driftfleet | Dumpster World Mingle

He probably would've gotten that little gnome partner of his to do it.

[Because fantasy!Holmes don't go in no garbage. Also wow, this guy has really thought out getting thrown into dumpsters.]

So this is a hobby for you then? You might as well make money at it and go to the arena in that case.

Who, Watson? Maybe. Depends on which iteration of Holmes you're talkin' about, there's like a million of 'em.

[he's from the future he's experienced so many different versions of Holmes, man. Also he gets thrown in dumpsters back home, he's an expert]

See, that's where it leads to. Start a fight out here with a dickhead, take it the arena - there's a method to it.

No idea. That's more Agnes' domain.

[Although he was a Caleb Whats-his-face fan. Taako never really got into reading those books Angus loved so much. He was too busy playing keep away with them with Magnus and Merle.]

But so you were basically recruiting people by punching them. Effective. [And he means it. No better way to guarantee a fight than to go trawling for one and getting sent to the arena.]

Maybe next time choose someone less likely to dump you though.

He's kinda a pop culture phenomenon. Again. Easy Hollywood pickings, if you get what I mean.

[that's really the only reason he knows, asides from a few hours of boredom one day so he could make shitty, accurate references. Because he's a nerd]

I mean, if that's how you wanna look at it, sure. [he shrugs a shoulder] If they dump me, they dump me. Let 'em think I'm easy.

Eh, in my world, it's more that Caleb whatever kid that is making the big bucks.

[so many people read those books and Taako has no idea why.]

But my dude, if the dump you, they aren't going to want to fight you in the arena. Most of those guys?

[He motions up at the man on the roof, fuming because he can't get down.]

You gotta beat 'em just enough they want revenge, then you kick their asses thoroughly in the arena.

[Speaking of. Taako turns and thumbs over his shoulder at Ben.l, then shouts:]

Bee tee dubs, my man, this guy is the reason you're up there so if you wanna get even, meet him later for Round Two.

I have no idea who that is but sure, sounds like Hollywood anyway.

[Ben looks up at the man on the roof and gives him a wave - no, wait, that's the middle finger, oops. He then looks at Taako and rolls his eyes]

If I keep pissing 'em off they will. They'll think they can make easy money off me. I know what I'm doing - ain't my first rodeo. I pull this shit all the time. [he says, like it's totally normal]

No important, really. But when say "all the time," you mean back home or here?

[Because if there are a lot of these fighting arenas on every planet, then Taako is going to be very rich thanks to Lup.]

Uh huh. [not important his ass] Both, I guess? Try to be more subtle about it here but I hate this planet so I'm not giving a fuck this time around. Ain't the first time we've run into arenas.

[Fck yes, he's going to get rich.

Taako twirls a stand of loose hair around his finger and thinks.]

Yeah, I'd call this place a dump, but actual dumps might take offense.

If you make it to the arenas with anyone then, let me know. I'll place a bet on you. [Whether it's to win or lose remains to be seen.]

I've seen prettier dumpster fires, yeah.

[he hates this place so much and he can't even rationalize it]

Sure, if you wanna waste your money like that. [whether he thinks you're betting on or against him is also up in the air] Who the fuck are you anyway?

[Oh right, he didn't introduce himself or ask this guy's name. He's really bad about that. First though? He points up and a gust of wind bowls the man on the roof over so he doesn't try to jump down at them.]

Right, introductions. I'm Taako, flip wizard and chef of the First Breath. What's your name, my dude?

[having seen plenty of magic already ....... yeah no that's still kinda cool] I hope he doesn't kill himself before I can beat the shit outta him.

[Ben has priorities]

I don't know what the fuck a flip wizard is, but cool. Ben Douglass, security for the Huntress. Do I have to give a fancy title like flip wizard too?

Nah, that was harmless unless he's stupid enough to fall off the other side. [Which he might be. Taako want exactly cautious about his use of the power. From up above, there's a grunt and a string of curses though so nope - not dead yet.

Taako gives a half bow, half curtsey and then shrugs. ]

You can if you want though: Whupper of Men? Meathead Masher? It's up to you.

You never know with idiots like them. The big ones are always like - I dunno, missing half the shit they need upstairs, y'know?

[Ben's nose wrinkles and he scratches at his cheek]

I mean, I got private investigator, but that's about it. Rest of 'em don't really apply anymore.

All their brain power goes toward muscles.

[Which is probably why Taako is on the slim side. Or is just because elves don't bulk like other races do.]

And why not use the other ones? It's not like I'm a celebrity chef anymore, but I'll still leverage that when I need to.

That would explain it.

[he waves a dismissive hand, shaking his head]

Not really the type to use those to get me shit. Besides, corporal or detective ain't all that impressive in the long run.

Wait, you're a celebrity chef?

Was.

[Had been. Up until Glamor Springs and the betrayal that up until a week ago he'd thought had been entirely his fault. It was still a sore spot, even if it wasn't as much of a weight on him anymore.

Taako shrugs like it isn't that big of a deal. ]

You should always be ready to use what you can to survive out there.

[Ben, master of avoiding shit that he doesn't want to talk about, can spot someone else avoiding shit they don't want to talk about a mile away, so he just hums in understanding and shrugs and moves onto the other topic instead]

I do use what I got. I just don't gotta announce it to everyone.

[Taako appreciates that. It isn't even something he's told Merle and Magnus yet. Taako, despite loving to talk and talk about himself, is closed off to most people where it matters.]

Yeah but that's the fun of it. It used to get me perks back home. Although I guess a PI isn't going to be as welcomed as a chef wherever they go.

I can guarantee the perks you get aren't the same ones I'd get if I went around flashing my veteran card. [he doesn't sound particularly bitter about it, just stating a fact] Nah, people don't like a potentially nosy bastard wandering around, so I kinda keep my mouth shut on that, too. I'm only nosy when I get paid to do it. Otherwise I don't give a shit.

Not everyone can be wonderful as me.

[To be fair, there is a reason Taako doesn't flash his credentials everywhere. Anywhere close to Glamour Springs is off the table and unless he's recognized, he just keeps the intro to "from TV" and leaves it at that. He had a following, sure, but nothing close to world fame levels. Made it easy to disappear when he needed to. ]

But since no one here is paying for a nosy nose, you've taken to punching them in instead?

Wow, how modest.

[he rolls his eyes] Can't get paid to be nosy if I don't advertise for it, can I? And you can make decent money in the arenas. Ain't like I'm hurting for it, but it's something to do. And I figure I may as well channel all my anger into something productive, rather than strewing in it.

It's a fact, my man.

[Nothing to do with modesty because wtf is modesty and why should anyone have it?

Taako hasn't been given his first "paycheck" yet, but he's hoping it'll be a big one.]

We're here to entertain the invisible masses, however much of a shitshow these Atroma things are. They pay well from what I've heard. And maybe one day we'll get a chance to go up against them. That's how things usually work.

I don't give two shits about our audience. [if they're even there. He doesn't care if they get fan mail sometimes, or if they're supposedly always watching, or whatever other bullshit is always going around]

They pay well when something happens. "Something" being subjective, 'cuz I got paid a shit ton when I freaked the fuck out a few stops ago.

Entertainment is a cruel business.

[His words are flippant, yet his tone is anything but. As much as he loved the spotlight, it had driven Sazed to do terrible things and everyone had suffered for it.]

But when you say "freaked the fuck out," what happened?

[Because knowing that could give a lot of clues about what Taako had waiting for him if he stayed here for long.]

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