Welcome! You have entered [Neutral Grounds] at 11:20 am
[ Kidman ]: -- Welcome! Please stay in character while in chat, (use parenthesis for Out Of Character messages). Also remember, this is the Internet, DO NOT give out personal information.
[ Carmen ]: All better?
[ Kidman ]: This should run a bit better for me now.
[ Kidman ]: Yes, the lag is gone.
[Neutral Grounds]: Contessa has entered at 11:22 am
[ Kidman ]: So yes, I recieved that log last night, and while it was hilarious, it also stuck me a little.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: And I'm going to have to enter private for the rest.
[Neutral Grounds]: Scarlet has entered at 11:22 am
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Contessa has a frightening affect on me.
[ Contessa ]: Good thing I had my nails done.
[ Kidman ]: Hello loves.
[ Carmen ]: Ah, welcome.
[ Scarlet ]: Good evening.
[ Contessa ]: Greetings Carmen, Kidman, and Scarlet.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: frightening?
[ Carmen ]: Have you seen the new magnetic nail lacquer?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Her sadism...it calls to something destructive in me.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: destructive to me.
[ Carmen ]: I considered playing with a few, but they simply take too long.
[ Contessa ]: I must look it up, darling.
[ Kidman ]: Contessa, you've met Euge?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I'm not sure I understand. She provokes you?
[ Contessa ]: Amongst the rest of ACME, my dear.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: No... not directly. Obviously I was never hunted by Zaroff, but it is a perversly happy little fantasy of mine that I never realized until that day.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Clear cut.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: One open hunter, one clean goal.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Mm, I thought you were serious on that.
[Neutral Grounds]: Chase has entered at 11:28 am
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Oh I wish I had been... in my mind he has.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I would dream on it when the tangle got to me.
[ Kidman ]: ...
[ Chase ]: (So a little bird tells me the ladies were in here.)
[ Carmen ]: (Couldn't write that in character, could you?)
[ Contessa ]: Interesting instinct, Detective.
[ Scarlet ]: Good evening, Directeur...
[ Kidman ]: (Roux would be on him in a second)
[ Chase ]: *Nods* Good to see everybody.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I am trying to make this vessel seaworthy while out at sea.
[ Chase ]: *Goes is in his chair*
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: It isn't the easiest, cleanest thing.
[ Chase ]: *sit in
[ Scarlet ]: You're so excited about your chair, you can't even type straight, hm?
[ Chase ]: (Really, this mac isn't working)
[ Kidman ]: (lol)
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: This has to do with your blurring of fact and fiction, yes?
[ Carmen ]: Nonetheless, here we are.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Hmm? Oh, I though we were in character!
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: *Laughs* Forgive me, I assumed otherwise in PM.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: No, ooc I'm fine, love.:-)
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Ah, then good I asked.
[ Contessa ]: *checks nails*
[ Chase ]: Here we are.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: So yes, the above all relates to Kidman.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Mm, so these memories... how recent are they?
[ Kidman ]: Shall I start an argument with someone?
[ Chase ]: Why?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: What memories? Her odd fascination with Zaroff?
[ Chase ]: I'm only uncomfortably quiet because of the elephant in the room.
[ Kidman ]: Contessa could hunt it for you.
[ Contessa ]: It's unfortunate that I don't hunt invisible animals.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Zaroff was in Kidman's original story, so I guess it bled over a it. As far as this universe, it's been a little thing to sooth her.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: She didn't know it soothed her until Contessa showed up.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: How precisely does it sooth her?
[ Chase ]: Don't... or Can't?
[ Contessa ]: Don't.
[ Chase ]: You you can... but you won't?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: It's such a simple formula. Hunter, hunted. Far simpler than the ghosts Kidman is practically strangled by.
[ Contessa ]: Would you?
[ Chase ]: I can't... meaning if I could, I would.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: The waiting...the wondering, she feels stuck in ready mode.
[ Chase ]: So... Perrier, anybody?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: But from what and to what...she can't even plan.
[ Contessa ]: You really must look into sourcing champagne.
[ Contessa ]: I am allergic to poor quality.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: And because of this she feels she's already doomed.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Helping Carmen gives her a framwork, I guess.
[ Kidman ]: Have you met Lee yet?
[ Chase ]: Would you rather have Gerolsteiner?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I was meaning to ask if Kidman is flexible?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: She's small, is she also agile?
[ Contessa ]: No, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Lee. At least, not yet.
[ Chase ]: Don't worry, you're not missing much, Adrianna.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Yes, actually, and very fast, but her endurance is low. I suppose that could always be built up,
[ Contessa ]: Is he one of your agents, detective?
[ Kidman ]: I would love to see that.
[ Chase ]: Not an official agent, he's an informant.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: And if the right thing or person motivates her...:-)
[ Chase ]: He used to be an ACME agent... then a VILE agent... not much luck there.
[ Contessa ]: He has an interesting history with Carmen, If I'm correct.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: That would work quite well, frankly.
[ Kidman ]: laughs.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Even short sprints could mean the difference.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Wonderful!
[ Carmen ]: "Interesting" is paraphrasing.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Her reaction time is good, too.
[ Carmen ]: I don't have an interesting history with anyone.
[ Chase ]: That means... yes.
[ Contessa ]: Of course, Carmen.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Kidman has a ton of ghosts, but what Chase fails to know if that she has intense focus when she needs it.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: *is
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Chase's speech seems to be based on his concern for Carmen.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I suppose that would also explain her Zaroff fantasy. One clear goal, one clear mind.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I can't be sure, of course, but it does sound rather specific.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I was thinking that.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: He's riled by Contessa for the same reason.
[ Kidman ]: Master, how did you and Contessa meet?
[ Contessa ]: It's been so long even I don't remember...
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Kidman eventually figured this out and thanked him in the end. Drill sargents do what they do for a reason, I suppose.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Still surprised that he did it.
[ Kidman ]: Then how did you meet again?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Almost passive-agressively.
[ Carmen ]: That's likely a story for another time.
[ Contessa ]: So many details. I'm sure the story will be better recounted another time.
[ Chase ]: ... there's an interesting bit.
[ Contessa ]: How did you meet Carmen then, Kidman?
[ Kidman ]: Story for another time as well.
[ Chase ]: I met Sophie at a Charity:Water event.
[ Contessa ]: Charity Water?
[ Chase ]: It's about charity... and water.
[ Scarlet ]: Charity: Water.
[ Kidman ]: Creative.
[ Contessa ]: I see.
[ Scarlet ]: It's an organisation dedicated to building wells for proverty stricken areas of the world.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I don't think he really knew what he was doing.
[ Contessa ]: Did you not meet before at ACME?
[ Scarlet ]: No, I was previously based on the east coast.
[ Chase ]: To be honest, I was there to make up for some facetime I'd lost with the ministry of interior... and his daughter... don't think I'm attending this year.
[ Scarlet ]: My good fortune then, Mr. Devineaux?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Mm, we'll see, I'm sure.
[ Kidman ]: 'facetime', you say?
[ Chase ]: I like to think it was ACME's luck.
[ Contessa ]: So what made you move to ACME, Dr. Conrad?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: They do dance oddly together.
[ Scarlet ]: Mm, now that is certainly a story for another time...
[ Scarlet ]: smiles.
[ Chase ]: Either way, it wasn't because of my knowledge of wine or dry sense of humor.
[Neutral Grounds]: Ivy has entered at 11:58 am
[ Ivy ]: Hey! Full house.
[ Chase ]: Monaghan, where's my report on the 15 trainees?
[ Kidman ]: Hullo, Ivy.
[ Ivy ]: uh...
[ Scarlet ]: Good lord, that was a bark.
[ Contessa ]: Greetings Ivy.
[ Scarlet ]: Good evening, Miss Monaghan.
[ Carmen ]: Welcome, Ivy.
[ Ivy ]: Wait a minute, I don't owe you a report.
[ Ivy ]: Was that just to throw me off?
[ Chase ]: *clicks his tongue* Good call. Want some water?
[ Carmen ]: Chase, don't you think sitting in that chair makes you more...
[ Chase ]: Fun?
[ Carmen ]: Odd.
[ Ivy ]: We still have that bartered French water?
[ Chase ]: Yeah... has to be the chair.
[ Chase ]: Perrier, go help yourself.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Oddly, but a dance nonetheless.
[ Ivy ]: checks the fridge
[ Kidman ]: Perhaps you will meld with your chair and become the new large, grey thing in the room.
[ Chase ]: Even so, I'm keeping it.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Do you think they would ever meet in the RP?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I'm sure they will.
[ Kidman ]: But Contessa might be compelled to hunt you!
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: The lead up is already there.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: We only need to allow the pieces to fall in place.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: *pents fingers*
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: She destabilizes him, I can see it.
[ Contessa ]: That is a posibility.
[ Ivy ]: pulls out and opens a water bottle.
[ Chase ]: Don't think I count as a challenge.
[ Ivy ]: When did Chase get a chair?
[ Carmen ]: Mm, sometime yesterday.
[ Carmen ]: He hasn't left it since.
[Neutral Grounds]: Ivy has left at 12:06 pm
[Neutral Grounds]: Ivy has entered at 12:06 pm
[ Kidman ]: Perhaps it's a Chase-trap Contessa set up.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: That is, if he doesn't undercut her in the process.
[ Chase ]: She's not that clever... besides, bought this chair myself.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: True.
[ Contessa ]: or so you would think...
[ Carmen ]: That's obvious. Who else would chose dark grey leather?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Still, even when she falls apart, she only lets go of knowledge about herself or open secrets.
[ Chase ]: I assume you mean who else has my great taste...
[ Ivy ]: I think after all this time, Chase having his own chair was inevitable.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Kidman was not about to argue on why it would be impossible to 'raid' VILE.
[ Chase ]: *Taps chair twice* I thought so.
[ Kidman ]: thinks Chase is so cute sometimes.
[Neutral Grounds]: Chase has left at 12:11 pm
[ Carmen ]: *Laughs*
[ Ivy ]: Too much chair.
[ Carmen ]: Did the chair eat him?
[ Contessa ]: Quite possibly.
[ Scarlet ]: That was a strategic strick, if ever there was one.
[ Scarlet ]: is so amused.
[ Scarlet ]: (*strike)
[ Ivy ]: taps twice on chair
[Neutral Grounds]: Chase has entered at 12:11 pm
[ Ivy ]: nope...
[ Ivy ]: oh hey!
[ Chase ]: ...
[ Ivy ]: It
[ Scarlet ]: It worked.
[ Chase ]: Get off my chair.
[ Scarlet ]: :)
[ Ivy ]: summons and dispels Chase.
[ Scarlet ]: Tap it again and you can sit in the chair.
[ Ivy ]: *looks at chair* it's too powerful...
[ Scarlet ]: The next time the boys are trying to get the fire going, they might use it.
[ Kidman ]: thinks Father would look good with a pipe.
[ Chase ]: *Sits on the chair again* They won't burn leather...
[ Chase ]: It'll stink up the place.
[ Carmen ]: We should remove it with a throne, might as well.
[ Ivy ]: (father?)
[ Kidman ]: (just struck me that way.:-))
[ Chase ]: considers the offer of a throne.
[ Kidman ]: (lol)
[ Chase ]: Does it come with a crown and scepter?
[ Scarlet ]: It might come with gold.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Glad you got a good drive in today, love.
[ Chase ]: Not sure I need gold...
[ Contessa ]: Nonsense, everyone needs gold.
[ Carmen ]: You know, Adrianna, that chair would make a lovely spot to shave with a straight-edge.
[ Chase ]: The reclining factor? Yeah.
[ Contessa ]: I will have to agree.
[ Chase ]: I once did a... wait.
[ Chase ]: *looks to Carmen then to Adrianna*
[ Chase ]: What does that mean, exactly?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Cheap thrills, some may say. :)
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: But I did have a lovely time.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: A better driver may do 16.9 seconds from 0 to 200 km/h.
[ Contessa ]: I
[ Contessa ]: I'm quite trustworthy with a a blade, detective.
[ Chase ]: I'm not doubting you.
[ Chase ]: But I'm just not sure what to trust you to so with that blade.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: *does some math*
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: They allow such speed there?
[ Contessa ]: Why I'd happily use yours.
[ Chase ]: *To do with that blade -- there goes my spelling
[ Chase ]: Use my knife?
[ Contessa ]: But I doubt it would be sharp enough.
[ Kidman ]: thinks Contessa is a riot.
[ Chase ]: It's just a hunting knife, won't do you any good.
[ Contessa ]: Perhaps the doctor has a scapel?
[ Chase ]: I've seen some new razors with ceramic knives.
[ Chase ]: Interesting.
[ Contessa ]: I do like ceramic knives, they have the ability to break within the body.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: *Laughs*
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: *Whispers* No.
[ Contessa ]: Running then causes much more injury... and a slower death.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: It was approximately 5 a.m.
[ Contessa ]: Or so I've heard.
[ Chase ]: *blanks face*
[ Ivy ]: is sure that sounded like experience talking
[ Chase ]: Are we still talking about shaving?
[ Contessa ]: *grins*
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Oh Carmen, breaking the law...:-)
[ Ivy ]: *takes a gulp of water*
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: The law does state on a British high way that a car may move as fast as the car in front of it.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Loop hole.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: ;-)
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: The car I just got is slow to accelerate.
[ Carmen ]: For some odd reason, I believe Adrianna would get along best with Mikal.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I'm still getting used to it.
[ Chase ]: They could trade "how to kill" tips.
[ Ivy ]: Oh yes.
[ Kidman ]: Is Mikal officially ACME?
[ Chase ]: Officially unofficial.
[ Ivy ]: I wouldn't say he's ACME at all
[ Ivy ]: he is an informant, had temporary agent status for a while.
[ Chase ]: He has a Canadian passport and a degree in Computer Science... and a signed document that he's studying at the academy.
[ Chase ]: For now.
[ Kidman ]: The many shades of grey.
[ Carmen ]: Isn't that passport expiring soon?
[ Chase ]: I know you recommended Belgian... I'll have to look into it unless one of your people can forge a document for me.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: What's the make and model, dear?
[ Ivy ]: ...
[ Ivy ]: Chase stop making ACME look bad.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I have a Chevy Malibu, 2005. I used to have a Ford Taurus, 1993. That thing took off like a rocket.
[ Carmen ]: You should contact the Polish who conducted the theft. He also stole the electronic passport scanner.
[ Contessa ]: Seems ACME has their own problems. Our job is half done.
[ Chase ]: Right... the rest of this conversation happen offline...
[ Kidman ]: enjoys ACME hypocrisy.
[ Chase ]: *happens
[ Contessa ]: Oh, will you look at that? I'm an optimist.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I believe Chevrolet engines are slow in general. It may have something to do with the size and engine ratio as well.
[ Ivy ]: (haha)
[ Carmen ]: Brava.
[ Ivy ]: Really, Mr. Director of Operations... you're supposed to be ACME's moral compass.
[ Chase ]: I was making conversation... Mikal's taking care of his own passport, I'm not touching that thing.
[ Scarlet ]: And the thing about compasses is that they spin.
[ Carmen ]: Mm, they can also be misguided if another magnet is close enough.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Ah well. On ramps are going to be a bit frightening for a while.
[ Scarlet ]: Miss Sandiego, I presume you have tried that magnetic nail polish...
[ Chase ]: *To Ivy* Next time, how about 'pillar' instead of 'compass'?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: :)
[ Ivy ]: It's getting harder to take you seriously.
[ Carmen ]: I've seen Patty playing with it, Sophie. I've yet to try.
[ Carmen ]: But I rarely keep any length of nails.
[ Scarlet ]: Hm, I wash my hands so often, nail polish often seems a waste...
[ Chase ]: Hard to keep nails when you wear gloves.
[ Chase ]: And hard to keep nailpolish when you're a doctor.
[ Chase ]: Why are we even talking about this?
[ Kidman ]: lol
[ Ivy ]: I can't even keep a manicure.
[ Scarlet ]: Would you prefer we return to speaking about compasses, Mr. Devineaux?
[ Ivy ]: Chase, you come into a room of girls, you can expect girl talk.
[ Chase ]: That's a shame, all girls should have some kind of manicure... except for maybe those who do hand to hand combat.
[ Kidman ]: :weird:
[ Chase ]: No, no, I can meld into girl talk...
[ Chase ]: Not really, but what else can I do?
[ Contessa ]: Good sport.
[ Carmen ]: Typically, in a setting like this one, you're obligated to let us braid your hair.
[ Ivy ]: *laughs*
[ Chase ]: ...can I at least pick who touches my head?
[ Kidman ]: laughs until she starts coughing.
[ Ivy ]: Yes, but hurry up before the pillow fight.
[ Chase ]: ... there aren't any pillows here.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I don't know what Chase was trying to accomplish yesterday, but Kidman's feeling better for it.
[ Carmen ]: This man, so full of logic.
[ Ivy ]: And yet no way to pick up sarcasm.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Is she? Does she know why?
[ Chase ]: Just... give me a minute.
[ Chase ]: This conversation's moving too fast.
[ Carmen ]: Did Ivy's sarcasm throw you off?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: It reminds me of something that happened to me a while back, after the Tilda thing. To have the demons named, spoken aloud, made them solid and therefore vulnerable.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Ah, to see what once was unseen.
[ Chase ]: At least.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Kidman has very little grounding and she panics from it. Shedding light on her surroundings, even if unattactive, gives her a sense of control.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Something she can actually do something about.
[ Kidman ]: *sighs* There isn't going to be a pillowfight, Chase.
[ Kidman ]: Ivy was making a joke.
[ Kidman ]: Shall I draw a diagram?
[ Chase ]: Now you're just being condescending.
[ Contessa ]: He has been holding up rather well in a hostile room.
[ Contessa ]: It could be the chair.
[ Carmen ]: Oh, he's been in a Russian prison, he'll survive this. Particularly in a chair.
[ Kidman ]: ...why?
[ Kidman ]: You were in prison, Chase?
[ Chase ]: Callng it chair doesn't seem right anymore... let's go with 'armchair'.
[ Contessa ]: A Russian prison?
[ Kidman ]: A gulag?
[ Chase ]: Undercover contract... I was young, and stupid.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I can understand that.
[ Carmen ]: Only young and stupid?
[ Ivy ]: Was this before or after the orchid collecting?
[ Kidman ]: Was this during the cold war?
[ Carmen ]: What of reckless, incompetent, and arrogant, da?
[ Kidman ]: In Soviet Russia, prison goes to you!
[ Chase ]: No, I was a kid during the cold war.
[Neutral Grounds]: DericStorm has entered at 12:55 pm
[ Kidman ]: Hey man.
[ Chase ]: This contract was for information on a Bratvia member... post-soviet
[ Chase ]: Storm, nice to you see you.
[ DericStorm ]: ah, the usual suspects
[ Ivy ]: Ice breaker. Hey there, Storm.
[ Carmen ]: Good morning, Deric.
[ Scarlet ]: Hello, Mr. Storm.
[ DericStorm ]: hi everybody
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: So...how does Contessa fit with VILE? Is she going to defect later?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Lee seems interested in her.
[ Ivy ]: We were just talking about Russian prisons.
[ Ivy ]: ...with a short stint on pillow fights.
[ DericStorm ]: :weird:
[ Chase ]: short... as in one line of joke.
[ DericStorm ]: suuuuure
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Contessa may play a role, or she may remain like Eartha or Patty.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: That's up to how she finds the story.
[ Chase ]: want some water, Storm?
[ Chase ]: Plenty in the fridge.
[ DericStorm ]: i'll take some
[ Contessa ]: *checks nails*
[ Kidman ]: Do you know Vic, Contessa?
[ DericStorm ]: are we boring you, Contessa?
[ Contessa ]: VIc the slick? I know him quite well.
[ Contessa ]: Don't take it personally, detective... I find most people boring.
[ Kidman ]: Isn't he great? I think the ACME's killed him, though.
[ Contessa ]: the plane?
[ DericStorm ]: we did NOT kill him
[ Ivy ]: It was a crash... ACME agents were on that flight!
[ Chase ]: Right... one of them is in here right now, see.
[ DericStorm ]: checks his pulse to make sure he's still alive
[ Carmen ]: Are you functioning?
[ DericStorm ]: i think so
[ Kidman ]: Well, can't argue with that logic.
[ Kidman ]: False alarm.
[ Carmen ]: If not, we could always have Acton look at you.
[ DericStorm ]: oh hell no
[ Kidman ]: heh heh
[ Chase ]: Keep that birdman away from my agents.
[ DericStorm ]: i'd rather be dead than let that quack work on me
[ Kidman ]: But he just wants to take care of you, Chase.
[ Kidman ]: Actually, I have no idea what he was after yesterday.
[ Chase ]: How can he save anybody when he could hardly see through that mask?
[ Kidman ]: I was waiting for him to take out a spray-on bronzer.
[ Contessa ]: I would hardly dispell Acton's gifts.
[ Contessa ]: He has quite a brilliant mind.
[ Scarlet ]: And I will agree with the Countess.
[ Carmen ]: Oh, I agree on the mind, but 'gift' is still questionable.
[ Scarlet ]: And, Mr. Storm, you hardly appear dead - your hair is rather messy, though.
[ Kidman ]: What field do you do research in again, Doctor?
[ Ivy ]: I told you, you need a hair cut.
[ DericStorm ]: yes, mother
[ Scarlet ]: The field which concerns medicine, Miss Kidman...
[ Kidman ]: You said nanotechnology and malignancy.
[ Contessa ]: Perhaps a shave as well, detective Storm.
[ Ivy ]: Yeah, keep up the 'Yes Mother' and I'll let Contessa have a go at you with the razor blade.
[ Chase ]: As long as you don't use my recliner.
[ DericStorm ]: why do i feel like i walked into an episode of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"?
[ Kidman ]: Have you made any nanobots?
[ Chase ]: Storm, I've been sitting here for hours while they deviated into nails and nailpolish.
[ Carmen ]: And what have we learned?
[ Scarlet ]: We did not "deviate", Mr. Devineaux.
[ Scarlet ]: We were right on course.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Kidman has thought of something she would like to steal.
[ Chase ]: I learned you can't win in a room full of women.
[ Chase ]: But at least you can sit on a recliner and ignore them.
[ Ivy ]: until the recliner eats you...
[ Scarlet ]: Miss Kidman, I do not discuss my research outside of my professional circle.
[ Ivy ]: but that's a different story.
[ DericStorm ]: no, it's we can't win in THIS room of women
[ Contessa ]: Finally, ACME has some wise words.
[ Scarlet ]: Was there wisdom exchanged? I suppose I can take out my packet of nounours now. I've been wanting to have them all evening...
[ Chase ]: Stick around, Adrianna... we're full of wisdom.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Yes?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: What is it?
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: :)
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Sophie's research.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Just to 'move it along' so to speak.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: *Laughs* but does she know what it is?
[ Ivy ]: VILE ACME count, is 3 - 4?
[ Ivy ]: Not bad odds.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: She told Dr.Roux yesterday it was nanotechnology and malignancy.
[ Chase ]: You suggesting we duel, Ivy?
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: They were talking about how slow and difficult it was.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: And Kidman was just beside herself with excitement.
[ Chase ]: Sophie can stay out, she's a doctor.
[ Kidman ]: ...
[ DericStorm ]: you don't duel crazy
[ Kidman ]: Everyone here can beat me up easy!
[ Ivy ]: *laughs* right, besides Deric is on probation and I'm in anger management.
[ Carmen ]: And Adrianna has been known to get a little carried away.
[ Chase ]: That's surprising.
[ Contessa ]: I do try to restrain myself.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I know Dr. Roux studies ways to hinder death, I'm sure Sophie was only making conversation.
[ Chase ]: Has it been working?
[ Contessa ]: Well Carmen is certainly an inspiration.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: Kidman is sad.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: *smiles*
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: If it comes up again, do let me know.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I'll get Roux to do it. I sense a professional crush there.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: She's on to me.
[ Carmen ]: *Laughs* You shouldn't credit me yet.
[ Ivy ]: She really does keep everything non-violent.
[ Ivy ]: Have to hand it to her.
[ Kidman ]: Beautiful rainbow in the black and white...
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: A professional crush? Acton to Sophie or vice versa?
[ Chase ]: Or just... red.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I believe it is in the same chat that Chase poked me in, but much further on.
[ Kidman ]: No. Definately a rainbow.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Mm, noted.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: I sensed more of an activeness on Sophie's part, however.
[ Carmen ]: I do enjoy rainbows.
[Neutral Grounds]: Contessa has left at 1:31 pm
[Neutral Grounds]: Contessa has entered at 1:31 pm
[ Chase ]: Sure.
[ Chase ]: Welcome back.
[ Contessa ]: Thank you, detective.
[ Chase ]: I'm not really a detective anymore.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: All the better.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: I had asked him what he thought of 'her' meaning Contessa, but he took it to mean Sophi and complimented her nicely.
[ Kidman->Carmen ]: She opened up after that.
[ Contessa ]: I'd prefer to call you detective.
[ Carmen->Kidman ]: Ah, I see.
[ Carmen ]: And the clock ticks, I must be off. Thank you kindly for your time today.
[ Ivy ]: Later, Carmen.
[ Chase ]: Take care, thanks for being here
[ Contessa ]: Farewell Carmen.
[Neutral Grounds]: EarlJr has entered at 1:35 pm
[ Scarlet ]: (Aw! Eugene is coming!)
[ Scarlet ]: Goodbye, Miss Sandiego.
[ Carmen ]: Wonderful timing, Mr. Grovington.
[ Kidman ]: Bye Carmen....
[ Ivy ]: Terrible timing, Euge.
[ EarlJr ]: why thank you.
[ Scarlet ]: Good evening, Mr. Grovington.
[ Carmen ]: Do have a lovely evening.
[Neutral Grounds]: Carmen has left at 1:36 pm
[ Contessa ]: Hello Eugene.
[ Ivy ]: *stretches* Well the more ACME the better.
[ EarlJr ]: Countess
[ Chase ]: How's it going, Euge?
[ EarlJr ]: it goes
[ DericStorm ]: how vague
[ Contessa ]: It's been a tight lipped day.
[ Kidman ]: At least I'm not the lone VILE today.
[ Chase ]: That's how we function.
[ Contessa ]: Becarful detective, it only takes one weak link.
[ EarlJr ]: it helps maintain our shadowy aura
[ Chase ]: Sure, if you only have one chain.
[ Scarlet ]: smiles.
[ EarlJr ]: load distribution and redundancy. Basic engineering.
[ Chase ]: Do you collect swords too, Adrianna, or only knives?
[ Contessa ]: I like my weapons. Swords, spears, knives... as long as they are of good quality.
[ Chase ]: Do you have a supplier for Damascus steel?
[ Contessa ]: I only collect vintage, darling.
[ Chase ]: I'm looking for something... 1650s...
[ Contessa ]: Hmm, of course. So am I.
[ Contessa ]: I would love to get my hands on a scimitar.
[ Kidman ]: I was about to ask that!
[ Chase ]: A riding scimitar.
[ Chase ]: Made for horseback warfare.
[ Chase ]: Not to encourage, but there's one recently at the British Museum.
[ Chase ]: It came from an auctioned lot.
[ Chase ]: 'Lot' meaning more than one...
[ Contessa ]: *feels the itch to steal*
[ Kidman ]: Good job, Chase.
[ EarlJr ]: Did I miss something? Is ACME planning a cavalry charge?
[ Chase ]: No, I was just practicing entrapment.
[ Scarlet ]: Ah... he's "practicing"...
[ Contessa ]: Rather underhanded coming from ACME.
[ Chase ]: Apologies, no damascus scimitar at the British Museum.
[ Chase ]: I know, I'm allowed to be underhanded once or twice.
[ Chase ]: But I do own a few swords... tiny collection, only 5.
[ Contessa ]: Which is your favourite?
[ Chase ]: The Katana, because it's signed.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Hey.
[ Scarlet ]: And, by whom?
[ Contessa ]: Yes, by whom?
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Cheers for yesterday...
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Not sure what your goal was
[ Ivy ]: checks the fridge
[ Ivy ]: We sure have a lot of water.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: but it helped...to hear it aloud.
[ DericStorm ]: Hydration is important
[ Chase->Kidman ]: hey, no problem.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Just playing a role.
[ Chase ]: Kobayashi, if I remember it right.
[ Ivy ]: What have you been up to anyway, Deric?
[ Chase ]: ...not the competitive eater.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: (this is IC, yes?)
[ Chase ]: The family in Shimane.
[ Contessa ]: Very nice.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: (IC)
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Playing a role?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: You were looking for a friend, but you also needed an enemy.
[ DericStorm ]: besides training ACME's next generation and hanging out with Cali, not much
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Why else would you show me those scars?
[ Ivy ]: (becausing googling Kobayashi brings me to a video where he challenges an Alaskan bear in an eatting contest.)
[ Chase->Kidman ]: You want me to understand.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: And once I did, you wanted me to set you straight... even if you didn't know it.
[ Chase ]: (I'm willing to bet he brings shame to the family)
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Thank you...
[ Ivy ]: ACME's next generation... sort of makes you feel old, huh?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Listen, you have a good heart. I don't know how much I like saying that... but you do.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: You could have just let me drown.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: And by some crazy manner, you found your way to Carmen.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I figured... if I keep you from drowning, you might pass it on... keep her from drowning too.
[ DericStorm ]: i'll be 29 next week. i don't really see myself as old
[ Kidman->Chase ]: It took me a bit to figure it out...
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I don't mean that in a protective sense.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: What you were doing.
[ Ivy ]: No kidding, your birthday is next week?
[ DericStorm ]: 21st
[ Chase ]: 21st, nice.
[ EarlJr ]: screwby
[ DericStorm ]: i was due the 17th but i guess it was too cold for me to come out
[ Chase ]: Heh
[ Ivy ]: Screwby?
[ DericStorm ]: Screwby dewby dew
[ Chase ]: Ignore that, it's the new bazinga
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Not everybody deserves what they get.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Then how do you mean it?
[ Ivy ]: Bazinga?
[ EarlJr ]: Bazinga?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I believe in justice... sometimes, that doesn't mean the law.
[ Chase ]: ...
[ Chase ]: How could I be that old, I'm only 34...
[ Ivy ]: I thought you were 33.
[ Chase ]: I like to count one year ahead.
[ Scarlet ]: laughs.
[ Scarlet ]: Even his ability to count is diminishing...
[ Scarlet ]: Mr. Storm, how will you be celebrating?
[ DericStorm ]: idk
[ Kidman->Chase ]: You understand the grey more than I thought...
[ Ivy ]: (I had to recalcuate Ivy's birthday)
[ Scarlet ]: I suggest you make some plans soon if you wish to secure Calico's company...
[ Kidman->Chase ]: As I said...stay as you are, Chase.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I wonder all the time if I should.
[ DericStorm ]: I think she's already planning something, hence my lack of knowlege
[ Kidman->Chase ]: So much depends on it.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Why?
[ DericStorm ]: (I actually spoke with Cali last night)
[ Scarlet ]: Ah, then please practice your surprised face, yes...
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Black and white is an illusion, after all.
[ DericStorm ]: 8s
[ DericStorm ]: how's that?
[ Ivy ]: (If we consider adding aging to the site progression, Zack and her are 4 years apart... he was 17 and is now 19. She's at most 23-24...)
[ Chase ]: More brow action.
[ EarlJr ]: a mite bit too much
[ Chase ]: (Ivy should be at least 24)
[ Ivy ]: I think it'll work, the more surprised you look, the happier she'll be.
[ Ivy ]: Trust me on this one.
[ Scarlet ]: Almost convincing. I second that hair-cut idea that Miss Monaghan brought up.
[ DericStorm ]: (I always thought Deric and Ivy would be roughly the same age)
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Sure, so is grey.
[ Ivy ]: (figured that's how you wrote your character, that's why I was surprised when you said 29.)
[ Chase->Kidman ]: This won't end easy, you know.
[ Scarlet ]: (24 is a good age.)
[ DericStorm ]: jeez, 29. That'll mean I've almost been with ACME 7 years
[ Kidman->Chase ]: This conversation?
[ DericStorm ]: (trying to keep Deric and me somewhat in sync)
[ Chase ]: 7 years, not bad.
[ Ivy ]: Might get that 7-year itch.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: No, this game she's playing.
[ DericStorm ]: ok, NOW i feel old
[ DericStorm ]: you offering something there, Ivy? ;-)
[ Ivy ]: From ACME, Storm. From ACME.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: There's not much I can do besides softening the blows.
[ DericStorm ]: are you blushing?
[ Kidman->Chase ]: If that.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: But I feel it a worthy cause.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: We're taking turns at the base... trumping each other...
[ Ivy ]: Are you fond of your face?
[ Chase ]: Heh
[ DericStorm ]: :grin:
[ Chase->Kidman ]: What I hate most is knowing how to end it.
[ DericStorm ]: is comtemplating whether or not to continue pushing Ivy's buttons
[ Scarlet ]: We barely have enough chairs now.
[ Ivy ]: Is it still raining outside neutral grounds?
[ Chase ]: wants Deric to know Ivy has but one button... be careful.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: ... You...don't intend to...
[ Kidman->Chase ]: No, of course you wouldn't.
[ DericStorm ]: I'm just testing to makew sure the anger management classes are sticking
[ Ivy ]: Not wise of you to test, Deric.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: But I should.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: That's Lee's deparment.
[ Scarlet ]: Miss Monaghan, instead of dealing with Deric's face, why not deal with his hair instead...
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Lee wants to hear her scream. I dread it.
[ Ivy ]: His hair?
[ DericStorm ]: don't touch my hair :mean:
[ Scarlet ]: Ah, you don't touch it? That certainly explains...
[ DericStorm ]: no, I'm saying you learn to love something when you don't have it for a while
[ Kidman->Chase ]: You would lose your humanity if you did.
[ EarlJr ]: what, you don't want to rock the high and tight?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Humanity?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Just to know that the fear in her eyes is me... already does a decent job.
[ DericStorm ]: no I'm saying after having to go through chemo as a kid, i like to let my hair grow a little sometimes
[ Kidman->Chase ]: I'm not going to play this game, Chase.
[ Ivy ]: Well, you're still due for a trim, Storm. Want to be presentable for your birthday.
[ Chase ]: "a little"... not a lot.
[ DericStorm ]: it's not even down to my shoulders
[ EarlJr ]: whatever you say Shaggy
[ DericStorm ]: it just looks like a little bit of an afro
[ Chase->Kidman ]: You're already a part of it.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Is it worth it?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: What's worth it?
[ Ivy ]: I suppose if you keep hanging around Chase and Euge, you'll eventually adopt that clean-cut look.
[ Ivy ]: Peer pressure and all.
[ Scarlet ]: I'll get you a hairbrush for your birthday, Mr. Storm. What colour would you like?
[ DericStorm ]: navy blue or green would do nicely Pippi
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Playing with me?
[ DericStorm ]: but considering it'll be buzzed by then, i wouldn't bother
[ Chase->Kidman ]: If I change your life somehow, it's worth it.
[Neutral Grounds]: Bran_Ap_Brychan has entered at 2:23 pm
[ Chase->Kidman ]: If I in turn change what I think is coming... then even better.
[ Ivy ]: *looks at the newcomer*
[ Ivy ]: Hey there.
[ Chase ]: *Nods* Bran, come in.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Good morning.
[ Scarlet ]: Good morning, Mr. Brychan.
[ DericStorm ]: Hey, Bran, anyone ever tell you you look like this guy on TV
[ Kidman->Chase ]: So when you say fear in her eyes, you mean as a sign of determent?
[ Chase ]: For Deric's birthday next week, we should bring out that old barbecue grill...
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: I think you mentioned it once...
[ Contessa ]: *checks her nails*
[ Scarlet ]: Yes, please send a message to Mr. Darsha to send more of the orange juice, too... if he cannot come himself.
[ Kidman ]: wonders if Contessa is afraid they'll go missing.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: No... really, forget I said anything about it.
[ Contessa ]: I fear we haven't met, Bran.
[ Chase ]: I think she just likes to make sure they're still sharp.
[ Chase ]: Right.
[ Chase ]: Contessa Covrenzi, this is Bran ap Brychan
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: I'm afraid we haven't
[ Contessa ]: Pleasure.
[ Chase ]: One of my agents, he's decently new.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: A pleasure to meet you.
[ Contessa ]: Ah, an Englishman.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Welsh....
[ Contessa ]: ...are those the keys to a sports car I spy?
[ Kidman->Chase ]: I'm not sure how I can do that. It was fairly creepy.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: puts the keys in his pocket
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Yes they are
[ Chase ]: Wise move.
[ Contessa ]: Well, I have to say it's been fun. Especially listening to your ACME banter.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Wasn't meant to be creepy.
[ Contessa ]: But I must leave, there are more things to steal after all.
[ Contessa ]: Farewell.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Happy huntings...
[ Scarlet ]: Goodbye, Countess.
[ Ivy ]: Bye Contessa.
[ EarlJr ]: bye
[ Chase ]: Right, take care, Adrianna.
[ DericStorm ]: bye
[ Kidman->Chase ]: It certainly wasn't reassuring.
[Neutral Grounds]: Contessa has left at 2:32 pm
[ Kidman ]: bye love
[ Kidman ]: hullo Bran
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I spent almost a year with her, as partners, she depended on me... I depended on her.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Hello, Kidman.
[ Ivy ]: Funny how in neutral grounds, someone would say "there are more things to steal" and a room full of ACME agents just say "take care!"
[ Ivy ]: The duality of this is still entertaining.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Normal.
[ EarlJr ]: we're used to it by now
[ Kidman ]: wishes the neutral grounds was everywhere.
[ Chase ]: It's how we roll...
[ DericStorm ]: it's not like anything we say would have stopped her
[ Ivy ]: Anyway, did someone say something about a grill?
[ EarlJr ]: what were we supposed to use? Harsh language?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Wait, let me ask you this... have you seen her afraid?
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Anxious?
[ DericStorm ]: "So long and thanks for all the fish"?
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Only for a moment, yes....
[ Chase ]: Grill
[ Scarlet ]: Fish?
[ Chase ]: Wanted to bring it back... we need to increase the beef intake here.
[ DericStorm ]: pop culture reference
[ Chase->Kidman ]: Did it have anything to do with me?
[ Ivy ]: I think we had burgers like a week ago.
[ Ivy ]: Think there are any left?
[ Chase ]: I forgot about that.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: I truly can't say. She could have had any number of things on her mind.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: And I didn't ask.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Would it have made you happy if I said yes?
[ Ivy ]: Can't grill when it's raining.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: What kind of question is that? Only sadists would have been happy to hurt a woman.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: A person.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Dreary rain...
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Carmen is a person.
[ Chase ]: Yeah, spring.
[ Kidman->Chase ]: But yes, that is how it comes across.
[ EarlJr ]: don't have to shovel rain
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: That is true
[ Ivy ]: I suppose that's the bright side.
[ Chase ]: Euge, the regular optimist.
[ Ivy ]: Ha.
[ Ivy ]: He has his moments.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: My fault, sorry...
[ Ivy ]: *checks her horoscope on ACME's communicator*
[ Scarlet ]: What does it say?
[ Ivy ]: ...At this time you will want to branch out; you have the energy to do more and take on more challenges. This is a very good time to begin implementing the plans and promises that you have made to yourself, as any new endeavor is likely to succeed. A new health regimen, actions taken to advance professionally, or anything you do to move toward achieving a cherished goal or ideal goes well now.
[ Ivy ]: So... Chase, how about that transfer into field work?
[ Chase ]: Where's the form I asked you to fill?
[ Ivy ]: Do you know me at all?
[ Kidman->Chase ]: Then you just like that fears you?
[ Chase ]: Brown envelope, Ivy... en-vel-ope
[ Ivy ]: I'm sure it's in the office somewhere.
[ Ivy ]: Or at the flight 101 training center.
[ Ivy ]: Or at the apartment...
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I think you're getting the wrong impression.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I don't want to assume she's afraid of me.
[ Scarlet ]: pulls out a crumpled brown envelope from Ivy's coat...
[ Scarlet ]: Here, Miss Monaghan.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: But I know she doesn't look at me the way she used to.
[ Scarlet ]: You might as well do it now and get it over with.
[ Ivy ]: Oh hey, there it is.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: What ever it was, I had her trust once, now it's replaced by something else.
[ Chase->Kidman ]: I'm not relishing any of this.
[ Ivy ]: *reads over the form*
[ EarlJr ]: (Alright boys and girls. It's been fun, but I need to get to work)
[ EarlJr ]: later everyone.
[ Scarlet ]: Goodbye, Mr. Grovington. Fly safe.
[ Chase ]: Take care, Euge
[ DericStorm ]: (bye)
[Neutral Grounds]: EarlJr has left at 2:52 pm
[ Ivy ]: Later Euge.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Until then.
[ Chase ]: Should head out... Dinner coming up.
[ Ivy ]: Alright, I'll have go wrap up the flight 101 class
[ Chase ]: Ivy, you too?
[ Chase ]: Nice class? Not eating something before?
[ Ivy ]: I'll grab something on the way.
[ Ivy ]: ACME campus burrito.
[ Ivy ]: Later everyone.
[ Scarlet ]: I should return to the Medical Center, too.
[ Ivy ]: Ha, mass migration.
[ Chase ]: Heh heh
[ Scarlet ]: We'll take my car, Miss Monaghan?
[ Scarlet ]: Good evening, everyone.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Farewell
[ Ivy ]: Sure.
[ Chase ]: It's that time of day/night.
[ Scarlet ]: I'll find you better food. :)
[ Chase ]: Take care.
[Neutral Grounds]: Chase has left at 2:59 pm
[Neutral Grounds]: Scarlet has left at 2:59 pm
[ Ivy ]: ... better than burritos?
[Neutral Grounds]: Ivy has left at 2:59 pm
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Well....
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: The party is over, at least for now.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: I must leave also.... There is money to be made and stocks to be checked.
[ Bran_Ap_Brychan ]: Farewell, friends
[Neutral Grounds]: Bran_Ap_Brychan has left at 3:03 pm
[Neutral Grounds]: DericStorm has left at 3:09 pm