Night time Regatta around Gustavia Harbor, Saint Barths<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday, 30 Dec 2006, 1030ish pm EST<\/p>\n\n\n\n
…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two young VIPs are in a luxury transport helicopter that’s hovering around; fishing for a particular boat over a festive flotilla below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The night air vibe is energetic and bumping, another year’s coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They’ve been killing time, bar hopping between a few friendly yachts in style and are feeling buzzy at this point.![\"\ud83c\udf7e\"](\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f37e\/72.png\")
![\"\ud83e\udd42\"](\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f942\/72.png\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above them, the turboshaft engine whining and blade-chopping drowns everything out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel is awkwardly almost shouting into the mic of his ear-muffs something he’d rather not say so loud but is doing so anyways, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<<< Hey Darvi, I uh, been meaning to tell you something- >>><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a sky full of genuine stars, and a water basin drowning in shimmery ersatz party lights, the chopper finds its way around the dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel continues with a small sense of urgency, <<< Look, this has to be the bravest thing i’ve ever done with anyone before! >>>, he’s pinching the freckles on his wrist, looking outside over the hundreds of boats scattered about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The helicopter moves side to side, their bodies rock gently with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darvok raises a brow at him and holds a small smirk politely at bay; patiently listening to his mate of 4 years seated next to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He eggs him on with a brohemian accent,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>>> If I inspire you so much, spit it out then Gabbi my dude. Whatsup!?”![\"\ud83d\ude09\"](\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f609\/72.png\")
<<<<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A deep breath overcomes Gabriel’s thin figure before letting it out, <<< This old guy, I get that you’re used to different kinds of situations but i’m not exactly good at.. >>>, Gabriel takes another deep breath, and scratches his red hair underneath the headset, <<< I don’t think we’ll ever be in any danger at all, but for sure, I know that, if we show him the utmost respect he’ll likely listen to us, that’s the goal and, well, I hope this will get us even closer to..>>> Gabriel looks shyly over, <<< your ambitions >>><\/p>\n\n\n\n
>>>Don’t worry<<<, Darvok’s ever present face smirk widens confidently, his athletic frame relaxed in the plush air-craft seat, >>> He’s just another high level security consultant, no biggie. It’s all going to work out bromie, the plan is solid. By midnight tonight it’ll be just another checkmate on the calendar <<<<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel laughs sheepishly, shakes his head and sarcastically exclaims, <<< I swear, you Marines don’t have any…>>>, he trails off as he checks again inside the bag on his lap; confirming the gift-box is still in there, worried that it would magically disappear and put him in an even more disconcerting spot for the upcoming meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He continues, <<< You know, it’s so weird man. For anyone else in my life this’s easy, but, I mean, what do you get an old money O.G. that likes gifts and has probably seen it all? >>><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darvok coolly replies, >>> Same as everyone else, something shared is better than nothing. Since we’re not showing up empty handed, I’m sure we’ll be fine. <<<<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nods and covers his mouth before letting out a meek burp, <<< I hope he likes my present, cost me a pretty penny >>><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darvok takes advantage of the topic being brought up; >>> I’m still curious, you going to show me beforehand or you still trying to be mysterious after all these years? <<<<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiles bright, <<< Ha! You’re the mysterious one! And Nah! Let’s make it a surprise together, it’ll be fun. I’m dying to know what you got, but, I bet he’ll like mine more than yours!”![\"\ud83d\ude05\"](\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f605\/72.png\")
>>><\/p>\n\n\n\n
>>> We’ll see! It’ll all come down to the unboxing and those reaction faces! <<<<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darvok and Gabriel’s laughter is yawed out as the helicopter swings closer to a particular Super Yacht.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With dramatic flair, Gabriel alerts his friend and points through the glass, <<< There it is, the one, the only, the Octoooooopuuuuuus!!! >>>
Darvok follows him up in a deep, suspenseful curtain-call voice; >>> oh my, what adventure will await our two heroes next as they delve into the unknown?!!! <<<<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They both laugh it up as the helicopter makes a slow, graceful approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside the yacht, a thin balding man named Noah Harari and his grey-bearded academic partner Jared Diamond are admiring a painting with gift bags hanging in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Warm and calm ambient elevator music fills the massive deck; its lounge-room was repurposed as an exclusive exotic art and animal exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a half dozen groups of adult guests in expensive formal dress-attire scattered about, occasionally intermingling and networking with each other while admiring the presentations along the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In honorifics of the holidays, a massive songspire tree was planted in a corner, enshrouded in white lights and accompanied by wrapped presents of different sizes, some as large as vehicles, beneath it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noah and Jared marvel at the canvas, as it enframes a christlike figure floating in front of a cross made out of dimensional cubes.
A placard below it reads:
Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus), Dali – Original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noah points out to Jared with champagne in hand, “the attention to detail, the noise it commands while at the same time being encompassed in a surreal silent night is exquisite; I can almost feel like I’m there right now.” He squints while adjusting his glasses, “Notice the chessboard squares below the cross, it has a remarkable shadow and… …are those human figures around the knees?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jared takes a sip before replying, while likewise peering through his own glasses at the painting and chuckling a bit, ” The purposefulness Dali used in this medium reminds me of the Koreans and the Hangul writing system they created that theoretically would aid in global literacy rates should the need arise. But I digress, indeed those knees have something going on there. Looking further to your observation, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a cross, maybe more appropriately we can call it a; Tesseract.” Jared shoots a smug polymath smile to his friend at using that particular word, “And the shadow you brought up… simply magnificent! It gives me the impression of a blackhole, in place of a white square. The tesseract and subject itself feels like it’s moving, but where? Is it to, or fro?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A young lady’s amused voice startles them as it cut into their discourse, “Rumor has it that the painting can only be read from a fourth dimension perspective, and that square is a trap door straight to it. I simply can’t be convinced otherwise.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two men turn to a tastefully dressed Italian woman with deep pupils, fixed to the arm of a tall, slightly overweight, bow-tuxed senior man with a barely noticeable German accent.
“Gentlemen, I hope you are finding thie entertainment, amusing?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The guests are respectfully delighted they were approached by the hosts, and they politely smile and shake hands, addressing the two as Ms. Patina and Mr. Kupfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer gets to the heart of business, “Pleaze tell me now, I’ve been patiently waiting; how long do we have left before thie next big reset?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jared starts off, “well, only an idiot would say a massive global societal collapse comes from one source, I propose that there are five elements that will be at play that will affect the timeline. Many folks, such as Bill Trey, may say that pandemics are-“<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The German gentleman raises a hand slightly before speaking and Jared cuts himself off immediately to make space, “Please, I prefer the quantitative answer first, then thie qualitative reasonings. I worry that thie latter before thie former would muddle our communication, ja?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noah nervously presents the answer while looking at a momentarily jarred Jared for validation, “Our best guess at present is 50 yrs to 100 yrs at most Mr. Kupfer sir”, Jared concurs with a nod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you Noah, very good”, Kupfer then re-addresses Jared, “And what are your 5 proposed reasons listed in order from least to greatest my dear friend?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jared promptly replies while Patina attently counts them off on one hand, starting with her thumb, “Environmental damage, climate change, hostile neighbors, weakened trade partners, and finally, the biggest deus-ex factor to the narrative formula; society’s response to problems.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer nods in somber agreement, “Very astute mein professors; I can’t say I immediately disagree and I look forward to making time in learning more about thie details?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jared and Noah look at each other and present their gifts from their bags, “Here are the first drafts to our books. We were waiting for your blessings to publish sir.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer warmly assures them, “I appreciate your considerations, but I insist that won’t be necessary my dear chaps, I don’t give permissions, I am but just another casual observer, a bird-watcher if you will. I vehemently insist you go right ahead and publish at your earliest, and I can’t wait to delve into your thoughts while I make my next trip back to Europe.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina waves a server over and they promptly pick up and take away the books and bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noah adds on, “Additionally, we most deeply appreciate your assistance with facilitating the Korean Zaytun to Erbil. Thanks to their help and protection, the expedition was able to recover some stone, copper, and even bronze age artifacts and preserved decedents from the Citadel. Under the tree, we left you a few intact trinkets and even a pristine mummia specimen as tokens of everyone’s collective appreciation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer chuckles in delight, “Wunderbar! Thank you so much for thie priceless gifts.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He affords them a pleasant smile, and extends them a small bow in appreciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer places his hand over the young lady holding onto him, “My dear, was there anything you wished to ask them?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina directly addresses them both, “how is the blue brain project going? I checked my email this morning, I’m afraid I still don’t have access to their records?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noah is quick to reply, “My fullest apologies isha Patina, the project is well on its way. They are setting me up with their networks and security and all that red tape, but with it being the end of the year there’ve been some annoying setbacks with staff attendance. As soon as I have access, you’ll have an intimate view of all data, quarterly updates and, of course, alerts if I come across any significant findings.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina, satisfied, blink-smiles at him and turns her attention to Jared, “I hope it’s okay to ask you for a favor as well. I understand you may be in Europe this upcoming spring. I have a paper I would like you to pass onto the journal of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society”, she rolls her eyes at the long name,”what a mouthful, but anyways, it’s titled as the models of natural action selection; I’m anxious to know how solid the premise is and would like it published and peer-reviewed by yourself and the scientific community. Is this an okay ask signore?” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She attaches a pleading, almost seductive gaze to her request, and is responded by Jared with, “Yes my dear Dottoressa, kindly forward it to my email and I’ll see to it done at once.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pleased and happy to hear, Patina concludes to them, “Much obliged, you may expect it the first week of the year; I just have some minor editing I wish to perform to it. That said”, she tugs on Kupfer, peeling each other away from them, “Toda lakhem signores!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They give each other non-verbal valedictions as Patina and Kupfer gently glide away to the next group they wished to touch base with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they head towards an uptight karen-looking woman with a stroller, a waiter appears to Patina and exchanges a few words while refreshing their drinks and disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina informs Kupfer that their guests of honor have arrived, they have enough time for a quick check-in with one more character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they approach the woman with the coverable perambulator, Kupfer remarks,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Why look who we have here, ja?” It’s Betsy!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elizabeth Nabel flashes a sincere as possible botox-smile and shares her side of the formal greeting, “So delighted to see you again Mr. Kupfer. I’m sorry my husband couldn’t make it, you know those two; Gary and Elias practically live together in those labs. Um, may I ask, who this lovely young lady might be?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Ah, yes, it’s been quite some time since we met in person after those Harvard hospital mergers and what not. Without further ado Betsy, this is my lovely protege, Patina. She’s also in support of the tireless work you and your husband are doing. I’m sorry he couldn’t make it today, we wish him well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina gives an enthusiastic hello,”I’m a big fan of your chosen pursuits and discoveries Betsy, female heart-attacks? It’s a real crime that has been flying under the weather for us women for so long. And, I must know, who’s our adorable little friend? Is that?…” Patina is genuinely impressed, “a progeria case?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Betsy proudly exclaims, “A gift for Mr. Kupfer, a subject we came across from a branch we’re opening in Rwanda. We wanted to thank him for his generous support and donations to our non-profit systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Betsy takes a sip of her champagne as she leans her attention back to Kupfer, “It’s name is Zevvy, I trust it will be in good hands?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh dear, so thoughtful!” A sly grin lets slip upon Kupfer’s face, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’m overjoyed. Kindly tell me my dear, what does thie future hold for us as it relates to that pesky mRNA vaccine?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I assure you, at this pace it’s projected to be ready within the next 30 yrs.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer reassures her, “I’m sure we can speed it up a little, I’ll see to it that you receive a little more incentive in thie near future after we review your progress thus far.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Betsy thanks Kupfer between a sigh of relief, “Oh! By the way, Patina was it? Beautiful earrings my dear! Are those, Harry Winstons?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina giggles, “Oh my, thank you! No no, goodness no, these ol’ granny chips are Cullinan.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Betsy didn’t expect that caliber of exclusivity and was left momentarily speechless. She nods slowly, continuously, and there’s an awkward moment of silence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina discreetly points to the landing-pad entrance behind Betsy, “There they are dear”, Betsy turns around a little confused, noticing two young unremarkable looking men in business casual by the entry stairway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old man takes the lead in ending the encounter, “Very well Betsy, that’ll do. It appears it’s time for us to attend to our new visitors. We absolutely must catch up again sometime. Could you be a dear and escort my gift over to thie next room? A server will take it from there. And rest assured, I’m looking forward to hearing more about your upcoming endeavors young lady.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer winks her off as she politely appreciates their time and as dignified as possible breaks away to do as requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer and Patina slowly walk over to the stair entrance to the deck to meet the arrivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A server is passing by and Patina interrupts them, “Closing time was half an hour ago, let the other guests know we are winding down for the evening and that we appreciate their visit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel almost trips on the stairs from nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darvok gracefully walks down the few steps and assures his friend, “Come on buddy”, looks over to Patina and Kupfer, “I don’t think they’ll bite”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darvok extends his hand and shakes theirs, “Gr\u00fc\u00df Gott Herr Kupfer, such a pleasure to finally meet you; I’ve been led to understand you’re the right man to consult with.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kupfer pauses, his brow barely raising before letting out a tickled chuckle, “Oh? Is that right?” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He’s been waiting 2 years for today, and is secretly hoping the star guest really is who he thinks he is, in the flesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina confirmed the golden rook tattoo glazed on Darvok’s hand, and is quick to ask bluntly, “I’m hungry to know- Who<\/em> exactly might you two be?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel babbles in, “Well, my dad owns a few casinos and, I mean, I’m Gabriel Weil, and this is my good-“<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interrupting his friend, “I believe the question you’re looking for is, What<\/em> exactly might we be. I’m sorry, I don’t believe you’ve shared with us your name, you may call me Darvok, and I should refer to you as?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel is a little startled, he’s never heard Darvok speak like this before but is likewise relieved that he’s not leading the interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pleasantly challenged, she replies, “I’ll allow you to address me as Patina.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok continues his beat, “That’s so intriguing and different. Patina-Kupfer. Put them together and you have what looks like code names for Copper; the material that built the civilization we all seem destined to play a hand in. How appropriate and quaint.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n A twinkle lights up in Kupfer’s eye, <\/p>\n\n\n\n “My dear ramata, I think it best not ask them who, or what, they are, but instead find out for ourselves-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gentlemen, I have a table ready for us in thie captain’s deck. Would you do me the honor of following me through my exhibits on the way there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have some intrigues I’d like to explore with you along the way.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina in agreement waives over another deck-hand, “How rude of us, please, gentlemen, what drinks would you like to nurse while we gallery gaze about?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel asks for a Bee’s Tease, Darvok locks eyes with Patina and requests, “I could really nurse a moscow mule right about now, with extra kick if that’s okay?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The guests and host move together as a server appears to immediately disappear with their requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They land in front of an extremely dark fish tank with a large angler fish barely noticeable inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel, surprised, “Oh my! Those things are real!? What a nightmare!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina sharply laughs and pokes Gabriel and then points to the fish, “All the one’s you’ve ever seen are female. The sexual dimorphism here is so much, that-“, she waives her pinky at him, “You See those two little things attached to her?” Gabriel nods in disgust. “Those are the males, and their only meaningful value in life is hope that they can find a female to latch on to and be used just for their sperm. If that isn’t relatable I just don’t know what is” They all laugh while Gabriel queasily admits, “Ah man I think I’m going to be sick.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok joins in, “Looking at animals is just like art, you need to find the core communication. This is an apex predator that uses the tried and true ambush strategy to survive a hostile environment. The lure brings prey in, the teeth takes them out; and they live to survive another day. To maneuver a strategy like that, you have to recognize the threat behind the pretty light.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer feels him out more, “Very well, anything else you see?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok admits he’s impressed, “I can appreciate how this particular exhibit is impossibly hard to pull off; this specimen is adapted to being leagues underwater. The artificial environment in that tank has to have the kind of pressures that would make a diamond sweat… …this exhibit is practically a bomb.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina does a slow clap, Kupfer is excited to show them the next exhibit over and shares, “This is one of my favorite behaviors, I have a lot of respect for it”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer presents a buff Komodo monitor patrolling the perimeter of a grand terrarium. Its intimidating forked tongue tastes the air every few seconds, seemingly always on the search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “This particularly fascinating drachen with gingivitis is known to take down prey as large as water buffalo. If it doesn’t end its prey immediately, it will hunt it down to the end of the earth if need be.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel exclaims “Sheesh!”, Darvok follows up with, “Same strategy that made humans apex predators.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n A waitress brings in the drinks, with a glass of Egon M\u00fcller white wine for Kupfer, and a slim glass of Giuseppe Quintarelli red wine for the lady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina asks out loud between the drinks being shared, “And what’s your spirit animal Gabriel and Darvok?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I like elephants. I think it’s cool that they have great memory, and I’ve heard they will visit people they like at their graves every year; I don’t think many animals do that”, Gabriel feels pleased with his answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvo points to the Komodo’s lizard tank, “I see my favorite strategy right there. Above that branch, hanging on the leaf. It’s a strategy older than anything in here; even dinosaurs. That’s a dragonfly. It doesn’t chase its prey; it intercepts it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer raises his cup, pleased at the answer, “Prost, my guests, prost”<\/p>\n\n\n\n They raise their glasses, “Prost!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n As they walk past the art section, Patina gets close to Darvok, presses the back of her hand to his shoulder to get his attention, leans in and discreetly let’s know, “If you’d noticed the wings resting down on the body, and not perked up high, you’d recognise it as a damsel-fly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok widens his perma-smirk as Patina winks at him while they move along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As they pass the crucifiction, Kupfer quickly explains, “this was painted by Dali, -“<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel, a little tipsier now, “the melty clock guy!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer rolls with it, “The one and only my lad. He was so impacted by thie atomic bomb, he created this after. Darvok, I would love to hear your thoughts on this painting.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok looks around at the large deck area, the many different artworks and few other animal exhibits, before giving a quick yawn and resting his eyes on the painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slowly, he takes a sip and explains, “We see the painting itself, the calm mixed with the conflict and the fascinating and the spectacle and even some kind of trap door on the floor, but, the biggest communication is that it’s on a chess board. On the right side, off the canvas, is a power we can’t see but are familiar with, that pushes it all into the field. On the left side, is the other force; that can recognize the board and all the pieces on it. This unknown defendor has the herculean task of pushing all of it back.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tilting his head slightly, Darvo adds in for good measure, “For dramatic argument, I would say the divine feminine is what’s keeping the board somewhat balanced and grounded. Unfortunately, we can’t ask Dali ourselves, his bones and fantastic mustache have to be 12 ft under by now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer remains fixed on the painting. For a moment, he says nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina looks around and brings Kupfer back to the present, “He could do this all night dear, and we would hate to bore him. I’d like to sit him down now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer comes back to reality, “Right, you’re right my little Ramata-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gentlemen! This is your captain speaking, we have concluded the tour and our table awaits. So as they say; to the elevator! Up up and away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel laughs extra hard at Kupfers unexpected upbeat invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As they approach the private elevator to the captain’s deck, Darvok drops his pompous act and checks in on his friend,<\/p>\n\n\n\n “So Gaaaabi, how we doin’ my man? Check it out, we’re sharing a narrative within a larger narrative with some of the coolest people on earth; we’re about to reach a climactic ending fooo shoooo brooooo Gabriel is distantly surprised at Darvok’s switch back to his bro-code character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seeing the hosts unbothered by the change, he figures this is just how life is and everyone’s having a good time, “haha, i’m having so much fun and yooooo, that fish was so fkn ugly, I don’t know how those little dick fishies get up all on that. Do they even ask her to throw it back!?” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Laughing obnoxiously, Darvok replies with extra umlauts, “That’s because it’s dark as f\u00fc\u00fc\u00fc\u00fc\u00fc\u00fc\u00fc\u00fck down there; they’re probably imagining mermaids while feeling up on slimed up goliath snatch homie!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n They laugh and hand slap each other like silly kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok asks as the elevator doors open and they make their way in, “Yo! Can I get a taste of that gay-ass drink you got?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel winks at him and stumbles a tiny bit, “Anything for you, but this time only a sip though stud-meister, this is the best”, *hiccup*, “fkn Bee’s Tease everrrr”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Ziggy zoggie, oi oi oi!” Darvok let’s out a small cheers and takes a sip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He reacts to the taste as the elevator pulls them up; spilling a bit on Gabreil’s shoes and pants while laughingly explaining, “aaaw dude, that really is the Bees sht, what’s that, extra honey and extra lemon!? I don’t know how I feel about it. Did I get some on your shoes?”, he slips in a no-fizz pill in the drink while Gabi laughs at his wet feet, and starts mumbling something about how a dry top and wet bottom somehow makes him some kind of merman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina passively observes, gently squeezes the old man’s arm she rarely lets go of, and they split an amused smile between each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Out the elevator, they are met with a killer 360 degree view of all the party boats floating around them in the horizon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The occasional fireworks pop and crackle in the backdrop of a night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer takes a moment to aura farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He puts his hand on the helm as the guests and Patina take a seat at a table with a high end couch and chair combo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Gentlemen, I’ll start off by saying, it’s not easy, being a kybern\u1e17t\u0113s”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina pat’s a seat next to her at the square table, “Come on over here gubernator, the ship can keep steering itself for now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel excitedly brings up, “Oh! A gov’nah! Like, a coooosmo-politician eh, eh?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer sits patiently down, “No son, more like; a regulator in an engine. The aim is to control thie end result of a complex system, such as speed, by simply leveraging things like fuel”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Oooooh… that’s. -So tired. Darvi, I think that…”, Gabriel faints and is eased into his couch seat by Darvok. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Brass monkey’s a hell of a drug. I hope it’s alright if I leave this body here, I’d rather not work up a sweat moving him around.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n They all laugh together. Patina clicks her Malocchio pendant on her necklace and three armed male servers immediately enter the room ready for directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Take this paper-weight to guest room number 7, just toss him on the bed, and share the camera so we can see it on screen.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two men work together to take Gabriel away while the third man sets up a local screen for them; leaving as soon as it displays an empty luxury room with room7 labeled at the bottom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Satisfied, Patina commands, “Good. Now clear out, we won’t be needing you for the time being, and, your shooter please.” The agent unhooks his HK-MP5 and delicately hands it over to her before quickly seeing himself out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina sets a new tone, “See those holes back there?”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok, unphased and curious, checks behind him, “that’s from the last time we didn’t like where things were going.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina shoulders the weapon’s strap comfortably while making sure it’s safely at the ready, “You know some things, and I know some things, so we all know things and that’s great. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But there’s things we don’t know, so we’d like to know where exactly you’re coming from right about now, capisce?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok turns back around from observing the holes, sips from his mule, “If I got you so nervous, spit it out then; what exactly would you like to know?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Kupfer leans in, “What do you want that you think we have, sohn. Thie immediate answer first, then, we would like to hear thie Why.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Do I have permission to share our gifts before that?” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer nods, “My apologies, it’s been a long time since I’ve been this curious and I forget we have all the time in the world”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok opens up Gabriel’s box first; it has an elegant crystal blue bottle, with a Master Gunnery Sergeant insignia\/bursting pineapple stopper,<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Zafiro Aniejo”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never heard of it, the two hosts agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok passively defends the gift, “Maybe, that’s the point. He said it cost him a pretty penny.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the screen, the two armed servers could be seen literally tossing Gabriel on the bed, his body landing unreactive and looking oddly comfortable atop the pale nimbus-white bed sheets with raised jacquard weave lettering that read, “The Octopus experience”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina shrugs and sends the screen a salute, “We’re much obliged signore.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok unwraps his present, “And here’s mine”<\/p>\n\n\n\n He presents on the table a flat glass case with golden frame holding a dollar bill from 1935.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He puts it face down, back-side up on the table, his golden rook tattoo shimmering on his hand, complimenting the frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Sexy aint she?” The immaculate bill reads the serial number A00000001A, and a pyramid on the left side sits boldly atop the words at the bottom, “Novus ordo seclorum”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok moves to tap the eye on the top of the pyramid, “All signs point that at present you two, minus one more mystery character, are here”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok pauses for effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two hosts stare; pleased, intrigued, and impressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A breaking news story had circulated global headlines a few months before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Smithsonian Institution had been violently robbed by 4 assailants with M4’s, one of them wore a juggernaut suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Various seemingly random and priceless artifacts were smashed and grabbed in broad daylight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Numerous civilians and some children from a school trip were trapped inside and killed in the operation while facing off with the museum security that was systematically swept and cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Law enforcement was afraid to engage and held a perimeter behind their vehicles and closed streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like magic, they mysteriously escaped from the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It turned to be an operation so sophisticated and violent, the stock market was momentarily affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hosts are in disbelief that this was accomplished while they were actively observing him and were caught unaware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In their eyes, the ferocity, execution, disappearance, and current presentation wraps a mini-story they considered exquisitely personalized and poetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer mumbles “Annuit c\u0153ptis” under his breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina confirms, “well now… …that explains the 3 mercs he executed and dumped that had us confused.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok humbly pitches in, “I am but a humble hunter looking for his place in history. I’m not built for the rat-race of inferiors, and so, I would like to join your tribe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A place with you, I ask to be respected as my own \u00dcbermensch…<\/p>\n\n\n\n … Kupfer joins in, “Thie Teufelshunde wishes to be an author of culture…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina follows up, “…and thus spoke Zarathushtra. He wants to tax, not be taxed, and live forever.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer wishes to learn more, “We see what you want, but, why? And how do we know you can be trusted, and won’t try to bury us along with Dali’s mustache in a bloodlust you clearly enjoy?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina, “make it deep, I want the drama- don’t skip out on the fkd up sht you had to do to get to us,” she laughs gleefully, giving a quick look to Gabriel whom remained passed out on screen, “Darvi.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Years ago in, while in the Marines, I realized that I’m simply better than everyone else, and it hit me, I’ve been through a lot of different scenarios and bad situations, and every time, even though I’ve been surrounded by people, I felt alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price of superiority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why would I kill the only people who recognize what I am?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I take it, it’s the same reason you didn’t blow me off the map.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patinas can’t help herself, “oh my, that is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, but, for the record, Kupfer and Malachite wanted you dead immediately- I happened to be the one that asked them to hold off and let his story develop”, Patina stifles a laugh, ” and look, i’m never going to get over that you let that dude on the bed bareback you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer chuckles at the knowledge, “Indeed way to commit there cowboy. As it seems, we wish to welcome you aboard the top of the food-chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have so much to share, and so much to learn. And I absolutely can’t wait to enjoy a chess game with you young Krieger.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer sighs out, “Now, I do believe we have some extra luggage on board we’d rather not keep around longer than needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina, would you be so kind as to have, Zevvy was it? Ready for a visit?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer takes out of his pocket some medications, and swallows 2 blue pills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “And Darvok, would you please be a good chap and get rid of your nobody friend, I’m afraid he’s seen too much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, if you need assistance in creating a suitable narrative around his disappearance, I’m more than happy to oblige.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok replies, “I’d rather not.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina eases her hand onto the MP5, “What’s troubling you dear?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I’ll clean the Gabriel mess up proper, he just thinks he’s helping me get a lead in consulting with KBR security and logistics, he’s not our enemy nor a threat in any way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like you, soft power is my forte, hard power is my go to only when I have to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ll just let him know tomorrow that I was rejected, likely due to his passing out drunk being a bad look, and fake my death or something in a few months since I’m going to need more space away from my past. I’m under the impression that I’m now here, with you, as a partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, I wish to take this opportunity to show you what my magnanimity looks like. I hope you can spare the same.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer winks merrily, “You’ve exceeded my expectations,” <\/p>\n\n\n\n He looks at them both while standing up, “I see great things in our future, I’m proud of both of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please meet me in 20 minutes, this evening has lifted my spirits and I wish to take advantage of a short break.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina calls in a server to escort Kupfer and the progeria case to his quarters, and stays behind with Darvok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “You know, there’s one thing I do find extra peculiar about your romeo,”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok’s smirk widens, “pray tell Patina?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n She gets up and close to him, “I got you a gift, would you like it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok is surprised, “I wasn’t expecting that”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina removes the clip from the MP5 and puts it in her clutch, while taking out a small box from the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Placing it in front of him, “While studying you, I noticed something was off. You play with, but don’t seem to enjoy, male and female.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think I figured you out; you got that deviance called, mechanophilia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok opens it up to reveal a TAG Heuer Monaco V4 watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I had it custom made just for you; it inflates on the inside of the band to give you that little extra something something”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok is quiet, Patina capitalizes on this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “In this family, you can finally be yourself.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok sheds a small tear of appreciation; this was the second most intimate gift he’s received from this lady he just met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Saved my life eh? Then hooked it up. I guess I owe you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina’s charmed, “I’ll allow that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n She puts her hand on his shoulder and squeezed, and then put the back of her hand on his chest, “I can’t wait to see what adventures await us next.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina invites him to walk with her to the rear deck, where they have a firework cannon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She let’s go, they get up, she hangs onto his arm, like she does with Kupfer,<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I wasn’t kiddding when I said I wanted your background drama, I’m still not satisfied. I want to hear more about your time in the foster system, the Marines SIGINT, and all that etcetera etcetera.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n They take the elevator down to the lower decks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharing things, asking questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They made a pit stop by the kitchen for a midnight snack, where a fresh pig carcass was bled out inside the walk-in freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They enjoyed some peruvian jerky snacks, Inca lineage, and washed it down with geisha coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They made their way to the basement of the yacht, where they walked on glass and could see the fish below the boat, attracted by the lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She shows off the dual submarine pagoo and octo ROV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And finally they arrived to the sundeck and waited for Kupfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The night air breeze hits them both, “Just a heads up, he read a book years ago. It had the audacity to say that there is no all knowing all powerful god.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok, laconicly replies, “the audacity”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kupfer walks up, escorted by a server and covered stroller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patina dismisses the server and takes the pram the rest of the way along Kupfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “May I ask a quick favor Darvok? In my younger days this wouldn’t be a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok, “what’s your bidding, Mr. Kupfer?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n He points to the carriage, and to the fireworks cannon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I would like to end the evening with a bang, I’m sure you will have no problem loading and firing that there contraption”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darvok nods, and coldly picks up a gently crying, traumatized and despaired Zevvy upside down from his legs, and drops him inside the cannon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cannon is rotated and aimed at an open space with no boats immediately around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It fires, and there’s an explosion of red lights and noise that breaks the space between the stars above and the water below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n vvvvvvvvv<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00dcBER-YACHT “…Oh no, not me. I never lost control…” Night time Regatta around Gustavia Harbor, Saint Barths Saturday, 30 Dec 2006, 1030ish pm EST … .. . Two young VIPs are in a luxury transport helicopter that’s hovering around; fishing for a particular boat over a festive flotilla below. The night air vibe is energetic and bumping, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-28739","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28739","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28739"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28739\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28740,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28739\/revisions\/28740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\ud83e\udd2d\"](\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f92d\/72.png\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n“<\/p>\n\n\n\n