[handset] audio; public;

[gistful]

Given the current changes evident in the city I would like to make it known that the Midnight Hotel will remain open to Foreigners for a nominal fee or a trade of services. Its wards are functioning normally and the rules apply as usual.

Entrances may be found at the following locations.

[He reads out, slow enough for people to take notes, the address for the six entrances, including the new one in Central.]

Thank you.

Comments

handset audio only;

[wintershepherd]

Thank you, Anton.

[ encrypted to Anton ]

If anyone is having trouble coming up with juulan and can't trade anything, let me know. Most of us are missing our stuff still.

handset audio only; encrypted

[gistful]

The Hotel is scarce for resources currently, though I do have some juulan in my banking box should anyone need it in exchange for some work.

Re: handset audio only; encrypted

[wintershepherd]

I know. I just don't want anyone to be put out if they're coming up short.

handset audio only; encrypted

[gistful]

Finding work among the kedan might be a renewed priority, it seems. How fared the Welcome Centre?

Re: handset audio only; encrypted

[wintershepherd]

It got pretty beat up, but they didn't burn it to the ground, so I'm counting that as a win.

I'm going to rebuild it. [ a slightly hard edge to his voice ] I want it back.

handset audio only; encrypted

[gistful]

Do you plan to hire some of the Foreigners more in need of money?

Re: handset audio only; encrypted

[wintershepherd]

I'm going to give the money to whoever needs it, Anton.

[ He's still got the lockbox that was in the Welcome Center's safedrop, which he'd been parceling out funds for each welcome packet with, and Jack believes this isn't the time to be charging rates between Foreigners. He thinks that should also apply to the Hotel, but it's not his property so the spirit's not saying anything. ]

But I won't say no to volunteers who want to help. I admit my skill at construction isn't the greatest.

[handset] private to Anton

[skeletonenigma]

Oh good, you're alive. Do you need my help with anything?

[handset] private to Anton

[gistful]

I need to restock the Hotel's emergency food supply. Do you know of any kedan more willing to trade with Foreigners than most?

[He had managed to find a few, but none of them alone could supply enough.]

[handset] private to Anton

[skeletonenigma]

The ones selling produce from outside Keeliai aren't too picky about who their buyers are.

[As far as Skulduggery can tell, they sell to the Snakes - then turn right back around and sell to illegal clinics in the same breath. It puts them in a unique position somewhere right on the cusp of the black market.]

Can you afford it?

[handset] private to Anton

[gistful]

I can't afford otherwise. If the city rallies against the Foreigners for any reason, we will need another stockpile.

[handset] private to Anton

[skeletonenigma]

True. I'll see what I can do. Anything else?

[handset] private to Anton

[gistful]

I could use some help with the housecleaning as well.

[So blandly.]

[handset]

[theideaguy]

Good. I could probably use a bed for a bit until I find a new accommodation since the kedan decided to kick me out. [Not that Sokka is bitter about that or anything.]

I've got a little bit of spare money on me, but I don't suppose you're looking for something specific as far as that whole exchange of services bit goes?

[handset]

[gistful]

Certainly. I could use some help with the general administration and housework, or cooking. Have you any skills in such areas?

[ooc: You can choose a specific room for Sokka over here! If he's intending to stay on as staff, Anton would probably suggest one of the smaller singles on the first-floor.]

[handset]

[theideaguy]

I mean, I can cook meat, but you probably wouldn't want to taste anything else I would try to make. That was usually my sister's job, and she does... well, a marginally better job than me.

[Unbeknownst to Anton, though, Sokka grimaces at the rest of the options. In some ways, he's imagining a few more lofty roles for himself, but that's for another time.]

How about for now I look at just renting a room and paying for it in the short term. Annnnd if somehow I can find my old job back with Tony, something that probably doesn't exist right at this moment, I'll reassess things with you.

Provided that that's an option.

[OOC: I will choose a room for now and wait to see how another RP underway trickles out and make up my mind them for the rest!]

[handset]

[gistful]

[Ah, children. In some ways Anton could almost wish he remembered a time when he had such lofty dreams. He does, however, detect some resentment there.]

The kedan have made their city their own. Whatever positions the Foreigners can find will have to be in concert with the impressive advancements they've made with their new autonomy.

[What there is of a government. Still, Anton doesn't--can't--blame the kedan for taking over whatever the Foreigners used to have. How were they meant to know the Foreigners would return? There is plenty to do without jostling for positions already lost.]

When you next come to the Hotel, we can arrange a room for you. Will you be staying here alone, or shall you be needing a room to share with your sister?

[handset]

[theideaguy]

[Hey, he can't help but be a little put out by the state of the world and how generally ungrateful the kedan are to them. They did get rid of Malicant, right? They should be throwing a celebration for them and lifting them up high above their heads in a parade.]

Yes, yes, they've got a lovely town right now; it's so very precious. Did they think to box up my stuff and put it somewhere for safe keeping? As a sign of thanks, at least?

Whatever.

[Yes, Sokka is a little bit bitter at that. Certainly, he understands it at a deep level, but he doesn't just want to come out and admit that the kedan are justified at all by their actions.]

Sounds like a plan. And, probably best that I get one for the two of us. She's still a little shaken up over this.

[You know... women...]

[handset]

[gistful]

How could they have known we would return?

[Patiently. Anton may be the type to point out flaws in thinking, but at least he does so with a matter-of-factness that makes it difficult to take offence.]

Of course. Separate beds, I presume? How many windows would you like?

[He had just about finished actually making them transparent across the sectors, before they had to leave the city temporarily.]

[handset]

[onethirdthesoul]

Oh, good... [He lets out a small, relieved sigh. At least that's one thing he won't have to worry about.] My apartment's a mess, and they won't let me stay there anymore.

But without my job at the dojo, I'm not sure what I can offer you...

[handset]

[gistful]

Yes, my apartment has been re-let to another family also.

[Anton only spent time there because of his lantern, so he isn't particularly worried for himself on that front.]

I am willing to exchange board for work. You built the diorama from scratch, did you not? How are you at general carpentry or handyman's work?

Re: [handset]

[onethirdthesoul]

[Ryou had had a plethora of supplies for his diorama, among other things in there--so the loss is personal more than just physical.]

I'm not sure... I've never done anything like that before. I'm used to working with miniatures, not the real things.

[handset]

[gistful]

Still, there are some areas of the Hotel which are still in need of some minor repair with which you may be able to help me. Or perhaps you can sell your hand-carvings for juulan and pay in that way instead.

Re: [handset]

[onethirdthesoul]

Ah, well... I'm sure I can learn! [He really doesn't think people are going to be interested in buying miniatures at a time like this. Somehow, it seems wrong to try and do that when he could be doing real work.]

If you want to teach me, I'm a fast learner.

[handset]

[gistful]

['Real work' has many definitions, grasshopper.]

Very well. Otherwise there is much in the way of housework or cooking which needs to be done on a daily basis, if you're able.