05. Job Offers un: eyeofzaun

[conflictresolution]

[Silco was dressed as he normally was, and he seemed unperturbed by the fact that the area around him was occasionally glitching from various types of fabric to open space to a plain wall. He remained perfectly normal and unaffected, which honestly was the important part, wasn't it?

This was not a shop that he was normally seen in, but anyone who had taken the time to visit the tailor would recognize the place. Some of the items on the work bench were glitching now and again.]

It seems that this world is falling to pieces, and our dearest of functional natives have taken the brunt of adverse situation in Aldrip. For those that are looking to fill the days or evenings with paid work, I find myself with an increase in availability.

I have acquired a small smattering of businesses over the course of my time here, and I will list them below. My offer is simple: a shift, a day, or more continual work is available. I pay cash in hand for time worked and long-term employment gains certain benefits. Inquire if interested.

[He flipped off the video and switched to text to list his businesses and provided their locations for those looking for something with limited transportation required.]

Sandwich Hut
Seafood Shack
The Last Drop Bar
The Flower Shop & Greenhouses
The Tailor

Comments

[incorrigibles]

we don't... behave ourselves? jesus. what bullshit

huh. i mean, pretty enterprising of you, old man

[conflictresolution]

As a group, apparently we break laws frequently.

Is it? I need to fill the time with something; it may as well be this. We benefit having control over the natives who don't seem stable anymore.

[incorrigibles]

yeah, well, welcome to people [ because people break laws!! this is discrimination —

anyway. ]

guess you got a point. so, what, your plan is to stage a slow takeover of the city while the natives aren't looking? [ he's 100% joking ]

[conflictresolution]

I see you understand human nature well. We are law breakers.

Not exactly. I would prefer to keep control of key resources rather than leave it to the natives to provide us. If we have some control, we can build a better life and have less volatility or so that's the hope anyway.

[He also wants control over the Chosen. That part he doesn't say out loud.]

[incorrigibles]

[ ummmmmmmm ]

right. so what i said, then

[ because controlling key resources sounds a hell of a lot like a slow takeover. also if it's silco who controls all of them isn't that like — a monopoly? of sorts? hm. he's not sure how he feels about this. ]

[conflictresolution]

Everyone is free to invest in commerce. That's how a thriving economy works. However, as this place has proved, the native population ebbs and flows and leaves gaps. That can be dangerous for our own survival.

[It's fine. He hasn't started cutthroat business practices yet.]

[incorrigibles]

no yeah i know, capitalism rules, yadda yadda

i didn't say it's a bad plan, mate. if we're going to be stuck here, might as well work with what we've got, i guess

[conflictresolution]

Oh no, capitalism held in check is good, but it never is so people suffer. We work with what we have.

Apologies, I'm used to people thinking I'm up to some nefarious schemes at all times I happen to be awake.

[incorrigibles]

wait, really? huh. well, i'd say that's weird, but i don't really know you, so not really up to me to say if those people are right or not, is it?

guess it's like you said. anyone could be doing it [ acquiring businesses and whatnot. if someone complains... well, they could just do it themselves, then? ]

[conflictresolution]

I don't bother with the hot mouth breathing. It's a waste of my time, but there are those that give it credit. I simply do what I am good at, and I will continue to do so.

[He was definitely up to nefarious stuff, but this was tame compared to back home.]

[incorrigibles]

hey, that's all anyone can do, yeah? do what you're good at. nothing wrong with that.

sooooo

you made it through the whole murder infection thing all right, then?

[conflictresolution]

[This was someone who was far too trusting. That kind of weakness would likely get this one killed. Still, as much as playing nice revolted him at times, he still did.]

Indeed. What are you good at?

I suffered little during it due to my precautions. Did you also manage well after we parted ways?

[incorrigibles]

[ joke's on you it already got him killed... both in his actual life and here. oops. ]

plenty of things, mate. [ don't ask him to elaborate, because his self-esteem will not allow him to actually talk about shit that he's good at... ]

oh, good! and yeah, sure. did just fine. [ for several whole days, in fact, before eventually getting killed by richard. which is irrelevant! ]

[conflictresolution]

And these 'plenty of things' are? [He's not even sorry to ask specifics.]

What does 'just fine' constitute for activities?

[incorrigibles]

cricket, diy, talking to people, investigations, pocket dimensions... should i go on

found who i was looking for. that enough for you?

[conflictresolution]

Pocket dimensions. That sounds exciting and adventurous.

Did you survive the encounter?

[incorrigibles]

useful is what it is

gotta be more specific. which encounter? [ he was looking for two people after all!! ]

[conflictresolution]

Tell me more. I am interested in the idea of pocket dimensions.

I assume if you survived both, this question wouldn't be relevant.

[incorrigibles]

i've got one in my backpack. not here, don't got it with me, but back home




......... touche

[conflictresolution]

What do you happen to keep in it? Supplies, coin?

You'll learn.

[incorrigibles]

yeah, a bunch of different stuff, whatever comes in handy

it's infinite so there's a lot

look. i don't blame him, it's all fine

[conflictresolution]

Can people survive in it?

Why would you? You knew the risks.

[incorrigibles]

sure can.

... course you'd get it. well, good. just, don't want anyone to get the wrong idea, yeah? [ he doesn't want the "cool motive, still murder" crowd to think badly of richard, hence not naming him at all ]

[conflictresolution]

Fascinating. It is a shame that it's not here.

Of course I would. I'm a realist, and you're an adult. People will think the worst; it's human nature.

[incorrigibles]

guessing it's not easy to bring in another pocket universe, whatever this place is

yeah... guess they will. and that's why i'd rather keep it under wraps, yeah? don't want anyone getting on his case about it.