I present the long-awaited second installment of Pocket Mobsters: The Jimmy Turtwig Story.
Act I, Scene II
A limousine drives down a city street. KEVIN and JIMMY TURTWIG sit in the backseat. KEVIN has earphones in, his current darling, an obtuse Gregorian death metal band, blaring audibly. JIMMY nervously taps his foot.
KEVIN:
"Settle down, kid. First time on League grounds isn't that big a deal. No one's going to bother with you. Just remember, no business here. None at all. You pop a guy, and you're done for. Absolute best case scenario, you get barred from League facilities and declared "bannederino"."
JIMMY:
(suspicious)
"You made that word up just now."
KEVIN:
(ignoring him)
"We're just here to pick up some tech. We'll pay our respects to the Host, grab our shit, then leave."
The limo pulls to a stop in front of a well-furnished hotel. KEVIN and JIMMY step out, and KEVIN tips the driver, NEDOR. The two approach the large double doors. They walk through the lobby, KEVIN walking quickly and steadily while JIMMY trails behind, glancing about nervously.
The secretary, BIRKAL, greets them.
BIRKAL:
"Good evening, gentlemen. What brings you here today?"
KEVIN:
"Is the Host in?"
BIRKAL:
(smiling)
"But of course, sir. I'll call ahead."
KEVIN nods, then gestures for JIMMY to follow him. KEVIN leads him to an elevator, which they take.
JIMMY:
"Hey, KEV, what's the Host like?"
KEVIN:
"A man to be held in high esteem. Mind your manners."
The two step onto a rooftop courtyard. Sitting at a table, drinking a cup of tea, is ESTEEMED HOST GINKU.
ESTEEMED HOST GINKU:
(esteemedly)
"Welcome, gentlemen."
KEVIN:
(head bowed)
"Greetings, ESTEEMED HOST. How's business?"
ESTEEMED HOST GINKU:
"Nothing out of the usual. ...Though I hear your group has been taking in a rather large market share. Hmm... You must be young James, I take it?"
JIMMY:
"Yessir."
ESTEEMED USER GINKU:
(to KEVIN)
"By the way, an old friend is visiting. You might wish to pay him your respects. Room 223."
KEVIN:
"Oh? Thanks for the tip. We'll take our leave; I know you're a busy man."
ESTEEMED HOST GINKU:
"Quite right. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, James."
ESTEEMED HOST GINKU waves amicably as the two return to the elevator. They make their way to the designated room. KEVIN knocks. There is no answer for some thirty seconds.
UNKNOWN:
(muffled)
"...Zero."
KEVIN:
(grinning)
"Pharaoh."
There is a pause, and the door slides open. A man stares at them.
KEVIN:
"Well I'll be damned. If it isn't Mr. CRASHINGBOOMBANG. I thought you were dead."
CBB:
"As far as everyone outside this room is concerned, I am. Who's the kid, ROOSTER?"
KEVIN:
"A new talent. JIMMY TURTWIG. He's gonna be big."
CBB:
(unimpressed)
"Sure, sure. You on a shopping trip? Khajit has wares if you have coin."
KEVIN smiles and nods. The three enter the room. CBB takes a seat, and KEVIN nods for JIMMY to do the same. He himself remains standing.
KEVIN:
"So, how's KOKOLOKO?"
CBB:
"Retired. Family man now, believe it or not."
KEVIN:
"Pity. Well then, let's see what you've got."
CBB:
"Ah-ah-ah, you know the drill. But let's see if the kid does too."
KEVIN elbows JIMMY.
KEVIN:
"Remember what I told you."
CBB leans in, hands steepled.
CBB:
Well then, new meat... When lobster?"
JIMMY swallows dryly. He places something on the table, then slides it forward. He withdraws his palm to reveal a LUM BERRY.
CBB grins.