maskormenace | 01

So. This has been a long couple of days. [The look on his face screams 'I am just so done' so much that he doesn't even have to say it explicitly] Any recommendations for a good bar around Nonah? I got a lot of sorrows to drown and not enough booze to keep me going.

[See, now, he doesn't need deets on what's going down, he gets the gist from the other posts he's checked in on and what his little handy welcome pack told him, he pretty much has that down. As insane that it is. What he doesn't have is a good reliable watering hole and that just isn't right. No man should go days, hours or minutes without one.]

If I spend any more time sober, I might actually start reassessing my life and my choices and I don't have time for that kind of shit. So just help a guy out here. I don't mind if I got to pay a little extra for a good drink but I'm not exactly flushed with cash here so let's not go nuts and send me to like the ritziest place in town. Okay? Reasonable. Prices.

[Wait, he should really clarify here because when it comes to finding a bar, you can never be too specific in your wants.]

Just don't direct me to some dive where they water down the drinks or I will come down on you like the hand of God and smite your ass because seriously, don't waste my time or my money. That shit ain't cute and I will come at you. Sensible suggestions only.

[There's a long pause before he adds:]

While we're on the subject of things I need, I got one more request. I need someone who's good with this thing right here. [He means the device, he even gives it a little shake to just display what he means.] I got a few questions.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Okay. One second. [Laurel switches to text to give him a quick list of the names of bars she's passed by in Heropa. Then she switches back.]

According to a guide I was linked to a while back, the powers come from the Porter, the thing that brought us here. I think the powers are random, but I don't know for sure. And the Porter is controlled by a being called Lachesis; she can send people back whenever she wants and without any notice.

You're an angel. [An angel who came bearing a list of drinking holes. That's the kind of person he loves right there.]

So the powers are just totally random? That ... that explains a lot, actually. I was a little confused what the dude must have been sniffing who came up with one of my powers, you know? Thanks for the heads up. So this random chick has control of who stays and who goes? I don't think I like the sound of her.

I doubt anyone likes her to be honest. Taking them from their homes, their lives - it doesn't sit well with me. [A sigh.] My advice is just to deal with it as best as you can and be prepared.

[Story of her life really.]

So, did anyone tell you anything about registration? It's something that you can decide to sign up for or not.

I doubt people like that care if they're popular or not, you know? I'm used to dealing with horrible people who reign over my life like that, it's sort of a thing you get used to.

[That girl probably has nothing on Waller. Just saying.]

I got some vague details but not a lot. What happens if I sign up? Is there a catch or something?

If you sign up, you get a place to live, health benefits, money to keep you going. I've heard that it is harder to travel across state lines if you aren't registered, but I haven't traveled beyond any of the Porter cities yet.

[She looks thoughtful for a moment.]

I guess the catch is that the government has you on some kind of record somewhere.

You can always decide to register later.

Sounds to me like you get forced into registering, which I don't like much. See, it bothers me more when you get the illusion of choice, you know? Like they want to force me to registered, then do it. Don't say 'well, you don't have to but if you kind of do if you want to live comfortably and travel'. That's all kinds of bullshit right there. Be honest if you want people to do stuff, don't blackmail them.

[He's ranting but hey, he has a lot of government issues. They'd have a long and troublesome relationship. If they were on facebook together, their statues would definitely be set as 'it's complicated'.]

So this record is like what? They keep tabs on you?

It's not something I've had confirmed, but it probably makes it easier for them to keep tabs on us if we're registered. But you're right- dressing it up as something else before selling it to people doesn't make them sound very trustworthy.

[ Laurel hasn't registered yet, having not made up her mind on what to do. She knows that she needs to make a decision sooner than later. ]

They have a registration ceremony once a month. You should consider going to the next one and talk with other people. Both registered and not registered. They could probably give you more insight with their own experience.

I don't know if I like the idea of signing up to something without knowing what's what. I'm not that sort of man, I like all my information out there plain and simple. And if they don't want to do it, I don't want to trust them.

[Floyd will have to debate whether or not he wants to do it but honestly, it seems kind of dodgy. He pulls a slight face at the idea.]

Noted. What about you? Did you do it?

Nope, I haven't. My mind hasn't been made up just yet. Mostly, I've been focused on adjusting to this place and working at my job.

[And cleaning up the streets of crime as the Black Canary. As much as she could anyway.]

I know that I need to make a decision sooner than later, but it might take a little more time before I do. Maybe I need to follow the advice that I gave to you and talk to other people about it.

I think I'm going to wait on making the decision until I know a little more myself. Seems like the best idea. The government is always going to sell it was the right thing, people always know what's what better.

And hey, what job are you in?

[He's curious if everyone else got a shit job or if it was just him.]

I'm an assistant florist at Petal to the Metal flower shop. Gotta say, I do like the name.

[She thought it was cheesy but cute. And the work wasn't so bad.]

What about you? Is your job a good one?

That is a pretty dope name actually, I gotta give some respect there.

[Though if that was his job, he'd be equally as done.]

Selling suits or something, not really my gig. Could be worse, I guess.

It could always be worse. But you can ask around, see if anyone is hiring. That's a possibility.

[Laurel figured she should make him aware.]

I'm Laurel by the way. Nice to meet you.

I'll work it out. I've been in worse positions.

[He smiles at her, friendly as he can manage.]

I'm Floyd. Ditto. You ever wanna grab a drink, lemme know.

Sure. I will keep the offer in mind.

[Laurel smiles back at him.]

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