Gossip Party

Emmy | Akemi

Akemi acknowledges the warning with a wry smile of her own.

"You make a fair point. Though, ideally the panopticon and whoever watches from within will ensure that we cannot all simply kill one another in here. If we truly are the vilest of the vile, then I am already in familiar company."

Andrew Edgeworth

Andrew can't help but laugh. It's short and rough, like he hasn't made the sound in a while. "Maybe we should take a hint from our peers and lighten up a little. We can't really do much without official direction, so I guess it's just chair-viewing parties and pessimistic small talk until then."

"Call me curious. What kind of work do you do that would make you, allegedly, so familiar with the vile?"

Emmy | Akemi

Akemi chuckles herself, "Ah yes, we can organize some lighthearted sewing circles and tea parties while we await word from our captors and would-be punishers."

She pauses at the question.

"I work in the fine arts, as a critic, but my family business deals in both art dealership and publishing. I've spent my life around the very rich, powerful, cutthroat people both in business and art, who desire little more than to get ahead. When money is on the line, some will go to vile lengths to ensure they end up on top. I assume you are familiar with the type."

Andrew Edgeworth

"Unfortunately, the scene is quite relatable in the wonderful world of accounting." His drawl almost makes the word sound like a slur. "It'd be disingenuous to think myself above them all, but I can't say it's enjoyable…"

The edge to his tone softens a little. "I've never been particularly into the fine arts, but if you still stuck with it despite all that, there was probably something you got out of it."

Emmy | Akemi

"Ah, of course, the one expected to 'make the numbers work' and make them richer while covering for and ultimately taking the blame for the CEO's idiocy. My condolences. My uncle cycled through a fair few unfortunate accountants, himself, in his unending quest to climb the ladder."

She paused again, considering that sentiment.

"It has not been the easiest field to remain in, but it allowed me a chance to use my voice. Not that everyone has been keen to hear it, but it is a voice with power. My field is often wrongly considered glorified complaining, despite its storied impact on history itself."

Andrew Edgeworth

"…" Her observation causes Andrew to grimace, though he doesn't elaborate. He has much more interest in the second part of Akemi's comments. "Glorified complaining, huh? Know that criticism all too well."

"While I won't lie and say that every critic has something meaningful to say, taking the practice seriously is something to take pride in on its own. But you don't need me to tell you that."

Emmy | Akemi

Akemi assumed the grimace meant she was rather on the money in her observations, but she saw little reason to press further.

"Far too many critics are too assured of their vast importance. Their word is gospel before opinion, and the art world ought to mold itself to their ideals. Personally, I have little interest in becoming the next Clement Greenberg and ushering in the next age of art history. Some may not care for my opinions, but to apply a rigid set of rules to art is simply folly."

Andrew Edgeworth

"Sounds like you've personally met plenty who do so far…"

Andrew pushes up his glasses, as if the chair has changed and needs more scrutiny. "Contentment without complacency is something enviable in its own right, though the publicity is certainly not. Never have been a fan of the spotlight, which seems to be one of the good decisions I've made in my life."

Emmy | Akemi

"I have had dealings with any number of insufferable egomaniacs in my time. I am lucky when I am able to maintain a distance from them."

Akemi takes to scanning the walls of this room again, as if they will contain some new unfound answers. She knows nothing new will come of it, but the desire for answers can often outweigh logic.

"The larger one's spotlight, the more viciously people aim to bask in it alongside you. Many who desire such a life do so out of ignorance. I have had enough of a spotlight cast upon me to know better. A good decision indeed."

Andrew Edgeworth

He seems to quietly contemplate the sentiment before sighing. "I'm afraid that we'll both find no shortage of more insufferable people to run into, whatever spotlight size we put on ourselves."

"I'll take my leave here, but I get the feeling we'll have plenty of time to speak more in the future. Surprisingly, I find myself looking forward to it." Andrew slightly readjusts his tie with the limited movement the straitjacket offers, then crisply turns on his heel to exit the projection room.

Emmy | Akemi

"I would expect little else " Akemi agrees.

She offers a nod, "Despite the circumstances, it was…pleasant to speak with you. Let us hope our assumptions about the purpose of this room are inaccurate."

She watches him exit the space, and then straightens her own jacket before completing her own search of the room.

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