James Smith, Help Wanted
Summer 2021, Week 2
Monday morning
Leadenhall, City Centre
James Smith
It was not his usual choice when choosing a place to loiter, the port was better for getting money or food after all. In his experience the working folk, lower to middle class, were the ones most likely to be charitable and that's where you could find them in droves. He figures many of them have had a taste of misfortune and can relate to his situation if even only slightly, while being in a position to give up some of what they have. But today he was not looking for food or money, he was looking for power. And where better to find people with power than the City Centre. He made his way to Central, a hub of activity in Leadenhall and the main stop of many trains passing through New Victoria and found himself a space where he could remain out of the way yet easily seen. There he sat holding a piece of cardboard with writing on it. All I need is one person with a decent power to agree for the plan to work, all I need is one person... he thought frequently as he waited and observed the people passing through the area.Benjamin Baxter
An older man dressed in a smart, 3-piece suit and aviators approaches James. He stops in front of him, his shoes polished so James could see his distorted reflection. "What are you willing to do to get the help you need?" He spoke in a low gravelly voice. He pauses, expecting a response.James Smith
James looks up at Benjamin, analyzing the man with his enhanced sight as his gaze rises from the ground, where he had been resting his eyes, up to meet the butlers. I didn't expect someone to stop on the first day he thought as he stood to greet the man. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary so far, but surely, he wouldn't be the sort to waste time...[ 1x Basic, -0 EP]
"I am willing to do anything within my capabilities to assist you until you have been fairly compensated, Sir. The amount of effort required from you is next to nothing, but the value you can possibly provide to me is vast depending on your abilities as an Evo and will help to determine what I can offer you in return. But before I can tell you more, I need you to agree to secrecy in this matter. Are you willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement?" The man was articulate as he spoke, and his vocabulary is more expansive than what is typically expected from those who live their lives on the streets. Certainly, a contrast to his rough clothing and messy hair.Benjamin Baxter
The man cracked a crooked smile, reaching up and taking his glasses off, tucking them into his jacket. His almost luminous blue eyes pierces James's. "That's not how my boss works, he doesn't sign things for people on the street." He pauses and glances around briefly. "What he does do, is give people a ladder to climb to the top, if they are willing to take it. Given you are sitting here begging for help I'd say you’re in a position to do so." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a glossy business card, jet black with orange embroidery. On one side is emblazoned Harold Lytton whilst the other states an address downtown in Priory Park. He reaches down and places it next to the sign before straightening and returning his glasses to his face. "No questions now, be at that address within 48hrs and we can help, if not, your chance is gone" He frowns for a second, the air between them shimmering slightly. Nodding one more time he turns and heads out towards the street.James Smith
James tilts his head slightly in confusion as he watches the man walk away. Eventually he returns to his sitting position as he tries and fails to accurately recount the events in his mind. Something was off, but he couldn't quite place it. Well, one thing’s for sure, I'm definitely on the right track. He reaches over to grab the sign and return to his wait when he sees the card again and a small piece of what the man had said returned to his mind clearly. '48 hours’. Perhaps I'll head here tonight and see what this is about he thinks as he pockets the card.Lytton Ltd. Offices, Downtown
James Smith
James approaches the building as the sun is beginning to set. Holding the card in his left hand he looks up at the sign on the building and double checks the address. This is the place. I hope they are still open. he thinks as he approaches the entrance. He places a hand on the front door and pauses for a moment. This doesn't feel right, I'm exposing myself by going into this place. I have nothing really to defend myself with, no backup plan. He takes his hand off the door handle and turns around. I can't, not yet at least. he thinks as he pockets the card and begins to walk away, giving the building one last look as he does.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
June 28, 2021
Authors
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