IC CONTACT

[wizzardly]

VOICEMAIL:

"Er... yes, okay, I suppose I should tell you that if you're trying to reach me I'm not here, and if you're trying to reach me because you want to do something involving pointy bits of metal or otherwise painful objects, I'm never going to be here. So sorry."

Comments

[jacksonian]

You'll find out why not. Eventually.

[ If he were Miles, he would leap to Illyan's defense. Execution of duty, not bad just doing what he had to, all that. Mark, however, is very much not Miles, and so he rather agrees with Rincewind's assessment. Simon did deserve quite a lot. In general.

That said, Mark was absolutely going to try to haul his ass out of the fire. Because that's what you do. ]

Anyway, it sounds like this spy - or whatever he is - he's working against Baelish too, right? I'd think you'd be in favor of that.

[wizzardly]

- I didn't say I'm working against Baelish. [a sharp, sudden correction, partly stirred by that ominous "eventually". Rincewind has never found his mood lifted by vague and suspicious non-answers.]

Don't go getting the wrong idea. That's how this bloody idiot's gone and got me in trouble in the first place. And hurt Dr. Chilton in the process for no damned good reason, so no, I wouldn't say I'm in favor of anything about him.

If he'd had questions about Baelish, he could have asked me and avoided this whole mess altogether.

[jacksonian]

Hurt him?

[ Mark frowns just a little bit. And pulls back on his aggressiveness, too. It wouldn't do to have Rincewind get too suspicious. This is an information-gathering session, not a fucking-himself-over-and-tipping-his-hand session. ]

I thought he only got hit with a - [ What was the term Chilton had used - ] Stun gun.

[wizzardly]

I've no idea what that is, but apparently he nearly broke Dr. Chilton's nose. So good riddance, whoever he is. Only I can't even say that, because everyone seems to think I know him somehow.

[jacksonian]

That's stupid, though. It doesn't make any sense for you to have sent anyone. Even if he named you, it's totally illogical.

[wizzardly]

That's what I said!

[jacksonian]

And Chilton didn't believe you?

[wizzardly]

I... couldn't tell.

[jacksonian]

[ A hesitation. This isn't useful for intel, but... ]

It, uh...It sounded to me like he did. When he talked to me.

[wizzardly]

It did? Really?

[jacksonian]

Yeah. So you shouldn't stress out about it.

[wizzardly]

Well... good. [and he does sound honestly relieved.]

Oh, I should tell you - I'm putting together a bit of a surprise party for Dr. Chilton on the 1st. It's at the Iron Throne. Will you come?

[jacksonian]

Oh. I know about that party already.

[wizzardly]

You do? Gosh, Jeff really must be getting the word out.

[there might be more people coming than he'd thought. That should be a good thing, right? Surely March will plan for that.]

Then you'll be there?

[jacksonian]

[ His voice turns lower, colder. ]

Jeff? Jeff Winger?

[wizzardly]

Y...es? He's a friend of mine, he's helping with the guest list. We live together, actually.

[p a u s e.]

You've met?

[jacksonian]

[ He just about grinds his teeth. But - no. Not useful to get distracted with this now. ]

Doesn't matter. Fine. I'll be there.

[wizzardly]

Riiiiight. I suppose that's why you sound like you've both fists clenched right now. Just pointing that out.

Looking forward to seeing you there, honestly, it's been too long. Just try not to punch Jeff for whatever it is he's done while you're there. Wait 'til after.

[jacksonian]

[ Ugh. Dammit. Mark tries to get his temper under control. ]

Yeah. Sounds good. Uh - when and where is it gonna be, anyway?

[wizzardly]

Oh, right - the first, sometime after seven-thirtyish I think. It's being held at the Iron Throne in Maurtia Falls.

[jacksonian]

Oh. Yeah. Sorry. You said the Iron Throne already. [ Irritably: ] I got distracted.

[wizzardly]

Happens. Quite often, in my own case.

Anyway, it should be a good time. [gods, he hopes.] Only, I'll warn you I the food is all going to be vegetarian. I plan to eat before I go, personally. Just to be safe.

[jacksonian]

[ Mark's reaction is perhaps a bit disappointing. He shrugs, mildly - ] Oh. Good. Honestly, I don't much like how they kill animals here. I've put some money into trying to develop vat-meat production, but it's slow going. Who's the caterer?

[wizzardly]

[vat... meat...? Rincewind weighs the benefits of learning what that is against the risk of a possibly lengthy and technical explanation, and decides not to ask.]

Mr. March is taking care of that bit. He runs a hotel in the same city, if you haven't met him yet.

[jacksonian]

No, I haven't. He's catering it himself? A hotelier?