week 0; saturday ( fitzgerald )

[axilium]

[hey, fitzy—er, francis.

belph looks tired, but he manages a lopsided smile when he sees fitzgerald.]

So, what'd you think?

[of the trial, that is.]

Comments

[spondulix]

It was a complete and utter mess.

[He heaves a sigh.]

We were almost out of time when we discovered who the culprit is. We shouldn't have that repeat again.

[axilium]

Somehow, I'm not filled with confidence that we're going to improve from here on out.

[spondulix]

I don't think so either. But one can hope.

Of course, assuming that at least one of us is going to die every week.

[axilium]

Well, it seems headed down that path. Some of us wanted to believe no one would die this week, and yet here we are.

[spondulix]

People want to believe in fantasies over reality. I was just waiting for the ball to drop, honestly.

[A shake of the head.]

It becomes more risky with the rule of partnerships. If yours dies, so do you. That's something to always keep in mind.

[axilium]

I imagine you must have that thought lurking in your mind at all times, considering who your partner is.

[spondulix]

[Heh.]

I'm not all that worried about that young man. I'm not going to babysit him or anything. But with the confusion around him and his twin, it's something I do keep in mind, yes.

[axilium]

Aw, you mean seeing a kid trapped in this situation doesn't move your cold, green heart?

[spondulix]

If I had a bleeding heart for every charity case I had to deal with, I would've died of blood loss a long time ago. In the end, he's only my responsibility because of this game of ours.

[axilium]

Careful about saying that out loud, Francis. I don't think that attitude's going to be endear you to a lot of people here.

[spondulix]

[He actually laughs at that.]

Does it look like I care?

[His mouth twists into a smirk - ah, Belph, he wouldn't even blink an eye if you called him a bad man over it.]

This is a war game. We are getting murdered. Of course, it's nice to be concerned for our fellow man, but in the end, it's about who survives and who doesn't.

[He looks like he wants to elaborate, but then he gives a shrug.]

But anyways, I'll protect Ion if he's in danger. Does it really matter, my reasons for doing so? I'm sure there are others who think the same way.

[axilium]

I mean, depending on how people decide to choose their targets, someone might go, "Well, might as well off the asshole!" Just saying.

Though in the end, it's not really any concern of mine if you die.

[spondulix]

[Another laugh. He seems to be in good spirits.]

I appreciate how candid you are, Belph. Not many people would be so honest to my face.

[Fitzgerald: is not even mad if you tell him you don't care if he dies.]

Being a man of my status, I'm very used to having a target on my back. But really, good luck to anyone who even attempts to go against me. I'm not one to easily trifle with.

[axilium]

What can I say? I'm a very honest guy.

[th... anks...?]

Yeah? What'd you do back home, anyway? I'm assuming you didn't conveniently find stacks of money one day.

[spondulix]

That's a worthy trait to have.

[Oh, don't get him started.]

I'm an industry leader. I own three conglomerates, five hotels under my name, an airline, and a railway company, among many other corporations. I'm one of the most powerful men in the world.

[axilium]

Hehhhh.

From the bottom up, or did you inherit any?

[spondulix]

Bottom up. I had to work very hard to get where I was. [The superhuman money ability certainly...didn't hurt.] And now look where I am. The world's my oyster.

[axilium]

Is that so? You should watch out, in that case. When you're at the top, the only way left to go is down, right?

[spondulix]

You don't think I know that? That kind of position invites enemies. Which is why I cultivate the finest people money can buy to do my work. I trust my subordinates to do their job, and leave the most important parts of it to me. Anyone who goes against us is practically writing their own death sentence.

[axilium]

What are you, a mafia boss?

[spondulix]

[A long pause.]

[And then he laughs uproariously.]

Oh, that's a good one! [HAHAHA] No. I'm not a mafia boss.

[He seems a little too amused by the idea, though...]

[axilium]

[uh.]

... Well, that seemed to amuse you for some reason.

[spondulix]

Eh? You think too much.

[A casual shrug.]

Anyways, that's who I am. I don't intend on staying in this game for long. I have things to do, people to meet...you know.

[axilium]

Good luck with that. I don't think things in life usually go according to what you intend, but who knows? Maybe you'll beat the odds.

[spondulix]

That's what poor people say. You all believe that so many things are out of your grasp...

[Heh.]

But I'm not one to limit myself. I've reached the peak once. I can reach it again. That's how it is.

[axilium]

[fitz.

read his profile.]

Well, all the power to you, then.

[spondulix]

[Even if you're filthy rich you're still less rich than him!!!]

And now let me turn the conversation back to you. What do you think about this whole war game?

[axilium]

[you sure about that, fitz.

he shrugs.]

It sucks?

[spondulix]

Hm. That's a succinct way of putting it. Mind elaborating on why you, personally, think it "sucks"?

[axilium]

I, for one, am not digging the whole "murder or be murdered" vibe? Neither is usually on my to-do list.

[spondulix]

Ha! Well, I'm not a stranger to that vibe myself, but...

[A pause. He shrugs.]

In situations like these, you have to do all you can to survive. It's not like we have control over anything at the moment.

[axilium]

In other words, "every man for himself", huh?