meadowlarklogs | EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

Entry tags:

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

WHO: Everyone
WHERE: New Amsterdam
WHEN: March 13-14
WHAT: A charity event
NOTES OR WARNINGS: Please see the OOC Planning Post for further details!

> THE FOUNDATION GALA & SILENT AUCTION

In early February, invitations begin to be dispersed to power players in various industries across New Amsterdam and other global megacities. From famous artistes (one of whom sadly never confirms his appearance) to CoolTalk influencers, banking moguls and scientific pioneers, anyone who is anyone receives a personalized, couriered invitation to a very exclusive event — a silent auction, co-hosted by Joseph Lynch and the New Amsterdam Events Committee, with all proceeds benefiting the newly minted Outer Worlds Foundation. Established after the first gubernatorial debate by Lynch and his campaign, the Trust aims to honor those whose sacrifices have paved the way for humanity's exploration of space by funding environmentally-savvy research initiatives and providing support to organizations devoted to providing a better quality of life for all those who work and live on the colonies.

Of course, even charities are rarely all that they seem. Political journalists and bloggers have long speculated that Lynch plans to capitalize on the social unrest stemming from the recent Mars colony uprisings, and with frontrunner Katelin Jovavich's recent debate missteps on this topic, the rumor mill has been hard at work pointing out just how timely a charitable trust like this one must be. Positioning himself as a champion of the underappreciated (read: exploited) citizens sent out to toil for the advancement of the elite is a savvy political move, and one that proves difficult to dismiss in the polls.

With such a politically-charged opportunity and the promise of plenty of media coverage, the event itself becomes a must-do on the social agenda of many of New Amsterdam's most recognizable names. Elin Zepatka and her philanthropic organizations are quick to lend their credo to the event, along with a selection of art pieces from her personal collection. (Rumor has it they're being donated to avoid having to catalogue their worth in her upcoming divorce.) Also on the guest list? Beyond host and gubernatorial candidate Joseph Lynch, his opposition Simone Durcell will be making an appearance. (Jovavich, notably, is not.) Employees from Ibis and Caudata Tech will also be on hand, the latter especially as a subsidiary under Durcell's management, despite corporate boards still throwing in with the front-runner. Most interestingly, however, is the fleeting promise of spotting reclusive Matek Kattan. The Displaced may remember this name from the recent Lunar New Year celebrations, when Pulsar subsidiary Tempo's newest VP of Marketing pitched in to run community meal programs. Clearly, charity outreach is just another ball this mystery man is capable of juggling.

The auction itself remains as exclusive as the invitations. With the large number of VIP attendees and the stressful year New Amsterdam has had, security remains a high priority throughout. Those without an invitation will find it difficult, if not impossible, to "sneak" their way in. However, with the influx of notoriously particular VIP attendees, the expectations also remain high. To meet them, companies involved in the auction begin to take on temporary workers, offering short-term job opportunities in everything from catering to janitorial work to even checking coats and bussing empty glasses. For those that are willing to undergo background checks and sign non-disclosure contracts, this is a lucrative opportunity to make high hourly rates — and potentially get their foot in the door for long-term employment if they impress the right person!

Of course, it wouldn't be a New Amsterdam event if the Displaced weren't given a particularly special way to participate. As a last-minute addition to the program, Caroline has worked with the New Amsterdam Events Committee to allow urban explorers and treasure hunters to submit rare, previously unseen artifacts from various areas of the globe up for auction. Members of the Displaced who have brought back items and artifacts from their voluntary (or involuntary) treks around the world may want to take this opportunity to make a few credits — or make a name for themselves as charitable members of the community, which may just earn them attention considered far more valuable than a few credits to their name. To sweeten the deal, each member of the Displaced that opts to present an item for sale at the auction will be provided an invitation for themselves and a plus-one of their choice.

> THE WHITE DAY AUCTION

As media coverage begins to speculate on the who's who on the guest list (and what they might donate for the cause), another event is organized to follow shortly after. Not satisfied with extending the olive branch of charitable goodwill to the upper echelons, Caroline and the NAEC begin to draft up an opportunity for all those affected by the recent crises in New Amsterdam and abroad to give back to their community, taking advantage of the upcoming White Day holiday to promote a special, seasonally-appropriate opportunity for giving (and getting) back.

The White Day Auction, as it's formally billed, isn't a new concept. Matchmaking parties and speed dating events have long been part of the New Amsterdam social scene, and while they typically are held in the weeks prior to Valentine's Day, the upcoming pressure to "give triple" (still referred to as sanbai in New Tokyo) means finding a suitable gift is still high on the to-do list for many of the city's population. For those that don't have a significant other... advertising alone would make it clear that securing a potential plus one for any auction winnings should be top priority.

To entice attendance, the event just so happens to be in a rather exclusive location — a mansion in the more upscale area of town, typically reserved for events like the recent masquerade ball to kick off Carnivale season. It's the perfect backdrop for CoolTalk selfies, making the first move on a certain someone, or impressing your date with your nouveau riche ensemble.

To ensure all are welcome and able to attend, admission is reasonably priced, and while attendees are encouraged to dress to suit the theme, there are no masks or other requirements to attend the event.

◉ In the east wing of the mansion, those with money to burn can explore the well-advertised Sanbai Selection. Here, potential purchasers can peruse a variety of couples' packages, all donated by local businesses and the occasional affluent individual. There are varying options here, with everything from the classic "dinner and a VR movie" arrangement to a full day's VIP experience at Riverstone's Dream River theme park, to even the more scandalous "Red Room Experience", offered by one of the Red Light District's most well-known brothels. Whether they offer a hard-to-beat discount — like two-for-one couples' massages or a prix-fixe menu at a recent Restaurant Week winning venue — or a rare experience, each of these opportunities are exclusive to White Day attendees. Many of the more popular options will be available for multiple purchasers to collect at lower prices, while some of the most exclusive and sought-after are sure to go quickly.

◉ For those who may not have a date, a bachelor's auction will be hosted later in the evening. Sponsored by one of New Amsterdam's newest craft breweries, the New Amsterdam Bachelor(ette) Auction offers a chance for those who may not have the funds to donate to offer up something else for charity. For those ready to bid, winning a date with one of these potential bachelors (or bachelorettes!) up for auction will grant access to a unique date experience, each tailored to the man or woman on offer's skills and interests. Dancing lessons, self-defense classes, art history lessons — there's a wide variety of options on the table! The Displaced are highly encouraged to sign up as potential bachelor(ette)s, or to bid on each other.

◉ In addition to the various auction opportunities, the evening offers a variety of opportunities for charitable giving! Attendees can visit the multiple full bars staffed by local culinary school students, purchase some of the winning food items from New Amsterdam Restaurant Week participants at reasonable prices, and pick up last minute gift ideas from pop-up shops — with all proceeds donated to the Foundation! Banners and signage all thank attendees for giving, and every so often, video messages from Joseph Lynch on VR screens profess his deep gratitude for the city's endless generosity, with a reminder that 'together, anything is possible.'

> OOC NOTES

Welcome to the party! Just a few reminders:

▸ Players are welcome to have their characters sign up for any kind of short-term job opportunity. No special arrangements are required! If your character decides midway through the night to abandon their duties and try to mingle... well, they'll just have to hope their boss doesn't spot them first!

▸ There will be opportunities for NPC interactions during the silent auction, hosted by the mod team. Keep an eye out!

▸ Feel free to go wild with couples' package options. While most of the companies participating would be from within New Amsterdam, who knows what kind of global opportunities lay out there. If you want to utilize this offer to make connections with a new destination, check in with Plot Engagement!

▸ For Displaced opting to sign up as a Bachelor or Bachelorette, please remember that no intimacy is required. Characters can, of course, voluntarily provide things like massages or dancing lessons, but no characters should feel obligated to be anything more than professionally friendly with their bidder.

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[Quentin has a tendency to talk circles around himself and pretty much everyone else too. He smiles at that estimation.]

Fate is boring. Fate is that no matter what you do, it's all pre-determined. Trying to get around it only causes it to happen. There's no hope, no choice. Destiny you still have some wiggle room.

[He's proven that himself more than once, but it's usually because they make it through the skin of their teeth. Quentin's amused; this guy either thinks he's much smarter than he is, or he's holding a lot of cards that haven't been shown yet in this verbal type of poker. Or both. Either way, he's fully engaged.]

Who, well, the powers that be. Gods, magic, cosmic energy, beings past our own understanding, existence itself. Theoretically.

[Quentin raises an eyebrow.]

Why do you think we're here? My people.

Better gods prefer to see what someone will do with what they've been handed. Assuming they have a choice in the matter themselves.

[ His fingers come up to his face, fingertips tapping against his chin. ]

Granted, I don't know if that means anything when it comes to all of you! Personally, I've thought of you as representatives of a certain god, chosen in one way or another. What we know about those choices is unclear, because no one wrote it down! Not really, anyway.

[ And Ball hasn't seen the inside of the ruins. ]

But even in that, let me tell you a secret—[ Here, his voice softens. ]—I figured you all out by talking to you. It's amazing how confidence can go a long way in getting the answers you want. Mind you, I did have some very exclusive knowledge, buuuut—[ He offers a boyish shrug. ]

Oh I don't disagree there could be some divine intervention and choosing going on here. There's some power at play, it's the only way any of this is possible.

[It's not as if normal humans made this happen, and since they're from multiple worlds and there is a literal god (Loki) here, it's someone on a higher level. Quentin isn't new to being a plaything of the divine, he's also not new to being irritated and frustrated about that. He just wants to understand, it's his prime directive. If he understands, maybe he can solve this for people, and find a way to stay.

His eyebrows furrow, looking a little confused.] I ... really doubt that's true. No offense meant. About the figuring me out part. [Quentin presents as eager, intelligent, and focused, but on the inside he's a mess. And the only reason he's been able to get past that at the moment is being desperate for knowledge. He moves the tray to his other arm.]

I think you want to give the knowledge but you don't know who to yet. You're getting our attention on purpose. [Quentin shrugs, not at all boyish although he's young still.] If it's not me, that's fine, I hope it'll get around eventually. Because all we know is through a limited lenses and we're getting all these clues without guidance.

I've given out a lot of knowledge, but you came to me with ideas. [ There's nothing in his voice that rebukes Quentin, exactly. But the "I don't disagree" makes it seem to him as if Quentin believes it's an exchange of information, of theorizing. Ball knows his faith. ] I've told you that destiny isn't a factor, unless you think a god making a choice means that it's destiny. The rest? Well, that's rather true, what I said. I don't know that I'm hiding anything except the obvious. Unless you think I know more than I'm letting on!

Which god do you think it is? [There are a lot of god options. Quentin hopes it's not the Christian God because he knows very little about that particular subject. He's familiar with others, but he assumes pretty much all of them are real, in one way or the other. Hell, Santa Claus is real, apparently. He's just rolling with it at this point.]

I think you know a lot. You've got that whole mysterious benefactor energy going for you. [The clothes, the suggestively knowing humor, the twinkle in his eye. That or the mad informant, not that he's going to say that one out loud.] I'm pretty new, I just want to know why we're here.

[There's something very earnest about Quentin, a trustworthy nature that he intentionally puts out.]

We've also been seeking new allies.

Well, I don't want to assign action to any particular god. That's not really fair! They're all a part of it. [ The question isn't fully understood from Quentin's perspective. Ball's response seems sincere, at least, rather than an attempt at obfuscating. ]

That said, I thought I was already your ally. Isn't that why I'm here? Should I declare it more boldly?

I'm hoping we don't have to deal with a whole host of gods with their own reasons for things.

[A useless hope since it's not as if he can change it. It's just that if a lot of gods exist and want everyone to do their bidding or have their own motivation, using humans as their little puppets, things can get bad fast. But he's not assuming anything.]

I'm new, like I said, so I don't think I've heard your name before, that's all. I'm trying not to assume things as an alien here.

[This is not the first time that Quentin gets the feeling he's out of his league in terms of someone knowing a helluva lot more than he does. Whoever this is gets this place and them possibly more than they do, so he can't outthink previous knowledge. Only try to get some of it himself.]

If you're already one of our allies, than thank you, I guess.

Ahhh, hmm. [ Ball does appear to be somewhat abashed at this understanding. ] I thought you were aware when you walked up. That explains a great deal. I'm Ball. In short. My apologies for not being more obvious. Given the conversation topic, I thought you knew!

[ Quentin has a fantastic poker face, so he doesn't react with the wide-eyed open-mouthed response he feels like to that, but his eyes are very bright and focused, and he's clearly delighted, his energy raising, his full attention even more razor sharp.]

Mr. Ball, I'm so glad to meet you. I've been wanting to find you since I was first told about you and your people.

[Yes, perhaps from their conversation he should have gotten that, but he also could have assumed this was someone who agreed with the ideas and had interest. Or someone from Ball's group, which was what he was starting to think, but Ball himself. Now he doesn't have to rely on Loki.]

To talk about exactly what we are now, so I probably should've known, but. [He didn't! Shrugs.] I was hoping you'd tell me more about what you already know, about the divine here, about the powers that be. The myths and stories that people don't usually believe, but may be true. I was told you're the one who would know.

That's a lot to cover in one conversation! [ For Ball, it's less a matter that he doesn't want to talk about it, and more that talking about it here is less than adequate. Besides, he leaves most of the chatter to those who make the shrines and help out at the various harvest festivals around town. He has to be careful about how much he exposes himself. ]

Unfortunately, I will say this. What myths we know vary, and that's because our gods interacted with people according to how they hoped to worship—not the other way around. That's why the sites of the four gates are so different. I do mean it when I say that they allowed humans to make their own decisions and use their power as they wished.

I know. Especially at, um, a public event. [Quentin understands, legit. He probably shouldn't be this open in the first place, considering, but he's also not losing this chance to talk to someone with information. For all he knows Ball will leave and he won't be able to contact him again.

He listens very closely, considering what he's saying.] Have they taken people from other worlds before, like that's happened recently with this group of Displaced? It's not like they're choosing native civilians here, they're opening parts of the multiverse for us. What do you think we're supposed to do?

There's certainly no record of it! Why would the they need to look elsewhere? There are plenty of people here. [ Simply put, as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

He does reach out to pull Quentin closer. Though he holds on to his arm, he doesn't squeeze it tight, merely hoping to make sure there's very little distance between them. ]

No, your appearances seem to be linked to a ... collected effort of sorts! [He frees Quentin's arm and taps at his chest. Ball seems to know exactly where the glowing starts. Unsurprising? Sure. ] That's the key to it all. I'd say that's even more important than the particulars.

[Quentin is surprised by the sudden grip but he doesn't shy away, tilting his head curiously and coming in closer to hear what Ball has to say. He's usually a little more careful with his personal space here, what with the empathy bonds, but that doesn't seem to be a problem here.]

Do you know who brings us here? [His hand instinctively moves to touch his chest where Ball just tapped. He knows the glow underneath, although it's only happened a few times.] I mean the people who cut our head open and leave us in public. Because ... are they the ones that put this in? [They already did brain surgery on them!]

I have my suspicions as to how you're here. [They're mere suspicions, though. That much is clear.] I'll say this: the collective effort I referred to had nothing to do with "bringing" you here. As for the rest—I'm no more fond of the neural implant than you are. It taints our bodies. [A huff. He brushes his fingers along the back of his neck. A long forgotten scar.] But for now, I don't think that's a point of suspicion and invasion. I wish I could say differently for you.

We're linked to a collected effort but it isn't what brought us here?

[Quentin would be frustrated that he's met yet another older wiser type of person who has answers and gives riddles instead, but that's type of trope that never really goes out of style. He likes riddles and puzzles.]

I get the whole cool and mysterious benefactor thing, don't get me wrong, but is there a reason you're not willing to share what you know? I mean, we're allies, and I would think that the more information we have the better, for us and for the city.

You're not the only people I'm interested in. There is only so much I can tell you, especially since you're all rather bold. I don't know all that you get up to, but the things I hear tell me that I'm right to be cautious. [ He does follow that up with a smile. Ball doesn't seem to like to take this serious tone. He even makes a gesture of "cracking" his neck, flexing it from one side to the next. ]

That collected effort I'm referring to was for something else, but then suddenly you all turned up some months later. I drew my own conclusions! But saying what it was could be dangerous. There are people far more powerful than me and my credits involved. I'm a mere nothing in comparison.

[Quentin is about to argue, but then he pauses and thinks about what he knows for sure everyone's gotten up to in this place, and Ball is in no way. wrong. They're not all passive people just trying to make do here. They get into trouble. He wonders if that's one of the reasons they're brought here, if it's not accidental. He shrugs and nods, indicating he gets it.]

Okay fair. [He's not even going to plead his own case that he'll be careful. Quentin uses information at his disposal and he's not always smart about it. So he's one of those bold people in question (otherwise known as occasionally boldly stupid.)

But he very, very, very much gets interested in Ball's description of the effort in question. If it's common knowledge that something happened months before they got there to start all of this, he's not aware. He's only been told what happened after they arrived.]

I definitely wouldn't want you to put your neck out any more than you already have, Mr. Ball. But is there anyone else involved with the collected effort in question you can point me toward?

[He is so painfully earnest.] I want to help people, but it's hard to do that efficiently if I don't know why or how I'm here.

Why do you think the collected effort is the place to look? [ he asks, genuinely curious. ] What you need to understand is that we all want to look to you. While, of course, [he flashes a smile,] still having minds of our own. You understand that. I do try to ensure that everyone thinks freely! Otherwise, we'd be no better than just about ... well ...

[ Flippant hand motion. ]

To me? I mean, to us? [Oh god do they not want to look to him. It's funny because once upon a time Quentin was super excited about the idea of people looking to him for anything, but he learned the error of that innocent obsession with being important a long time ago. Not that it stops him from liking it, sometimes, but generally, he has no more answers than anyone else. Less of them!]

Of course everyone should have a mind of their own, but how are we supposed to know what we're supposed to be doing for people here if we're not sure why we're here in the first place? [Quentin believes in stories. He believes in mysteries that eventually get unraveled and conclusions, like a book in the library.] We're just people, Mr. Ball, in an extraordinary situation. Even the chosen or whatever need guidance.

Don't you see the danger in that, Quentin? In offering yourself up for directions or to be told what you're supposed to do? [ The thought as a whole seems to bother Ball. It seems like he can see where that ends, and he doesn't like it. But he doesn't voice that, either.

No, it's just there in his body language. ]

Don't you have beliefs? I thought you did! Don't you have something you care about? Again, I thought you did. Who am I to tell you what to care about? I care for my people and my gods, and for trying to view them in the right way. That means I uphold the values I think they offered: to let us make choices. Good or bad! And to look at the world thoughtfully and wonder what it might be like if it hadn't ended up this way.

[Quentin listens very closely to what he's saying, soaking in the words, finding a lot of wisdom in there. He's never been a good leader. He tried to be a few times, and it didn't work. He's much better as the knowledge guy, or the believer; one of the kings but not the High King. A decent magician but not a great one.]

I believe that in my experience going into a situation without knowledge or context gets people killed. [He has moments when he is that old man again and moments when he's practically a teenager again.] In my world, a magician created a timeloop. In it she kept running scenarios to try to defeat a great evil, with the same tools at her disposal, myself and my friends. Every time we failed and died, she restarted the loop and changed something to try again. It wasn't until she was dead and there was no safety net that we found a way to kill the bad guy.

[By the skin of their teeth and just really being lucky, honestly, but still.] Keeping us blind to what was really going on didn't protect us, it might have been why we failed thirty-nine times first. [Who knows how it would go? It's destiny. They still could wiggle around it. Their choices still mattered, including Jane's.]

I don't want this world to nearly die over and over like mine, Mr. Ball. [This time it's Quentin who reaches out, putting his free hand on Ball's shoulder. Sincerity dripping from him.] I want your world and your people to have better choices than we did. Doing that blind means we're going to make a lot of dangerous mistakes. I'm worried we're going to make it worse.

[ Ball's lightness becomes much heavier for a moment. He frowns. This is a conversation that runs a lot of risks. He's beginning to see that he'll have to bring it to an end soon. People are listening. ]

Be more cautious. Not everyone here is as good as they proclaim. You have no reason to believe that I am, but you can take the fact that I won't tell you what to do as a sign that I'm doing my best. [ His voice changes with these words. It's more solid, like he's trying to put Quentin in his place. There is a hint of stress and unease in his forehead. Ball has wanted to provide answers to them — of course, he's curious about them, too — but he also hates ... other aspects of this. The rest of this. ]

I can't tell you because there's a risk in telling you. You can't make demands of me, and then fail to see that there might be more to my rejection. Why would I ever want to reject you? [ His eyebrows raise. ]

There are risks — risks all over. Risks in acting. Risks that existed for us before we saw signs of our gods — [ He whispers this last word. ] But we want to do what we can even with these ... risks, these things that friends of mine have called mistakes.

[ He rocks back, straightening out his suit. ]

No, the real issue is that you think I have some answer that will prevent a mistake, and I have to admit — I wish I did! I wish we all did. But there are some who would say that even meeting with you is a risk. A costly one, perhaps! So, please, please — stop asking me to pull back the curtains on something that isn't there for you. For any of you. You've all made potentially dangerous decisions already, haven't you? Who am I to hold the key to get that to stop?

[ He huffs and shakes his head. ]

I'd say that's not fair to put on me. I just want to help, not guide you. I'd rather follow, personally. See where it goes. [ He manages a smile here. But it's obvious from his shifting moods that he wants to flee this conversation, like he's been worn down throughout the course of it. ]

Edited 2020-07-08 06:33 (UTC)

[Quentin listens to every word he says without interrupting. He doesn't press, he doesn't argue. He is an awkward and shy person at heart, when he's not focused on something with all of his being, but years of avoiding people has taught him very good body language reading. He is worried for the tension he sees because he really doesn't want to hurt an ally. He can just be a dog with a bone when he gets going on something.

He wonders if this is what Jane felt like, never willing to give too much away, too afraid of risk. From his point of view there was only frustration for being lied to and used, but she had her reasons too. Quentin thinks there's plenty Ball is saying by not saying too, and perhaps he'll press him on it another time.]

I'd like to point out you waved me over, Mr Ball. [Quentin smiles wryly at him, his tone gentle, removing his hand from Ball respectfully.] So you only have yourself to blame if I'm more difficult than you expected. [He adds a touch of self-deprecating humor to try to ease the tension. He's not about to burn bridges with someone who knows shit because he's impatient and curious.]

This is my world too now. [He has no other option.] I want to help it, and you, I promise.

No, no. I love difficult people. [ Ergo, he has no problem with Quentin. The issue is that difficult people tend not to ask him to tell them what to do. ] I do! But I don't have answers for you. What do you want for this world? What troubles you? What do you believe? If this is your world now—and I don't see why it wouldn't be!—[ As he has no reason to believe they will leave. ]

Well, it's time you consider what would happen if I asked you what to do. How do I stop myself from making a mistake, Mr. Quentin? [ He offers a bright, easy smile. It's like he's glad he unlocked the right angle to take. This feels like it. ]

I don't hold more answers than anyone else. But I'm curious to see what you decide are yours.

What I want for this world is to be safer than mine for the average citizen, but I'm troubled because I don't believe that it is. [See, all three of those questions wrapped into one genuine answer!] I believe we're here for a reason but I'm troubled because I'm not sure if we're here to make things better or worse for this world.

[Because if the first big monster attack happened right after they arrived, that's linked. All these supernatural things apparently started when they did, so maybe they're the problem. Maybe all their good intentions mean nothing. Quentin shakes his head faintly and smiles.]

If I knew how to stop making mistakes, I would be a perfect paragon of leadership at this point. [Which he was very much not.] I think what I'd tell you to do is make sure whoever you're talking to about us, followers or whatever, know we're not perfect. We're people too. And that if you need help, you can ask. [He shrugs.] Not every single one of us is likely to help, but enough of us are? So. [As soon as he says it he feels like he said it wrong.] Maybe?

(no subject)

amstrdm - 2020-07-17 06:03 (UTC) - Expand

I'M SAD

filloryfanatic - 2020-07-21 01:10 (UTC) - Expand

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