002

[6/19/2014 9:09:29 PM] Canto: When last we left, you were offered an extremely well paying job by Howard Hughes and his strange associate, Caspar Quentin.

[6/19/2014 9:11:04 PM] Josie: Josie watches Caspar out of the corner of her eye.

[6/19/2014 9:11:50 PM] Canto: You were on the way to hotel rooms arranged for you. Eventually you'll have apartments. You guys and Caspar are piled in a large car and are being driven to the hotel.

[6/19/2014 9:13:57 PM] Canto: Caspar eyes Josie back.

[6/19/2014 9:14:02 PM] Canto: "Problem, Dr. Black?"

[6/19/2014 9:14:47 PM] Hank: Hank is fidgety.

[6/19/2014 9:16:05 PM] Ella: Ella seems oblivious to any Caspar/Josie interaction.

"I think this thing's bigger than my entire tent!"

[6/19/2014 9:16:33 PM] Canto: It is indeed a limo!

[6/19/2014 9:16:55 PM] Ella: Horizontally, that is. A car that tall would be amazingly impractical.

[6/19/2014 9:17:17 PM] Josie: No, I'm just... thinking.

[6/19/2014 9:17:17 PM] Canto: Caspar:  What did you do in your circus, Miss Burke?

[6/19/2014 9:17:39 PM] Josie: Josie spares a glance at Hank.

[6/19/2014 9:18:39 PM] Hank: Hank frowns a little.

[6/19/2014 9:21:52 PM] Ella: Well I was the medium, so I mostly spat out drivel about how this guy's gonna have a long life, or that chap's gonna be covered in chicks, or that teenager's gonna find twoo wuv. Ya know, telling folks what they want to hear.

[6/19/2014 9:22:22 PM] Ella: And scaring kids.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:22:31 PM] Josie: Not real predictions?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:22:34 PM] Hank: Hank smiles slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:22:35 PM] Canto: Caspar:  So not a real medium, then.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:22:48 PM] Ella: Not as far as I know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:24:12 PM] Josie: I don't think that would be a good power to have anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:24:53 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Historically, it's awful. Cassandras never want to be Cassandras.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:27:16 PM] Josie: It seems to lead to... problems.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:27:17 PM] Canto: Caspar:  It's not a gift that's easily controllable. Half the time you get visions you don't understand until after the event being predicted has come to pass.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:27:37 PM] Canto: Caspar:  And the other half the time, the events being predicted are of no practical import.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:28:12 PM] Canto: Caspar:  'Your favorite soup will be sold out at the diner' is not terribly useful prophecy, as prophecies go.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:28:58 PM] Canto: Caspar:  There are cabals that put great stock in prophecy. The Council has found that it's largely a waste of time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:29:27 PM] Hank: What exactly are we going to be expected to do, sir?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:30:37 PM] Josie: And how does Mr. Hughes benefit from it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:31:11 PM] Ella: And can we get hot chocolate afterwards?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:31:22 PM] Canto: Caspar:  ... you need to stop with that. I'm not in the damn military. And I find myself already irritated by it. Anyway. Your mandate will be investigative, primarily. We'll send you into areas where we know there to be an issue of some kind. You will find out what you can about said issue. This may or may not include resolving the issue in some way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:32:37 PM] Josie: They're taught to call civilians sir and ma'am, aren't they? It's not a rank, just... courtesy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:34:44 PM] Canto: Caspar:  The Council is powerful back in Europe, but our influence here in the states is rather limited by geography and history. We have backers from the mundane world we work with. Hughes is one of them. He's working closely with many of our more technically inclined members on new innovations. He's already got a patent on a form of lighter-than-air dirigible powered by something far less volatile that hydrogen.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:35:44 PM] Josie: Which is, essentially, anything....

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:39:59 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:40:35 PM] Canto: Caspar lights a cigarette. It's 1936, cigarettes are good for you! But he does open a nearby window.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:40:37 PM] Josie: ... I don't see how Mr. Hughes would make money from us. I don't use my ability lightly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:40:56 PM] Josie: Josie wrinkles her nose; she's the oddity of the day that actually does not like smoking much.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:41:18 PM] Hank: Hank looks a little relieved and lights his own! (but also rolls down a window)

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:42:07 PM] Canto: Caspar:  He's not making money off your actions. He's benefitting from your investigations. The more investigators working stateside, the safer the people here are. He's a good man. And a philanthropist.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:42:29 PM] Josie: Josie smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:42:34 PM] Ella: Ella 's carny-senses tell her to shrink down to get away from the smoke.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:42:48 PM] Josie: I know. Sorry, I have to admit I was trying to get a reaction there.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:43:52 PM] Canto: Caspar:  His relationship with the Council is already pretty profitable on both ends.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:44:24 PM] Josie: I like his movies.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:45:28 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Really? I don't care for them. Scarface was far too violent for my taste.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:46:38 PM] Canto: Caspar takes out a notebook and a pen from his jacket. "So.  Any of you have any kind of self-defense training?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:47:11 PM] Hank: Yessi-- ...I have.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:48:18 PM] Canto: Caspar looks at Josie and Ella!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:48:30 PM] Josie: No.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:48:48 PM] Josie: ... but I think I can defend myself against an ordinary person.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:49:08 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Of course you can. It's not the ordinary people we worry about.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:49:53 PM] Canto: Caspar:  It's the other people.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:49:59 PM] Ella: Olaf taught me how to properly throw a punch, but that might be different for a skinny kid than it is for a giant bear-man.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:50:24 PM] Ella: Not a literal bear-man, of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:50:34 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Stevenson. That cane just a cane?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:50:35 PM] Ella: I think.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:50:54 PM] Hank: ...yes. Why would it be something else?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:51:12 PM] Canto: Caspar writes something in his notebook! "Could be a sword."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:51:32 PM] Hank: I usually have a false leg, sir. I need it to walk.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:52:03 PM] Canto: Caspar:   You might need it to stab on occasion, too. No worries. I'll get you sword-cane.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:52:23 PM] Josie: Maybe we ought to ask the technically-inclined member for something better.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:52:33 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Self defense training. I'll schedule some sessions with Sensei Ping.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:53:08 PM] Hank: Hank frowns.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:53:53 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Technically-inclined member?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:56:30 PM] Josie: The one you mentioned with the patents.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:57:30 PM] Canto: Caspar: Oh. Well, we can definitely arrange a more advanced prosthetic if you're willing, Stevenson.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 9:58:43 PM] Hank: Maybe. I'm kind of hoping I get to keep this one, honestly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:00:22 PM] Canto: Caspar: as long as it's not evil. I would be concerned if it was something you asked for and were given  -- by your account, it was a completely un-asked for gift on their part freely given. That clears you of any metaphysical occult debt.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:00:41 PM] Hank: Wouldn't've known to ask for it, sir.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:01:31 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Right. I'm not terribly concerned about it. Though it might not stick around once Leviathan realizes you chose a different path.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:01:48 PM] Hank: Hank nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:03:18 PM] Josie: Debt would be... bad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:04:49 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Right. Read any account of Fae and that will give you a good idea what I'm talking about.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:05:48 PM] Josie: Imprisoned in a hill for a hundred years?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:06:06 PM] Josie: Wasting away from starvation while eating imaginary food?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:06:13 PM] Hank: Hank frowns again and takes a long pull of his cigarette.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:07:00 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Yeah. Official policy on the Fae:  Leave them the fuck alone and get the fuck away. Accept nothing, do not engage.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:07:06 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Pardon the language, ladies.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:07:20 PM] Ella: Ella shrugs

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:07:39 PM] Canto: Caspar:  But that is the offical rule. "Leave them the fuck alone".

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:09:08 PM] Josie: ... understandable.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:09:27 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Not really an issue in the colonies, though. They stick to France and the UK. The native spirits here didn't take to them. Big war.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:09:43 PM] Hank: Hmph.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:09:59 PM] Canto: Caspar:  So. What were you guys? You've had the dreams, right?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:11:06 PM] Josie: ... everyone gets them?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:13:14 PM] Canto: Caspar nods. "Yeah.  Well.  All of us with powers.  I was a pagan sorceror, apparently."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:13:31 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Prevailing theory is that's what makes us what we are.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:14:04 PM] Canto: Caspar:  In some previous life, we got exposed to some massive source of magical power. Infuses the soul, keeps the soul in the world to keep getting reborn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:14:14 PM] Josie: I was a priestess in Egypt. ... until someone invaded my temple and killed me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:15:32 PM] Hank: Think mine were just of a soldier of some sort, looking through the jungles. Looked kinda like Panama or Peru or somethin'.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:17:11 PM] Ella: I was a shaman lady in Mongolia! Life was good! Until some crazy westerners came to invade my village and take over the nearby ruins. Greedy westerners, you've already got your sorcery, leave my majjykks alone!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:17:28 PM] Ella: Ella comically shakes her fist.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:18:03 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Hmm. Yeah, the scholars' theory is that our souls get exposed to a major source of magical power. Usually places. Sometimes objects.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:18:52 PM | Edited 10:19:04 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Not provable right now, though. The Council doesn't forbid all necromancy, but soul dissection is definitely on the red list.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:18:53 PM] Josie: Maybe Mr. Stevenson met the Aztecs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:19:42 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Or the Mayans. Both were civilizations with their feet in the door of the magical world.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:20:07 PM] Josie: Josie nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:20:35 PM] Hank: Couldn't tell you, sir.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:22:06 PM] Canto: Caspar:  A common theme of most of these dreams is the invaders, though. This would all be rather academic if not for them. They're always pale european types. Kind of... proto-vikings.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:24:23 PM] Josie: Which didn't fit the location or the time period.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:25:38 PM] Hank: Can't say I saw any of those. Felt like *I* was the invader.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:28:14 PM] Canto: Caspar nods. "Could be.  The dreams don't stop.  You'll likely have more.  They get stronger.  Make notes of what you see."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:28:43 PM] Canto: The limo stops outside the hotel. "Here we are.  Come on, I'll see you inside."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:29:02 PM] Josie: Josie nods, and doesn't wait for him to open the car door for her, but hops out herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:29:58 PM] Hank: Hank follows.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:30:58 PM] Canto: He flags down a valet to get any luggage out of the trunk. "So.  I have you down for some self defense training.  Any of you know how to use a firearm?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:31:07 PM] Hank: Yessir.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:31:15 PM] Hank: I'll get mine, thanks.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:31:33 PM] Hank: Hank reaches in to pull out a large white duffle bag that he hoists up on his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:33:21 PM] Hank: Pistol, rifle, and .30 cal machine guns. Never qualified on the fifty-cals.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:33:25 PM] Josie: Josie doesn't carry her luggage! Women don't *do* that in this time period.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:33:56 PM] Josie: I can fire a handgun.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:34:58 PM] Canto: Nope! That's what bellhops are for. Caspar nods. "All right.   We're not sending you out into the field for a couple weeks at least, not until you're ready."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:36:56 PM] Josie: I don't usually carry one, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:39:36 PM] Hank: Wouldn't think you'd need to, ma'am.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:40:12 PM] Josie: ... well, no, not really. I could probably stop someone from harming me if I had to.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:42:02 PM] Canto: Caspar:  WEll. I'll see that you're properly armed for dangerous situations. Any questions or requests on your end?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:42:43 PM] Hank: No, sir. I don't think so.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:44:14 PM] Josie: I assume the move will be paid for and arranged for.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:44:32 PM] Josie: I'd like enough space for my books.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:45:10 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Of course. We're still working on the building -- Howard bought it, and it will have state of the art security and wards.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:46:10 PM] Hank: Don't bother sendin' someone for me. I have everything I need right here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:47:41 PM] Canto: Caspar:  You don't have an apartment? Furniture? Possessions?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:47:44 PM] Ella: Same.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:48:29 PM] Hank: Was rentin' a place with a bed by the week. If it don't fit in my seabag, I don't need it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:50:31 PM] Josie: ... I suppose you don't have families either.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:50:42 PM] Canto: Caspar:  You'll need clothes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:50:43 PM] Hank: Got family back in Iowa.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:51:04 PM] Ella: You're from Iowa, too?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:51:21 PM] Hank: Hank nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:52:00 PM] Ella: Did you ever meet a guy named Heimdall?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:52:04 PM] Hank: And, well... most of this bag is full of clothing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:52:12 PM] Hank: Can't say I did.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:52:50 PM] Ella: Aw.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:53:15 PM] Canto: Caspar:  You'll occasionally have to attend formal events.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:53:46 PM] Hank: Hank frowns a bit. "Don't get much fancier than this."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:54:01 PM] Josie: I'm sure Mr. Hughes will buy you a suit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:54:31 PM] Hank: Sure I can afford it with the kind of pay he's offering.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:54:39 PM] Hank: Just not real familiar with it is all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:54:50 PM] Josie: ... and depending on the event, he'll have to buy me a dress too. I'm set up perfectly well for faculty dinners and posh fundraisers, but not a Hollywood premiere.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:55:35 PM] Canto: Caspar:  I'm sure you can work out those details with Howard. let's see. Any other requests of the Council?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:56:58 PM] Ella: Information. As much as you're comfortable sharing with a trio of misfits like us.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:57:39 PM] Canto: Caspar:  You'll have to be a lot more specific.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:59:28 PM] Josie: I'd like to meet others.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 10:59:56 PM] Hank: ...are we going to be a team or will we be with others?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:00:07 PM] Ella: Do I? I want to know everything. I want to know this dizzy nightmare parade inside and out.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:00:22 PM] Canto: Caspar:  It will be the three of you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:00:34 PM] Canto: Caspar:  I recommend you get to know each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:00:36 PM] Josie: Josie smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:00:38 PM] Hank: Hank makes a little bit of a face.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:00:59 PM] Josie: ... something wrong, Mr. Stevenson?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:01:11 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Narrow it down from *everything*. I don't have all day. I'll send you some reading on Council history.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:01:18 PM] Hank: ....no, ma'am.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:02:07 PM] Josie: What wouldn't Mr. Hughes want you to tell us?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:02:58 PM] Canto: Caspar:  If there was something he didn't want to tell you, why would I tell you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:03:04 PM] Ella: I don't expect you to tell me personally, I'm not that arrogant. Maybe just point out which sources are credible and what is straight-up quackery.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:03:59 PM] Josie: Because you think we should know. Or because it might help. Or because Mr. Hughes is an alien fish creature inhabiting a human meatsack.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:04:09 PM] Josie: ... he's not, but.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:04:28 PM] Hank: Hank shifts his weight to his own leg.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:05:08 PM] Canto: Caspar:  The short version - every myth. Every story. Every made-up monster hiding in a closet or under a bed or hiding in the darkness. It's all true, to varying degrees. I've talked with Yetis in their Tibetan monestaries. I was part of a fairly disastrous expedition to the Hollow Earth.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:05:48 PM] Canto: Caspar:  There's a race of super-intelligent gorillas that live on Madagascar. Fine chaps, but they cheat at cards.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:06:19 PM] Canto: Caspar:  There are wonders and horrors out there.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:06:21 PM] Hank: .....this hotel have a bar?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:06:49 PM] Canto: Caspar points!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:07:02 PM] Ella: So... consider that all things could be both true and untrue, and attempt to decide which is which as you go?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:07:08 PM] Josie: ... what are the yetis like?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:07:59 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Wise. Masters of mental magics. You'd learn a lot from them. I'll see if I can't get you some of their texts, Dr. Black.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:08:22 PM] Canto: Caspar nods at Ella. "Pretty much."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:10:16 PM] Josie: ... I would like that very much, Mr. Quentin.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:15:59 PM] Canto: He nods, and smiles. "I'll let you get settled in, then.  Maybe get some dinner, the restaraunt here is killer." He hands you each some money. "Consider this a downpayment on your first paycheck."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:16:17 PM] Hank: ....thank you, sir.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:16:26 PM] Canto: Fifty dollars each!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:16:28 PM] Josie: Josie nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:16:37 PM] Josie: Thank you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:16:50 PM] Josie: ... I'd quite like dinner.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:17:06 PM | Edited 11:17:11 PM] Canto: Caspar:  Take it easy. Howard will send a car over in the morning.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:18:32 PM] Hank: ((what time is it, about?))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:18:35 PM] Josie: Good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:18:43 PM] Canto: ((At this point? Four or five.))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:22:04 PM] Hank: Hank glances at Caspar to see if he's intending to leave or go to dinner.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:22:23 PM] Canto: He's headed back to the car!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:22:42 PM] Hank: Hank frowns.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:22:52 PM] Canto: Unless you stop him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:22:58 PM] Hank: ((nope, lol))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:23:08 PM] Josie: Josie waves.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:23:16 PM] Josie: Good evening, Mr. Quentin...

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:23:26 PM] Hank: Suppose it wouldn't be right to leave you two ladies unaccompanied.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:24:56 PM] Josie: That's very gallant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:25:02 PM] Josie: To dinner, then?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:25:08 PM] Hank: If you like, ma'am.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:26:46 PM] Josie: I'd like that. You can both tell me what you think of all this. ... and it might be safer to stay together, too.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:27:03 PM] Canto: So, to dinner! They have a very nice restaraunt.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:27:10 PM] Canto: Don't fill up on bread.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:27:29 PM] Hank: Hank feels incredibly out of place, especially with his bag on his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:27:48 PM] Josie: You should ask a bellhop to bring that to your room.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:27:50 PM] Josie: Josie smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:28:08 PM] Canto: Yeah, I figured you guys were going to dinner *after* going to your rooms and putting your stuff in there.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:28:24 PM] Hank: ((lol I suppose that'd make sense))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:28:56 PM] Josie: ((Okay, we do that!))

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:29:17 PM] Josie: Josie absolutely does wait for Hank to pull out her chair for her, though. Because that's still a thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:29:27 PM] Hank: Hank still feels out of place.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:29:44 PM | Edited 11:30:38 PM] Hank: Hank also definitely pulls out chairs for both the ladies because he's that kind of guy. At least outwardly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:30:56 PM] Josie: Josie nods her thanks and peers at the menu.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:31:27 PM] Josie: I'm not really taking this nearly as well as it seems. It's a little terrifying. And I'm angry at the Order for not mentioning they're unsanctioned.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:31:47 PM] Hank: Hank also looks at the menu and tries to find something he thinks he's had before.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:32:13 PM] Josie: .... though I don't think I'm cut out for being a nun, either. I like clothes and shoes and good wine and .... worldly things.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:32:16 PM] Hank: Religious then, ma'am?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:32:28 PM] Josie: I'm Catholic.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:32:56 PM] Canto: It's all pretty standard fair. Steaks. Fish.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:33:29 PM] Hank: ......you're not gonna be rootin' around in my brain are you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:34:12 PM] Josie: ... not unless you display some sort of aberrant behavior. I... felt around the edges some to make sure you were a person, that's all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:34:37 PM] Hank: Hank frowns.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:35:39 PM] Josie: Nothing that would... it's like sniffing to make sure you don't smell like death, really. That's all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:37:05 PM] Hank: ...I'd prefer it if you didn't "sniff" me either, ma'am.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:38:18 PM] Josie: I don't need to now, it's done. You're a person, not a... thing in disguise.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:39:15 PM] Hank: Hank reaches for the ashtray and lights another cigarette (assuming there's one there, anyway)

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:39:39 PM] Canto: Yep!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:40:41 PM] Josie: So are Mr. Hughes and Mr. Quentin, and Miss Burke.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:41:28 PM] Hank: Is it... do you hear everything or do you have to try?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:41:34 PM] Josie: I have to try.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:41:41 PM] Josie: ... and I don't, usually.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:41:46 PM] Josie: It almost never helps.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:41:55 PM] Josie: And people are *much* more irrational and silly than you want to think.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:42:50 PM] Hank: Haven't had a lot of privacy in my life. I'd like to keep my head to myself at least.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:43:48 PM] Josie: Josie nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:44:00 PM] Josie: I haven't read anybody's mind since I got here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:45:09 PM] Hank: Can't say I've ever met a woman doctor. Just nurses.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:46:08 PM] Josie: Oh, it's not that kind of doctorate! It's an academic degree. I'm... I *was* a professor. I studied history, specializing in the occult.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:47:02 PM] Hank: ...but this all surprises you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:48:01 PM] Josie: That it's real, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:48:16 PM] Josie: ... I thought I was the only one, you see.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:48:39 PM] Hank: Oh. So you knew, then.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:49:04 PM] Josie: Josie nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:51:09 PM] Hank: I didn't start noticing things until my accident. Thought I was just goin' crazy or somethin'.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:51:19 PM] Josie: ... what happened?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:51:40 PM] Hank: Lost my leg.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:53:20 PM] Josie: That's the end of the story.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:54:02 PM] Hank: 's not exactly dinner conversation, ma'am.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:54:27 PM] Josie: Good thing we haven't ordered yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:55:57 PM] Ella Burke: Ella Burke has been abnormally quiet, based on her previous demeanor. She looks a bit shell-shocked.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:57:20 PM] Hank: Hank takes a long pull on his cigarette. "Well, we were rigging a new pump down the ladderwell to replace one that had gone nipples to the---"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:57:32 PM] Hank: Sorry, ma'am. It had busted.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:58:07 PM] Josie: Josie squelches a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:58:31 PM] Hank: I saw the line start to slip, and Frenchie, this new guy, not twenty yet, he's standing right under the da-- the pump, just skylarkin'.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:58:57 PM] Hank: I pushed him out of the way, but it caught me just above the ankle. Shattered most of my lower leg.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:59:26 PM] Hank: Best they could do on the boat was a tourniquet and pain meds. By the time I got to a real doc, they couldn't save much.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/19/2014 11:59:32 PM] Josie: Josie nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:01:12 AM] Hank: Sent me out to Crippler- Tripler- out in Hawaii, then back to San Diego for my discharge papers. That was about a week ago.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:01:21 AM] Hank: ..maybe two now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:02:16 AM] Josie: ... you're still getting used to it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:02:56 AM] Hank: The leg? Yes, ma'am. I lost it almost three months ago.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:05:34 AM] Hank: Only had five months left 'fore I coulda walked off the boat for good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:08:05 AM] Josie: Josie nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:08:35 AM] Josie: I just thought everyone could do it and just didn't. For a long time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:09:19 AM] Hank: When'd you start? If you don't mind my askin'.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:10:05 AM] Josie: I don't remember not being able to do it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:10:10 AM] Josie: But maybe it was pretend when I was little.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:10:53 AM] Hank: Bet it was hard not to try to get answers from your teachers.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:12:35 AM] Josie: Why would I get answers from them?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:12:56 AM] Hank: Hank shrugs. "Easier? Don't care much for the subject?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:16:59 AM] Josie: I studied.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:17:24 AM] Hank: History, you said? Never been much of a fan of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:18:36 AM] Josie: Josie nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:18:42 AM] Josie: It's not for everyone. And it's not very useful.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:19:05 AM] Hank: Heh. At least you know that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:19:47 AM] Hank: Had one teacher back in school. Old Irish lady. Acted like history was the most important thing in life.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:00 AM] Josie: You *can* learn a lot from it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:12 AM] Josie: But it's not as immediately useful as, say, being able to hotwire a car.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:19 AM] Hank: She'd start warmin' up her chalk hand and we'd all moan. "Quitcherbellyachin'!"

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:22:43 AM] Josie: I try to include lots of violence and sex in my lectures. It helps students pay attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:23:00 AM] Hank: ....s'pose that'd work.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:23:10 AM] Hank: Hank kind of eyes her a little.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:23:25 AM] Josie: ... what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:23:46 AM] Hank: Just don't seem... appropriate.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:24:32 AM] Josie: Well, this is 1936! Welcome to the modern world, Mr. Stevenson.