[ Rideaux can definitely hear Dist outside the bar, and he is in absolutely no hurry to let him in. He's by no means the last person he wants to see right now, but frankly, he isn't very high on the list either. He's immediately reminded of the conversation they'd had when Dist had confronted him after the second trial, and viewing it now through today's lens, his still hotly simmering anger is a little closer to boiling again.
He sits back and takes a long drink.
If Dist really wants in that badly, he's going to have to beg a lot harder than that. ]
[It's an entirely fair comparison to make. But for what it's worth, when Dist calls out to Rideaux this time, his tone doesn't make it sound like he's trying to confront him in the same way he did two weeks ago.]
Rideaux, please! I simply wish to talk to you! No arguments, no accusations! Please!
[If anything, he just sounds desperate. As humiliating as it is for Dist to find himself practically begging at Rideaux's doorstep, it's very important to him that he at least tried to catch up with Rideaux after the absolute mess that today turned out to be.]
[ ...All right, that's pretty satisfying to listen to.
He lets it go on for a few moments more, but eventually -- after a deep breath -- gets up from his seat and goes to unlock the door. ]
Get in here so I can lock it again before Dazai tries anything.
[ The jacket he was wearing earlier is thrown over the back of a seat, so his appearance is a little more casual than usual, and just slightly more disheveled.
Once Dist comes in, if he eventually looks over toward the musical instruments, he might notice the drum set is dented and lying on its side with a lost cymbal that's currently somewhere on the other side of the room, so. That could be a factor. ]
[It's a massive relief when he finally hears the door unlock. He's not one to give up, so he probably would've at least hung around and force Rideaux to actually talk to him when he left, but this is far more preferrable. It's far more promising, certainly.
He's quick to do what Rideaux asks and shuffles in past him.]
Thank you.
[There's no bite, no sarcasm. Just genuine gratitude.
He moves on ahead into the bar proper and...oof. Honestly it's a wonder the piano isn't in shambles too. Dist certainly wouldn't blame Rideaux for it.
He gets behind the bar to start fixing something for himself (unless Rideaux objects) because wow he sure needs one too.]
[ Feel free; he won't stop him. It's not like he paid for any of this.
He does indeed immediately lock the door again, and returns to where he was sitting so he can pick his own glass back up. He's not the one insisting on having whatever this conversation is supposed to be, so he doesn't feel obligated to play a good host -- not that there are many situations where he would. ]
So, what is it you were so desperate to say?
[ He trusts you weren't just trying to play him to get access to the alcohol. ]
[If he just wanted the booze, he would've said so, yeah.
He exhales and closes his eyes to ready himself, because he really has no idea how this is going to go over.]
I wanted to ask you not to go after Iago after what happened.
[He doesn't know Rideaux well enough to know if those death glares were intended to be followed up upon.]
I don't expect you to murder him. [Because he does figure Rideaux would not be that obvious.] But I would prefer not to discover that he has been injured.
[You know, that is entirely fair. Dist makes the tiniest of winces and just heavily lowers himself into a nearby seat with his drink. Well, at least he doesn't have to worry about immediate retaliation...]
Yes. And for the record, I did not come here on his behalf, nor do I intend to apologize for him. [Iago's not even sorry, so why should he be sorry for him?] I am not here to fight his battles- I am here on my own accord.
[He stares down at his drink for a moment, considering...]
I know we hardly know each other, and that your opinion of me is not the highest. You owe me nothing, and that I understand. If there is something I may offer my services in engineering for you to ensure you won't go off hacking him up, I am listening and willing.
[ ...and then turns back with a smile, leaning against the back of his seat and resting his cheek in his hand. ]
But on the other hand, the fact that you're here offering me favors because you're so dependent on a little bitch who tries to talk a big game with nothing to back it up kind of just makes you look like more of a joke, don't you think?
[ With his other hand, he tilts his drink slightly from one side to the other, half-melted ice cubes still clinking against the glass. ]
I know you're supposed to be desperate for validation and everything, but I thought you would have at least had some standards. You'll really take it from anyone, though, hm?
[The way Dist stares back in utter disbelief, Rideaux might as well have just punched him in the jaw. That really knocks the wind right out of him, and he can't even find the words to hurl back in Rideaux's direction. But oh does his expression go through a glorious transition of mortified silence to seething rage as his lips curl into a snarl. If he wasn't such a noodle, his glass probably would've shattered by how hard he's gripping it.
Rideaux you disgusting, petty, foul-mouted son of a--]
He's not giving this asshole the satisfaction he wants.
He closes his eyes and heavily exhales, shakily taking a drink. The glass slams down onto the counter when he's done. He could be a bit more successful pushing his rage down, but he at least has a semblance of control in the delivery of his reply.]
Say what you want about my desire for validation, but this goes far beyond that, and further still in regard to whatever petty hatred you two have for one another. I will fully admit that yes, perhaps I was all too willing to cling to any source of flattery at the beginning of this ridiculous game. [His first interaction with the Lady proved that all too well.] But the more we have spoken and learned about each other, Iago has more than proven himself to me as a source of support- something I never had back in my world.
[And yeah, that says even more about him, but he's so entirely used to being called useless and a joke, it's just entirely hollow to him at this point.]
[ His smug smile gradually hardens he listens to that. The last part rubs him he wrong way more than it should, and for reasons that have hardly anything to do with either Dist or Iago, but he's not going to dwell on that. If anything, it further proves what he was already saying, as far as he's concerned. You can't expect a virgin to be able to tell good dick from bad. ]
Do you really think he'd be so "supportive" if you weren't constantly telling him everything he wants to hear?
[ The thing is, if Dist reads between the lines -- which, to be fair, probably isn't one of his stronger talents -- and squints very hard, there's almost a "you could probably do better" scrawled in there somewhere in all of this. ]
But it's not my problem; you two can keep sucking each other off for all I care.
[ There's a slight pause before he sits up straight again, turning away to face forward, and he quickly finishes off his drink -- whatever number this is tonight. Once he's set the glass down -- now just two small, rounded ice cubes in a puddle -- he reaches into his pocket and takes out his GHS, pushing the red flip phone down the counter to Dist. ]
[To Rideaux's credit, while Dist gives him a look of disgust for that crude wording, he does stop to think about those words for a moment. He has no doubt that at the beginning of all of this, the two of them only warmed up to one another so quickly because they were all too eager to exchange flattery and validation for the accomplishments that they felt were overlooked by their peers. Despite their tendency to work alone, they aligned with one another to keep themselves safe. But...they've since seen each other at their lowest and talked about their struggles back home- absolutely none of those conversations were disingenuous in Dist's eyes. Iago truly has become his friend, and he's not going to allow Rideaux's petty remarks to invalidate that.]
That is not what is happening between us, but think whatever you like. I am well aware that nothing I say at this point will change your opinion.
[Though it honestly makes Dist wonder if Rideaux has ever had an ally like what he has found in Iago...
But he allows himself to drop that line of thought when the GHS is slid his way. He squints at it before picking it up to examine it (thankfully he has since changed his dirtied gloves for a clean pair).]
[ Any alliances Rideaux has had have always been based entirely on situational mutual benefit, whether that meant surviving a mission, earning a paycheck, or fighting to keep a reckless idiot alive solely so that he would be available to die in his place later. There's never been anything like loyalty for its own sake, only as a means to an end.
It's naive to think they really work in any other way. And he won't let himself be convinced by any evidence to the contrary. ]
A GHS -- a communication device from my world that allows for real-time voice and text messaging across long distances. You have something similar, I would assume?
[ Obviously Rieze Maxia hadn't, but Dist knows technology well enough that it seems improbable that his world wouldn't have something with a similar function. ]
[Man, they are so alike in many ways...and very different in others.
Dist seems very intrigued by the little device, which probably gives a pretty good hint as to what he's about to say next.]
You would assume wrong, actually. Something like this—if translated into fonic technology—would likely require the use of the Seventh Fonon. Very few are capable of handling the Seventh Fonon, and so technological progress in that area is woefully limited.
[Gingerly, he flips it open to take a look at the currently blank screen.]
Is it currently functional at all?
[Well, at least he seems to have put Rideaux's insults behind him for the moment...tech to geek out over is a good distraction.]
[ Huh, that's kind of a surprise. He's almost tempted to take the opportunity to talk up his own world's technological capabilities here since he only really detailed the downsides before... but also telecommunications is Julius's department, and he doesn't want to give him any more credit than he needs to. ]
"Seventh" fonon?
[ He didn't realize different ones required different affinities. How does that even work if they're also matter particles? ]
It's at about 30%. Hold down that power button on the side for a few seconds.
[Before he turns the power on, Dist figures he ought to explain fonons a little further.]
Yes, Seventh. There are seven types of fonons, each affiliating with a certain property. The Seventh Fonon is that of sound. The other six are shadow, earth, wind, water, fire, and light, respectively.
[With that said, he goes ahead and follows Rideaux's instructions...
He can't help but smirk when it boots up and he's greeted by Rideaux's background wallpaper. Because of how rough around the edges Rideaux comes across, seeing him posing with cute stars surrounding him is like seeing an entirely secret side of him.]
From initial appearance alone, this seems like a miniaturized computer system. Very interesting... [He breaks his gaze away from the phone and holds it up for Rideaux.] It takes pictures as well?
Hm. I could have guessed the others, but I wouldn't have expected sound to be included. Interesting.
[ does that make sonui users seventh fonists
He frowns a little at that smirk, but whatever; it's obviously a nice picture he has no problem showing off, or he wouldn't have set it as his wallpaper. He likes filters and stamps, so sue him. ]
That's fairly accurate. And yes, that's one of the newer features they've been developing recently. The next generation's cameras are supposed to have much higher image resolution.
They're not included by default, but there are extra applications you can install on it that allow you to do some minor editing and add effects and decorations.
And god, he would put a 100% rose filter on all of his selfies if he had the ability to take them.]
This is incredible. Perhaps I shall have to look into creating something like this in Auldrant.
[Time for Dist to go back home and invent smartphones I guess. He just needs to get past that pesky Seventh Fonon problem...
Anyway, he gets up to bring the GHS back to Rideaux. Probably for the best to let him demonstrate rather than poking through his stuff. You know, just because of how Rideaux tends to be.]
How do the other functions that you spoke of work, then?
[ Actually why am I talking like Beauty Cam and Line Camera existed on flip phones, he probably just took a picture of a printout from a purikura booth. I just gave GHS technology an upgrade, I guess. ]
For voice calls, there's a speaker up here at the top and a microphone down here, so you can just hold it next to your ear to speak to someone and hear them at the same time.
[ Pointing both of these out... Then he moves the phone slightly out of view for a second to put in his passcode. And we're in. ]
Each person's device has a specific series of numbers that you input in order to connect with it, which you can save in your contact list.
[ Which he will quickly scroll through. There are... a ton of numbers in here, but some select notable entries, in alphabetical order: Bisley K Bakur Film Noir Ivar Jolyne Ludger Kresnik Marksburg inn rd/NI Scheduler Vera Verland Bank z Asshole ]
You would send a text to a number the same way, you'd just pick the messaging option instead.
[ Opens up texts...
There's an unread one from Bisley K Bakur that he pauses at momentarily and then deliberately ignores. He opens up the one below it from Ivar instead, which shows the following heartfelt conversation:
I: They're on their way sir I: Are you almost done in there R: shut up ]
And you enter the words with the buttons here.
[ Quickly types "Sample Text" using the keypad. ]
Edited (security is important) 2020-02-06 02:11 (UTC)
[It's fine, he has an advance model just because he's That Important.
Dist watches attentively, internally jotting down notes to think about later. This is all very fascinating...though he wonders who got the dubious honor of being labeled "Asshole".
(this implies that Jade wouldn't block him on sight, but he'd totally have something similar for his label)]
Thank you for the demonstration. It really is a remarkable piece of technology. I must begrudgingly admit that I am rather envious!
[ It is actually very weird that more people haven't heard him complain about Julius here, come to think of it. ]
A decade, give or take. Another department of the company I work for developed them, actually, so we're usually among the first to get to try out any new models.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
week 4 | post-trial
He sits back and takes a long drink.
If Dist really wants in that badly, he's going to have to beg a lot harder than that. ]
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Rideaux, please! I simply wish to talk to you! No arguments, no accusations! Please!
[If anything, he just sounds desperate. As humiliating as it is for Dist to find himself practically begging at Rideaux's doorstep, it's very important to him that he at least tried to catch up with Rideaux after the absolute mess that today turned out to be.]
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He lets it go on for a few moments more, but eventually -- after a deep breath -- gets up from his seat and goes to unlock the door. ]
Get in here so I can lock it again before Dazai tries anything.
[ The jacket he was wearing earlier is thrown over the back of a seat, so his appearance is a little more casual than usual, and just slightly more disheveled.
Once Dist comes in, if he eventually looks over toward the musical instruments, he might notice the drum set is dented and lying on its side with a lost cymbal that's currently somewhere on the other side of the room, so. That could be a factor. ]
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He's quick to do what Rideaux asks and shuffles in past him.]
Thank you.
[There's no bite, no sarcasm. Just genuine gratitude.
He moves on ahead into the bar proper and...oof. Honestly it's a wonder the piano isn't in shambles too. Dist certainly wouldn't blame Rideaux for it.
He gets behind the bar to start fixing something for himself (unless Rideaux objects) because wow he sure needs one too.]
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He does indeed immediately lock the door again, and returns to where he was sitting so he can pick his own glass back up. He's not the one insisting on having whatever this conversation is supposed to be, so he doesn't feel obligated to play a good host -- not that there are many situations where he would. ]
So, what is it you were so desperate to say?
[ He trusts you weren't just trying to play him to get access to the alcohol. ]
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He exhales and closes his eyes to ready himself, because he really has no idea how this is going to go over.]
I wanted to ask you not to go after Iago after what happened.
[He doesn't know Rideaux well enough to know if those death glares were intended to be followed up upon.]
I don't expect you to murder him. [Because he does figure Rideaux would not be that obvious.] But I would prefer not to discover that he has been injured.
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Fucking wow. He has low enough expectations of the lot of them already, and yet... ]
I don't have any specific plans to do so, but I'm not going to commit to that either.
You're only even asking this because you know he'd deserve it, right?
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Yes. And for the record, I did not come here on his behalf, nor do I intend to apologize for him. [Iago's not even sorry, so why should he be sorry for him?] I am not here to fight his battles- I am here on my own accord.
[He stares down at his drink for a moment, considering...]
I know we hardly know each other, and that your opinion of me is not the highest. You owe me nothing, and that I understand. If there is something I may offer my services in engineering for you to ensure you won't go off hacking him up, I am listening and willing.
1/2
Well. ]
You know, on one hand, I can respect that you acknowledge that and still had the nerve to come and ask me this.
[ He takes a drink. ]
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But on the other hand, the fact that you're here offering me favors because you're so dependent on a little bitch who tries to talk a big game with nothing to back it up kind of just makes you look like more of a joke, don't you think?
[ With his other hand, he tilts his drink slightly from one side to the other, half-melted ice cubes still clinking against the glass. ]
I know you're supposed to be desperate for validation and everything, but I thought you would have at least had some standards. You'll really take it from anyone, though, hm?
1/2
Rideaux you disgusting, petty, foul-mouted son of a--]
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No.
He's not giving this asshole the satisfaction he wants.
He closes his eyes and heavily exhales, shakily taking a drink. The glass slams down onto the counter when he's done. He could be a bit more successful pushing his rage down, but he at least has a semblance of control in the delivery of his reply.]
Say what you want about my desire for validation, but this goes far beyond that, and further still in regard to whatever petty hatred you two have for one another. I will fully admit that yes, perhaps I was all too willing to cling to any source of flattery at the beginning of this ridiculous game. [His first interaction with the Lady proved that all too well.] But the more we have spoken and learned about each other, Iago has more than proven himself to me as a source of support- something I never had back in my world.
[And yeah, that says even more about him, but he's so entirely used to being called useless and a joke, it's just entirely hollow to him at this point.]
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Do you really think he'd be so "supportive" if you weren't constantly telling him everything he wants to hear?
[ The thing is, if Dist reads between the lines -- which, to be fair, probably isn't one of his stronger talents -- and squints very hard, there's almost a "you could probably do better" scrawled in there somewhere in all of this. ]
But it's not my problem; you two can keep sucking each other off for all I care.
[ There's a slight pause before he sits up straight again, turning away to face forward, and he quickly finishes off his drink -- whatever number this is tonight. Once he's set the glass down -- now just two small, rounded ice cubes in a puddle -- he reaches into his pocket and takes out his GHS, pushing the red flip phone down the counter to Dist. ]
Get me a working charger for that.
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That is not what is happening between us, but think whatever you like. I am well aware that nothing I say at this point will change your opinion.
[Though it honestly makes Dist wonder if Rideaux has ever had an ally like what he has found in Iago...
But he allows himself to drop that line of thought when the GHS is slid his way. He squints at it before picking it up to examine it (thankfully he has since changed his dirtied gloves for a clean pair).]
What is this?
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It's naive to think they really work in any other way. And he won't let himself be convinced by any evidence to the contrary. ]
A GHS -- a communication device from my world that allows for real-time voice and text messaging across long distances. You have something similar, I would assume?
[ Obviously Rieze Maxia hadn't, but Dist knows technology well enough that it seems improbable that his world wouldn't have something with a similar function. ]
no subject
Dist seems very intrigued by the little device, which probably gives a pretty good hint as to what he's about to say next.]
You would assume wrong, actually. Something like this—if translated into fonic technology—would likely require the use of the Seventh Fonon. Very few are capable of handling the Seventh Fonon, and so technological progress in that area is woefully limited.
[Gingerly, he flips it open to take a look at the currently blank screen.]
Is it currently functional at all?
[Well, at least he seems to have put Rideaux's insults behind him for the moment...tech to geek out over is a good distraction.]
no subject
"Seventh" fonon?
[ He didn't realize different ones required different affinities. How does that even work if they're also matter particles? ]
It's at about 30%. Hold down that power button on the side for a few seconds.
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Yes, Seventh. There are seven types of fonons, each affiliating with a certain property. The Seventh Fonon is that of sound. The other six are shadow, earth, wind, water, fire, and light, respectively.
[With that said, he goes ahead and follows Rideaux's instructions...
He can't help but smirk when it boots up and he's greeted by Rideaux's background wallpaper. Because of how rough around the edges Rideaux comes across, seeing him posing with cute stars surrounding him is like seeing an entirely secret side of him.]
From initial appearance alone, this seems like a miniaturized computer system. Very interesting... [He breaks his gaze away from the phone and holds it up for Rideaux.] It takes pictures as well?
no subject
[ does that make sonui users seventh fonists
He frowns a little at that smirk, but whatever; it's obviously a nice picture he has no problem showing off, or he wouldn't have set it as his wallpaper. He likes filters and stamps, so sue him. ]
That's fairly accurate. And yes, that's one of the newer features they've been developing recently. The next generation's cameras are supposed to have much higher image resolution.
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The smirk is by no means a mocking one. In actuality...]
This is a very charming picture of you. Does the program include the ability to add these stamps and whatnot?
[Teach him about selfies, Rideaux...]
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I know.
[ Smile. ]
They're not included by default, but there are extra applications you can install on it that allow you to do some minor editing and add effects and decorations.
[ 100% rose filter ]
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And god, he would put a 100% rose filter on all of his selfies if he had the ability to take them.]
This is incredible. Perhaps I shall have to look into creating something like this in Auldrant.
[Time for Dist to go back home and invent smartphones I guess. He just needs to get past that pesky Seventh Fonon problem...
Anyway, he gets up to bring the GHS back to Rideaux. Probably for the best to let him demonstrate rather than poking through his stuff. You know, just because of how Rideaux tends to be.]
How do the other functions that you spoke of work, then?
no subject
For voice calls, there's a speaker up here at the top and a microphone down here, so you can just hold it next to your ear to speak to someone and hear them at the same time.
[ Pointing both of these out... Then he moves the phone slightly out of view for a second to put in his passcode. And we're in. ]
Each person's device has a specific series of numbers that you input in order to connect with it, which you can save in your contact list.
[ Which he will quickly scroll through. There are... a ton of numbers in here, but some select notable entries, in alphabetical order:
Bisley K Bakur
Film Noir
Ivar
Jolyne
Ludger Kresnik
Marksburg inn rd/NI
Scheduler
Vera
Verland Bank
z Asshole ]
You would send a text to a number the same way, you'd just pick the messaging option instead.
[ Opens up texts...
There's an unread one from Bisley K Bakur that he pauses at momentarily and then deliberately ignores. He opens up the one below it from Ivar instead, which shows the following heartfelt conversation:
I: They're on their way sir
I: Are you almost done in there
R: shut up ]
And you enter the words with the buttons here.
[ Quickly types "Sample Text" using the keypad. ]
no subject
Dist watches attentively, internally jotting down notes to think about later. This is all very fascinating...though he wonders who got the dubious honor of being labeled "Asshole".
(this implies that Jade wouldn't block him on sight, but he'd totally have something similar for his label)]Thank you for the demonstration. It really is a remarkable piece of technology. I must begrudgingly admit that I am rather envious!
Have they been around in your world for long?
no subject
A decade, give or take. Another department of the company I work for developed them, actually, so we're usually among the first to get to try out any new models.