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Post by Bad Player on Jun 21, 2022 22:42:28 GMT
"'Ey about time you got here, Aust! Been dyin' over here doin all the work!" he said sliding a "Sparkling Water" over to Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois, with freshly fitted diamonds that Bones had painstakingly carved from ice cubes as a substitute. Fortunately, waiting by the bar for Bones to painstakingly carve diamonds from ice cubes meant Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois was clear of the table as it rose. Unfortunately, diamonds meant diamonds. But Bones had already left the bar area, so with an aggrieved sigh Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois took the drink and then took Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois' seat at the dining table. Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois dress cascaded onto the empty seat and Rob's seat (or Rob himself, depending on whether or not he sat before or after Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois). "That was a fascinating parlor trick," Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois said to Izza across from Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois, seeming completely oblivious to any trouble Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois may be causing to Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois' sides.
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Post by Planetbox on Jun 21, 2022 22:47:26 GMT
Before long, dinner came and went—an exquisite meal featuring all the most expensive dishes the new world had to offer. The family and friends had pleasant conversation, catching up, making plans, and discussing general affairs in Vista Del Luna. One could almost forget the grim background they all shared. Leon wiped his mouth on an exquisite embroidered napkin as the last plates were taken away. “And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…” Leon’s cake was far too tall to blow the candles out—while Leon could hover, he couldn’t actually fly. So after a rather lackluster delivery of the Happy Birthday song, it was time to cut the cake. “Leslie, dear, if you’d do the honors?” Leslie nodded and rose from her chair, pulling a long blade out of her sleeve. She dashed across the room with surprising speed, letting loose a wide slash as she passed the cake. With a violent gush of icing, the top of the cake collapsed into thirteen large pieces, which a previously unseen wait staff rushed to collect and deposit at the table. “Excellent,” Leon said, brandishing his dessert fork. “Now while we enjoy our dessert, let’s get on to business.” Not even the smell of red velvet cake could halt the unease that settles over the room. Only the clink of forks against plates could be heard as Leon continued to speak. “I’m sure you all knew where this night would be going,” he continued. “I’m 80 now. I’ve been at this for a long time…and it really gets to a person. It’s time to discuss my retirement.”
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Post by JaytheBluPirate on Jun 21, 2022 23:03:05 GMT
Kolton raised both his eyebrows at his father's mention of retirement. "Oh, so that's what the serious talk was about." Kolton quietly said, though those sitting close to him can hear him.
"So, since we'll be discussing your retirement, what does this mean for Diantech and its future, Dad?" The young heir asked loud enough for his father to hear.
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Post by Planetbox on Jun 21, 2022 23:29:05 GMT
“For Diantech, not much will change,” Leon explained. “I’m not quite ready to give that up yet. Cybernetics haven’t nearly reached their full potential yet, and I’m still got some projects in the pipeline that will take in quite a bit of money. No, I can’t see myself giving up on my day job for another decade at least.”
Leon tapped his finger on the table, leaving his cake untouched.
“I’m only retiring from the Lunetti family. That may be the more powerful of the positions, but I’ve had my fill. I’m not coming clean, of course, but I think it’s time to let a new mind run free in this city. A successor, if you will…”
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Post by Panda on Jun 21, 2022 23:40:12 GMT
“I’m sure you all knew where this night would be going,” he continued. “I’m 80 now. I’ve been at this for a long time…and it really gets to a person. It’s time to discuss my retirement.” "You? Nonsense, you don't look a day over 50," Mercy said, smoking something pleasant and non-addictive. She'd had a wonderful meal, periodically sending butterflies to flutter around the kids' table without looking, probably distracting Athena from the kart racer by brushing against her ear. "Besides, Romeo's the only one here who'd rightfully take your place, isn't it still a little early for that?" she continued, blowing out a delicate cloud of smoke. "It's such a large responsibility, after all."
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Post by Bad Player on Jun 21, 2022 23:43:26 GMT
"Retirement? As the head of the most advanced and cutting-edge cybernetics firm, surely you have plenty more time ahead of you?" Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois questioned.
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Post by JaytheBluPirate on Jun 21, 2022 23:55:25 GMT
"I agree with my Juliet!" Kolton nods in agreement with Mercy as he takes a bit of his cake slice. "Being the head of the Lunetti family is a huge responsibility! Besides, I'd need time to ease into the position! How can we be certain I'm ready for this?!"
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Post by Neotelenta on Jun 22, 2022 0:54:42 GMT
Lancer sees Leon absolutely DISINTEGRATE the washcloth. It was fantastic. The mop head goes over to where the washcloth landed and sanitizes that spot of the floor before returning to Lancer and clicking back into place on the mop. He pops out of the trash, his entire arm stuck in what can only be described as a trap designed very specifically for nosy Pizza Chefs. Since Uncle Pizza was somewhat of a rogue agent, traps were necessary to restrict his machinations. "Pizza's a vegetable!" He thunders. "I can't believe you future folks are this ignorant! I may have a stopped heart, but I'll never die!" Thankfully, before Uncle Pizza gets back into one of his very personal arguments about the fate of mankind, the trap administers an electric shock bursting him back into nanites. Lancer smiles from underneath his mask as he begins heading over to the table. The electric trap was absolutely his doing. With a tap on his mask, however, it retracts on both sides, revealing a surprisingly plain face. Lancer takes a seat next to Mercy and gives her a light nod as she notices him. He looks over to the rat next to him and gives an acknowledging nod as well. “For Diantech, not much will change,” Leon explained. “I’m not quite ready to give that up yet. Cybernetics haven’t nearly reached their full potential yet, and I’m still got some projects in the pipeline that will take in quite a bit of money. No, I can’t see myself giving up on my day job for another decade at least.” Leon tapped his finger on the table, leaving his cake untouched. “I’m only retiring from the Lunetti family. That may be the more powerful of the positions, but I’ve had my fill. I’m not coming clean, of course, but I think it’s time to let a new mind run free in this city. A successor, if you will…” ...Lancer was in the middle of taking a bite of the red velvet when he pauses. He looks at Leon with curiosity. A new mind?
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Post by Bad Player on Jun 22, 2022 1:46:12 GMT
Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois also took a bite of cake, but immediately began hacking it up. "Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois thought this was supposed to be velvet cake?" Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois said when the coughing subsided. "Why does it only taste like chocolate?"
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Post by pancakes on Jun 22, 2022 1:54:35 GMT
Leo ate his slice of cake gleefully, despite knowing it would cause a big adorable mess later.
Afterwards, he scurried across the room at an alarmingly fast rate, hopped up on sugar.
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Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Jun 22, 2022 5:26:40 GMT
“Oh yea dats da goods!” An engorged rat cries from underneath the absolute pile of a cake slice. Izzy had been sociable at dinner, but as far as her manners went, much was to be desired. The rat had elbows on the table at pretty much all times.
A set of whiskers and a nose pop out of the top of the cake pile, followed by another and another, as the single rat once again became a swarm.
“Was dis? Yer gonna retire? But ya still young! Hafnt barely been eighty!” They chime, concerned. “Tis a fickle fing, dis work. Yer leafin us to dry!”
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Post by Panda on Jun 22, 2022 9:54:08 GMT
Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois also took a bite of cake, but immediately began hacking it up. "Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois thought this was supposed to be velvet cake?" Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois said when the coughing subsided. "Why does it only taste like chocolate?" "Your outfit has plenty of velvet to spare, dear, just snack on that while the important people talk. You're not even in the business! Be grateful you're being included at all."
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Post by Pierre on Jun 22, 2022 13:39:55 GMT
Bones clapped his hands jovially, his cake untouched. He had no real digestive system but he appreciated being included.
"Well I think it's a great idea eh? Whole point of retirement is to give you more time to enjoy yerself." He leaned down to nudge Izza in her tiny rat ribs "Lay off him Izza, it's not a bad deal. Civvie life isn't so bad anyway, got less hoods' out looking to murder you I'm sure."
He slid his slice of cake over towards Izza seeing she was enjoying herself.
"It's certainly an achievement worth celebrating. Ain't heard of any people in this business getting to just 'retire' and wot is Leon if not an innovator in the field?" He raised his glass of wine in a toast to Leon "Here's to you old pal, you'll still always drink for free in the Spine whatever you do."
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Post by Planetbox on Jun 22, 2022 13:50:33 GMT
Leon smiled at Bones’ comment.
“Thank you, Bones. And yes, you’ve got the right idea. I may have plenty of life ahead of me, particularly with the advancements we’ve made. But once the point if I’m not free to live it? I’d like to spend more time with Leslie, Kolton, and the rest of my family. As more than just coworkers.”
He paused to take a long swig of his drink. The tension continued to build after he put it down, as he seemed to briefly forget what he was talking about.
“But you’re right, a suitable replacement is hard to come by.”
His gaze lingered over the empty chair at the table. Perhaps he was thinking of his missing son.
“Kolton is the clear choice, but he’s still quite young,” Leon continued. “Hardly even a man yet. Still, I wasn’t much older than him when I started out. I think he could have what it takes…but I’d like to find out. Which is why I’ve arranged a bit of an initiation test.”
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Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Jun 22, 2022 14:09:13 GMT
The rats happily begin to swarm the piece of cake from Bones, "Fanks, mistuh Bones."
One pudgy rat perches at the top of the cake, saying "I don fink da kid is up to it. He's hafin' his own woes to deal wif."
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Post by Panda on Jun 22, 2022 14:39:46 GMT
Mercy raised her eyebrows, smoking and listening without interrupting.
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Post by JaytheBluPirate on Jun 22, 2022 14:45:09 GMT
"An initiation test?" Kolton asked as he rest his chin on his hand. "I figured that there was a catch to everything. Tell me more, Dad. What's the initiation test, anyway?"
As he talked, the heir seems to glance towards the empty chair, probably thinking about his brother, Lucius.
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Post by honestiago on Jun 22, 2022 15:32:16 GMT
"I'm glad your taking a holistic approach to your life and health,"
Rob said after he had stared at his cake for a long time, then dug into it with a gusto that definitely implied he hadn't eaten any actual refined sugars in months. He then pulled a sort of magnetic resistance band from his pocket, set it to the table and started doing idle bicep curls with it.
"The Lunetti Family Business is hard on everyone in so many ways. I'm glad that you are wise enough to see that Leon." He said, nodding his head with a wistful and almost proud smile, that was also somewhat oddly in time with his bicep curls. He also definitely tries to get another slice of cake.
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Post by Planetbox on Jun 22, 2022 15:41:43 GMT
Leon emptied his wine glass before continuing.
"Earlier today, I had a bit of a chat with my former dog walker, Bingus Lockhart," Leon continued. "Some of you may have seen the lad about the place. A little weaselly and annoying, but he knew how to handle my pups. Anyway, I've known Mr. Lockhart was a mole for a while now. The local police always likes to keep an eye on me, since they can't be bothered to do anything else. But there was little of interest Mr. Lockhart could discover walking my dogs, so I figured I'd keep him under surveillance."
"This morning, I happened to overhear a conversation," Leon's folded his arms, and his electric eye dimmed grimly. "It turns out Lockhart wasn't the only Cop who'd wormed their way into my family. I can't say how many more there are, but it's more than one. And apparently, all of them planned to join us at this party."
The words were like an electric shock. All of the guests swept their eyes across the table. Could it really be true? Some of the folk seated at this very table were pigs in wolves' clothing? How long had this been going on?
"I tried to get more information out of Lockhart, but he wouldn't talk. He's sleeping in the sewer with the rest of the scum now. So, my son, your task is to identify all of the undercover cops and promptly dispose of them. If you can do this, the Lunetti family is yours," Leon explained. "But a fair warning, if someone else beats you to it, they may claim the family for themselves—after they've been properly vetted, that is."
"I hate to do this, as you were all some of my most trusted colleagues. Even friends. But I suppose I was foolish to think I could trust anyone in this city."
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Post by dootdoot on Jun 22, 2022 15:51:30 GMT
Mona's screen, which had been a calm placid smiley face until now while they simulated the birthday cake's taste and processed Leon's retirement, suddenly changed into static. "UN un un un un UN UN," their voice modulator glitched in what seemed to be their version of choking on food, wildly changing pitch and volume. "UNdercover cops? Here?! In this room?! Leon, why didn't I hear anything about this?! Why am I here?!"
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Post by JaytheBluPirate on Jun 22, 2022 15:59:31 GMT
Kolton stands up from his seat, nearly knocking his chair over when it was revealed what his task was. The heir looks around the table, but due to the sunglasses that he's wearing, it's hard to tell who he is looking at.
Could he really find all the undercover cops among the people who were present at his father's birthday party? They all look normal to him, hence why they're referred to as 'undercover' cops. He wanted to deny that his fiancée could be an undercover cop. The same could be said for his mother, Leslie. But the possibility was there, and Kolton couldn't shake it off. It'll haunt him in his sleep.
"Dad, I... I..." Kolton started to say, but he found himself unable to get the answer out of his mouth. It'd take more than his courage to give an actual answer.
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Post by Pierre on Jun 22, 2022 16:02:35 GMT
Bones' jaw contorted slightly in a way that might have expressed unease if he had skin. "Heh...heh...that's a funny joke Leon, now stop messing around huh? C'mon man you've known me since I was barely a man and I ain't got no interest in controlling the family." he stammered. "This, this is just a party game or something right?" he said hopefully, the bloody rag from earlier and the now-smashed friendly smile of Bingus Lockheart weighing heavily on his mind.
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Post by Panda on Jun 22, 2022 16:10:41 GMT
Mercy suddenly started coughing and hacking up smoke. "You let cops get here? I take it all back, it's high time you retired, old man. You're losing touch!"
She turned to face Kolton, eyes glimmering. "You'll find those dirty sneaks, won't you, gummy bear? I can't stand the thought of any of them being so close to me. Start with the obvious: you'll find trotters hidden under her dress, mark my words," she snarled, pointing with her cigarette holder towards Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois. "She's not even in the business, let alone connected to our family. Perhaps she came running when Leon made that dog walker squeal."
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Post by Kachu on Jun 22, 2022 16:11:46 GMT
Athena slowly ate cake from the kid's table while listening to the conversation. If she had anything important to add, she didn't say it, but there was a complex look on her face as she eyed the rest of her family and the attendants of the party.
"...Cops, huh.." She mumbled to herself under her breath. "Bingus too, I can't believe it..."
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Post by Bad Player on Jun 22, 2022 16:16:47 GMT
It seems Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois‘ issue with the cake was merely one of expectation, because once Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois understood it was just normal chocolate cake Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois happily ate Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois‘ piece.
“That is a hilarious story,” Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois remarked after Leon finished his speech. “So this is like some sort of mystery party? What fun.”
Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois didn’t seem to have any sort of reaction to Mercy suspecting Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois.
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Post by JaytheBluPirate on Jun 22, 2022 16:27:08 GMT
Kolton turns to look at his fiancée as she spoke.
"...!!!" Kolton realized that his Mercy was all he needed to give a straight answer to his father. He then turns to look at his father. Leon can suddenly feel his son's rapt attention on him.
"Dad... I accept the task that you have given me." Kolton's demeanor had changed; his tone was like that of a ruthless guy. "I'll find out who those fuckers are and execute them on the spot. We all know that what I always say... 'Don't mess with the Lunetti family, or you'll regret it.'" He turns his attention to the rest of the group.
"However, since we now know that some undercover cops managed to slip in undetected... If I ever find out that one of you people turns out to be an undercover cop, I'll execute you on the spot. I don't care if you have a sob story to tell. So, beware, everyone... BEWARE!" Kolton's voice was filled with determination.
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Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Jun 22, 2022 16:55:11 GMT
"You'll find those dirty sneaks, won't you, gummy bear? I can't stand the thought of any of them being so close to me." Rats scurry in all directions, pushing things over and burrowing into every corner of the room. One rat pops out of Mercy's hair, "Nuffin wrong wif a dirty sneak! Da only problem is when da someone's got porcinitude!" The rat sniffs the air pointedly.
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Post by Bad Player on Jun 22, 2022 17:00:25 GMT
“Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois just hopes you’re able to settle this quickly,” Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois said, almost more. “ Countess Elizabeth Arette Pistachio Charlemagne Natalia Marie Clementine Montague du Bois still has a quinceanera, two bar mitzvahs, a retirement party and a wedding to attend.”
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Post by Panda on Jun 22, 2022 17:10:10 GMT
Mercy attempted to grab the rat and hurl it across the room. "Yes, yes, we're all liars and sneaks here," she muttered. "Speaking honestly, if a cop- or cops, potentially- are able to hide here without any of us realising, they're probably more skilled than your usual fat patrolman. Except for her of course. Really, please tell me I'm not the only one finding this so-called 'countess' suspicious."
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Post by dootdoot on Jun 22, 2022 17:12:19 GMT
"Beware? Beware?! You little brat, I was by your father's side fifty years before you shit in your first diaper! I am not a part of this!" Mona got up from their seat while their screen filled with warning signs. 'Body temperature rising' and 'Mood stabilizer system failing' and the like. "I didn't come this far to die in a bloodbath between you and some pigs! Leon, we are leaving now, I presume?"
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