penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #40

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TEST DRIVE MEME #40

Arrival

"Judgement has come upon you. God has deemed you worthy of Hell. But don't worry, it can still be undone," comes a soothing voice that echoes all around you. The voice promises comfort, hope even.

It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.

It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.

And so you do.

Darkness and nothingness consumes you for a second, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.

Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody.

Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.

The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"

Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."

On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.

After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."

They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a cruise ship.

The demon stationed outsid the entrance looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend ways to spend their time while they reach new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.

Stand Your Ground

The Penance Community is gone. Lilith made the tough call to abandon the community and urged sinners to save both Lucifer and Barbas along the way. Everyone who arrives will appear on the ship itself after stepping through the door, regardless of where it is in the waters. There may be a bit of disorientation at first, having to travel what may be a fair distance and the residual magic of Lilith’s touch, but it will fade quickly. Don’t worry, sinners!

They are safe on the waters. The icy, icy waters that appear as if they shouldn't be navigable at all. That's possibly a bit concerning, isn't it? There's also snow falling from the skies and frozen spirits that desperately scratch at the sides of the ship to climb aboard. They're used to the boiling waters of blood, not ice. Listen carefully, you can hear their whispers of confusion and desperation. "Why is it so cold?" they ask. "We hurt!" they howl. The staff busying themselves around the ship insist it's best to not concern oneself with it too much. It's like a vacation for them, really. Best worry about yourself.

Blankets are available on request, as well as warm clothes. Not all of these items will be... modern, maybe, but they will at least keep you warm. Hot chocolate, teas, and coffees are also being handed out freely by staff in an attempt to combat the freezing temperatures.

Lucifer may be spotted around the ship, looking rather wary but up and about again at least. He's quick to reassure everyone that Mammon will be giving them aid again and that they're heading to some absolutely beautiful lands. Perhaps sinners who are familiar with them will give them a recount of what it was truly like from the last visit.

The Voyage

The large luxury ship is painted a rather ominous black, giving it an intimidating feel on the outside. Once boarded, sinners will see that this initial feeling is likely unfounded. There are plenty of luxuries anyone could want, including a pool, a hot tub, and plenty of tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas provided free of charge. And that's just the deck! Bedrooms range from four person units, three person units, to couples' beds for those who wish to continue their matrimony (or who would rather avoid the hassle of potentially being paired with someone entirely new for the time being).

Not only that, but there's plenty of festive decorations saved from the hotel! Ranging from Jack O'Lanterns to spooky fake skeletons to inflatable witches, and anything in between. Just because tragedy has struck doesn't mean that the holiday spirit has disappeared! People need something to keep them distracted now, more than ever. The staff is happy to (try to) provide this.

There's also a grand bar that provides plenty of cider, mead, and ale, whiskeys from Mammon's own personal stock. These drinks range in strength and may land even the most resilient on the ground after a few sips if one isn't careful! Additionally, the drinks seem to inspire a feel good mood and chase away the dourness that seems to have settled over those in the Penance community. There's constant music playing that may inspire those around to dance, as well as rather hungry incubi and succubi wandering around. They seem eager to please in any and all ways and, like in Penance, give off a natural aphrodisiac that smells sweet to the senses.

There's also a theatre for those who may prefer to watch some festive movies (Enjoy this! There won't be any such things once sinners arrive in Mammon's domain!), an arcade for the younger crowd, and a lovely spa with saunas, massages, and any other way to treat oneself. Happy endings may be included.

The kitchens are always open and offer an array of decadent desserts, meats, vegetables, and anything else one could want. No request is too much! And don't worry, nothing is drugged or of questionable quality or origin (that one would recognize).

Reach Up High

There are two methods for earning a sin removal this time around, and none of them are painful! Very painful, at the very least.

The first option is to find a way to warm the spirits who enter the ship, whether this means cuddling the spirits and sacrificing your own warmth, or finding alternative means by wrapping them in blankets or offering them warm drinks while they have the energy to make themselves solid enough to hold items. Showing kindness to those damned to eternal suffering will certainly earn some points with God.

The second option involves volunteering to watch Barbas from his cage in the lower decks of the Hell ship. Bonus points for maintaining patience and kindness even with one of Hell’s least favorite Lords.

Follow Me Down

Prompt I

Lucifer is asking all sinners and demons alike to give something valuable (whether it's valuable in an actual monetary sense or just to the owner) to present to Mammon as a gift. They need to sway his favor back towards them, Lucifer insists, and gifts are the way to go. Mammon functions on greed and a love of all things unique. Items can be listed here. Those who are generous may receive special favor once they reach Mammon's lands, either in the form of special dinners, pampering, or more comfortable rooms, etc.

The second request is to kidnap the spirits climbing aboard and seeking warmth. While these guys just want to cuddle a bit or curl up next to the fires to try to chase the cold that somehow penetrates even their undead, incorporeal forms, they’re also a precious source of energy that Mammon will appreciate. While sinners are allowed to show kindness towards the spirits (much to the dismay of the staff), they will also be given bottles to capture them, also as gifts to bestow upon Mammon.

Please note that doing either of these will result in the sin of bribery and potentially betrayal being added to your list of sins.

Prompt II

WARNINGS: dubcon, aphrodisiacs, body transformations, drug use, alcohol

That isn't the end of the festivities either! Not at all. The demonic staff has orchestrated a bit of fun to distract from the cold and sense of impending doom hanging in the air by way of trick or treating. Sinners will be grabbed up by eager demons and led cabin to cabin to trick or treat. Those answering the door may choose either option! Treats may be in the form of candy, booze, or other trinkets or whatever one may consider a 'treat', and if a trick is chosen? Well, if you've just set yourself up for a little bit of a prank, haven't you? Good luck trying to figure out ways to appease the eager demons wanting a show! They just want to know they're appreciated, you know. Things have been rough.

For those who aren't terribly interested in any such thing, the staff has also decided on the perfect way to deal with any residual ghost trauma... which is telling ghost stories, of course. On the deck, there's been a special place set up with a fire pit (don't worry, it's being carefully watched! Last thing they need is a fire on the ship...) and blankets. There's also an array of food and drink while the goblins formerly of the library urge sinners to gather around for some story time. Sinners may listen to the goblins or share their own encounters with the spirits.

While they hardly managed to save much in the way of costumes, there's even an impromptu costume competition going on for those who may wish to try to piece together something from what odds and ends did make it to the ship. Voting will be done via sinners and rewards will be in the form of candies. Actual candy, don't worry! The barista from Helluvacup will also be out and about with Bean to spread cheer in the form of Halloween themed pastries and coffees with little spiders drawn in the foam (that may or may not look like spiders. Don't criticize him! Bean will protect his master with lovely disease-ridden bites.)

Of course, for all the well-intentioned shenanigans of the staff, the succubi and incubi are adding their own twist to things. Some have decided to taint the chocolates to add additional energy in the air. Once again, the sex demons feel as if they're famished with the lack of energy and they're doing their best to makeup for it... whether the sinners are aware of it or not. These chocolates the devilish incubi and succubi pass out will have a multitude of effects:

Milk Chocolate - inspires lust so strong, one cannot control it. It may lead to begging or public displays of self-pleasure.
Dark Chocolate - inspires the urge to dominate and aggression. It's time to take control and take what you want.
Chocolate covered cherries - inspire the urge to be submissive and the urge to please those around, in multiples if possible.
Chocolates filled with liqueurs - Inspires loose lips. Suddenly, the most appalling filth will be falling from your lips, every filthy desire there that you've kept hidden is now out in the open. How will others react?
Mint chocolate - May inspire transformations. Whether this is of the animalistic variety or sex, it is entirely up in the air. All of these effects can absolutely be mixed. Take as many chocolates as you like!

At least the succubi and incubi are being cordial enough to lead sinners off to a private area of the ship they've filled with plush cushions and bedding for the fun... mostly.

In addition, the sex demons will urge sinners in keeping each other warm in any sense of the word. What better ways than sharing some body heat? Or maybe adding a bit of candleplay to the mix...

If none of that tickles your fancy, there are also a wealth of drugs available to partake in, as well as a fight night happening below deck on one of the lower levels. Fights are carried out among sinners and demons alike, with plenty of help standing by to patch those injured up. Those partaking in either watching or actively participating may swap sins as bets, or anything else they may be willing to risk losing.

Wildcard/Misc.

Don't see something you love but still want to get a feel for the game? Check out our extensive list of LOCATIONS and write up your very own prompt however you'd like to! You can also add a "NETWORK" post option to your TL for quick, easy, and fun interactions.

And without further ado: Welcome to our new TDM for the November 1st app round! As always, potential appers and characters already in game are welcomed to jump right in! This TDM counts as an additional game event as well as game canon for those coming into the game. If you app and are accepted, TDM tags become game canon and can be used for AC! Please have fun and don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have down below.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.

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[ Lalo laughs at the idea of Ignacio not letting someone eat ice cream in his car. It doesn't surprise him at all, but it does amuse the hell out of him. Now granted, Lalo eats and drinks in Ignacio's car all the goddamn time, but he knows why he's a special case. Not like Ignacio or anyone else in the cartel is going to tell him 'no'

He just shakes his head amusedly. ]

Yeah, he really loves that car. I think he might blow his brains out if anything ever happened to it.

[ Still grinning. ]

A drink? [ Lalo gives a short, almost surprised laugh. What in the--- well, he's gotta hand it to Saul. It's not often people surprise Lalo, but that does it. Sincere or not, Lalo knows Saul knows there's a chance Lalo will force Saul to take him up on it, and...

Actually, you know what!! Sure! Why not? A drink sounds fun. But later! He has more pressing concerns now. ]

Well! How wonderful to hear you're on good terms with each other here. I'm relieved to know that Ignacio's found a friend he can trust here. I worry about him sometimes, you know? He's smart, but sometimes I think he's too nice of a kid to be in this business. I'm sure you'll agree. [ Exaggerated shake of his head, mostly for effect. He briefly stops smiling while he speaks, looking like whatever passes for 'sincere' from Lalo. It's not convincing, though. ] For you, too. It's nice to have someone from home you can rely on, isn't it? And since that's the case, then I'm sure you certainly won't mind inviting him over to chat with us.

[ He glances over at Kim, directing his next words to her. ] Besides, I'm sure your wife would like to meet her husband's social circle. You wouldn't want us to leave you out, would you, Mrs. Goodman?

[ To Lalo's way of thinking, the fastest way to get to the bottom of this is to question them separately, where they can't see or talk to each other, and see if the stories stay consistent. And sure, of course he can do that himself by talking to them one at a time, if Varga insists on being busy or away from his device; Lalo is prepared for that possibility. But it would go faster and probably smoother with both of them. One for each lawyer. At least trying to contact Varga can't hurt, Lalo reasons. ]

Go on. Call him. [ Gestures slightly with gun. Still smiling. Natch. ]

Edited 2022-10-31 03:53 (UTC)

[Jimmy is obviously trying to avoid bringing Varga into this, and Lalo isn't letting him get away with it, which suggests to Kim that having Varga there would be a bad thing for Jimmy and her. But there's not much she can do about it. If she also tries to object, Lalo will be more suspicious, and will likely bring Varga in anyway.

So instead she sits down on the bed with a shrug.]

The more the merrier.

[Well, so much for hoping to give Nacho a heads up. Granted, sure, it sounded like Lalo was already aware of Nacho's presence here, but there's a world of difference between Nacho and Lalo one on one, and bringing Nacho into this mess where, and Saul is more than acutely aware, all three of them know vital information about what would be the future from Lalo's perspective, that Lalo would likely very much want to know. And on top of all of it, not only does he not know Nacho well enough to even attempt giving him some kind of coded message, it would be next to impossible to even try it with a gun on the both of them.

He spares a glance back at Kim, to gauge her reaction, before putting his phone in speaker mode--see, he's cooperating, Lalo, look how considerate he is here--and dialing Nacho's number. He's never actually called Nacho while in Hell, so at the very least, Saul can hope that a surprise call from him is enough to tip Nacho off that something isn't right.

The longer the phone rings, the more visibly anxious Saul comes off, but as soon as it's picked up--]

Hope I'm not getting you at a bad time. You're, uh, decent right now, right? I don't know what you've been up to here in Hell, don't really need to know, either. Just wanted to check on a few things, you know, Albuquerque-wise with my client.

[He doesn't think he has to worry much about Nacho saying Jesse's name where it'll only make things messier, but he can hope his short innocuous greeting is as much of a heads up of something being off as him calling in the first place would be.]

[ Considering how Nacho's friends have been vanishing from this circle of Hell and his reluctance to bond with anyone else in light of that? There's nobody left who calls him besides Jesse, who he's currently pretty worried about. So he does pull out his device immediately... but then pauses and frowns at it.

Saul's never called him. Never messaged him. They run into each other now and then but aren't exactly drinking buddies.

A call out of nowhere is worrying, but he does answer it. And Saul starts talking before he can even say "Yeah?" with a very familiar nervous rambling energy. Albuquerque? Client? It sounds like he's asking how Jesse's doing but why wouldn't he just say-- oh. Oh, no.

Don't panic. Think fast. Sound normal. (Maybe slightly annoyed.) They've gotta seem to be on the same page, and he has no idea what Saul's already said. Fuck. God fucking damnit. ]

Albuquerque-wise I'm pretty dead last I checked. Spit it out, Saul.

[ Lalo, for his part, says nothing. Just glances at the phone, then at Saul, then at the phone, then at Saul and nods encouragingly at Saul to keep talking. Lalo can explain everything to Varga when Varga gets here, after all. And seeing how Saul and Varga interact without his input, when one of them might not even know he's listening, is too fascinating to pass up by interrupting. Not that he'd ever suspect Varga of anything.

And hey, for whatever it's worth, being willing to put Varga on speaker does win Saul a few brownie points. But that's still not enough to deter Lalo from the course he's decided on. ]

[Kin remains quiet, mainly watching Lalo for his reactions. He seems happy with how things are progressing, which continues to be terrifying.]

[Well, there's no gunfire yet, he's going to take that as a good sign. And with no possible way of getting any idea of whether Nacho is picking up what he's putting down, Saul is similarly going to assume Nacho's mildly annoyed response is also a good sign. There's no panic, no slip of the tongue, nothing that could've tipped anyone else off.

Saul glances back at Lalo, checking to see his response, before swallowing anxiously and continuing. He doesn't know how much Lalo would consider too much on the phone, and what, if anything, he wants Nacho to hear from Saul instead of explaining it himself. It's a thin tightrope to balance on, but he has no choice but to charge ahead anyway.]

Bad time, then, got it. Anyway, there's something I want to discuss, about things in New Mexico before Hell. How fast can you get down to room 274? Easier in person, you know. It's been a while since we caught up face to face.

[He wants to add more, to try and give Nacho more of a heads up, but finding the right words to do that without tipping of Lalo is still easier said than done. He can only hope that emphasizing New Mexico, knowing that he knows what happened down in Lalo's compound, is enough of a hint that he knows when Lalo is from.]

[ Oh, he's picking it up. It's impossible to be sure what Saul's trying to communicate and since Lalo's definitely there listening -- possibly with a gun to his head -- there's only so much he can hint at, but he's not an idiot. Even when he's just panic rambling to stall for time, Saul doesn't say anything stupid. So Nacho listens closely, and he has to assume that the phrasing means something.

New Mexico... since they caught up...

There's a rush of relief as Nacho realizes that even though he hadn't told anyone about running into Lalo that morning yet, Saul also figured out quickly when his last boss is from.

That probably means he's worries Saul ratted him out. Fuck. Okay... hopefully that's actually the tip-off and the lawyer didn't rat on him, meaning he won't be walking into a trap coming by 274. If they both act like they're cool (which is true anyway) maybe his presence will actually be some protection. Nacho turns the annoyance in his voice up just slightly. ]

It's a normal time, man, I just don't get why you wanna waste it talking about shit that was years ago for both of us. [ A little huff, as if he's not sure what Saul could want... but of course he can't seem like he completely forgot about his boss showing up! An oblivious Saul might like to hear about an old client he parted with on good terms appearing, right? ] Whatever, we can catch up. You won't believe who I ran into earlier... give me five.

[ If Kim didn't like how pleased Lalo was before, she's really not going to like this. Lalo shoots Saul a silent thumbs up, grinning at him. The hand with the gun is relaxed, not gesturing at anything for the time being.

Interesting that for Varga and Saul, all of this apparently happened "years" ago. Lalo makes a mental note of that.

It's a good thing Nacho was the one to say it, though. He would've suspected a lie if it had come from Saul or Kim. Then again... huh, Saul does look a little older, so maybe it checks out. Then again, maybe he's imagining that.

But of course, what reason would Varga have to lie about any of that? ]

Edited 2022-10-31 07:05 (UTC)

[Kim herself looks a little older...not from the passage of time, but from the stress and grief and guilt of having witnessed Howard's death, then spent an extended amount of time pretending she didn't and lying about the whole thing.

Lalo is happy, which is bad. But at least he's holding that gun loosely.]

[Years ago for both of them, huh. He catches on to what Nacho is implying, and okay, he can roll with that. It gives them far more leeway for a cover story later. When there's no immediate threat of a second death.]

Guess there's something in the air. Makes a guy want to reminisce.

[That's all he gives Nacho before giving another glance over at Lalo and hanging up. Lalo looking pleased in general is never a good thing for anyone, and there's always a chance that Lalo is only pleased because he wants all three of them in a room together to murder them all at once or something. But again, he's going to force himself to keep a happy thought about all this, and that Lalo is just glad Nacho is coming as his backup and that Saul hasn't said anything overtly suspicious.

While they wait for Nacho, Saul once again reaches a hand over to Kim, resting it on her leg in some sign of reassurance.]

[ Nacho makes a sound somewhere between a scoff and a hum of agreement that's entirely for Lalo's benefit, then hears the line disconnect... and exhales heavily, falling back against his mattress and pressing both hands to his face.

It won't take him five whole minutes to get up a deck to Saul and Kim's room. He built in some time to calm the fuck down so he can handle whatever's waiting for him there.

The best deceptions are built on the truth and technically, he wasn't lying about it being years for them both. It's just that while Saul lived them out back home, Nacho's spent his here. In Hell. Where Lalo now is-- okay, he's really gotta center himself. Slow breaths. Tense and release.

Four minutes and thirty seconds after Saul hangs up, Nacho is knocking at his cabin door with a neutral if slightly curious expression and his other hand hooked into his pocket casually. Just coming by for a pleasant catch up with an acquaintance. Mention that another former client is wandering the ship, ask if that's what got Saul curious about home again... nothing suspicious happening here, nope. ]

[ When Nacho knocks, it won't be Saul who answers the door. Or Kim, for that matter.

Lalo is happy to make conversation about nothing while they wait for Nacho to show--- he compliments how clean the room is, says a few other mundane things about liking the cold. None of it is important, none of it means anything, but it's not Saul's nervous babbling either. It's easy, languid.

Honestly, he's just passing time until he hears the knock, which is when he stands up from the chair and goes to greet Nacho. He again slides the gun back into the waistband of his pants, so it's visible for Nacho to see. Not that Varga needs to feel threatened by it, as far as Lalo is concerned. ]

Ignacio. Come in. I think I can speak for all of us when we say we're happy to see you. Me, especially. How nice to reunite again so soon after this morning. [ He takes a few steps back and to the side, so Nacho can see the two people sitting on the bed. Then he gestures to Kim, like it's his fucking cabin and not hers. ]

This is Mrs. Goodman. I don't believe the two of you have met. Have you?

[ The friendliness dissipates and Lalo becomes more serious. Not angry, but more intense. Time to get down to business, now that he can speak more openly without worrying about anything he says being accidentally leaked via an unreliable network post. ]

I was just talking to Mr. and Mrs. Goodman about the circumstances of my arrival here. I mentioned to them that I find it very, very interesting that the only people here I know from, well, from my time on Earth [ threatening laugh; then he goes back to pointedly NOT smiling ] are you, and myself, and the two of them, and that the last thing I remember is leaving their apartment.

Now, they're telling me they don't know what happened. And I have to admit, their story does sound quite plausible [ Shrugs innocently. SO innocently. ] But I'm sure you'll agree with me that it's in both of our best interests to make sure their story holds up to scrutiny... and pressure. Best way to make sure they're being honest.

[ The smile is back. He looks at his two hostages, sitting on the bed, claps his hands like a gym teacher trying to get everyone involved in a rousing game. Then back at Nacho. ]

SO! Here's what I'm thinking. You take one of them in the bathroom. Run the sink if you need to so we can't hear you. I want you to ask, "What's the last thing you remember?" and you know, if they had anything to do with us ending up here, things like that. After all, I'm sure you'd want to know if they helped you get that, eh? [ Lalo lets his eyes drift meaningfully to Nacho's head, landing on the spot under his hair where the bullet scar is. ]

I'll do the same thing out here. Figure out what's what. [ He's still standing off to the side, watching Nacho, trying to leave no barriers between Nacho, and Saul and Kim on the bed. He indicates with a hand for Nacho to approach, focusing his words on the person he thinks he can trust. ]

Up to you which one you want. I trust your judgement.

Edited 2022-10-31 17:47 (UTC)

[ When Lalo's the one to welcome him in Nacho smiles faintly, as if didn't expect to see his boss here but since he was about to tell Saul the other man was around anyway it's just a nice coincidence. He steps inside, his gaze shifting from Lalo to Saul and Kim on the bed, then shaking his head as he addresses her. ]

We haven't. Nice to finally meet you, Mrs Goodman.

[ Now, what's this about, Lalo? Nacho clasps one wrist loosely with the opposite hand and looks back to his boss expectantly... and while he isn't surprised to hear Lalo's suspicions aloud, the subtle concern that furrows his brow is genuine. This idea in Lalo's head is bad news for the lawyers, obviously, but Nacho also never actually pressed Saul for more details about the Salamancas than he freely gave. Why should he have?

In any case Nacho severely doubts either of these people have even conspiracy to commit murder in their hearts, but. The fact is he never asked. And if they were at all involved, he can't protect them if he doesn't know the whole story.

He looks between them as Lalo explains what he wants him to do, studying their expressions to get a read on them. They're too scared for him to tell much else, but he happens to be meeting Saul's gaze when Lalo says it's up to him which one he takes to the bathroom... and the older man's eyes immediately flick to Kim, then back. Nacho holds it a moment longer, considering them both carefully again and noting how Kim does also seem scared of him. ]

Let's get to know each other, ma'am. Please.

[ Unclasping his hands and stepping forward, Nacho offers one to Kim to help her stand up. And glances back to Lalo, nodding once to confirm he understands the assignment.

Then he leads her into the bathroom and closes and locks the door. The other men will hear both the faucet and shower turn on moments later, to drown out their conversation.

Good luck, Saul. ]

[It's a good thing for everyone involved here that isn't Lalo that Saul's noticeable nervousness around him overrides the relief he feels when Nacho picks up on his plea to take Kim. He can trust Nacho isn't a psychopath and will do what he can to keep her as safe as is possible both in Hell and with Lalo Salamanca outside of the room. But that's what matters, that's what's important; dying or even just being alone in a room with Lalo is not anything Saul would choose, but between him at immediate risk and Kim, he's putting himself here every time.

He swallows nervously again as he watches Kim disappear with Nacho into the bathroom, letting his gaze linger on the door for a moment or two, before his attention is back on Lalo. He tries for a smile, but it doesn't really work that well.]

So. It's just us two now, huh?

[ It's okay, Saul. Lalo's smile works great for both of you. See?

He moves to sit down on the bed next to Saul. Where Kim had been before, now that some room has cleared up. ]

Guess so! [ Stii~iill smiley! ] Varga seems to think that everything I can remember happening right before I wound up here happened years ago for both of you. That's interesting. Wouldn't you agree? [ Eyebrow raise. Smile eases into an 'interested, listening' expression. ] How many years has it been since I left for Mexico, for you?

Edited 2022-10-31 21:52 (UTC)

[Somewhere in the back of his mind, Saul registers that later, when all this silly little misunderstanding business is behind them, they will need to change the sheets on the bed. Or better yet, get an entirely different room every night for the rest of eternity so they can't be tracked down easily. But that's for later.

For now, it's all about giving Lalo the most convincing half truths he can manage to get him off of their backs for now.]

For me? Around five or so years.

[It's not even a lie, and it's also a time difference he knows Nacho and Kim are aware of. If he asked them later on, the both of them would know the right answer.]

[ What, you don't want any more random visits, Saul? How mean. Lalo's feelings would be hurt if he knew that.

Just kidding. He already knows and doesn't care. ]

Five years? [ He whistles like he's impressed. ] That's a while. You'll have to tell me more about what's been going on with you later when I take you up on that drink.

[ Yeah, don't think he's ever forgetting that you made that offer. ]

So, here's what I want you to tell me. [ He removes the gun from his waistband but doesn't point it at Saul. He's back to just holding onto it. Yep. ]

I want you to tell me everything you remember after that night, from the time I left to the last time you heard from me after that. Sound good? [ He looks at Saul with exaggeratedly fake sympathy. ] Now, don't fret too much, man. Five years? Whoo, that's a while! So, of course I understand if you don't remember all of it. Just do your best. Tell me what you can remember.

Then, I'll get confer with my associate, and as long as your version and your lady friend's match up relatively well [ makes so-so gesture with his free hand ] then you won't have anything to worry about and I'll be out of your hair.

For now. [ His grin is as big as ever as he lets the 'for now' hang ominously in the air. ]

Anyway! Go on.

Edited 2022-11-01 01:11 (UTC)

They're, uh. Not that interesting, really. Mostly law stuff, you know how it goes. Court visits and paperwork and negotiations.

[Make it sound as boring as possible, while still mentioning things he actually did do. It wasn't as if Walt and Jesse, those last two years, were his only clients, after all. He did still have an entire law office to run, despite having high priority clients to babysit with their every bad decision.

But Lalo does not need to know any of that whatsoever. No matter how many times he wants to take Saul up on that offer for drinks to get some evidence out of him.]

Really, it's been a long time since I saw you. We got your bail counted, you stopped by for a chat, and then you went down south. They asked me a few questions, but I told them I had no idea where Jorge De Guzman went and that it's not my fault they're bad at their jobs. Eventually, they gave up on the case, and that's, uh... that's about it. I thought you'd be living the high life down in Mexico, so imagine my surprise.

[It's simple, it's easy to remember, and most of it is true. The case details about the Fred from TravelWire case certainly were, after all, aside from not mentioning how every person down at the Albuquerque courthouse decided they no longer trusted him after the De Guzman friend of the cartel case.]

[ Lalo reaches out to put one single finger under Saul's chin with his free hand, tilting Saul's head so that he and Lalo are staring directly into one another's eyes. Saul is free to pull away or bat Lalo's hand away if he so chooses, of course--- but he might want to be careful about the consequences. ]

Really? And you didn't tell anyone after I left? Not the police? Not Michael? Not anybody?

[ He studies Saul. ]

"A few questions." What questions, Saul? What did they ask you?

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salamanca - 2022-11-01 04:30 (UTC) - Expand

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[When Jimmy puts his hand on her leg, Kim takes it, squeezing tight. She wishes she could talk to him, to ask about who Varga is, how he knows him, if he's just another cartel thug who will do Lalo's bidding. When the man himself enters the room Kim eyes him, trying to read him, trying not to be terrified and pretty much failing. With just Lalo, it was two against one, if it came to that...but with Lalo and Varga, she and Jimmy had no chance physically.

She gives a small, tight nod when he greets her, and when he offers her hand she glances at Jimmy before hesitantly accepting it and following him into the bathroom. She casts one more worried glance at Jimmy, scared for him being alone with Lalo.

She sits down on the toilet lid and watches as Varga turns on the taps, then looks around the room quickly for something, anything, she can defend herself with. Nothing.]

[ It's lucky that Lalo suggested they run the water -- he definitely meant it so that the lawyers couldn't hear one another and it's an obstacle for matching stories, but it also allows him to be upfront with Kim. Nacho turns back to her after turning on the shower and sees that frantically searching gaze, so raises both hands in a show of harmlessness. Alone with her behind a closed door his demeanor is different, everything about him (face, voice, gestures) more expressive and his posture betraying tension that he'd been keeping hidden just a moment before with what had seemed like simply respectful poise. ]

Jimmy never caught you up, huh?

[ Great. That's gonna make this harder. Nacho scrubs at his face, obviously stressed, then leans back against the sink to converse. He's keeping his volume low, less for her benefit and more just to guarantee the water drowns him out, but it does make him sound more gentle. ]

I'm not like Lalo. You're safe with me but I don't think even your husband will be able to buy us much time to get our shit straight, so I really need you to trust me a little here. Can you do that, Kim?

[Her eyes are still full of fear when Nacho begins to speak. The fear eases a bit at his words, but there's still a great deal of wariness there. It's clear to her, though, that Nacho knows Jimmy, and not from his involvement with Lalo. The "not even your husband" bit suggests he's witnessed Jimmy's talents first hand.]

How do you know Jimmy?

Originally? I'm the only reason Tuco Salamanca didn't torture and kill him and two total morons, a couple years back. And in return he got me arrested for allegedly kidnapping some rich pieces of shit. Good thing for everybody he's actually great at his job.

[ They don't have time for this, but he's gotta give her something. Quid pro quo. Maybe the story will ring some bells. ]

I need to know the truth about if you guys were involved in Lalo winding up here... and what you think 'Saul's telling him right now, because if your stories don't match and he realizes I'm playing on your side? All three of us are gonna have a serious sociopath problem. You get me?

[Her eyes widen at the mention of the "rich pieces of shit."]

You're the one they arrested outside the Kettleman's house.

[So he's known Jimmy for a while. And has enough of a decent opinion of him to trust his ability to talk his way out of things. And Jimmy trusts him enough to...well. Enough to let him take her into the bathroom. He says he's on their side...and she believes him.

She's been holding herself together this whole time, afraid but not allowing herself to fully freak out and lose control. Knowing that she's safe...that this man is on their side...

A sob escapes her throat and she bends over, burying her face in her hands. It's only a moment before she sits up again, but her demeanor has changed, more open instead of guarded, more trusting, more vulnerable.]

I get you. What do you need to know?