[001 - video]

[freeholding]

[Two men have settled into one of the larger rooms of the Tower. One is tall and lean and looks vaguely untrustworthy, like someone you wouldn't want to share a cab with. He's got a mean-looking scar through the right side of his face, a silver pentacle around his neck, and a dramatic black leather duster hanging off his frame. He's the one seated on the floor, a circle drawn around him (was that done in chalk?) on the lumpy carpet.

The other man is far more respectable looking, but something about him would incite nervousness and distrust if you met him in person. He's older, with greying hair and eyes the color of dead grass. Dressed like a businessman in tailored Givenchy and silver cufflinks, there is nonetheless the sense of a prowling panther as he paces slowly around the outside of the circle.]

Are you ready? [says the man in the suit.]

[The one in the circle opens an eye to glare at his companion.] Are you interrupting a wizard when he's wizarding?

We're on a time table, Dresden.

A what? [The one by the name of "Dresden" squints at the other man like he's in awe of his existence.] I don't care how OCD you are, you don't have a time table yet.

Near and present danger.

Hell's bells, fine. Operation Stress-test commencing in five... four... [His voice trails off as he closes his eyes again, focusing before:] Hexus.

[There's a quick series of pops as all the lights burst into showers of sparks, power sockets go up smoke, and the NV's feed promptly goes dead.]

[[OOC: Blue font is Harry, Green font is John and they'll be replying separately to your comments!

If you'd like to play along, Harry just hexed the electrical things (lights, AC units, TVs, anything really) in their room, and the effect may spread to anyone nearby in the Tower apartments. Feel free to suddenly have a freezing cold shower or have your radio cut out, etc.]]

Comments

[businessman]

[Gustavo, luckily, makes some concessions for well-mannered men. He relents.] Certainly. I appreciate the apology.

You're experimenting with magic?

[freeholding]

Among other things. The pyrotechnics weren't without good cause.

I'm John. May I ask who we've inadvertently plunged into darkness? [A mild-mannered man in a suit with something rather intimidating to his look: just the sort of person John can network with.]

[businessman]

Gustavo Fring. Gus. [Likewise, Mister Tall-Dark-and-Potentially Carrying Exploitable Power. Something in Gus's face subtly alters as he smiles, becoming more animated and less threatening.]

I take it you're my newest neighbor. May I ask what the "other things" were? I've been courting an interest in magic recently.

[freeholding]

A pleasure.

I'm frankly not the one to talk about magic with. I have working knowledge of it out of necessity, but have no... I think they call it talent for the Art. I was more interested in seeing that the room was made a little less prying. When offered free boarding, I tend to assume it comes with free surveillance.

Any questions about magic should be directed to my.... [a moment of blankness, because what are they this time?] associate, Mr. Dresden.

[businessman]

[Which is a pity for John, really, because Gustavo is totally considering spying on him anyway. Admittedly, he has a rather full plate already -- it might prove to be less than worth it. At any rate, he looks slightly disappointed by the suggestion; he already likes you better, John.]

I see. I'll do that, then. But welcome to the neighborhood, at any rate. Do you have any questions?

[freeholding]

[Does he? John looks away, to the window with its black-out curtains and the presence of something beyond.]

Thank you, and I'll keep you in mind should I have any questions, but... I believe I need a few days first. Look around, get my bearings.

Good evening, Mr. Fring.

[businessman]

Likewise, Mr... I didn't catch your last name, I'm afraid.

[freeholding]

[Smiles.] Marcone.

[businessman]

Mr. Marcone. [He smiles, too, with considerably more warmth.] I'm rarely at home, but I can usually be found in the Underground Mall. I have a restaurant there: Los Pollos Hermanos. Feel free to come by any time.

[freeholding]

I'll endeavor to do so.

[A businessman, established in the Port with interest in magic. Not a bad bit of networking for the night. John saves Gustavo's number, feeling satisfied.]