4b: To the Head

Sep 12, 2024 1:29 am
[ +- ] Mood Music
The ride from the third to the fourth floor seems prolonged to David, Blake and Spencer. As the car moves upward, they hear a slight grinding mechanical movement followed by the lights flickering slightly. The elevator stops abruptly and then a long pause ensues. Just as the men are thinking of pushing the alarm button, a loud ding resonates and the doors open.

The fourth floor lobby is a small area with a white leather couch and a small reception desk, empty at this time of night. To the right is a stairwell door. The doors to Brian's office stand directly opposite the elevator and a soft white light can be seen shining around the door frame. The men feel a cold breeze coming from the air ducts, as if the AC was still trying to cool the already chill nighttime air.

There is an odd smell to the lobby. A herbal scent mixed with... well the smell of heat from an oven but the absence of heat.
Sep 12, 2024 2:48 pm
"Yeah, I told you it went to the top. I'd be ready for anything."
Sep 13, 2024 12:31 am
What the hell is that smell? Spencer grumbled.

He looked around, gauging the room in case this meeting turned into a firefight. Alright, you two know Musgrove better than I do so maybe you should do the talking at first. I’ll hang out in the doorway in case things go south. Give us a point of egress.
Sep 13, 2024 11:11 am
"Will you two relax, I'm sure everything is fine."

David will place the remaining cheese plate on the desk, the pile of cubes noticeably smaller, and then he'll walk to the door. He'll knock twice and crack it just enough to poke his head in.

"Mr. Musgrove? Are you in sir?

Brian Musgrove

Edmund_Balworth

Sep 13, 2024 7:13 pm
Brian Musgrove
David opens the door to see Brian Musgrove’s office. It is a massive space remarkable in its austere emptiness. Dark natural wood floors with blank white walls give way to the sloped glass outer wall that dominates the far end of the office. To David’s right is a small table with a few trophies and awards along with odd curios, the most interesting of which is a clear glass globe that seems to have a dark cloud within. The movement of the cloud is similar to that of a lava lamp, as globs seem to separate and drift about the globe only to rejoin the central mass.

To David’s left is another table with a small bar. Several decanters of liquor are displayed along with glasses and ice.

A large empty gap leads further into the office where Brian’s desk sits. It is a heavy mahogany table with a wide leather pad adorned only with a single widescreen monitor that faces toward the outer wall. Musgrove stands looking out over the dark LA landscape casting its street lights in a blanket over the view. Brian turns slightly, a drink in hand. He wears large sunglasses, odd with the darkness outside. In seeing David, he smiles. David! Grab yourself a drink. The man turns to resume his view of LA.
Sep 14, 2024 1:43 am
David smiles at the invitation.

"Well don't mind if I do."

He'll walk over, pour a drink, and immediately throw it back. He'll then add some ice and fill it up again, sipping it casually as he walks closer to Brian's desk.

'So..Mr. Musgrove, I think we need to talk about the movie...or the strange things going on... or whatever."

He'll take another sip as he waits for the others to join in, realizing in the moment that he doesn't want to be the one to begin demanding things of Musgrove.
Sep 14, 2024 5:05 pm
"I didn't kill those security guards and I am pretty sure you know it." Blake says flatly standing in the doorway.
Sep 15, 2024 12:03 am
Also pretty sure it’s too dark for sunglasses right now. You’re looking a little bit like David’s actor friend at the retreat. You wouldn’t be hiding empty black pits behind them would you? Spencer chimed in from the doorway, placing his hand on the butt of his pistol out of view from Musgrove.

Let’s cut to the chase. What’s wrong with this movie?

Brian Musgrove

Edmund_Balworth

Sep 15, 2024 12:23 am
Brian Musgrove
Does it ever strike you? That… out there… Brian gestured out to the city where the lights fight against the darkness. They’re all just so afraid of the dark that they make it so it is never dark. I wonder then, does anyone even remember what they are afraid of? Do they remember the dark and it keeps them turning on the lights night after night? Or do they all just keep going in the direction they were traveling… like a physics problem. Brian turns and moves to his desk, sitting down and putting his drink which is notably still full on the table next to him.

I know you want to talk… I know you didn’t kill those people… and I know there is nothing wrong with the movie. It’s… perfect… The lights flicker ever so slightly.
Sep 15, 2024 2:36 am
"So, you want to empty us too, and everyone else? Is that it?"
Sep 15, 2024 9:40 pm
David sips his drinking feeling slightly awkward as he glances back and forth.

"So...if you know we didn't kill those people...do you know what did? Cause I gotta tell ya, we are very confused and scared Mr. Musgrove. We saw things that we can't explain...and Verity, what is going on with her?"

Brian Musgrove

Edmund_Balworth

Sep 16, 2024 3:31 pm
Brian Musgrove
Brian looks at Blake, although his gaze doesn't seem to line up quite right. Don't you understand? The church found the answer... What is the meaning of it all? To chase dreams, build wealth, screw over others, find the perfect mate to join you in your pointless endeavors? They are all hollow. Since the 80s the church has been teaching detachment is the only way to inner peace. We were right. And soon everyone will know it. I don't want to do anything bad to anyone. I just want to show them the way to true peace. Brian turns his gaze toward David. What happened to Verity was... unfortunate. Someone had to open the door, though, and she was more than happy to oblige. And now you are being a gift she would have killed for...
Sep 17, 2024 5:19 pm
"So, you have those black tentacles in you too? If you just want to show people, why did we almost die from you henchman? Are you taking choice away from people and forcing them to your will? Doesn’t sound like a great life to be honest."
Sep 18, 2024 12:55 am
If it’s the same gift everyone else seems to be getting you can keep it. You need to do the right thing. Shut this down, or we’ll shut it down for you. Spencer moved his bulk just a fraction of an inch into the doorway, but his threatening intent was apparent. Musgrove seemed sunk too deep into his own power trip fantasy to change his mind now, but Spencer had to at least give him the chance to fix the damage he had done.

Rolls

Spencer Shull: Intimidate (70) - (d100)

(37) = 37

Brian Musgrove

Edmund_Balworth

Sep 18, 2024 1:19 pm
Brian Musgrove
Brian sits quietly for a moment. You've heard the adage, "Seeing is believing"... It's something like that. Everyone fights against change until they experience it. That's why we wanted to do something special for you all. To help you give in. Brian turns and smiles at Spencer. Oh, Spencer. You are nothing if not a man of habit. I know what you want, though. You want it all to go away... the pain... the sorrow... The lights in the office begin to flicker. Spencer catches the whiff of burning plastic, metal and flesh. ...the memories. You say you don't want the gift, but I know the truth. Brian smiles confidently.
Sep 19, 2024 1:36 am
David stands there looking at Spencer, blinking in confusion.

"I'm sorry...but give into what? I just want to make movies Brian....and to spread our teachings of course. I don't need anything else."

Brian Musgrove

Edmund_Balworth

Sep 19, 2024 11:29 am
Brian Musgrove
Brian smiles at David. Of course, David. You are a master of your craft. We just want to give you the tools to hone those skills to perfection.
Sep 19, 2024 7:28 pm
Spencer flinched back at Brian’s words and the sudden smell. I…yes, I do.. he started, but then who would remember the sacrifices made? Who would pay tribute and honor to the fallen? It was a damned shitty way to go out and I’ll carry that memory with me as long as I live. But forget it? Not a chance. Besides, who are you to take that away from people?

His threat had clearly not taken root in Brian’s mind, but as if to emphasize the point he pulled his pistol out of its holster, still holding it languidly, pointing down at the floor.
Sep 19, 2024 8:47 pm
"Let me see how I can spin this in the media, insane head of the church beckons you to watch his movie while he sucks the life and free will out of you. An easy sell I am sure. You have twisted what the church stood for."

Brian Musgrove

Edmund_Balworth

Sep 24, 2024 12:08 am
Brian Musgrove
Brian sits for a silent moment before he replies. We were worried you wouldn’t see the gift for what it was. That’s why we arranged for something special. Tomorrow night, when the church learns true freedom… We’ve made sure that the people you care about most, will be the first to see our magnum opus… Brian smiles confidently.
OOC:
So who is most important to each person? We didn’t really delve into these characters home lives. Keep in mind the church would have full access to your records, your cell phones, your computers.
load next

You do not have permission to post in this thread.