tellthestory | THE BOX OFFICE

THE BOX OFFICE

This is where you can meet privately with the Balladeer! The Balladeer is almost always around during the day; just knock.

(Secretly, the door's usually not locked if he's inside. But you wouldn't want to be rude, would you?)

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[It's gonna take a few knocks, but eventually the Balladeer does open the door. He's no longer dressed remotely like he was before - actually, he's wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. He doesn't sleep in jeans - what a game-altering revelation.]

Oh. Should've figured. [He leans in the doorway, glancing out as if to make sure there's no one else around.] It's a little late, isn't it?

[Why do you look so... normal...]

A bit late, perhaps, but I had assumed that you wouldn't have any visitors around this time.

[...Though you'll probably get some asshole showing up at like, three in the morning at some point, so. Get used to it!!!]

No, I guess you're right about that. You're actually the first one!

[.....oh, right, that thing you're supposed to do with visitors]

You wanna come in?

The first! Well, that certainly is surprising.

[Huh. You mean people haven't come over just to yell at you?? Weird.]

Yes, I would like that, thank you.

[It's not like he's actually got anything private to say but ehhh.]

Sure, it's no problem.

[He probably confused them all into submission.

The Balladeer steps aside, allowing the Pirate King into the box office. It's pretty drab in here - just a desk and some empty cubby-holes that probably once held tickets for will call. The only personal touch is a few instrument stands along one wall. Guitar, banjo, even a ukulele: the dude likes his instruments.

He perches on the edge of the desk rather than use the chair.]

So, what's up?

[Huh. He's not sure what he was expecting, but it was... definitely more than this. It feels kind of empty in here. You could use some candles or something.

The Pirate King remains standing as well, though he's followed the Balladeer a little further in so he's not awkwardly hanging out by the door or anything. He looks perfectly relaxed too.]

I had some other questions for you. Nothing too pressing, and I'm fairly sure I already know the answers to some of them.

First: is there any way for me to get in contact with my crew? I'm assuming you - or your boss - will not allow me to send a letter to them.

Second: is there some sort of timeframe for how long we will be here? Assuming no one kills anyone else, that is.

[...He'll start with those, he's got some others though.]

You're right about the letter thing. Someone would have to go deliver it personally, and we're all pretty busy now. But if no one kills anyone...

[He frowns thoughtfully.]

I don't have a specific timeframe, so this isn't a promise, but I can't see it lasting any longer than a month. Maybe even just a few weeks. It'd lose all the dramatic tension.

A month, hmm? I would prefer to get back to my crew sooner, of course, but I can spare a month here. I appreciate the answer.

[Honestly, he wasn't really expecting one. But this is nice! This is good.]

...I ought to ask you about confidentiality. Would it be breaking some sort of room to speak of what I've learned here with the others?

[HE MAY BE A PIRATE KING but he is not a complete idiot and not willing to risk consequences for something dumb like blabbing when he shouldn't.]

[He shrugs.] I don't care. I'd tell them the same thing if they came and asked. I mean, I told some of them it wouldn't last forever anyway, but maybe they'll take it better from you.

Just don't tell them that's a definite thing, okay? The run time's not up to me, and I don't want a mob on my hands if it stretches a little longer.

[r i o t]

That's perfectly understandable! Things certainly could have gone much worse this time and I've no doubt that they could potentially go worse in the future. So! I will do my best to ensure that no one attempts to take it out on you. I will make it very clear that this is your boss's doing.

...Boss or bosses? How many people are you working for?

[don't you bring chickens in here]

That's decent of you. [He looks a little surprised by this, actually, but he's not going to argue it.] I...well, I'm the newest person here, so I'm low on the totem pole. But there's only one person who's my real boss. Don't start asking me for details - I'm not supposed to give any. If they wanted to be hands-on about this, they'd run the show on their own!

[L O O K O U T]

That's perfectly understandable. I didn't think I would get too much information about that, but! It never hurts to ask!

And while I can certainly see why the others would find reason to be angry with you, it sounds as though you didn't have much to do with this aside from overseeing us. So! There is simply no point in being aggressive with you. You are doing your job, that's all! I can respect that, even if I am not very pleased with this... line of work.

[murdergames, man. what the hell.]

[The Balladeer sighs.] I know, they're mad. That's actually why I got picked for this, even though I'm the new guy - I'm used to working in some, uh, hostile environments.

But I really do think you guys will be fine, if you just stick together and make the best of it! It's got the potential to be a show about people being decent at heart - and that wouldn't mean anything if we didn't give you the option to not be. You know what I mean?

I understand! The show is entirely dependent on our actions and should we choose to fall prey to the circumstances and kill one another, well, I can imagine that would make for an interesting show. Even if it is a nasty one. But should we choose not to listen to those rules and we play nice with one another...

Why, that may not be as interesting of a show, but it will certainly be better for all of us!

Exactly! I bet it won't even be all that bad. People probably watch all kinds of shows that don't have murder in them!

[Like, uh...actually, he has no examples.]

Besides, you're all a pretty interesting group - I'm sure anything you get up to together will be fun to see!

I'm very pleased you think so! I intend to find ways to enjoy myself while I'm here, so perhaps my fun will be amusing to others as well!

[He's still not clear on how exactly other people will see this but w/e, it's fiiiiine.]

Hey, everyone loves when you can tell the actors are having fun, right?

[He likes you, Pirate King. You get this.]

Aye, indeed! The plays I have seen have mostly been stiff, boring affairs. But I am sure that everyone can enjoy it!

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THE BOX OFFICE

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