This Thing of Ours - IC Options

[fistandantilus4....]

I know the feeling there. I grew up in the GeMiTo sprawl. Alleginaces shift like the wind there, if anyone bothers to make any. Kill or be killed, dog eat dog, and all that.

Woman like you, you should come to the old country some time. You'd fit right in. Seems like half the folks on this continent are just looking for the bottom dollar. Beluieve me, that ain't no way ta live. it ain't about who makes the most money.Lot more to it than that. 'Course I s'pose you already know that.

[Lady Door]

I suppose you're right, though I'm not so sure about the old country. Aren't women there supposed to be subservient and proper? Somehow I don't think I'd mesh well.Lucky's voice is teasing.

She's about to go on when your commlink rings. Picking it up, it's the clinic.

[fistandantilus4....]

Yeah I don't think I could picture you as a submissive. Just a sec

Darius picks up the commlink, musing to himself on the double meaning.

yeah Darius, go ahead

[Lady Door]

Mr. Darius, this is Amanda Whitehall from Crash Cart. We were told by Ms. Santangelo to contact you regarding the paternity test results for a Mr. Gino Santangelo? Is this correct?

[fistandantilus4....]

Thats' correct. Can't take the suspense much longer either.

[Lady Door]

According to our results, Gino Santangelo is not the father of Lucky Santangelo... However, there were 14 allele pairs in common, which indicates a close blood relationship through the fathers side, possibly a niece or cousin relationship. Have I fully answered all your questions today, Mr. Darius?

[fistandantilus4....]

Darius hangs up, then forwards Lucky the test results.

Well the test was a neg, but they said that there were a lot of genes in common, which means that you are realted. They said probably a cousin or a niece. He's got no siblings, but he has an uncle, Miklos, so maybe that's the connection.

[Lady Door]

Lucky looks at you stunned for a moment and then excuses herself from the table. She disappears down the hallway leading to the bathroom.

[fistandantilus4....]

Since she'll probably be a minute, put througha quick call to Geno. Secure. It'll be middle of the day in Greece.

Geno, it's Darius, I've got the results. They're a neg on parental. They say she's probably a cousin or niece.

[Lady Door]

Really? .. How old is she, Darius?

[fistandantilus4....]

20's , Sin was issued in 2034.

[Lady Door]

2034? That could mean... Miklos. A niece, then. I never even knew that he was with anyone in New York, he was still so torn up by my mother's death. Tell me, what do you think of her Darius?

[fistandantilus4....]

She's sharp. A bit unsettled by all this, so I'd guess she's been looking for anyone for a while now. But she's been in New Orleans for only a year after moving twice, and she's already got her own place. My sources say she's a mage, although not that hot yet.

I'd say she's feeling a bit trapped here in New Orleans. Someone or something here has her on edge. Paraniod like a runner. And I'd say she'll be going places ... eventually.

[Lady Door]

This does explain the resemblance, but not the last name. Where did she get Santangelo? Find out for me, Darius.

[fistandantilus4....]

The nunn's at the orphange gave it to her. Maybe they knew more than they said. It was in New York. If your uncle was there, the pieces fit. You could always pull DNA and find out.

Keeping an 'eye' out with olfactory boosters and select sound filters for Lucky returning, although it's only been 30 seconds. Better safe than sorry.

[Lady Door]

I'm not sure how to proceed here, Darius. If she is family then she should be welcomed home with open arms, but... I am unsure. What do you think?Gino's voice sounds every year of 65, he sounds tired. The mention of Miklos name and the color went from his face. From the small commlink screen, Darius can see Gino take another nitro tab.

[fistandantilus4....]

She's family if she's family, ain't she? She can say no , and then no worries. But Miklos is dead. If he had a kid somewhere, there's no worry 'bout shame of it now. 'Sides, the girl looks like she could use a little direction. Maybe some family can do that. And you'd like her. And she's a hell of a looker. You just remember she's family when you see her in person.

Darius smiles at the little jibe. Gino may be three times his age, but he had all of Darius' appetites and more.

[Lady Door]

All right kid, see if you can convince her to fly back here for a week or two, see if we can't get this whole mess straightened out. In the meantime, thanks for taking care of this for me. I look forward to having you back home, but enjoy yourself, Darius.

Gino coughs and then hangs up the phone. He doesn't look well at all. This last month has really taken it out of him. Off the phone now, you can turn your attention back to your food. It's when the dish is finished and the waiter brings you your second beer that you realize that Lucky isn't back yet.

[fistandantilus4....]

Cal Lucky on her phone. While I'm at it, checkto see if there's a back exit down that hall.

[Lady Door]

There is a back exit and Lucky doesn't answer the phone. But, from somewhere down the pier you hear the echo of a ring.

[fistandantilus4....]

Pay for the check and follow the ringing. Also use my thermo graphic vision to spot here, and follow her scent.

[Lady Door]

The thermo here is hard to read, the ambient humidity is so high that along with the think scent of spice and seawater make it almost impossible to track her by sight and scent. But, coming out of the mist is the unmistakable sound of a woman weeping. Following the sound, you soon come to the end of the pier where you see Lucky sitting on it's edge, her feet dangling and her head in her hands. Her commlink sits beside her, flashing red.

[fistandantilus4....]

Darius walks up and crouches beside her shoulder. Within arms reach but not touching her yet.

I talked to Gino. You're still family, and he would still like to meet you. I'm going to be in town for a while . Until you're ready to go that is. He's the only family you've got that we know of . Miklo's dead. He was an old man when you were born. Don't know if you're his, or a little more down the line, but we can find out.

I've got an open plane ticket for you when ever you'd like to go. I'm sure you'll want to wait a couple of days. Probably can't jsut up and dissapear.

Darius sits and waits for a reply. Eventually he places an arm around Lucky's shoulder, sitting down next to her.

[Lady Door]

Lucky resists for a moment, her entire body going rigid, but then she seems to melt into the embrace and rests her head on his shoulder. When she speaks, it's in a whisper.
I have a twin brother. He was born deformed and was taken away to a boy's school in another part of the state. I've never known what happened to him. He.. could be dead for all I know. It's just that I've spent years looking for him, thinking he was all I got... and now.. this. It's a little bizarre. I don't know what to do now. I have a lot going on here, I don't know if I can just leave. There's people I have to talk to.Lucky shakes her head and wipes away the tears. Turning to look at Darius again she speaks in a shaky voice.
Please don't tell anyone about my brother. Please?

[fistandantilus4....]

What brother?

Listen, I'm in no hurry to leave at the moment Things are dull back in Greece. No one needs killingright now. Down right depressing. I'll ahng around here for a while, we can go kill some people together, you can get your deals all set, then take a little vacation. Mediteranean Cruise. it's good stuff, trust me.

Darius continues sitting with his arm around Lucky. He's seen vulnerable women before and this is vulnerable. Knowing that, if he abuses it now, or acts inappropriately, any trust there might have been will be completly wiped out for good. So he sits, holding her against his shoulder. Vaguely hoping some punk that needs killing comes along.