Topaz of Debt Collection (Jelena) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
softstoneheart) wrote2024-03-02 04:15 pm
softstoneheart) wrote2024-03-02 04:15 pm
( the sudden rank, suit and room assignments had been, well, sudden, and the absolute downgrade from his usual accomodations at pier point aside, something else begged for his attention more.
scrolling all the way down the contacts list, he finds it - topaz, and though it'd be a hilarious coincidence if someone went by his dear coworker's cornerstone name... well, this is a bet he's happy to make.
hence the incoming text from one username: aventurine. )
Pop quiz: the fourth rule of the Special Debts Picket Team is?
scrolling all the way down the contacts list, he finds it - topaz, and though it'd be a hilarious coincidence if someone went by his dear coworker's cornerstone name... well, this is a bet he's happy to make.
hence the incoming text from one username: aventurine. )
Pop quiz: the fourth rule of the Special Debts Picket Team is?
[ Undeniably, the suite was pretty nice. ]
"In Business, there are no permanent enemies."
Are you seriously quizzing me on my own lecture?
[ The Audacity of this guy. The eyeroll and her offense can be sensed, even though text is devoid of tone. ]
"In Business, there are no permanent enemies."
Are you seriously quizzing me on my own lecture?
[ The Audacity of this guy. The eyeroll and her offense can be sensed, even though text is devoid of tone. ]
Haha. Think of it less as an actual quiz, and more as a reminder. You will be needing it in this place.
It would be terrible business practice to reach out to a stranger with the same name as yours thinking it's you, wouldn't it? Should I have asked for a picture instead?
It would be terrible business practice to reach out to a stranger with the same name as yours thinking it's you, wouldn't it? Should I have asked for a picture instead?
Haha. Think of it less as an actual quiz, and more as a reminder. You will be needing it in this place.
↳ Fostering goodwill is in my wheelhouse, I don't need the reminder.
It would be terrible business practice to reach out to a stranger with the same name as yours thinking it's you, wouldn't it? Should I have asked for a picture instead?
↳ fair point. I would have assumed the worst if you asked for a pic.
So how may I help you? Also, where are you?
↳ Fostering goodwill is in my wheelhouse, I don't need the reminder.
It would be terrible business practice to reach out to a stranger with the same name as yours thinking it's you, wouldn't it? Should I have asked for a picture instead?
↳ fair point. I would have assumed the worst if you asked for a pic.
So how may I help you? Also, where are you?
( fostering too much goodwill would only bring her down, but he won't say this. alas. )
Even after seeing my name? The faith you have in your fellow coworker is so fickle, Topaz. ( he doesn't care, btw )
Would you not believe me if I was simply looking out for my underling? I was wondering if they had kept you here or been merciful enough to let you go, if not worse. As it stands, luck hasn't quite been in our side just yet.
One of the lower floors, though I've been given quite the lucky rank. You?
Even after seeing my name? The faith you have in your fellow coworker is so fickle, Topaz. ( he doesn't care, btw )
Would you not believe me if I was simply looking out for my underling? I was wondering if they had kept you here or been merciful enough to let you go, if not worse. As it stands, luck hasn't quite been in our side just yet.
One of the lower floors, though I've been given quite the lucky rank. You?
4. Could be worse.
[ Literally anything is better than unbreathable air and acid rain, but it's sure been a while since she's had to deal with a communal bathroom. ]
[ Literally anything is better than unbreathable air and acid rain, but it's sure been a while since she's had to deal with a communal bathroom. ]
[ Typing and deleting. The pattern repeats in a furious loop until she can fight the urge to not let that first comment rile her up. ]
The walls are thin, the room is small and the bathroom is communal. I think I've found some of the negative reinforcement tactics.
I've been informed about others.
The walls are thin, the room is small and the bathroom is communal. I think I've found some of the negative reinforcement tactics.
I've been informed about others.
[ The lower ranks are likely in dormitories instead of nice homes and apartments. Thankfully, she's been spared the haunted experience the 2s are having. ]
Avoiding sex for a couple of days to a week triggers psychological effects that won't stop until guests comply.
A person marked with a spade cited a compulsion to do things he didn't want to do.
Avoiding sex for a couple of days to a week triggers psychological effects that won't stop until guests comply.
A person marked with a spade cited a compulsion to do things he didn't want to do.
A few days to a week? That feels like no time at all. ( they can easily verify the credibility of that information, and he almost feels compelled to ask if she's going to be fine, but that can wait for a later time. )
Well, that explains how they keep their guests obedient. Have you gotten a mark on your body as well?
Well, that explains how they keep their guests obedient. Have you gotten a mark on your body as well?
[ She has half a mind to test it, but also doesn't want to go crazy. Surely there are other people who will resist. ]
Yes. The location varies, apparently.
Yes. The location varies, apparently.
You've learned this much in such a short amount of time? You're reliable as ever. I feel like I didn't even have to do anything. Good job.
Should I be a good boss and reward you to keep morale up? ( not that he has much to offer in their current condition but hmmm... )
Why don't you come share a room with me? The softer bed will help your 4.5 hours of sleep, and the private bathroom must be tempting to you.
Haha, if you can stand to spend so much time with me, that is.
Should I be a good boss and reward you to keep morale up? ( not that he has much to offer in their current condition but hmmm... )
Why don't you come share a room with me? The softer bed will help your 4.5 hours of sleep, and the private bathroom must be tempting to you.
Haha, if you can stand to spend so much time with me, that is.
Edited 2024-03-07 05:31 (UTC)
[ The more she sits in her narrow room and hears through the paper-thin walls...
Well. It couldn't hurt to at least look at what he has. ]
It would make it easier to provide research updates.
If you're fine with giving up your space.
Well. It couldn't hurt to at least look at what he has. ]
It would make it easier to provide research updates.
If you're fine with giving up your space.
( ??????????????????? ummm, miss topaz, ma'am? you weren't supposed to say yes? )
... While that is certainly true, are you sure about that? You do realize it's me we're talking about, yes? ( the guy half of pier point complained about, has been death threatened countless times, etc )
You put so much faith in me. I'm touched. You truly don't think I would do anything to you when we would share a bed?
... While that is certainly true, are you sure about that? You do realize it's me we're talking about, yes? ( the guy half of pier point complained about, has been death threatened countless times, etc )
You put so much faith in me. I'm touched. You truly don't think I would do anything to you when we would share a bed?
Point 1: If you weren't serious, then you shouldn't have offered. The joke is totally in bad taste.
Point 2: Going insane due to avoiding sex will severely impact my productivity. If having sex with me actually *was* your intent— which I honestly doubt— then I would consider that psychological maintenance necessary for doing my job at a level that meets your expectations and more importantly, mine.
On a related note, if the rumors in the office about me being one of the more desirable single ladies in the office are true, then congratulations and you're welcome. Feel free to brag about it at work if you want to, but I can't guarantee people won't be super weird about it. I'm saying that for your comfort, not theirs.
Point 3: In my opinion, this is what makes you impossible to deal with: There are perfectly understandable reasons for me to not be there. You could just say, "I'd prefer to live alone," or "I need a place to take partners to," or "I just don't want to be around you," and I would get that. We have the same goals and you're the point person on this mission. I'm not out to sabotage you or cramp your style.
So don't flip it like you're doing me some kind of big favor and you're concerned about my well-being under your influence or whatever. I'm not going to thank you for acting magnanimous all because you won't say something directly.
Point 2: Going insane due to avoiding sex will severely impact my productivity. If having sex with me actually *was* your intent— which I honestly doubt— then I would consider that psychological maintenance necessary for doing my job at a level that meets your expectations and more importantly, mine.
On a related note, if the rumors in the office about me being one of the more desirable single ladies in the office are true, then congratulations and you're welcome. Feel free to brag about it at work if you want to, but I can't guarantee people won't be super weird about it. I'm saying that for your comfort, not theirs.
Point 3: In my opinion, this is what makes you impossible to deal with: There are perfectly understandable reasons for me to not be there. You could just say, "I'd prefer to live alone," or "I need a place to take partners to," or "I just don't want to be around you," and I would get that. We have the same goals and you're the point person on this mission. I'm not out to sabotage you or cramp your style.
So don't flip it like you're doing me some kind of big favor and you're concerned about my well-being under your influence or whatever. I'm not going to thank you for acting magnanimous all because you won't say something directly.
Edited 2024-03-07 23:45 (UTC)
And that's Miss Topaz for you. A detailed report on a simple observation. Reliable as always.
Your points all have substance and can easily be backed up. That being said, point 3 severely lacks in both. What supports your statement is only how you, and our coworkers, perceive me. Would I truly prefer to live alone? With the sort of place this is and game that we are playing, I'm sure there are more than enough rooms to be used for our entertainment. As for the last statement...
I hold no ill feelings towards you, nor do I reject partnership and cooperation when it's beneficial to both parties. We are both well aware that there is no one else we can trust in this place more than each other, and therefore there is little to no reason not to work together. What guarantee do we have that each one of our conversations isn't being recorded and sent to the House through these watches? The walls in our rooms may be thin, but communication might prove to be easier personally than otherwise.
But I can admit defeat when I find fault in my reasoning as well. Perhaps I thought you disliked me more than you actually do. My offer was neither posed as a joke nor as a magnanimous act towards someone in less favorable conditions. It was a simple bet to gauge your thoughts of me. Well, I'll say I lost this one.
Your points all have substance and can easily be backed up. That being said, point 3 severely lacks in both. What supports your statement is only how you, and our coworkers, perceive me. Would I truly prefer to live alone? With the sort of place this is and game that we are playing, I'm sure there are more than enough rooms to be used for our entertainment. As for the last statement...
I hold no ill feelings towards you, nor do I reject partnership and cooperation when it's beneficial to both parties. We are both well aware that there is no one else we can trust in this place more than each other, and therefore there is little to no reason not to work together. What guarantee do we have that each one of our conversations isn't being recorded and sent to the House through these watches? The walls in our rooms may be thin, but communication might prove to be easier personally than otherwise.
But I can admit defeat when I find fault in my reasoning as well. Perhaps I thought you disliked me more than you actually do. My offer was neither posed as a joke nor as a magnanimous act towards someone in less favorable conditions. It was a simple bet to gauge your thoughts of me. Well, I'll say I lost this one.
Those were hypothetical examples, I'm just saying that if you wanted to say "no," you can. I was trying to be considerate of your feelings, you know.
[ Because she always tries to identify potential problems on the horizon. The more risks she can nip in the bud, the more confident she is moving forward.
Except sometimes she sees problems where there aren't any, and sometimes it's better to listen. Jarilo-VI taught her that. ]
But I also shouldn't be assuming that I know what you want.
So.
I'm sorry.
[ Because she always tries to identify potential problems on the horizon. The more risks she can nip in the bud, the more confident she is moving forward.
Except sometimes she sees problems where there aren't any, and sometimes it's better to listen. Jarilo-VI taught her that. ]
But I also shouldn't be assuming that I know what you want.
So.
I'm sorry.
( ?????????????????????????????????????????????
'trying to be considerate of your feelings' and 'i'm sorry' are words that should never be directed to him... is what most people would say, and yet. always leave it to topaz, heart of gold and too nice for her own good. anyone back in sigonia would have exploited that weakness with too much ease.
good thing this is texting. congratulations on leaving him speechless, topaz. )
You're only going to be owing me one if you apologize to me, and we both know you're too smart to put yourself in that situation. ( it's less advice, and almost like a request. he doesn't want those genuine feelings. )
I wasn't hurt by your assumptions, so don't worry about my feelings. If you want my thoughts instead, I'm glad you agreed with my proposal. Easier to share information between us if we room together, and easier to help each other out if anything happens, don't you think?
'trying to be considerate of your feelings' and 'i'm sorry' are words that should never be directed to him... is what most people would say, and yet. always leave it to topaz, heart of gold and too nice for her own good. anyone back in sigonia would have exploited that weakness with too much ease.
good thing this is texting. congratulations on leaving him speechless, topaz. )
You're only going to be owing me one if you apologize to me, and we both know you're too smart to put yourself in that situation. ( it's less advice, and almost like a request. he doesn't want those genuine feelings. )
I wasn't hurt by your assumptions, so don't worry about my feelings. If you want my thoughts instead, I'm glad you agreed with my proposal. Easier to share information between us if we room together, and easier to help each other out if anything happens, don't you think?
Right, right. I'm relieved you're not bothered by it.
Exactly. And I already agreed, so are you coming or not?
Exactly. And I already agreed, so are you coming or not?
Got it.
[ She'll be there in five. It's not like she has anything to pack. ]
[ She'll be there in five. It's not like she has anything to pack. ]
( in five?? so diligent. at least she doesn't go karen on people like he does.
down the elevator he goes, at least, and aventurine doesn't arrive a minute later nor a minute sooner. despite both of them being low rank cards, the difference between six and four is still surprising. he can only imagine how much worse it is at two. things to keep shelved in his mind for later.
cue the ingenuine expression of surprise on his face once his eyes land on topaz. ) Hmmm? Not wearing your wedding dress again? That's a shame.
( not like he's wearing the nice suit they had given him either. he holds his hand out, noticing her lack of baggage. it does not, of course, come as a surprise. what do they really have in here, really. )
Want me to carry your things?
down the elevator he goes, at least, and aventurine doesn't arrive a minute later nor a minute sooner. despite both of them being low rank cards, the difference between six and four is still surprising. he can only imagine how much worse it is at two. things to keep shelved in his mind for later.
cue the ingenuine expression of surprise on his face once his eyes land on topaz. ) Hmmm? Not wearing your wedding dress again? That's a shame.
( not like he's wearing the nice suit they had given him either. he holds his hand out, noticing her lack of baggage. it does not, of course, come as a surprise. what do they really have in here, really. )
Want me to carry your things?
What, that bulky thing? It's staying down there. You should've taken a picture while you had a chance.
[ It looked very pretty. She felt pretty in it too, like a princess. But she could hardly breathe in it and the weight of the train threatened to drag her off the bed as soon as she sat down. How do fancy girls live like that?
No one will go there. Even housekeeping, from what she's heard. A break-in is unlikely. Thanks to the generosity of the resort, she can wear athleisure fashion that's like a dressed down version of what she's used to: tight with cut outs in all the fun places. Due to some skilled packing, she manages to get whatever spare clothes, underwear and even the fancy robes tucked into a bundle she can easily carry under one arm. ]
No need. There obviously isn't much.
[ It looked very pretty. She felt pretty in it too, like a princess. But she could hardly breathe in it and the weight of the train threatened to drag her off the bed as soon as she sat down. How do fancy girls live like that?
No one will go there. Even housekeeping, from what she's heard. A break-in is unlikely. Thanks to the generosity of the resort, she can wear athleisure fashion that's like a dressed down version of what she's used to: tight with cut outs in all the fun places. Due to some skilled packing, she manages to get whatever spare clothes, underwear and even the fancy robes tucked into a bundle she can easily carry under one arm. ]
No need. There obviously isn't much.
( maybe he should have. not for blackmail - there's no need to blackmail topaz of all people, nor is this an underhanded tactic aventurine uses that often -, but the memory of it would've been fun to keep, and perhaps posteriority proof of the sort of place this is, for when they are back in pier point, for when they report all the findings and experiences they've gone through after being, probably, forcibly kidnapped.
he lowers his hand back into his pocket, and walks back into the elevator. for all that they're the only physical people in there, aventurine knows well enough the paintings on the walls have eyes and ears aplenty. )
Have you made any friends yet?
( casual talk, if only on the surface. though the weight of the word friends is genuine in this case, the question itself is posed to know whether topaz has spoken to anyone with valuable information to provide, that is. )
he lowers his hand back into his pocket, and walks back into the elevator. for all that they're the only physical people in there, aventurine knows well enough the paintings on the walls have eyes and ears aplenty. )
Have you made any friends yet?
( casual talk, if only on the surface. though the weight of the word friends is genuine in this case, the question itself is posed to know whether topaz has spoken to anyone with valuable information to provide, that is. )
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