Vermicelli

The Taygete Project

@Guppy FranzThat's kind of a vague question and I'd hate to answer it with another question, but it would help if I knew what you'd want to try and accomplish in the next post. Obviously, I know that Isaac is going to want an out to the situation, but it's unlikely that he'll come out on top considering the conditions: He's already sustained injuries and he's outnumbered by guys who got the drop on him while he was sleeping on the train. The thugs are trying to reason with their demands—they know Isaac is just a merc with no personal attachment on why he attacked them prior, so they don't have to kill him as long as they think he's going to stay out of their way. If you want to turn this into an all-out brawl on the metro, I'll roll with it, but from a reasonable perspective it doesn't really need to escalate.

The Taygete Project

No worries. If you have any questions or anything you want to discuss that can help you, let me know.

The Taygete Project

_@Zerflah

---

Angelli sipped her drink until the straw rattled from the last drops, watching intently at what Cat was showing her. More importantly, she was watching Cat. “That’s not what I meant,” Angie said, her eyes moving away from the phone and to Cat. “There’s a difference between loving yourself and falling in love with yourself, it’s not that deep. ’Course, if you really wanna blow up, then consider incorporating a pole into your act.”

A beat.

“Ha ha, sorry. Couldn’t help but read off one of the comments,” Angie went on. “Seriously though, I don’t see the big deal about giving a shit what others think about you. Here you are saying you love yourself and yet you’re trying to be someone else. Is being popular that big a deal?” She looked off to the side as she took a bite of her pizza. “High school was ages ago. Guess some people stay addicted to the attention.”

True, yet poignant. She hated lingering on being a downer, so Angelli reached into her jacket pocket. “While we’re doing show-and-tell,” she said, placing her phone on the table and bringing up a list of emails. “I ever tell you what I did before I became a Valk? Bunch of shitty office jobs. I tried being the person everyone wanted me to be. The person they expected me to be.” She flipped through the emails one by one through her cracked screen, a smile forming on her face. “You know what these are? Termination letters. I collected them like trophies. I thought I had it all figured out a couple of years ago. ‘Be professional, work hard.’ It’s what I was told to get ahead in life. My bosses would make your manager look like a damn saint if you ever met them. Look at this one, it’s my favorite. I’ve got it memorized word for word.”

Angie cleared her throat and put on her best snob voice. “Dear Miss Angelli Moreno, we regret to inform you that your employment at Stevens & Stephens Acquisitions ends as of the date of this email. The reasons for your termination are listed below. As of the end of the quarter, you have failed to meet your productivity quota by a staggering four percent. A client contacted higher management when you refused to volunteer extra hours onto their project, in which you cited that you were not authorized to distribute that time. If you referred to the employee manual section 87A, you would know that you are not authorized to disclose to clients what you are authorized to do within your position. Your attendance has also been unsatisfactory, as you have only arrived every day on time while ignoring the company half-hour early guideline. Lastly, the other employees in your department have submitted reports of unsavory behavior. Referring to Assistant Supervisor Daniels as a ‘limp-dicked cocksucker’ is beyond unprofessional and unacceptable. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact our Human Resources Manager.”

She was proud of herself, without a shadow of a doubt. Her grin broadened as she reached the bottom of the list and shut her phone off with a contented sigh.

“You wanna know how it felt to finally stop giving a shit and live life by my rules? Liberating. To each their own, though. You do you, Bestie.”

---

_@Sniblet

---

John gave a look of surprise, if only his face could be read. “This is progress. Good, good,” he said. “Nice to meet you, Cherry. Officially.” He placed his hand over Cherry’s, with no touch felt and only the intent of returning a gesture. “Now, we could spend the next couple of minutes talking about each other, but I’m afraid it’d be one-sided. I wouldn’t have much to say about myself in return so let’s leave some of the answers up to the journey, yeah? At the very least, you can tell me what you’re looking for, and I might be able to help.”

The break of dawn had made its arrival with the sun peeking over the horizon. There was a silence again, but not the same desolate silence that wracked John’s mind. There was a tinge of genuine calm in this one. Only in the endless solitude did he learn the subtle flavors of it. Like bitter wine.

“Sun’s up,” John said, well-disposed in the outcome of the fateful encounter. “Might want to get moving before the ‘wolves’ wake.” With the light of dawn, Herse’s sins were once again laid bare. Small spots of blood flashed from parts of pavement and partitions in the street. Every road sign had its own special arrangement of dents and bullet holes. No other place was as poisoned and devoid of friendly faces.

“Y’know Cherry, I think we’ll get along just fine. Now, I don’t want to get into all that ‘destiny’ crap—and you don’t look the type to believe in it, but I’m thinking this isn’t a mere coincidence. I mean, what are the odds, right? Well, I’ve been around the city practically a hundred times over, so if I were to meet someone that could see me then it would have to happen by matter of statistics. Still, it’s almost unreal. By the way, let me know if I’m talking too much. I tend to ramble on when I have a captive audience, and up until now that’s just been me. So… what’s on the agenda for today?”

---

_{@Guppy Franz}

---

Light filtered through the windows of the subway car as it made its way out of the terminal. The night had come to a close, and Isaac would have naught but his own wounds to keep him company. The train’s rumbling across the rails was the only audible sound, as many other passengers were fixated on their phones. Everyone minded their own business, with more words being exchanged through text than with each other. So close, and yet worlds apart.

Isaac had his moment of rest, too bad it would be short-lived. The life of a mercenary had a glamorous allure, promising many excitement and a fat bank. What the stories neglected to tell was that it also came with unwanted baggage. The pay could afford many things, but never the right to get careless nor ignore loose ends. For a mercenary, there was one lesson that each eventually learned.

Peace had to be earned.

Several of the passengers rose from their seats and gathered around Isaac halfway through the ride when he closed his eyes. A swift hook was delivered to his already bruised jaw and served as the only greeting he would get from these men. “Get up, asshole,” one of them sneered. Two of the assailants picked Isaac up by the arms and brought him face to face with a man patched up with bandages of his own—one of the thugs Isaac had paid a visit to prior that night. His fists worked Isaac’s ribs while the other bystanders in the car avoided getting involved. They shuffled over to the other end of the car with some of them recording the incident on their phones—not to report evidence to the police, but rather filming content for Pasithee.

“First, you’re gonna tell me where my package is. Then, you’re gonna tell me who put you up to this,” the thug ordered. One of the others swiped Isaac’s wallet while he was being held.

“No hard cash on this guy,” the lackey said, pulling out the contents. “Looks like he’s creds only. Pfft, wow. This guy actually has his own business cards. You sure got balls to be doing public merc work when you’re riding solo.”

“Or he’s stupid,” another lackey chimed in.

“Or he’s stupid, ha ha!”

“Both of you shut the hell up,” said the ringleader. “I’ll do the talking here. Well, tough guy? My package. Your boss. You tell me what I wanna know and you might make it to your stop.”

It was going to be a long train ride.

The Taygete Project

_@Zerflah

---

Taygete bathed in the light of the setting sun, the chill, mountain air grazing her skin with the evening’s final bite. At last, she escaped the noise. But this peace would never last, and Angelli would soon have to return down to the land below—for now she was queen of the mountain.

A small mewling cut through the silence as a small cat appeared, taking notice of Angelli. A suitable first subject for her reign. To commemorate the occasion, Angelli set her phone to record as she beckoned the cat closer. Cautiously, the cat approached. Instead of offering reverence, the cat delivered a scratch and a hiss before scurrying off.

And so it was treason.

“Fuck you too then, you little bastard,” Angelli scoffed, treating the fresh marks on her hand. At the very least, Catherine would enjoy the moment. She sent the recording to her, followed by a snapshot of the sunset. Angie was never really the kind for sentimentality. Never really the kind to consider the world around her, as Cat would eventually find out. But she was learning. She was trying.

Her detached mind shifted into gear along with her motorcycle, riding back down the trail and into the city. The noise reared its ugly head once again, and the rare moment of peace was shunted into the back of her mind.. The Galleria rose above the street, towering higher and higher as she drew closer. There was something odd about the mall and the power it held over people. It was a symbol of damn near everything she hated, yet it brought her a strange catharsis by being there. Maybe it was the glamour and pretty lights. Perhaps she was no better, falling for its charms.

♫

She eventually found a suitable parking space among the clusters of cars in the lot and strolled in along the crowds passing through. She deftly swept past women attempting to spritz her with sample perfumes and offer her various makeup supplies. Angelli may have had her reputation, but these women were fearless. Relentless. She managed to escape unscathed by grabbing a random man as a human shield—unfortunately for him, he now had the combined smell of “No. 14 Elle McLaren” and “No. 18 Pastel de Urinario”—his displeasure reflected in his screams of agony.

With the worst of the cosmetics department behind her, Angelli made her way into the food court via the escalator. She piled a tray with a slice of pizza and a cup of cola, and actually paid for it this time. Cat wasn’t too hard to spot, even with how inconspicuous she thought she was being. Angelli set her tray down and sat across from her while she was distracted by her phone.

“Watching one of your old videos again?” she asked, brushing aside a stray lock of hair. “Careful not to fall in love with yourself now.”

---

_@Sniblet

---

♫

Of all the people that he could finally talk to, he didn’t expect to meet one so neurotic. Still, beggars couldn’t be choosers. Apprehension was a natural reaction for anyone seeing a such a ghastly sort such as himself, and to that he gave credit. John watched as Cherry barraged him with questions and disjointed ramblings, only offering a shrug in return.

“Still can’t get a name out of you, can I?” he asked. “Very well. I think I’ll just call you ‘Happy,’ since you’re such a ray of sunshine. From the looks of it, you don’t seem to like a lot of things.”

Cherry’s attempt to prod John’s shin was futile, as her foot passed through him without resistance. He looked down and then back at her, as if bewildered by her method of rationalization. “If I can’t even remember my actual name,” John went on, standing up. “Then I’m afraid I’m not going to be good for explaining why you can see me. Hell, I’d like to know as well. But to answer your question, what I really want is a solution to my predicament. I don’t very much like being a shadowy bogeyman, y’know.”

John leaned in closer, venom seeping into his voice. “And do you know what it’s like to be invisible, intangible, and immortal all at once? It’s boring. Dreadfully boring. What I want is an end to it all. I need someone to help me revert to who I was before I became like this… or find a way to actually kill me. Right now, you’re the only person I can work with. So what do you say, Happy? Of course, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t offer anything in return. If you help me, then in the meantime I can be your eyes and ears wherever you need me to be. You’d be surprised the kind of dirt you can get on people when they think they’re alone.” Finishing what he had to say, John stepped back giving Cherry room to breathe.

“You have nothing to lose.”

---

_{@Guppy Franz}

---

♫

Star watched on as Isaac stirred about hopelessly in his own pain, rebuffing his groans with looks of disappointment. She knew what lip service sounded like when she heard it, and Isaac was only going to learn the hard way. Star leaned back in the booth as she imparted her last bit of wisdom.

“Yeah, I know all about your history with Herse,” she said. “And I would think that all the blood that was spilled would be enough to keep you from going back. Look, you’re a grown-ass man now, and I’m not going to try and run your life for you. But take it from me, there are better places to end up than a ditch riddled with bullets. You have the liberty of choice, which is a lot more than any street rat that crawled out of Herse could ever say. If you don’t care about yourself, then think about the people that do. Don’t choose to be stupid.”

After saying her piece, Star left the booth and disappeared back into the nightclub. Aurora came along and began to wipe down the table.

“Miss Star isn’t angry at you,” she assured Isaac. “She just worries for you, even if she doesn’t outright show it.” Aurora gathered the empty plate and mug placed them on a cart. “I was… in a similar situation once. At the time, I endured with what I was going through, as I thought it was the best option for my future. Miss Star found me and told me that she could help me, but I would have to say that I wanted to. That it would have to be my choice. I was stubborn at the time. Uncertain of what would happen to me. In the end, I made my decision and I’m glad for it. I’ve been here ever since.”

For someone as reserved as Aurora, this may have been the most she had ever shared with a former coworker, let alone a patron. Chances were, something about Isaac’s story had resonated with her. “If you’d like another drink, come up to the bar,” she said. “I’ll take care of your tab for tonight, just don’t tell Star.” She then left Isaac to tend to the other patrons.

The Taygete Project

Second round of posts is done. I don't know if I should keep posting updates after everyone posts, or if I should make updates individually as you guys post them, but not letting anyone progress too far ahead in the story. If you guys don't mind the wait, I can keep doing updates the way I'm doing, otherwise we can discuss it. I'm open to suggestions.

The Taygete Project

_@Zerflah

---

“I take offense to that, Cat. I’ll have you know that all my goods I’ve acquired today were legitimately obtained,” Angelli said, taking a bite from one of her “legitimately obtained” chips.

“Also, I didn’t know your store had a mascot,” she added, meeting the dirty stares of Julie through the windowpane. “What’s your new slogan? ‘Welcome to SuperLife, home of the smoking cow?’ I gotta say, it’s not a good look for business if she’s just going to be mean-mugging customers when they pull up. Tell her if she’s got something to say to me, she can say it to my face.” She sighed and patted the saddlebag holding the microwave. “Good thing we can finally replace that piece o’ shit back at the apartment after the ‘incident-we-will-never-speak-of.’”

The “piece o’ shit” in question was a story all its own, told by the various scorch marks permanently imprinted in the kitchen. Though they had guests over who would ask, the two never explained the origin of the marks. Having nicer things never hurt. Angelli switched on her ignition, while the thought still lingered. “While we’re on the topic,” she continued. “I’m gonna head down to the Galleria. Mama’s got some actual shopping to do—feel free to meet me there. By the way, I fed Zeke and put him back in his cage earlier, so you don’t have to worry about him.”

Angie stopped herself from taking off, the red sunset over Lucetius Peak causing her to pause. The rare moments she chose in silence spoke louder than those she didn’t. Like a fleeting whirlwind chasing cheap thrills, she spent her days loading up on adrenaline and owning the roads, never slowing down. She sat in place, a breeze briefly gusting through her hair before her mind snapped to reality. “On second thought, Cat,” she said. “I think I’m gonna make a quick detour.” Angelli released her kickstand and roared off.

With that, she was gone again.

---

_@Sniblet

---

“Morning?” the figure repeated, glancing around. “For me, it’s hard to tell. Don’t own a watch, y’know. Can’t even hold one. Last I looked at a clock was the old tower we passed… and that one’s only right twice a day.”

He fixed his gaze back onto Cherry and paced around her as if he was sizing her up. In return, she kept her eyes locked onto him. The figure decided to amuse himself further. “You look a little nervous there. I get it, I am pretty gorgeous after all. Or maybe… you’re thinking about hitting me. That scowl you got says it all. Won’t do you any good, I’m afraid. Trust me, I’ve tried. If it makes you feel better, you’re more than welcome to do it anyway. Go on, I won’t get hurt physically nor emotionally. I pass through everything except solid ground.”

The figure squat down, leaving himself open to whatever would happen. “Enough about me,” he went on. “Why don’t we talk about you? You’re the only person that’s ever been able to see me since I got like this, and I’d hate to squander the moment. Odds are I’ve completely gone off the deep end and you’re just a figment of my decaying psyche, or you’re real and this is no mere coincidence. I won’t rule out the former, but for now, I think I’ll take my chances. So just who are you? What makes you so different that you can see me?”

A beat. Seconds passed like there was rot in the air.

“Oh, how rude of me,” he said. “Poor manners to ask about you when I haven’t even given a proper introduction, right? Wish I had a name to give you, but I’m afraid I can’t remember anything before my… ascension. Gazed a bit too long into the abyss, you see. In fact, I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Why don’t you just call me… John. John Doe. I’ve been wandering around this city for God knows how long without anyone to talk to. That is, until now.” John Doe, as he called himself, stood up and took a step forward.

“Now this is the part where you tell me about you.”

---

_{@Guppy Franz}

---

♫

Lights. Music. Drinks.

The Heritage never failed to keep the three coming. Despite sitting in the middle of Carme, anyone could feel like a Chaldene high roller for a night without breaking the bank. Several patrons lined the barstools with undone ties and loosened collars, losing themselves in the intoxicating air of the nightclub. Others made fools of themselves on the dance floor, moving to the beats blasted by the DJ. The bartender left her nest of beer taps and liquor display shelves to Isaac’s booth and set down a plate of the club’s famous steak burger and a new mug.

“Star says this one’s on the house,” she said, her soft voice rendered almost inaudible by the music. “She wants to talk to you.” The bartender was an odd sort, sporting albino hair and a personality a little too reserved for someone in her profession. The nametag on her lapel read “Aurora.” Aurora noticed Isaac clutching his ribs and picked up the serving tray with the empty mug.

“I’ll go get an ice pack.”

Moments later, a different woman approached the booth, dressed in a track jacket with her chestnut ponytail peeking out of her snapback. The hat’s bill hid her eyes, but everyone in The Heritage recognized the owner. It was common knowledge that she only let those she liked call her "Star"—to everyone else she was just “the owner.” Isaac was one of the lucky few. Those she passed avoided meeting her gaze directly, as to meet her gaze was to risk her displeasure. And nobody wanted to risk her displeasure.

“Hey Otto, take a hike for a bit,” she said, her voice exuding authority. “I need to have a little chat with your homeboy over here.” With Otto shooed away, Star sat opposite Isaac. “So,” she went on. “How’d you get from cleaning my tables to spilling blood on them? This isn’t what I imagined when you said you were quitting for better pastures. You should know better by now, Isaac, if you’re gonna bring your work here, you either take it off the premises or you give me my cut.” Star eyed the ashtray and the colony of cigarettes accrued there. “Between your new bosses and your smoking habits, you’ll lose your good looks a hell of a lot sooner than you’d think.”

Star rested her hand on her chin and gave Isaac’s injuries a once over. She didn’t have more than a few years on him, but it didn’t stop her from treating him like a kid. Aurora returned, setting an ice pack and bandages on the table, only for Star to grab them before Isaac could. “I want you to hold onto that pain you’re feeling for a minute. Really stew on it for a while and think about what you’re doing. Remember that pain.”

Once she was satisfied, Star slid the ice pack and supplies to Isaac.

The Taygete Project

Here is a questionnaire you may have your characters fill out if you want. Their answers will be added to their Notion page.

Questionnaire

Hello, and thank you for using the Pasithee Online Services (POS) of Taygete. We ask that you participate in our short survey to help our systems improve in enhancing your experience living in Taygete. Upon completion of this survey, you will receive a 20.00 TC e-gift card redeemable for any Average Joe™ product.

1. How long have you been a resident of Taygete?

2. How satisfied are you with the POS?

3. What is your current profession?

4. What are you most common interests using the Pasithee search engine?

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6. How would you rate your most recent experience with Pasithee?

7. What improvements would you like to see with Pasithee?

8. What are your most favorite products/services to purchase?

9. How satisfied are you with the social incentive programs with Pasithee?

10. Briefly describe your area of residence.

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12. How satisfied are you with the Pasithee online shopping features?

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Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Please put any additional comments you would like to provide below.

The Taygete Project

@Guppy Franz
A couple of grammatical/spelling errors here and there, but I don't see any issue with the character himself. Feel free to post it to the Characters tab after proofreading, and you can start on your opener.

@Sniblet
I'll try come up with a questionnaire and post it here sometime this week. Anyone who wants to answer it for their character can.

The Taygete Project

No worries about the timing, so long as I do hear from you. I can either come up with a questionnaire for you to fill out in-character, or send you a DM as a columnist interviewing random citizens around the city. If doing the interview, it would have taken place before the events of the story—not that there's been a whole lot established yet anyway.

The Taygete Project

@Guppy Franz

Feel free to submit a character sheet in the OoC tab of the roleplay thread or by DM.