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penancememes2022-10-23 04:27 pm
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-10-23 04:27 pm
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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:
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.
Navigation
| Premise
| Arrival
| FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
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.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.
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!
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.
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
no subject
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.
(split here? kim and saul both reply to nacho but lalo takes saul's reaction?)
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. ]
works for me!
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?
me too! [JAWS THEME INTENSIFIES]
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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
[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.]
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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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Not a soul. You know how fast word spreads. Word gets out Saul Goodman spills his clients' secrets to the cops, suddenly I'm lucky if I'm even able to go in to work.
[Technically not a lie, on any front. He didn't tell Mike, Mike had tried to give him a heads up first. And he knows just how tenuous his safety is from the underbelly of Albuquerque, not just from Lalo. Too many people would be looking his way for the wrong reasons, and he's sure not even the FBI can help him if that were to happen.]
Well, you know, I brought your bail money, right? So they knew I saw you off. You miss a court date, they're on it faster than the old folks on bingo night. It's almost unfair; the judges come and go as they want, but anyone else is late, and suddenly it's an emergency.
[He shakes his head, both to come off like he, too, is fed up with the judges in Albuquerque, and to remind himself to just get on with it.]
Where are they gonna go first? They ask the lawyer, because they know me from court. But I don't know where Jorge DeGuzman went. As far as I knew, he went home to his loving family who were overjoyed to have him home after his mistaken arrest.
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He leaves Saul sitting on the bed and goes to bang on the door, pounding his fist against it. He sounds cheerful as he yells inside. ]
Hey! Time's up, Mrs. Goodman!
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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.]
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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?
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How do you know Jimmy?
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[ 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?
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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?
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His grip on the sink behind him loosens, posture relaxing slightly when Kim looks back up at him and there's trust in her eyes now. ]
Start at when Lalo remembers. We found the shot up car north of the drop, but he bought whatever bullshit you sold about car trouble that night... so what happened next for you guys?
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[She doesn't know what Varga himself remembers, or what time he's from.]
If that was the last time we saw Lalo...then we went about our lives. He was gone. That's the purpose of the bail that Jimmy literally dragged across the desert. To get him out of jail and out of town.
[She takes a breath.]
Do you want to know what really happened? Or would that interfere with the story?
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[ It's obvious Nacho doesn't think Saul would do either of those things, and both by extension and from this more genuine demeanor he doubts Kim would either. He gestures for her to go on. ]
Tell me what really happened.
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[She can tell that Varga believes that, which is a relief.
She takes a breath to steady herself. This is where it gets ugly.]
Some time later...we were told that Lalo was dead. I don't know the details. It was a relief, as you can imagine. But not that long after, I was told by Mike Ehrmentraut that Lalo was alive, and might come for us. Mike had a couple security guys watching us, said he'd keep us safe. Then...he thought we were safe, and pulled our security. And Lalo showed up. He...
[Her voice gets caught in her throat, and she closes her eyes, shakes her head.]
/THREADJACKS kim-->lalo-->nacho??
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Nacho startles slightly, mouthing 'fuck' and leaning in to quickly whisper in Kim's ear as he turns off the faucet behind himself. ]
No. You heard nothing, never saw him again.
[ Before Kim can say anything in response he's straightening up to open the door, his neutral expression and composed posture back in place in a blink. And his voice is back to normal as he tilts his head towards the bedroom and gives her an order. ]
Go on.
[ He'll just take another moment to turn the shower off too, before following her out. Hopefully he's making the right call and Saul also knows that he's burned if Lalo finds out about his greatly exaggerated assassination before Nacho can spin it.
Saul's smart. And he wouldn't do that to him... right? Not at the risk of making him an enemy, at least. So this isn't just a leap of faith, it's logic. Right..? He takes his place on Lalo's right, waiting to be prompted. ]
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Kim follows him out, and she doesn't have to fake the return of her fear in the presence of Lalo. She goes to sit next to Jimmy, and reaches over to take his hand.]
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Well? What's her story?
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She's consistent with everything I've heard from her husband since he got here -- last time they saw you was that night at their apartment. So far as they know, you got outta town fine and went back to Mexico. All according to plan.
[ Nacho shakes his head slightly, expression mild. And what he says next is absolutely 100% true. Not even a bluff by omission. ]
I don't think they had anything to do with either of our deaths. They're scared but smart, and Saul's not a rat.
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