EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

[gasping]

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.

Comments

[nonscriptum]

Mhm.

[ He doesn't need to divvy, and outside of his brief theft Nate brought these back explicitly for Wade, but he appreciates the gesture. What sticks in the craw is the casual way he talks about charging people, as though he worked in sales of some variety, but Wade and his considerable collection of scars never struck Nate as a businessman in the traditional sense.

He starts the trudge up the starts to their unit. ]

What'd you mean by that? Price-gouging. What kinda work were you in?

[ishotyouuu]

[Wade pauses, his hand on the doorframe. He turns and gives Nate an altogether coquettish smile, tapping the side of his head.]

Here's an idea. How 'bout you take a guess? Just for shits and giggles. We got kind of a quid pro quo situation happenin' here, after all. I had to guess your oh-so-illustrious profession-- how 'bout you let me have some fun for a change?

[nonscriptum]

[ Yeah, should've known this is where they'd end up. That's what he gets for being a wiseass: more wiseassery right back at him. Nate emits his best put-upon sigh with a resigned- ]

Okay.

[ -and pushes past Wade down the hall, talking himself through it as though his roommate isn't there at all. ]

You're a combat vet. You've got defensive scars, dark sense of humor, some history of pranking people, probably. You're from Canada, but you're like the least polite Canadian I've ever met. Like a lot of vets, you probably work in...some kind of independent contracting. [ Nate stops abruptly to appraise him again, squinting. ] ...not construction. You're way too well-traveled. Am I getting warm?

[ishotyouuu]

[Wade laughs at that, following him into the hallway and taking a position against one of the walls.]

Am I really the least polite Canadian, though? Maybe I'm just the one Canadian who's keepin' it the most real. That's a gross stereotype anyway. Hashtag Not All Canadians, y'know?

[There's a strange little smile on his face, though, as he takes in the rest of Nate's assessment of him. It's sort of like the smile one would have when seeing a child do something particularly impressive or advanced for his age.]

Go on. Anything else?

[He's not gonna give Nate the benefit of knowing whether he's correct or not until he's finished, it seems.]

[nonscriptum]

[ Wade is starting to look amused in that almost-patronizing way that adults gets when they're waiting for a kid to come to a simple conclusion, which only makes him want to find the right answer faster. He's got his pride and ability to suss out mysteries to think about.

No affirmation or negation, then. No clues. Fine. He concentrates instead on the arms crossed over Wade's chest, the physique that speaks to a life probably not that dissimilar from what he used to do. ]

...It's not treasure hunting, 'cause you'd have said something back then. [ He reasons to himself, taking a step. One turns into two, and then three, and Nate is pacing. ] You've had rich clients but you can sometimes get away with overcharging them, and you're about as good at defusing fights as you are starting them. Not...not security, I don't think- No, no, 'cause you'd hate that.

[ Nate points out, briefly making eye contact before continuing down the hall. ]

You don't work long-term like that. Not even for somebody's private army, and you're not really a taking orders guy.

[ishotyouuu]

[The quiches are probably long cold by now, but Wade doesn't really care. The way Nate seems to pick apart Wade's remarks, his physique, even his likes and dislikes is as fascinating as it is scary. Wade's never had anyone take this much notice of him before-- at least not someone who wasn't trying to use mental warfare to break him down. Wade never thought he'd be flattered to be under a microscope.]

I mean I wouldn't say that. Take orders from you pretty well, don't I? Boss.

[But he doesn't discourage Nate, merely falls in line behind him as he crosses the corridor.]

[nonscriptum]

There's a difference between taking orders because it's your job and taking orders because you like to, Wade.

[ Nate points out, with all the expertise of somebody who knows the differentiation intimately and doesn't intend to elucidate on his knowledge thereof at this juncture. Wade is being purposefully suggestive and that's sort of his go-to, Nate's noticed, when things start to get a little too real.

Nate stops at the door to their flat and turns back to look at him over his shoulder, squinting as he pulls out his keycard. ]

...don't take this personally but I wanna say mercenary? They tend to run in groups though and you don't strike me as a guy who likes being a team player.

[ishotyouuu]

Hey, don't put words in my mouth, broseph. No one ever said I couldn't do both.

[And there it is. He figured Nate would come to the conclusion eventually, even without any confirmation on Wade's part. It makes him feel... odd, having his profession all out in the open like that. Not that he's not used to people knowing what he does for a living, but this feels somehow... different. Hard to define.

He plasters on a rakish grin.]

Bingo. Apart from that whole "mercenaries travel in packs" thing, anyway. You're stereotyping again. Lots of mercs go it solo, me included.

[nonscriptum]

Whoa, sorry, I don't get Mercenaries Monthly so I don't have all the facts.

[ Nate has no idea if they have a magazine, but he knows there are online forums, some of which are probably about him. He has something of a reputation within their circles that isn't exactly savory, and they were probably relieved when he retired from the business because it meant fewer of them were getting kicked off of cliffs.

He steps inside. ]

Where I come from they're usually organized in small armies that try to kill me.

[ishotyouuu]

[Wade arches an incredulous but amused eyebrow at Nate's sarcasm.]

Mercenaries Monthly? Izzat a fashion magazine or something? "How to kill your targets in style!" "Check out the latest in hireling haute couture!" Or maybe it's a porno. For those types who like to live dangerously or something. There is somethin' kinda kinky about having someone who can kill you seven hundred different ways in your employ. I'm guessing, anyway-- that kinda shit's above my paygrade.

[He once again falls into step behind Nate.]

Seriously, though-- who the hell did you piss off enough that they'd send mercs after you? What, did you gank Paul Freeman's finder's fee or something?

[nonscriptum]

Uh. Where do I start?

[ Paul Freeman. Paul Freeman. An actor, right? Indiana Jones? Nate is pretty sure that's the case, but he honestly couldn't commit to that since remembering celebrities of any stripe isn't his forte.

He slings his duffel bag on the floor next to the couch and lets Wade close the door behind them. ]

I am not well-liked in the guns-for-hire community.

[ishotyouuu]

[Wade takes a moment to lean against the doorway and offer Nate his most impatient, skeptical look.]

Yeah, okay. You've said as much. Not really catchin' the why, though. I'm serious, did you run afoul of some Nazis tryin' to steal the Ark of the Covenant? 'Cause last time I checked, Calvin Klein models-turned-archaeologists don't really come up on my roster all that much. ...Wish they would.

[nonscriptum]

I get in people's way.

[ He says simply, depositing himself on the sofa and propping his feet up on the coffee table. Hands laced across his stomach Nate raises his eyebrows. ]

I'm..."unwanted competition." People hire mercenaries as a precaution.

[ishotyouuu]

...Pffahahahahaha--

[The laugh bursts out of him without warning. Something about the look on Nate's face and the tone of his voice tickles Wade's funny bone.]

Sorry. S'probably not so funny when you're gettin' shot at. Just... the way you say it sounds like those bourgie fucks I run into from time to time. The ones who try to hire me for like ten grand to whack a dude who beat their golf score or some shit. You'd think with all that money they could buy themselves some thicker skin, y'know?

[nonscriptum]

No, that sounds about right.

[ Zoran Lazarević was the only outlier in that he tended to do his dirty work himself, up to and including attempting to shred Nate to pieces with a very, very large shotgun. ]

Last black market auction I went to, I overhead some guy talking about how he had some of his security detail beat the crap out of a crêpe vendor for suggesting he work on his French.

[ishotyouuu]

Don't you mean he beat the crêpe out of him?

[An apologetic grin at that entirely too easy pun.]

But seriously though, that sounds pretty much like the schmucks who try to hit me up for "just a simple job" and then toss a low-ball offer at me.

[He scoffs.]

Fucking pricks. I do pro bono work, don't get me wrong, but givin' some regular joe an asphalt facial just because he made fun of some rich fuck's tracksuit doesn't fall under that category.