a good front in distribution of illegal narcotics...
SihuLumbee: So I've heard.
whiterain: Along with prostitution etc.
*Cadsuane wonders what JamesHooke is up to in the meantime.*
Euforia: And sometimes even legal ones, Mr. Shydohub.
Mirmaker: Aye
*SihuLumbee jumps, her cellphone suddenly chirping from her pocket.*
SihuLumbee: I'm so sorry, excuse me a moment, yes?
*Mirmaker nods.*
Collbard: Of course.
Euforia: Certainly.
*Cadsuane digests the information.*
SihuLumbee: Hello?
Euforia: *talks low so the other can only hear* So...what do you think?
SihuLumbee: No, tomorrow is not a good time.
*Mirmaker shrugs at SihuLumbee.*
*Mirmaker shrugs indifferently.*
Cadsuane: Every side is suspicious.
SihuLumbee: No, that isn't going to work.
whiterain: I think she know more than she is saying.
Mirmaker: Indeed rain.
SihuLumbee: Because, alright?
SihuLumbee: Because I'm the one running this gig, got it?
*SihuLumbee stomps her foot.*
Euforia: *nods* Same could be said of Mr. Hooke too... Both have things to gain and loose.
*Cadsuane boggles at SihuLumbee.*
*SihuLumbee looks around, hoping the music drowned out her yelling.*
whiterain: Very true, but who seems more credible to you?
Collbard: I can't say either seems more trustworthy than the other...
Mirmaker: I would say both are kinda sketchy to me
Euforia: I agree.
SihuLumbee: No, I'm sorry. The...those bricklaying materials shouldn't arrive at that time, we will be unavailable to receive them.
SihuLumbee: Thanks!
*SihuLumbee hangs up the phone, sighing for a moment, then plastering a grin back on her face.*

Collbard: Trouble in paradise?
SihuLumbee: I'm so sorry about that.
*Cadsuane examines Sihu's face carefully.*
Collbard: Ms. Lumbee, I'd like to inquire into your personal history.
SihuLumbee: Oh, someone in receiving put a zero where there should've been a one.
Collbard: We know so little about you.
SihuLumbee: Sure, what do you want to know?
Collbard: Well how did you get yoru start in this business?
SihuLumbee: Let's see. Mister Dietz was a family friend for a very long time. He was my father's associate when we still lived on the reservation.
*Euforia watches Ms. Lumbee intently.*
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
SihuLumbee: Back then, it was just the two old men fighting for control of a gas station.
whiterain: Going from a gas station to building a major casino is a big step.
SihuLumbee: But it wasn't until my father passed and my family joined Mister Dietz's that the company really took off.
SihuLumbee: The reservation was cut again, and we received a measly stipend from the government for our family's land.
SihuLumbee: With that, we moved to the twin cities, just south of here, and Dietz opened his first off-track betting site.
SihuLumbee: One became two, and two became seven, and by then, it was becoming too hard for him to manage on his own, so I started moving up the ladder, being the oldest of my generation.
Collbard: Rags to riches eh?
SihuLumbee: That's right.
whiterain: Quite amazing.
Mirmaker: All through legitimate business?
SihuLumbee: A story that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside, huh?
SihuLumbee: Oh, definitely.
whiterain: Do you have all the finacials to back that up?
Collbard: What of Mr. Hooke's reference to the name "Tiger Lily"?
SihuLumbee: The majority would be downstate, but yeah. We're sort of keeping a lot of it from going digital, at least until this whole Y2K thing pans out.
SihuLumbee: Tiger Lily? I don't know. Maybe he thought of it 'cause of my hair.
*SihuLumbee giggles like a schoolgirl.*
Collbard: I hate to sound like a criminal investigator, but do you have any other aliases?
SihuLumbee: Hahah. I don't have any aliases, if that's what you mean.
Collbard: Right, right.
whiterain: So what would James Hooke's reason for putting out this type of information?
Euforia: He sounded pretty admanat about connecting you to that name. Is there anyone whom would want you to fail for any other reason than mentioned?
SihuLumbee: I can't imagine any.
SihuLumbee: The thing I've noticed about this city, and maybe it's just an outsider looking in, but it's all very disjointed, and it all seems like it's at war with itself.
whiterain: Well doesnt make sense to me that he would smear your name just for fun.
Euforia: If you've been in business this long, surly you have made a few enemies...
SihuLumbee: Every zip code, every block wants to be that much better than the other.
SihuLumbee: Sure, there's always a few people that get their toes stepped on, but nobody that would hire a lawyer, if Hooke is even an actual lawyer.
Collbard: There is always a power struggle around here. It's on every level from street gangs to drug dealers to military personel.
Euforia: This city certainly does have gang problems. All you need to do is pick up a paper or watch the news... which is why there is the concern.



SihuLumbee: Oh, I don't mean gangs. I mean the people at the top of those overturned cockroach buildings.
SihuLumbee: It's all repuation to them, and this Hooke, and his cigar-smoking organization is too scared to see a younger demographic enter Lamar.
*Collbard looks around.*
SihuLumbee: If you ask me, there's everything right with youth.
whiterain: Well its a developed area and they dont have issues with the others?
SihuLumbee: Others?
whiterain: The other people that own buildings in the area
Collbard: I don't think any of the other buildings are Casinos
Collbard: Although The Vault is around there
whiterain: Yes it is.
SihuLumbee: Yes, and have you ever stepped into a back room at the Vault?
Collbard: Certainly not the safest place.
whiterain: But yet they have no issues with them. It does make me wonder what could be so much worse with your casino.
SihuLumbee: Insider trading doesn't begin to explain it. These people are planning the fiscal future of the entire country for the next five years.
SihuLumbee: The problem they have is that we're not fourth-generation trust fund babies.
*SihuLumbee looks around.*
Collbard: Ms. Lumbee, would your casino be willing to accept random investigations in order to determine the safety of the neighborhood and the inner workings of the business?
SihuLumbee: Mister Robinson, I've already told you, we have a number of city officials already on staff, any more bureacracy and I might blow a vessel.
Collbard: I understand that, but even city officials can be bribed.
whiterain: But we should be able to inspect things for ourselves... it would be our money.
SihuLumbee: ...sure.
Collbard: One moment please.
Euforia: I would suggest criminal background checks and random drug screening on every employee that works in that building.
whiterain: I would agree
Euforia: I'm sure that would put everyone at ease.
SihuLumbee: Yes, I will get on that at the first moment I can.
Collbard: So why orange and green?
SihuLumbee: You were raised in the city, you wouldn't quite get it.
SihuLumbee: There's just something magic about the sun setting on a wide open field of grass.
Collbard: So you've incorporated that into your company color scheme as well?
SihuLumbee: Where all the light starts to turn saturated, and you swear that all the bugs are little fairies.
Cadsuane: Second star on the right...
whiterain: Little fairies?
Mirmaker: Yes a sunset is quite beautiful to see
Collbard: Sounds like a small bit of heaven.
Collbard: Wouldn't it be nice to get that piece of heaven any time you wanted without having to travel out of the city?
SihuLumbee: Now you're getting it.
Collbard: Imagine if you could capture the feeling of heaven, and sell it to people. Wouldn't that be incredible?
*whiterain raises her eyebrow.*
SihuLumbee: Err...
Cadsuane: 'What if it came in little green pills?'
whiterain: And orange containers.
*Mirmaker raises a brow at SihuLumbee.*
Collbard: Imagine having the power to hand out heaven. Boy, wouldn't that put you in a position of high power.
*SihuLumbee starts to let her grin crumble.*
Collbard: And having little workers distribute heaven as a tease before Eden itself is erected.
SihuLumbee: Like I said, I know nothing about this, and perhaps I should be asking you how you came into posession of those drugs from a claimed Dietz employee.
Collbard: Wouldn't that be swell?
*Cadsuane sits back, letting it play out.*
Collbard: I'm afraid I'm just playing devil's advocate here.
Collbard: It's just so...
Collbard: Suspicious.
Collbard: But only as suspicious as some guy in a suit making claims of drug peddling.
SihuLumbee: What's still suspicious? I believe that I've bent to your every request so far.
Collbard: What's suspicous? You come to build heaven, and some guy in a suit claims you're the devil. The whole situation is suspicious.
Collbard: Like I said, I want to trust you, I think we all do. And I don't have any evidence against you.
Collbard: Except, bizarre Mr. Hooke. You must know something about him?
SihuLumbee: Sure, I know a few things.
Collbard: You too have any history?
SihuLumbee: I know that he's responsible for the collapse of three major accountinf firms in Chelsea beacuase they 'just didn't display the right image,' he's gotten his lackey Smee to burn evidence, burn bridges, and burn houses to keep a client safe, while dangling
SihuLumbee: partnership in front of his eyes.
SihuLumbee: I know that in the past four hears, there have been more cases won by James Hooke due to 'lack of evidence' than any other attourney in the city over the past two decades.
SihuLumbee: I know that James Hooke is a liar, a thief, and a hypocrite.
Mirmaker: And now he is targeting you.
Cadsuane: Steady on.. you make him sound like an ex-husband.
SihuLumbee: James Hooke is a corporate pirate.
Collbard: Yea...I got that impression as well
Collbard: It felt like he was trying to get rid of you in order to further his own agenda.
whiterain: I am just wondering why when I asked you why he would smear you, you said you didnt know. Now all of a sudden he is this horrible person.
SihuLumbee: Oh shoot, anyone have the time?
*Cadsuane checks her watch.. and realises she's not wearing a watch..*
whiterain: Please answer my question.
SihuLumbee: Eh?
*Mirmaker looks at his pocketwatch.*
Collbard: 9:15 I believe
SihuLumbee: You asked why he would smear me, right?
Mirmaker: 9:15 MCT
whiterain: Yes and you said you had no idea.
SihuLumbee: I don't know why he would smear me, it doesn't make any sense.
SihuLumbee: He has nothing to gain, it seems.
SihuLumbee: I have to make my train pretty soon.
SihuLumbee: If you want more answers, I know somebody you might want to talk to.
whiterain: And who is that?
Mirmaker: Your boss?
SihuLumbee: His name's Peter, and he's one of Lamar's Tycoon's sons.
SihuLumbee: Peter Barrie.
*Cadsuane makes a note.*
SihuLumbee: If you want to get in contact with him, shoot me an email, and I'll get him your name.
Mirmaker: Will do
SihuLumbee: I have to get going.
*Euforia logs the name into her cell.*
Collbard: It has been a pleaser Ms. Lumbee
Cadsuane: See you again, I'm sure.
*SihuLumbee agrees to shake your hand.*
*SihuLumbee shakes hands with you.*
SihuLumbee: We have the room reserved for another hour or so, enjoy yourselves.
Collbard: I'm very sorry abotu all the trouble caused by Mr. Hooke.
Euforia: Thank you for answering our questions, Ms. Lumbee.
SihuLumbee: Oh, it'll pass.
*Collbard shakes SihuLumbee's hand.*
SihuLumbee: I wouldn't expect anything from Peter tonight. But when he wants to, he'll be in touch.
*Mirmaker shakes SihuLumbee's hand.*
Collbard: Alright.
Mirmaker: Im looking forward to this project...if its what you say it is.
SihuLumbee: Indeed, I appreciate your support.
SihuLumbee: Alright, I really need to make this train. I don't want to be stranded this side of the aqueduct!



Collbard: Be Safe Ms. Lumbee
Mirmaker: What do you all make of this?
Collbard: I dunno, it's a mess.
Cadsuane: It requires investigation.
Mirmaker: Indeed it does
Collbard: Certainly
Euforia: If you have friend in high places, now would be a good time to turn in your favors...
Mirmaker: I am also curious as to see who James gets to contact us.
Cadsuane: I have to see to some things, excuse me gentlemen.
Mirmaker: Be safe Cad
Collbard: Of course.

Great color in that first screenshot.

Dangit, I thought I caught all the team chat...

(Fixed, thanks again for the log.)