ArchivedLogs:Reach for the stars, Ms. Gallio

Reach for the stars, Ms. Gallio
Dramatis Personae Josiah and Selene
In Absentia	2014-01-30 The two meet over some drinks
Location <NYC> Figment - SoHo
Sleek and chic in a cool understatement of glass and chrome, Figment is a playground for the rich and trendy. Its polished bar wraps around the back, a place both to be seen and to obtain the best in libations, and the tables sit recessed in alcoves for those who have come just to relax and socialize. The stairs wind up to the VIP balconies, overlooking the main dancefloor, and in warmer weather the back patio stays open as well, where the elegantly-clad waitstaff will bring you your drinks on the terrace overlooking SoHo's glittering lights. Another night at Figment. Sure, it's a happening place, but the lights and the music and the chic décor project an almost too-familiar feel aura on the young man at the bar, cradling a dark cocktail in a rocks glass with both hands. Josiah is talking idly with the bartender and appears to be on friendly terms with him, laughing quietly, but expressively at some joke shared between the two of them. It's not overly busy, so the tender has some time on his hands, and the two can actually hear each other easily, it seems. Entering Figment, Selene's immediately beginning surface scans, interested in what's going on in the minds of the rich and influential. She approaches the bar, sitting a couple stools away from Josiah, dressed in a black peacoat, trousers, and boots. Which, mostly, is all she wears it seems. "Strongest you got. On the rocks.". She's also listening to their conversation, picking up what it was about via thoughts in curiosity, as she cradles her fingers alongst the bar. "Rather cold. Seems not too many people are out today. Quite a shame.". The conversation is fairly mundane; talk about mutual friends and funny things their cats did to their shoes. And how expensive those shoes were. Selene will find in Josiah a mind that's especially turned on for this kind of place, though one that's just a tad bit bored. Even moreso, she might notice a hodgepodge of thoughts racing under the surface. They may seem a little different than most “back of the head” thoughts, as if they were further away, almost. To the new arrival, who makes his conversation partner get back to work, Josiah turns and gives a subtle once-over. “It'll pick up soon,” he states, “if it's a crowd you're looking for.” At the sense of a very strange thought pattern, Selene is digging into these additional thoughts, as at the same time she's making simple conversation. "It's always more interesting with a crowd. Selene, Selene Gallio, charmed." This might actually be her catchphrase, as the bartender serves her her drink, which she is quickly downing. "I hope so, though." As Selene digs, she may find the thought patterns to be even stranger than what she encounters on a surface reading. For one, some are in Russian. Another pattern seems to be interested in a piano composition, and is more musical than anything else. Then there are those of the man in front of her, who seem to focus for a moment on Selene's style of dress and drink. And her name. “Joiah Brink,” he says, raising his glass in one hand. “So it's Italian, is it? Piacere di conoscerti.” He takes a sip from his glass and sets it on the bartop. A brief shock at the Italian. But mainly the various contradicting thoughts that have nothing to do with each other. She's tapping into these even more in curiosity, as she responds. “And to you as well, sir.” She's then ordering another round. "Family name is familiar, banking, perhaps? Real estate?" The Russian and the music continue as before, and at the same level of clarity, as if someone were reading a novel and playing the piano at once. Josiah's most distinct thought is relief at not having to continue a conversation in Italian. He downs the last of his drink and orders another along with Selene. “Yeah, that would be my father. He owns financial advising company. Maybe you've seen the sign? Most people I know like to talk about their money, but not so much about who handles it.” "People are protective of that which can be lost," Selene muses, as she's now trying to dig into /why/ there's all these weird thoughts. Shed some light on things. "I take it you do not work for your father then, by the way you phrased that." As her next drink comes, she downs it as quick as the last, ordering another. "Fascinating." It may be a little difficult to find that light Selene's looking for. Though the thoughts seem like they should belong to different people, they're all coming from some central place, apparently Josiah, who lets out a short, sincere laugh. “No, you're right about that one. I think money management skips a generation in my family. At least in the males.” He eyes Selene's empty glass, then turns to watch the tender make his, a little more complicated since it's not just a pour from the bottle. Glancing back to Selene, he asks, “And what do you do?” "I'm rich." Selene says, teasing, before expanding. "Long family wealth line, back to the Italian renaissance. Though I could easily just use my inheritance for life, I'm planning to go into business in New York. Presumably real estate." She says this calmly, her next drink being taken slower. She's stopped searching for why the thoughts are so strange, but keeping a focus on Josiah's thoughts, definitely assuming mutant. "It's a viable business." Josiah smirks at the comment and scoops his new drink up as it's placed in front of him, giving his friend behind the bar a thankful nod. “I guess you're right, about it being viable. Don't you think it's a little boring, though?” He takes a sip, swirls the glass a bit to let the ice cubes settle, then takes another. “I mean, unless you're trying to take over the city or something,” he adds, laughing a bit. “Every real estate mogul I know has some kind of complex. Not that you'll be the same, of course,” he closes, winking. "NYC's a bit low for a conquest. The country might be a better place to start." Selene's grinning, before laughing, taking another sip. "Boring? Or interesting? You meet fascinating people in jobs like that. New connections. Besides, it makes money. And that's what they say makes the world go round, is it not?" At his last comment, she's grinning, before speaking. "Who knows.." Laughing in return, Josiah eyes Selene curiously. “Reach for the stars, Ms. Gallio. I like people with ambition, but unfortunately I don't share your view on real estate. Seeing as how you're the one going into the biz, though, not me, I think I can be okay with it.” Selene will the notice the Russian thought pattern disappearing, though the one concentrating on music continues. "Everyone has their own interests. I bet yours are fascinating as well.". At the disappearance of the Russian, Selene's face noticeably is confused, but she quickly snaps out of it, taking another sip of her drink. What is going on? "Nice to meet you, once again, Mr. Brink." “Maybe you'll get to find out,” Josiah responds. He drinks a bit more, then whips out his cell phone, a shiny new-looking thing, to check the time. “For now, though, I need to get going. I hope the crowd swells for you.” He drops cash on the bar, waves to the tender, and offers a smile to Selene. “It was a pleasure meeting you, as well. I hope to run into you again sometime.” And with that he moves away from the bar and heads for the door, the thoughts and sounds of music dying away as well.