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

[bluesrat]

Want any musical entertainment for the evening?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

I can't say no to an offer like that.

[bluesrat]

When and where should I show up? Have guitar, will travel.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

We're operating our game out of the abandoned church for now. I'll let you know what day, but how about you and I meet up first, and you show me what kind of music you can play.

[He never hires anyone sight unseen, of course.]

[bluesrat]

Sure. Where would you like to meet up? [He's bright and cheerful about this, genuinely grateful for any chance to put his skills to use.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

How about somewhere near the bar? That's one of the few landmarks we've got around here.

[bluesrat]

I was planning to try busking there, anyway. I'll be there.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[It's not a long walk from his house to the bar -- nothing's a long walk in this place -- and eventually he comes walking up, looking around the area for Rat. He's all business, suit still, amazingly, looking fairly clean and unwrinkled despite the time he'd been stuck here.]

[bluesrat]

[He's looking better than Rat, who's recognizable for being the guy with the guitar. He's folded himself onto a stool, all elbows and knees, and those are all but poking through his shabby clothes. He could use a shave, and possibly a bath, but he's got a professional air in the way he's tuning the guitar.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[He's hardly going to think less of anyone for needing a shave and a bath around here. He could probably use a shave himself, even. Approaching Rat, he gives a wide smile and holds out his hand to offer a handshake.]

You must be "Rat." Nice to meet you.

video

[nedofpies]

Still willing to teach me to play?

Re: video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Ned.

[This is a genuine smile, not his "selling things to people" smile.]

Of course. When do you want to start learning?

[bluesrat]

[He looks up with a friendly grin, and shakes hands with one that probably engulfs a normal-sized one.]

Likewise. It's Lansky, right?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[Meyer has pretty big hands for his height, but the fact still stands that he's 5'3", and Rat's probably as tall as he is when he's sitting down.]

Call me Meyer, especially if we're going to be business associates.

[bluesrat]

Well, Rat or Markus, makes no difference to me. Pull up a chair and make a music request?

[He's still sitting, but it's pretty clear he's tall enough to look a little awkward on the furniture.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[He grabs a chair and drags it over, sitting down and shrugging.]

I have to say, I'm not familiar with the music from your time, but I think what I'm looking for is something...

[He gestures, looking for the word.]

Something to put people at ease. Not too raucous.

[nedofpies]

Whenever is convenient for you.

[ Seriously, he doesn't think he's ever going to get used to how boring this place is sometimes. Ned is used to working most of the day; he doesn't know what to do with himself, otherwise. ]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

How about right now?

[Not working all day is deeply confusing -- that's a huge part of the reason he thought the card game was a good idea: it would keep them busy.]

[bluesrat]

[Sobering a little, he gives a thoughtful nod, and his fingers strum out a few chords absent-mindedly.]

Mood music? I mostly do jazz and blues, but I can be versatile. Sounds like you might mostly want instrumentals.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

I think that might be best. I've always enjoyed jazz, myself.

[And he doesn't think it's the kind of music that's likely to go out of style, either. At least, not for a card game.]

[bluesrat]

[He nods again, quietly pleased. It's always good to run into people who share his musical tastes, and while he knows music a few decades ahead of Meyer, there's a good chance he knows some very familiar material, too.

His hands shift on the strings, and he starts to pluck out an older tune, not too slow and not too fast. He's not half bad at all.]

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[He listens intently, as he does everything else, and it's obvious that he enjoys what he hears. It's exactly the kind of music he's looking for -- something nice to listen to, but not obtrusive. And in a style he knows and appreciates. When Rat is done playing, he nods.]

I'm impressed.

[bluesrat]

[He gives a shrug and a sheepish little smile.] Thanks. Want anything vocal, or the harmonica?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Yeah, I'd like to hear the whole range of what you can do.

[tooghoulforschool]

Y'had me at cigarettes. I'm in. Where's this shit goin' down?