they've got all the right friends in all the right places

[sageprincess]

Characters: "Pandora" and the Tower populace.
Setting: Floor 82 - The Masquerade Ballroom.
Format: Party style - pick your poison.
Summary: As the lights begin to flicker and the month rapidly draws to its close, the mysterious "Pandora" has invited the residents of the Tower to a masquerade ball.
Warnings None as of yet.

"Between the noise you hear, and the sound you like..."

Well, now, that invitation certainly was mysterious, huh? Who is Pandora, and what's the occasion for this party she's holding? And what was that message on the back all about? Remember this: There will come a time when everything around you seems to be not what you thought it was, and you won't know what to believe about anything at all. At that time, look for something that is still true. In the wake of the chaos caused by those rumors written on the walls, perhaps it seems like a too-late warning. In any case, the ballroom on the eighty-second floor shimmers and shines exquisitely, awaiting the guests' arrival. The dance floor is open and spacious, and, as promised, refreshments line a buffet table on one of the far walls. While much of it has obviously been nicked from the cafeteria, there is also a variety of meats and seafood not otherwise available in this month's menu. Yes, this also means there is alcohol. Take care not to lose the mask that is placed upon your face the instant you step off the staircase, however. You don't want to be the single recognizable person in a crowd of anonymous dancers, do you? Who knows what you might hear from a masked stranger...

"... are we just sinking in an ocean of faces?"

[Description of Floor 82 from the setting page: "A masquerade party is taking place in this intricately decorated, expensive-looking ballroom, and you're going to have to participate. As soon as you step onto this floor a mask is placed on your face. Anyone wearing a mask is completely anonymous even to those with supernatural abilities. You can take off a mask, but anyone with their mask off is compelled to truthfully answer any question they're asked."]

Comments

[sageprincess]

[Mm, and some might not appreciate their minds being peered into, even for a good cause. We do not want to cause a scene, either.

Considering the only reason she didn't freak out was because Sheba gave a bit warning. It's still too strange and new for her to mimic Asch's "nod," but she does agree. Knowing who and who not to talk to would help immensely, as well as ease her nerves.

I have been acting the part of gossipy noble, spreading the word in the form of a rumor. People can choose what they want to believe that way, and it is easy to say "I don't know" if they start asking too many questions.

It's not the perfect plan, but it's what she's working with given what resources and limitations she has.]

[seekinganswers]

[Oh, that's true...

She sighs. That's right - not everyone would be as accepting of her blatant disregard for privacy as these two have been so far. Though she can certainly understand why, that still isn't enough to keep her from doing it.

So that's why you've been mingling with everyone! It was something that Sheba might have guessed, if she'd thought about it long and hard, but - well, she hadn't. If she's being honest, she's been a bit swept away by all the glamour of their surroundings. It works really well, too, because no one will be able to say with any sort of certainty who it was that told them the rumor. I'm impressed.

There's a pause, during which she glances from Asch, to the crowd of others in the room, and then to Zelda. Would it make it easier on you if we did the same thing?]

late back in this party. Notifs why.

[bloodyashes]

[And with all the rumours that were going around last week...

Some of them were true. Others not as such. But at least there's something to back this one up, the humming and buzzing of the chips in their bedrooms and all over the Tower.

It won't be hard to convince the people who did come.

And after a moment's glance around, he starts tugging their connected hands towards the dance floor.

Come on, this looks suspicious.]