a lady doesn't wander all over the room [POKER GAME]

[12second_orz]

Who: Tonegawa and anyone who wants to come play poker or just mingle!
When: Evening of June 5th, from around 6-9pm (travel home included, etc)
Where: Ukyou's teahouse
Summary: Tonegawa's hosting a poker evening (see here); hope you've got a good hand, because not everyone is going to play fairly. It should make for an interesting game.
Warnings: Probably language.


[Rather than nominating his own apartment as the spot for their game, Tonegawa has chosen to opt for more of an open house- in more ways than one, now that he’s allowing most people in provided they don’t make any trouble for him. The late Ukyou’s teahouse, while not quite in line with his usual sleek, modern affairs, seems a fair compromise, and better than renting something so serious as a conference room in a hotel- this is, after all, to be a casual game.

That said, he’s still had Western tables and chairs moved into the room- not perfectly in keeping with the décor, but to hell with having to sit on the floor for the entire evening- and made sure it opens onto a small private courtyard for the smokers. Drinks are served by a couple of the house’s geisha. Casual doesn’t have to mean sloppy, after all. He takes care of his guests.

They’re due to start at around seven, but there’s plenty of time to take in the spring rains with a cold drink and a little pre-competition conversation. Chat. Doubtless, the company will be varied- not too varied, if Laforet-kun is doing her job properly, but certainly worth a word or two.]

Comments

[12second_orz]

[Well, now that's a pleasant surprise. Tonegawa laughs with surprising warmth.] Something like that. The odds- they're the ultimate unknown in the game. When a player challenges them, he feels that he's going up against the forces of luck and fate themselves, and therein lies the rush. [He swirls the glass of whiskey in his hand.] You seem to have this all reasonably figured out. Perhaps we'll make a gambler of you yet.

[hisoldgirl]

The reasons are different, but my Doctor and I have been challenging the odds for centuries. It's almost comforting in a way. If it's really the same thing, maybe I'd like this game of yours after all.

[12second_orz]

"Centuries"...? [He blinks for a moment, bewildered- then he shakes his head and takes a sip of his drink.] Hmm. I don't know why I let anything you say surprise me anymore. I'm not sure a friendly game will be much up to your standards of 'thrilling', but it's certainly a place to start. Have you worked out how to play?

[hisoldgirl]

Yes. Centuries. [she's as matter-of-fact and somewhat oblivious as she repeats it, not really getting why it's even a topic of consideration. after all, there's poker about!] I think I have, yes. You're dealt cards, and you swap out cards if you don't like what you have. Certain combinations of cards are better than others and you want those, but you also want the others at the table to think you have them even if you don't. It's a game of chance. Of probability.

[12second_orz]

And of quiet psychological manipulation. Let's not forget that. [For a moment he sounds almost nostalgic, just short of a poetic sigh- were he given to sentimental nonsense, that is.] That's the beauty of card games; I've always thought they were something of an apt metaphor for life. From poker to blackjack, even to a simple game of Find The Lady-- one must project an air of knowing, of utter control over the impossible, all whilst silently and efficiently sizing up the opposition and building false expectations for them.

[hisoldgirl]

Yes, of course not. [she taps her chin, considering what he's said] Isn't it just as easy to let life move you along, though? Rather than control it, you simply become part of it. Having no concerns has to at least be on par with manipulating others to think you don't, doesn't it?

[12second_orz]

[He gives a little laugh through his nose.] I don't 'let' anything happen to me, if I can help it. A life free from direction... it sounds more like a curse to me than a blessing. I can't imagine how you could be satisfied with it. Don't you have aspirations? Goals?

[hisoldgirl]

Not in the same sense, though I do understand a dislike of aimlessness. [she considers, hands on her hips] I go where my Doctor goes. Most of the time he gets the coordinates slightly wrong, but I'd rather correct an error than decide on my own. That's not what I was made for.

[12second_orz]

[He pauses as he considers the woman's- no, the ship's, she is most definitely speaking as an object rather than a person right now- choices. 'Unfair' is the first word to spring to mind, but Tonegawa's never approved of people complaining about fairness.]

And what do you get out of it? Constant travel? A sense of purpose?

[hisoldgirl]

Purpose, yes. That's exactly it. I fulfill my function. [she thinks, expression growing a little distant] There's something else, too, but I don't know how to name it. My Doctor -- he's happy. I make him happy. That is also something I achieve.

Do these games make you happy?