16102/Dining The Cancer Away

Dining The Cancer Away
Date of Scene:	03 March 2024
Location:	Podium at Theatre Row, Colgate Heights
Synopsis:	Arthur, Nick, and Thomas find themselves sharing a table at a charity dinner. Family business is discussed much to the horror of a doctor situated at the other side of the table.
Cast of Characters:	Phantasm (Drago), Crimson Wolf, Thomas Raith

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Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
When it comes to Cancer, most people would agree that it's a bad thing and needs to be dealt with. An even smaller faction would state that it's a bad thing and needs to be dealt with on a case by case basis. And as we go further into the ranks of those with an opinion of Can-

Ok this is turning into a ramble.

The key thing is overall, Cancer is a scary thing and people need to understand it to better know how to handle all the various types of cancer there are. Which ones need to be taken out with a vengeance. Which ones are better dealt with by treating the symptoms. And then which ones you can flat out ignore because your daily diet of nachos and beer will cause you to have a heart attack long before that cancer becomes a problem.

And how do people understand Cancer?

REASEARCH. And research costs money. Which is what leads to tonight's event.

Welcome to 'Take A Bite Out of Cancer!' While the title of this fundraiser may seem a bit unappetizing without context, this event raises funds by gathering together a sizable chunk of business, political, and celebrity elite and charging them an extremely high amount of money for a three course meal brought to them by the current year's hottest celebrity chefs in a setting that is just as opulent looking as the price tag.

Despite the high price of the event, there are a sufficient number of round dining tables that dot the floor of the podium while classical music plays from the stage area. As a nod to those who attend these events to network. Each table tends to have multiple parties using them as the large table allows for them to face each other for some conversation, but still at a socially acceptable distance away from each other to not be considered uncomfortable.

Highly dressed hoasts and wait staff are currently in the process of showing attendees to their respective, pre-assigned tables.

Crimson Wolf has posed:
One of the guests and attendee was Arthur King. He was low on the totem poll, but had flown in to show his support of the research.

He had no 'plus one' or anything, just arriving in a nice suit. This was the sort of thing that he had pretty much been raised around a bit, so he knew what to do. Proper greetings, the whole thing.

That being said he when he finally reaches the table he looks a little exhausted as he looks around the room, saying to himself more than anyone else, "I am so going to get them back for this."

At least the food would be good. Right?

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Despite Mr. King having no plus one, the event had more or less accommodated for that. While there were an even number of seats at the table. There's a reasonably young couple situated across the table from him, no more than mid 30s. The woman had a somewhat stern look to her, signifying her to be the likely reason why the couple were even here. There's a nod towards Arthur in greeting.

The seats to either side of Arthur remain empty for a few more moments.

"Here you are, Mr. Drago."

"Thank you."

A hand rests upon the back of the chair situated to Arthur's right. "Good evening." Nick greets the others at the table.

The rock star pulls out his chair before seating himself.

Crimson Wolf has posed:
Arthur glances over for a second, then has to actually turn and look.

A rock star of all things? Not that it was unlikely, but that was new to him. "Good evening."

And well, now he is a little nervous. Just a little. "Ah, you would be Nick Drago? My name is Arthur King."

Well, at least he is being polite about it.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick draws his chair in glancing towards the hosts to see if any others are being drawn to their table. Upon hearing the 'Nick' being inquired to, the musician turns his head to look to Arthur. "You'd be correct." Nick confirms, lifting up a hand to offer over. "Good to meet you, Mr. King. Or would you prefer Arthur?"

Crimson Wolf has posed:
Arthur shrugs, "I would prefer Arthur. Mr. King makes me look for my father usually."

He shakes hands, showing at least that he has a firm grip.

"I take it you are here for the charity as well? I would have preferred to just donate myself, but I was told that since I was in town to attend as well." Arthur says.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
There's a bit conveyed in the handshake. Nick's grip is not lacking either. They also betray that despite being classified as being a celebrity, Nick does use his hands considerably and there's a thickening to the portions that have seen the most contact. The contact is limited to where one can't overanalyze to what. But considering his reputation for knowing multiple instruments, there's probably considerable blame put in that direction.

"Arthur it is then." Nick acknowledges, giving another nod as he's asked about his reasons for being here. "That I am. I have a few friends who are interested in cancer research so it seemed like a good one to take an invite for. I do get the desire just to send money. But..."

Nick shrugs, "I do have to admit that sometimes posing for the camera can pull in more funds from than if I did that directly. Besides, I'm kind of curious to what they're going to serve tonight."

Crimson Wolf has posed:
"True. I do not wish fame on anyone who would not use it for a good cause like this one. It seems quite... demanding? I am lucky to not have such and be able to do what I can as it is." Arthur gives a smile back.

"I am not sure myself. It should be interesting. My parents had a lot to say about a few of the chefs, most of it good. I would have to see the names again to see if I remember them, but it should be a good meal at least."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick chuckles. "Considering the praise, I could understand the insistence of you attending this event if your parents were the ones responsible for the ticket. I'm sure if my mom were around she'd be of the same thought process. One does not simply turn down a free meal."

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith makes, what is for him anyway, a rather subdued entrance. No blaringly obnoxious Rock music, no loud discussions on the nature of beauty with emphasis on any particular females glutes... He's also not in his other normal "persona" of the Man-In-White, owner of a rather popular Bludhaven night club. He /is/ in white of course, at least white pants and jacket, though he's mixed it up with a bit of powder blue in his shirt, and seems to have forsaken his tie for the evening. As the man at the entrance gestures him towards his seating assignment he lets a smile touch his lips, walking towards the other men. "Nick, good to see you. Sasha sends her love..." He nods to the other man, having not yet had the pleasure.

Crimson Wolf has posed:
"Oh, I understand that one. Especially as I tend to be on the road a lot." Arthur can't be more than 18 from the looks.

The newcomer earns an appraising look from Arthur as he looks over, a nod being given back. He doesn't know him either. The young man hums as he looks around to see who else he might recognize here and there. As well as to let the two converse.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Hearing the familiar voice, Nick turns his head. Upon seeing Thomas, his expression lights up a little bit more "Thomas!" Nick greets, "Great to see you as well. I do need to swing by the club a bit more when she's scheduled."

Nick looks over to Arthur, "Arthur, allow me to introduce Thomas Raith. He owns and operates a speak-easy themed night club in Bludhaven and is a friend of mine."

Nick looks over to Thomas. "Thomas, this is Arthur King who is currently representing his family for this event."

Nick glances over to the couple on the other side of the table who are looking over at them but being as they're making no move to make introductions, he glances back to Thomas, giving a bit of a shrug. It appears that couple is the silent type.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith nods a bit offering Arthur his hand and saying "I understand that burdon. Part of the reason I am here myself. Really coming to these things usually falls on Lara but she's in Milan this week and couldn't get back. He shrugs and adds, "and my favorite You Tuber has Multiple Myeloma, so it does feel good to contribute to the cause. Worst case we leave here and get a pizza right?"

Crimson Wolf has posed:
Arthur reaches over to shake hands. A small glance is given to the couple across from them, then he looks back at Thomas, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Raith."

He shrugs, "Eh, mostly representing and hoping to enjoy the meal. We usually get a couple of these a month or so, and we are happy to help where we can. A few of my relatives have it, so it does hit a little close. So happy to see some of our money get to a good cause."

Arthur looks to Nick, then to Thomas, "So what is it that you do, Mr. Raith? I am not sure I have heard of you before."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick chuckles. "Maybe not a whole pizza but that could be fun. Being dressed up and going to a place that sells them by the slice." He admits, "Considering the portion size of high end cuisine there is a good chance we will be a little hungry after the meal. Delicious most likely. But not quite filling."

Nick grows quiet as he takes note of a server moving around the table, filling up the glasses of the occupied seats with water while collecting the drink requests of each person.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith smiles calmly, "I own and operate the Blue Lady. It's a Jazz Club over in Bludhaven, and I was lucky enough to meet Nick and convince him to do the occasional set with my headliner, Sasha. Beyond that, it's mostly family money from disreputable sources." He looks amused saying that part. as the Waitress walks by Thomas orders a sweet tea with lemon... then touches her arm and adds, "And if you would, put a little extra sugar in it for me... I like things...very sweet.." the poor waitress walking away blushing and flustered, having already forgoteen the other couple at the table..

Crimson Wolf has posed:
With his age, Arthur can not order alcohol fortunately. A sweet tea is added, but he doesn't flirt like Thomas does at least.

Looking at the waitress, he looks to Thomas, "Hm. Ladies man, I take it?"

Arthur smiles, "Disreputable sources or not, the donation is very much appreciated I am sure. In a way, redeeming the sources I suppose?"

Another glance is given to the couple across. "Hello, you two. My name is Arthur King."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
In a statement of the obvious, the drink order coming from Nick was nowhere as flirtatious as Thomas's. He just smiles prettily as he puts in his request for Guinness while turning his attention to Thomas's explanation to how he and Nick met. "It's a long story to how that came about. But in general there's more than one type of performance rate. You have the ones where the name recognition gets used for advertising purposes. And then the less flashy performances where people don't realize you're playing there unless they just happen to walk in."

Being called out for their silence, the more stern looking of the two opens her mouth. "Dr. Karen Krempel." She replies before tilting her head to the man beside her. "And my husband, Karl."

Nick glances between Arthur and the newly identified Karen. "Would you prefer, Karen or Dr. Krempel?"

She looks over to Nick. Lifting up her brows without answering. Out loud at least.

"Doctor it is." Nick murmurs, reaching over to pick up his glass of water.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith glances at the pair, mildly amused by the woman's snooty attitude and decides, as usual to make the problem worse. So to Arthur, although loud enough for the Karen to hear he says "My family owns and operates Silverlight industries." which is basically like saying they run Penthouse and Brazzers. "I'd suggest them doing a simmilar charity, but I can't imagine a proper title for the event.." He says with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Crimson Wolf has posed:
Arthur gives a nod towards the two, "A pleasure. Are you a researcher or doctor related to the charity?"

Arthur is trying to make conversation obviously. Asking questions is the best way. And a doctor? Definitely one he can ask.

That Thomas announces that has Arthur looking to the man. Even he looks shocked at that one, and not in a good way.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
There's a general silence over the table after Thomas announces the family business. Although not being directly looked at now, Nick can just feel the power of the combined Krempel stare bouncing off of Thomas and hitting those seated in proximity.

He takes a moment to sip his water, enjoying the crisp coolness that the ice provides. He's somewhat glad he opted for the alcohol tonight even if he does have to wait for the drink to rest before it gets brought to him.

The glass sets down without a sound. Before Nick takes a deep breath and smiles. Running with what Thomas put down. "So what you're saying is that your family knows most everyone of import here?"

There's a sputter from across the table coupled with a pointed glance from Karen over to Karl.

Karl sighs and sets his hands on his table. "Please excuse me..." Sliding the chair out, he steps away from the table.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith looks amused at the reactions all around, nodding to Nick with a smile playing on his lips, "I mean Lara would be rather put out if they didn't." He says with amusement."My sister, Lara Raith runs most of the day to day operations, but back when she used to use the stage name Lara Romany, you may have heard of her too?" He asks conversationally... Which again, the sort of name people know, but would never admit to knowing...

Crimson Wolf has posed:
Arthur obviously has no clue who that is so far. He tilts his head a little, then looks to the others at the table.

He sighs and looks back to Thomas, "... kami, are you trying to make us all leave?" He shakes his head, "Or just get yourself tossed out?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick tilts his head, looking over to Arthur. "Arthur, He simply stated the business that his family is associated with. Being that a chunk of people who attend these functions are mainly here to network, it is perfectly reasonable for him to do so in order for the more squeamish persons to focus their attention elsewhere."

He pauses for a moment to smile to the server who sets his beer down on the table, waiting for them to walk off before Nick continues. "And what kind of respectable doctor gets offended by such things? Their very job indicates a need to be familiar with the anatomy in some shape or form. If they can not handle a simple business name, then perhaps they are in the wrong profession."

Doctor Krempel coughs, glancing to her glass.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith looks amused and rather pleased with himself. He sips his tea which still has granules of sugar floating in the liquid and offers an angelic smile to the server. "Precisely. And it always amazes me how many people will denounce the industry, but then slip behind a locked door and...partake." He chuckles and adds, "To be fair though, I sold my interests in Silverlight to my sisters to get the seed money for my club. But three out of four of them still work in the industry, all except my youngest sister who operates a Fung shuai consulting firm in LA.

Crimson Wolf has posed:
Arthur hums. "I see. Interesting way to do so." He says towards Nick.

He sips at his tea, looking considerate. "The feng shui is not an easy thing to do. Especially for businesses. They like to move their settings a lot. At least that is what one of my aunts told me. That youngest sister has my respect for dealing with that."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The doctor has drifted off to silence but is soon joined by the missing Karl who seems to be smiling now. Glancing to his drink which got set down when he was gone, he reaches over to take a sip.

As Arthur conceeds to the point, Nick gives a slight nod, smiling to the younger man before he reaches over to collect his Guinness. Sipping quietly, he listens to Arthur's comment about the consulting firm. He doesn't call out the redirect to the firm and instead smiles slightly against the glass.

Nick sets the glass down. "What's the name of that firm?"