nexus_crossings | Ticket to Flavortown?

Ticket to Flavortown?

Cricket's efforts at making and selling his moonshine have been spectacularly successful, by his own standards. He's got three different stills running, he's getting better all the time, and he's starting to add other equipment, like an apple press for cider. He works hard, and he's feeding most of his profits back into the business. It's starting to get a little tricky to keep up with demand.

The holiday season is only cranking things up a notch, but he's really enjoying himself. Today he has a table set up in the Plaza with several jars, a clipboard with some order forms, and some additional jugs and crates behind him. He's wearing a bright red and green hoodie featuring Santa riding a unicorn while the eight tiny reindeer look on with grief and envy. Additionally, there's a candy-cane striped scarf around his neck and shoulders.

Also on his shoulder is a magpie, with a matching tiny hoodie and scarf. How did they arrange matching outfits? Look, it's the Nexus. These things happen.

"I'm takin' orders," he says a little shyly to passersby. "And offering samples. I got eggnog in three flavors--chocolate, strawberry, and traditional. And it's all got liquor in it, but I also have apple and strawberry cider, and that's alcohol-free. Plus the regular moonshine I usually carry."

"But I got questions too. What's your favorite flavor? I mean, there's no accounting for taste, but I been looking at recipes for coffee-flavor and bacon-flavor moonshine and I'm not sure anybody would go for that. I reckon I wouldn't enjoy drinkin' bacon."

"Also," he reaches up to ruffle the neck feathers on his magpie companion through the scarf. "What d'you get a bird for Christmas?"

((For those unaware, the magpie is Loki, currently stuck in bird form. Tags and threadhopping may come from Loki's player as well as myself.))

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"Hey, Marie!" He's happy to see a friend, greeting her with a warm, bright-eyed smile. He seems to be in a good mood today. The magpie may have something to do with it. The body language between them is pretty affectionate.

"Someone else said cinnamon. I'm pretty sure I can infuse cinnamon into moonshine. Butterscotch might be harder but if I could it'd be good."

"He, uh...he does talk when he wants to," he tells her, stroking the magpie's head gently. "And he definitely understands. If there's anything he really wants, I'm pretty sure he'd let me know." Partly he's just teasing his avian companion here.

"Hey there, Cricket. Been a while since we last talked, but I'm glad to see you're doing well." Birds are a general positive animal, but Marie has no idea that this one was once a god. Oh well. It doesn't change her relatively positive mood in the slightest.

"Well, I normally don't volunteer myself as a guinea pig, but I'd be willing to taste-test it once you've got a recipe figured out."

Seeing him pamper the bird is rather adorable, making her wonder if the magpie can be fully understood. "That's good, because I know nothing regarding bird language. At least one of us has that category covered..." She pauses, for a moment, feeling somewhat comfortable asking Cricket other questions now that the mood has been established.

"Cricket...there's something on my mind lately and I'd to ask you a few things, if you're not busy."

"Gettin' by real well," he tells her. "This is Pretty-bird. He's staying with me now. Maybe for a long while." He hopes so, anyway.

"I'll put your name down for guinea pig," he tells her playfully. "I'll send you a message soon's I got something. Only it probably won't be until the new year at this point. I have more orders for this stuff than I expected."

He reaches for a jar of his cider and pours a little into two separate sample cups, offering her one. "No alcohol in this. Have a taste, if you want? You can ask me questions. Gonna be sittin' here most of the afternoon, I think."

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Pretty-bird.” She's not expecting a response from the animal, but it doesn't hurt to be polite. Cricket’s playful nature is rubbing off on her, as she gives him a joking look. “As long as there's no weird ingredients or things that'll get me sick, then sign me up. I'm patient and can wait until you’re ready.”

Alcohol is preferred for the topic she's wanting to discuss, but Marie isn't one to turn down a free drink. Taking the glass carefully, she nods her thanks, then takes a light sip. It's good, reminding her of fall weather and trips to apple orchards in years past. “I appreciate your hospitality and company.” There's a smile on her face as she pulls up a nearby chair, taking a seat beside Cricket.

She's a little nervous about what to say next, but after hearing from Palmer that Cricket wants to go fight some scary alien monster, the intervention is necessary. Better to ease into her concerns first, instead of immediately objecting to the young man's plan. “A few weeks ago, I met with one of your friends, Palmer. He seemed to talk highly of you.”

The magpie seems to have little response aside from watching her, but Cricket's grin widens. He appreciates the playfulness, and the kindness directed toward his feathery friend.

He would, of course, be happy to give her a sample of liquor, too, but even if they're friends and he comes from a more innocent time, he's sensitive enough to be careful about pushing intoxicating drinks on a woman. If she asks, she'll get whatever she wants to taste, though!

He seems just as happy to talk about Palmer as he was to talk about his magpie friend. "Yeah. He's been a good friend to me. Taught me a lot in the repair shop, and I reckon...he treats me kinda like a little brother?" He sounds unsure only because he's never had a brother of his own, but he's seen the behavior plenty.

The temptation to have a drink right now is eating away at Marie, but she needs her composure and clarity of mind for what's she's about to ask Cricket. It's never easy bringing up bad news, especially since Cricket clearly has a friendly relationship with the mechanic. Alas, she can't let him willingly throw himself into danger, at least not without trying to talk him down first.

"He's a very nice man, yes. However, I met with him a few days ago and learned that he was trying to go home and kill some sort of alien creature. I don't know much about these kind of things, and I wouldn't mention it randomly to anyone, but I wanted to inquire about your involvement in this affair." She isn't going to immediately wail into the young man about his decision-making skills, but letting Cricket know that she knows might make talking about the Thing easier. A middle ground instead of sounding optimistic or belittling.

Cricket's expression shifts, cheer dissolving into thoughtful sobriety. "You wanted to inquire about it, huh?"

Okay, so Marie's word choices have been a little bit formal from the get-go, but something about the way she's talking now makes Cricket think she's definitely not about to tell him she approves of this project. "He's got friends that might still be saved if we make it back there in time. Ain't like we're just going to hunt monsters for fun."

"What exactly are you askin' me, Marie? 'Cause he didn't ask me to help, I volunteered."

"I'm concerned about the mission, based on what things Palmer told me about. That creature poses a threat to all living beings, regardless of what world it's on." Even though she wants to leave it behind a locked door, what are the odds that it could escape? It's something she's had time to mull over and Palmer's idea is slightly favorable over leaving an alien force unchecked. But that raises questions about how to approach said threat and who should be a part of it and Marie can't but put her emotions on the line. Cricket has always been the kind one and she has trouble seeing him be able to fight off such a threat.

Telling him directly, especially after hearing his defensive statements, is a bad move. She continues trying to ease him into her ideals with a calm face. "I didn't imply that you're doing it for fun. That sort of threat can't be taken as a joke. However, I care about the people who want to risk their lives for such a goal." It's getting harder to fight back any negative feelings she has towards this mission, as seen by the slight frown on her face. "Am I allowed to show concern towards this matter like any other human would?"

There's a look that Cricket gets when he feels like he's being pressed unfairly; a passive-aggressive, laconic stare, which he couples with a slow, soft drawl. He can dial it up if he thinks he's actually being bullied or threatened, or dial it down if he's just a little bit nettled by the conversation he's having. It's at a low level now, but the look he's giving Marie is not quite as sweet as he normally would be.

He's not sure he's being insulted, but it's crossed his mind as a possibility. But okay, no one ever gained anything by being too quick to take offense. "You're allowed to care, but you ain't actually answering me yet. Are you just worried in general, worried 'cause of me going, or somethin' else? Y'ain't gotta talk around me. I'd rather you be straight-up with me, honestly. Not promising I'll like what you have to say, but I'll know you got some respect for me."

The stare Cricket is giving her is one she's seen before, mostly from arrogant or prideful entrepreneurs she's fought with it over the last few years. People, some more human than others, trying to prove their power and presence through forceful means. In those arguments, she'd approach with ruthless ambition, cutting down their claims with facts. That tactic doesn't seem to be working here, as the emotional bond prevents her from being truly heartless.

"I'm worried about everyone involved." A lie, because she really only knows that Palmer and Cricket are going, but it's safe to assume there's a larger group being assembled. She can't let Cricket sniff out that his disability, his innocence, is the reason he shouldn't go. A lamb to slaughter situation, one that Marie should let him experience. However, part of her can't just stand around and watch him willingly dive into a dangerous situation.

"I can't say for certain what will happen when that door is opened. That world could already be destroyed or maybe people are still alive. There's a risk involved with opening it and I can't just sit by without saying my opinion." Her expression is cold, as if the carefree and kind person has been buried away for someone completely different. "I don't think anyone should mess with that world. The door should be sealed, locked away...anything that prevents it from being messed with."

It definitely wouldn't work here, even if she could muster it. Cricket's not an arrogant anything; he's a young man used to the short end of the stick, used to being dismissed as worthless at a glance, and used to getting punished for trying to stand up for himself. Passive-aggressive sass and affected cool is his only shield or weapon.

He's ruffled, but he's listening, and something about his expression softens a little as he hears her out. Because it's a good point, based on what he knows about the Thing. Opening the door is potentially risky to the rest of the Nexus.

"Well...you ain't wrong," he says slowly. "And you're entitled to your opinion, only I don't think anyone's in a position to enforce that kind of thinking. I mean, Palmer's alive in his world. If he wants to go back, it ain't right to stop him. No one has that authority here, anyway. And if someone else wants to go with him, I don't think anyone's got the authority to stop 'em, either."

Worrying his lip, he studies her expression, because he's not trying to tell her he doesn't care what she thinks. He does, because she's a friend, but he's not going to let it dictate his actions, either.

"If Palmer decides it's too much of a risk, I ain't gonna argue with that, but he's got friends back there, and maybe he wants to save the world or somethin'. Lots of folks around here do that kinda thing."

"And me...I just ain't gonna let a friend go into danger without helping in whatever way I can."

For a brief moment, Marie thinks she's got Cricket on her side, hearing him admit that she's not wrong is a good start. But then, his perspective changes and she realizes that it's impossible to sway the boy from his dangerous mission. This task to help Palmer, his friend, shows Cricket's dedication to friendship. Something she once had, but lost to a multitude of events that harshy changed her viewpoint on people. Part of her wants to keep talking him down in a sensible manner, part of her doesn't care what happens to their merry band, unless it directly affects her. The end result is a visibly upset woman who's fighting back the different aspects of her personality.

"You'd risk throwing your life away for such a task? Cricket, you've been given a second chance and you want to waste it on being a hero?" The words are full of sadness, clearly concerned, but there's a sense of selfishness there. Would she throw herself at danger in a moment's notice? Or would that be situational? It's hard to say, but in this moment, she's fully against the mission. She doesn't want to see her friends die.

"Do what you will. I can't stop you, nor can I fully support the path you wish to walk. However, if any of you come back carrying that thing...I will not hesitate to take lives." Her final warning regarding the matter, no less. "I don't want to do it, but I will for the sake of others."

He stares at her for a moment, brows knit and eyes narrowed. She doesn't seem quite like the woman he thought he knew right now. Maybe that's because of her own internal conflict, but he has no way of knowing that yet, only that she seems both worried about him and strangely cold about the potential end results of this. It's not a normal-human kind of reaction. Actually, it's a little unsettling.

"Marie?" He speaks quietly, gently, "Ain't no reason to be like that. I mean, if one of us comes back carryin' the Thing, it ain't gonna be us comin' back. So you shouldn't hesitate, and I reckon we all know that. Actually, it's not a bad thing, knowing someone here'll keep an eye out in case this gets out of hand."

He folds his hands in his lap. "Listen, you probably ain't gonna like this, but let me explain. The worst thing that ever happened to me wasn't gettin' killed. It was when I was in my own house at gunpoint, listenin' to my best friend get beat half to death outside my front door. Crying for mercy, and I couldn't do a goddamn thing. And then when they'd had enough blood, I had to get up and get out and go see if he was dead, and put him back together and listen to him refuse to go to the hospital, an' then walk him a mile and half back to Blackwater Station, and come back home in the dark alone."

"Ain't gonna happen again. I'm never gonna sit by and let a friend face danger without me if I get the choice. And I've got the choice. And that's all there is to it. Ain't tryin' to be a hero. I just made a decision where I gotta take a stand, is all."

There's definitely a different aura around her, changing from friendly to a cold, heartless woman. Who or what shaped her into this is completely unknown, but Cricket's assessment may be onto something. There's an attitude about her that screams non human, whether it's herself or the experiences she's been through.

And then Cricket drops the ball on her, causing Marie's stern expression to falter for a moment. She listens intently, feeling sympathy and admiration towards the boy's perils. However, the circumstance is relatable and Marie knows that she's been okay with letting people die if it meant she could live. Survival. "You care so much about other people, even at the expense of your own life. I used to be like that as well, but different events shape us and change the course of destiny. Regardless, I won't try to talk you down anymore from the task at hand."

She pauses, thinking about his other statement. What if the Thing comes back with them? There's no other choice in her mind that she'd kill the party in an instant. "Our paths diverge here, Cricket. Good luck with your goals." Her voice isn't brimming with confidence, but rather intrigue and mystery. She wants to see what will happen, how the event will change them, instead of genuinely wishing for their success. There's a turn in her step, planning to leave very shortly.

"Where I come from, we didn't have much of anything but other people," he explains. It kind of feels like she's complimenting him, except then she says she used to be the same, and he wonders what changed that made her different.

Maybe someone hurt her, or took advantage of her kindness. These things happen, in every world that exists, as far as Cricket can tell. He watches her sadly, and it says something that now his concern is directed as much at her as anywhere else.

Even if she's not what she seems. Even if there's something not-quite-human in her eyes. He's seen a lot of not-human in the Nexus so far. There's literally a godling perched on his shoulder. That doesn't mean bad, just different.

"Well, if I come back alive, I'll say 'I told you so' and buy you a drink," he tells her. Because he's not ready to lose a friend to a disagreement, either. "And you can chew me out for bein' reckless anyway if you want. You take care of yourself, a'ight?"

"And where I came from, everyone died without me getting a say in the matter, so we're on different ends of the spectrum." Alas, that's the reality she's accepted, but seeing Cricket standing there unwavered by her words, gives Marie faith in the future. More people could stands to be like him, herself included. For now, she stops her departure, turning to face him with a smile, but it's clear that there's a lot of sadness behind that mask. She wants him to come back alive.

"When you come back, I'll buy you dinner and a drink. That'll give you time to tell me everything about Antarctica." With a friendly nod, she'll extend one hand to him in silent defeat. "Take care, Cricket."

Okay. That answer makes him feel a lot better, and he returns her smile. She doesn't have to agree with what he does to be friends, that's for damn sure. How many times did he tell Jack off for being an idiot? And they were always real close anyway.

He grasps her hand briefly, shaking gently. "I'll be back, then. You be good to yourself, Marie. See you soon."

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Ticket to Flavortown?

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