Sale One

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[Lau is standing on the astral plane with an opium pipe to his lips. He doesn’t seem to notice he’s on the plane at the moment though, for he’s talking out loud to himself as if someone is there and actually listening to him. Not that anyone would be otherwise in his own reality, but he sure assumes that someone is right now.]

Now Earl, you shouldn’t get so uptight over situations like this. You came to see me after all, correct? So relax! You see, I already know why you’re here. Of course you would come to me when no one else would bother to help you right now, except your Butler since he is here with you at the moment, but even he can’t compare to the charm I have in getting what I want from other traders. Whatever it is you need I will get it for you, Earl. I know it must be of great importance no matter how illegal it may be for you to get your hands on it! ... ...

[During his entire little speech, he had become quite serious business – Until he simply smiles and tilts his head as if he suddenly has no idea what’s going on at all] So what is it you’re here for, Earl –

[ He looks around the astral plane.]

... Earl?

[There’s no Earl on the plane at all. Lau simply sighs, and gives a strong few puffs on his pipe before he blows out the smoke he had inhaled from that.]

I must be hallucinating once again! It’s even the same location this time. How curious ... I’m usually so careful when melting down the right amount of opium so this doesn’t happen while smoking...

[Yet, here he is. Still smiling and looking out of place.]

... So where am I?

Comments

[contract_star]

...

...It's not...drugs. Actually it's real.

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

I doubt that. I've never seen anything like this before!

[contract_star]

Neither had most of us, really. This is the Astral Plane.

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Astral Plane? So my hallucinations have a name now?

[knowswheregodis.livejournal.com]

[Chris is staring at this strange dude.] Opium?

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Yes, opium~! It's a narcotic. Would you like to try some?

[gotitwrong]

[suddenly, on the scene, is Ray, who catches that bit of info! you see, Ray clearly has the ability to sense when he needs to keep Chris away from bad things]

No, he wouldn't.

[it's worth noting one of Ray's arms is in a sling and the right side of his face, under his eye, has a score of stitches]

[knowswheregodis.livejournal.com]

[Chris frowns a little because Ray is still hurt, AHHHHHHH-]

Yeah. Sorta illegal and all. [actually now that he thinks about it...] ...Dunno if this place has laws.

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[Well, damn, even figments of his imagination have a sense of legal morals. That figures.]

Are you sure? I could share with you both. [Pause. Smiles~] Since this is my hallucination, I can make up the laws. Correct?

[gotitwrong]

[Ray one handedly pulls out his ID and wallet and stuff] Detective Sergeant Carling. I'd recommend that you not try to peddle to officers, 'less you wanna find yourself in hot water.

[he then glances over at Chris] It don't mean he should be offerin'.

[knowswheregodis.livejournal.com]

[Chris has to consider this. But Ray does have a point. Drugs just ain't good. Then he fumbles in his pocket for his identification and holds it up.]

Detective Constable Skelton. You're not on a trip. 's real. [He still sounds awkward saying that out loud.]

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[Tilts head a bit, still smiling as usual. He's hallucinating two detectives? His head sure is strange tonight.]

Well, if you both insist~ [That doesn't stop him from taking a good inhale from his own pipe. He's already tripping balls as it is, he might as well have some more.]

[gotitwrong]

[Ray wrinkles his nose in distaste] Don't wanna catch you tryin' to sell to DC Skelton again, you got me?

[knowswheregodis.livejournal.com]

[Chris feels the need to chip in.]

Probably shouldn't be selling anyway. Boss and guv'll have your head for it.

[exserpens.livejournal.com]

Opium, eh? How very Oscar Wilde.

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Detectives~! I wouldn't dare keep offering now that you two have clearly declined my product. It would be unprofessional.

[He does look curious about what Chris says though] Who would have my head~? Are you two from Scotland Yard?

[gotitwrong]

[Ray stares at that. then eventually replies] ...No. We're outta Manchester.

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Opium, indeed~! I own my own opium den. [Sucks on the tip of his pipe.]

That name sounds familiar to me. Can't quite put my finger on it...

[knowswheregodis.livejournal.com]

[Chris nods!] Guv and boss are the DCI and DI.

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Ah! Manchester~! [Just looks even more confused at all of this. He's trying to make sense of his hallucinations... He can't complain.]

I run the Chinese foreign trade in London. As far as I know, the only sect who can have my head is Scotland Yard~ That is if they ever found out about my opium den. I doubt they will with the Earl watching out for me.

[Just smiles.] DCI? DI?

[exserpens.livejournal.com]

Quite the feather in your cap, I imagine.

[waves a hand dismissively] A no-talent nineteenth century hack writer. Never understood the appeal, personally.

[gotitwrong]

Detective Chief Inspector and Detective Inspector. [Ray wishes he could cross his arms. damn the sling and damn his shoulder] Don't care if anyone's got a claim on ya, either.

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

It's a great business. It keeps me in London, which is where I want to be.

[Tries to offer the pipe over. Maybe he'll have luck with this hallucination!] That's too bad~ I'm not one for writers, either. There are far more interesting people to follow.

[knowswheregodis.livejournal.com]

[Chris is standing like the fail back-up he is.] So you've got someone bribed?

[opiumandsmiles.livejournal.com]

I see! So you all know each other~? [How cute, his hallucinations are in little groups now.]

Bribed? Not at all. I just have a strong friendship with a rather powerful family very close to the Queen. Her Watchdogs.