003 | Meyer Lansky | Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[To say that the video function on the communicators makes Meyer uncomfortable is an understatement, but he recognizes that there are times that they prove useful, so he's grudgingly using it today. When the video comes on, he's smiling and wearing the suit he'd been wearing when he arrived; in his opinion, that's the only outfit appropriate for doing business.]

I don't think I need to go on at length about the fact that we're all stuck here. We all know that. It's a place of many... uncertainties. I also don't need to say that given the uncertainties, there are times we might forget to do things to enjoy ourselves.

[He leans forward a little, his smile growing wider.]

That's why my partner and I have decided to start a card game. It's nothing serious, nothing formal, just a place where people can play a couple rounds of poker, have a couple drinks, talk with each other, maybe be entertained for awhile.

You're all invited to opening night, no matter what level of skills you may possess at playing cards. The way we see it, since money's no use here, people can bring along items they might want to gamble with -- cigarettes, food, coffee, that kind of thing.

This is an unfortunate place to be stuck, but it doesn't always have to be an unpleasant one. If you're interested or have questions, let me know. I'm always happy to be of service.

[And, with that, he cuts the video, hoping to at least have piqued some interest.]

Comments

[recognize_an_opportunity]

You don't need to pretend you think it's a good idea. We both know you don't.

[And he's not sure he does, either. Not sure he knows how to cope with any of the people with powers, not sure he knows how to function in a world where the rules are so completely different from what he's used to. He taps his cards thoughtfully, studying Ned intently for a moment.]

People are going to cheat. That's a given.

[He doesn't know whether Charles is trustworthy or not; all he knows is that he doesn't trust anybody, much less someone who has the capacity of reading minds. He does know, however, that there's something here that's bothering Ned more than he's letting on, more than he's discussed. While his natural inclination is to pry, he thinks it might be a bad idea. Still, there's a stubborn part of him that wants to make it very clear to Ned that he understands what he's saying.]

I'll take what you said under advisement. About the... drawbacks of trying to get someone to use their powers like that. You know about that kind of thing better than I do.

[With that sentence said, however, he's going to switch from staring intently at Ned to staring intently at his cards. Admitting ignorance is uncomfortable, but admitting that someone else might be right about something is even worse.]

[nedofpies]

[ Yes, Ned thinks. In this case, he does know more about it. But if Meyer knew what knowing more about it entailed, Ned's sure he wouldn't want to switch places. He hadn't meant to make Meyer uncomfortable with his objection, but he's glad, at least, that he voiced it, no matter how incoherently or perhaps even unwisely. He doesn't want to turn people against Charles. That's the last thing he'd want. Still, the idea had so startled him, he couldn't help saying something. And now Meyer at least might think about the ethical implications of what he'd suggested. ]

[ He follows Meyer's lead, turning his attention back to his cards. Clearing his throat he asks, lightly ] Uh. Where were we?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[It's hard to know exactly what Meyer will think about, but it's likely that ethical implications aren't among his primary concerns. Regardless, he's glad Ned voiced his objections, for various reasons, one of them being that, as much as it galls him, Ned understands powers better than he does. He looks back up at Ned briefly, his face unreadable, wondering what Ned's thinking for a moment, and then back down at his cards.]

It's your bet.

[It's hard to remember exactly where they were, after that little diversion, but they'd both taken their replacement cards, and based on the amount of shells on the table, neither of them has made their second bets yet.]