17th Letter; video

[discretion]

[It's late morning, and Franz is rather fetching in a gray three-piece suit. It appears he's stopped in the kitchen for a moment. It's a pleasant scene, nearly as put-together as a magazine scene.]

Maybe I'm just in a bit of a strange mood, but, I want to know - what are you thankful for?

I'm thankful that we, as Newcomers, have each other. And I invite any of you who've just turned up on this dreadful island to please feel free to ask me anything you'd like about life here. I'm sort of an expert.

[Franz looks thoughtful, and then amused.]

I suppose I'm also thankful that I got all of my shopping done ahead of time.

Comments

[rapturescreed]

You're dating Daedalus Yumeno, it's not such a great feat to go on about. [A wave of the hand with that.]

Maybe you're just becoming too settled.

[discretion]

You're just jealous.

But you might be right about being settled. I should shake things up - maybe leave my current job and pursue my real interests.

[rapturescreed]

Trust me, I'm not. [Been there, done that, as they say.]

...What?

[discretion]

Damn it, Raul, you know what.

I died and you couldn't take care of yourself enough to replace me. It puts me in a bind, you know.

[rapturescreed]

I don't see how this could possibly be a bind.

[discretion]

--Let's try a different approach. Aside from the money, what do you think I get out of this job?

[rapturescreed]

The feeling of a job well done. That your are contributing to important things in the city.

[discretion]

In contrast, you have a servant at your beck and call pretty much 24-7.

Can you understand how that's a raw deal on my end?

Your work is important. I'm happy to be part of it.

But it's not what I want, and after my little accident, that's starting to matter more.

[rapturescreed]

So what is it you want, Franz?

[discretion]

I want to go to law school, full-time, so that some day I can work with you as an equal instead of a lackey.

[rapturescreed]

And what will you do, going to school, full time, for payment?

[discretion]

Daedalus promised to look after me. I have enough money put away it shouldn't be difficult. [Franz leaves out just how encouraging Daedalus has been, the way he made a gift of text books and application papers, all ready to go. He knows Raul might see that as interference, as Daedalus purposefully trying to take him away. And maybe it is that petty in part. But more than that, to Franz, it's a sign that Daedalus wants him to be happy.] If I need extra I can go back tutoring brats in French.

[rapturescreed]

...It seems like you've made up your mind already.

[discretion]

I made up my mind last December, if you'll recall.

[rapturescreed]

And yet you stayed on. What do I need to do to convince you to stay on again?

[discretion]

... I don't want to have this conversation via NV. Can we at least get plastered and argue about it in person like adults?

[rapturescreed]

Of course. I have a wine rack in my office for a reason.

[discretion]

I thought that was just there to make you look classy.

Got a good Port?

[rapturescreed]

And to enable my alcoholism.

Of course. What's a wine rack without several good bottles?

[discretion]

I have to admit I admire your ownership of your drinking problem.

[And that's incredulous and sincere.]

Let's have a meeting. I'll be there in five

[rapturescreed]

I realize I have one, and while I am not going to those ridiculous meetings, I don't drink during work hours, and I have never done anything to endanger lives. That will be enough.

[But thank you.]

I will see you then.

action;

[discretion]

[Franz admires it about Raul because he has similar habits, and he hides his bottles. But he doesn't usually drink at work.

Usually.

It's exactly five minutes latter when he knocks on Raul's door.]

Re: action;

[rapturescreed]

[This seemed like one of those times that drinking at work would be permitted, nay, expected. Which didn't make him feel better about that, really.

Was this how it felt when a couple broke up? Did they now have to figure out what to do with the kids? How to split up the assets? He's not really fond of splitting anything up.]

Come in. [Two glasses ready to go.]

[discretion]

[Franz makes a beeline for the wine, sitting down primly in front of the desk and picking up the glass.]

Hey.

[But he doesn't start drinking, though he badly wants to.]

[rapturescreed]

[In keeping with proper manners, Raul picks up his own glass, but doesn't take a sip yet. As soon as Franz did, he would be able to as well.]

Hello.