Play@YSDC

The man pockets the $5 smoothly. "I'm sure we can make an accommodation for you Doctor" he says. With that, he signals that the companions accompany him.

The ballroom is large. An opulent bar, all chrome and mirrors, stretches out to the left. Behind the rows of bottles, the bar staff are hard at work. All the liquor bottles are original brands - there is no bathtub gin here. Opposite the bar is the stage, where the house band, the 5-star Band, are belting out a rousing rendition of 'Doctor Jazz'. Between the bar and the stage is the dance floor and a number of small round tables surrounded by plush armless chairs. They are intimately lit by small lamps. Above, electric chandeliers cast hues of blue and gold onto the faces of the patrons.

Being a famous hangout, the Blue Heaven is not only visited by the elite of Boston, but also by visitors from elsewhere; New York money men, film and stage stars (Henry thinks he spots George Raft), business moguls, politicians, shipping magnates and oil men from the south-west are in attendance. They are attended by a large number of waiting staff, who are mostly black.

The club is packed and vibrant. The staff member assisting our heroes leads them to a table in the corner near the bar, apologizing for the less than ideal location. It is already occupied by a guest, who nods at the intrusion but puts his hand protectively over the seat next to him - he is clearly waiting for someone.

The companions sit down and order drinks. They begin to relax and chat, catching up on news.

OOC,As you relax and chat, you can roll Psychology if you choose to take a look at the man.

Alice is curious about the stranger, but she can't tell much about him. She's glad they're not in the casino, because she wouldn't want to play poker with him.

OOC,Psychology roll (60% skill) about the man: [dice]0[/dice]

OOC,[b]Balzac's[/b] [i]Psychology[/i] is 5% and he rolls... [dice]0[/dice]

Balzac's head is already lost in the jazz and he isn't much paying attention to the other man at the table. He signals a waiter for champagne for himself and his friends.

Balzac does lean forward and half yell at Ron, "So, what have you been up to of late, starting to settle down and pursue a career?"

Henry Glynn
Henry looks around for Verena and doesn't pay much attention to the man.

"I'm with the merchant marine now," replies Ron. "It's better pay than the army and they don't tell me when I get to shit either. I would say that I get to see the world, but mostly I get to see Canada and New England. With no offence meant to either of your fine countries I had been hoping for somewhere warmer.

"How about you, Balzac? Been up to anything noteworthy since we last saw each other? Or have you had your nose in your books the whole time?" He turns to Henry. "I often said that if Balzac didn't try to be a bit more adventurous then everything exciting in life was going to pass him right by and he wouldn't even realise."

Talking excitedly to his friends, old and new, it's not clear that Ron even noticed the other man at their table.

Henry Glynn

"Oh I think Dr Balzac has had his fill of excitement for now." Henry hints.

The lone man still waits for whoever it is who will join him. He is average build, with thick, bushy eyebrows that run in a line and join at the top of his nose. He drums his fingers on the table, but not in time to the music.

OOC,You're all welcome to roll Spot Hidden about the man.

Looking at the man, Alice notices something.

OOC,Spot Hidden roll (55% skill) looking at the man: [dice]0[/dice]

OOC,[b]Balzac's[/b] [i]SpotHid[/i] is 50% and he rolls... [dice]0[/dice]

In passing, Balzac's gaze does cross the man, with interest for the first time.

"Do you see that?" Ron asks in amazement. "Famouse Grouse Whiskey. I didn't think they even had it in this country."

"Are you all right?" Alice asks the man.

The man jumps in surprise and jerks his head towards Alice. For a moment, he looks petrified.

"Yes, fine thank you" he snaps, frowning. His gaze instantly returns to the band, but he seems even more nervous than before. Meanwhile, the band launch into "Clarinet Marmalade'.

Just then, a door behind the man opens, and a tall, thin black man wearing a suit and carrying a shiny trumpet steps out slowly. He looks around and blinks. He hesitates, and you can see that he obviously had a few drinks. He seems to want to get to the stage, but your seats are blocking him.

He addresses the other man at the table.

"Sir, I got lost backstage. Uh, would you be so kind as to let me by? I really apologise for asking."

The man's lip curls as he regards the trumpet player. " Find some other way, boy, or I'll have you thrown out!" he snarls.

The musician does not attempt to press the issue. "Sorry, sir. Sorry". He backs away.

Balzac,You can roll Play Trumpet (Art).

Henry Glynn

Henry slides his chair to one side producing a gap between hinself and Ron.

"Here son, why don't you come by this way."

The musician smiles gratefully, clearly very happy to be treated decently.

"Thank you sir. Thanks very much." He passes by on his way to the stage.

The other unknown occupant of the table sneers in derision.

Balzac,Roll Spot Hidden.

Isadora,Roll Power x6

Alice doesn't know what the strange man's problem is, but she doesn't like him very much and says nothing more to him.

Trumpet,30% skill and Balzac rolls... [dice]0[/dice]

Spot Hidden,50% skill and Balzac rolls... [dice]1[/dice]

Balzac stands to attempt to make way for the trumpeter.

"Bonne chance, Monsieur."

Across the room, the band leader interrupts proceedings by making an announcement. Everyone's attention is pulled to the stage, and you don't notice a small, rat-like man wearing a snappy brown suit enter. He scans the room, and then sidles along the bar towards your table.

The band leader addresses the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, his honor the Mayor is with us tonight - congratulations on your re-election Mr.Mayor! That reformer thought he had you beat, but you can't keep a good man down. This song's for you!"

The trumpet player has joined the band on stage. His rumpled suit contrasts with the natty white uniforms of the band, but his playing is extraordinarily strong with precise tones. The rhythm is irresistible,and soon the crowd is dancing enthusiastically.

OOC,Can you all roll Luck?