Quoted By:
Letting the ominous warnings in your head slip for the time being, you focus your attention towards something you <span class="mu-i">HAVE</span> some semblance of control over:
The concert!
“I’ve already spoken to the staff here at Crystalmelt,” Joplin begins with a twinkle in his steely eyes! “There should be no problems holding the event here tonight, especially with the… <span class="mu-i">financial aid</span> we’ve been granted.”
W-wait, you sputter, how did he talk to them already?! We just finished meeting wi-
“Magic.”
Oh, right, he can do that ‘Mind Talk’ thing… okay, you shrug, so that’s one detail settled, but-
“The performance will be held on the roof to discourage attacks and… eager fans. The Triplets have already informed me of an escape route from the roof to the hot springs in case of fires or other emergencies–it should suffice for our purposes. My contacts here in Umberal coupled with Cartel word of mouth should provide adequate advertising,” He continues, turning to his client and earning a nod. “And for added chaos we’ve opted to waive any kind of ticket fee.”
Tzah-Tzie’s damp face widens into a manic grin! “Th-the whole <span class="mu-i">CITY’S</span> gonna be here! It’s gonna be a <span class="mu-s">MADHOUSE,</span> Ant!”
And… that’s okay with Lutza, right? The starlet answers with an extra-saccharine smile!
“The Cartel offered to foot the bill–it’d be rude not to accept their hospitality~” Her smirk stiffens. “Vhale’s… <span class="mu-i">Captain</span>... receiving the same punishment will be more than enough of a payment.”
The realization hits like the final piece slipping into place on a jigsaw puzzle. Something about her dumb contract forbids Lutza from speaking about it, but the answer is clear as day:
She wants <span class="mu-r">ROLO</span> dead too. Fine by you…
“It goes without saying, but if you intend to handle any unfinished business I’d budget yourselves some time to return here before sundown.” Joplin adds, earning a few murmurs of assent from your team. “The city’s Speakstones announce every hour, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”
“As for the setlist,” Lutza purrs, eyes lighting up with naked anticipation, “I’ll start with a few of my ‘not-as-popular’ ballads to get the crowd warmed up… that’ll get them to stick around for the good stuff!”
Time’s of the essence, you explain, so the longer they can keep everyone entertained, the better!
“Oh, I think we can make that work…” Giggles Lutza from her seat! “A few technical difficulties before showtime, a few short speeches–” Her eyes light up with almost Tzah-Tzie-esque mischief! “... Maybe a few words from Vhale himself…”
“Prick’s about as social as a Bull Makaar,” TT spits, “But he’ll jump at any opportunity to make himself seem bigger than everyone else…”
>CONTD.
