Jasper Badun

Secret Tunnel | Cruel Jazz

Well, it was a bit irritating that her helper hadn't explained what was needed, but Cruella figured they also wouldn't bring someone in who was unwilling to go as dark and violently as Cruella needed.

"Yes. Here, come sit down," Cruella offered after a moment. She had set up a table in the basement there near one of the cheaper wines. Cruella would be damned if she gave an employee one of her better ones. No matter what task she was asking that person to complete.

"Are you a wine person? I like to start a meeting with a nice drink. It's refreshing, and then we can get down to business." Cruella poured a little more wine into her own glass and then held it out to him. "Least I can do before I ask you to do something rather dangerous."

@goodeveningjasper

Jasper found himself a seat. Straightening out his sport coat and slacks as he got himself comfortable.

There was very little judgment coming from him as he took in the set up. It wasn't a matter of where they were or what she was providing - they were here to really talk business and the frivolity around it was the least of his worries. There had been people in far worse conditions asking him to do far worse things - he suspected.

"Whatever you have is fine." Jasper nodded. Wine was not his drink of choice but he knew better than to request anything else. Cruella and him were not here to big dick one another and go ask for ask - so what she didn't have scotch. This was her playing field. "Crisp white or dark red - I am sure you have the best of both."

It was a compliment.

Crossing an ankle up and resting it over his knee Jasper folded his hands before him and let out a slow breath.

"Has your connect mentioned the work that I do?" His eyes flared lightly. "Nevertheless I appreciate all your accommodations."

@ice-in-her-stare

#Cruella | Jasper

Dusted in Gold || Bad Poetry

There were certain days of the week where Jasper ensured he was the last to close up shop in the board member office. With little private office space of his own in town and lack of overflow at Town Hall he was really able to handle some Badun business after hours. As any trusted town official does he leaves no door unlocked - and only conducts proper business.

The board meeting had gone well and the town seemed to be very receptive of Phillip and his pub idea. Well done. Well done. Kovu had his hands on the safe driver petition and it was only a matter of time before he knew he would see that come across the boards desk.

Yes, he did ask for a follow up meeting far earlier life does get in the way. Jasper trusted Kovu though and he knew he had his own operations to worry about as well. Both in town and out. So this meeting was over due but Jasper was rather unbothered about punctuality.

Looking up from his desk he heard foot steps down the empty hallway. Everyone had left nearly an hour or two ago so it could only be Kovu. Holding up a two finger wave Jasper nodded at the other man as he entered the office. "Good evening mate." Jasper felt rather comfortable. "You mind shutting the door behind ya yeah? Thanks for coming by so late." It had to only be 7pm but still Jasper even enjoyed his personal time. "Never enough time in the day."

@whereforeart-thou-kovu

#Kovu | Jasper

Dusted in Gold || Bad Poetry

#Jasper starter

keep it vintage, love ||Bad Luck

bad-moon--rising

Lucky had to come to a lot of conclusions when it came to his brother, and what he could deal with, what he could accept, and what he couldn't. What was worth trying to salvage ended up being enough, even if mending that connection was still proving to be quite difficult and Roland still refused to see the world outside of himself sometimes. There was a point where Lucky had to step back, he couldn't let Roland ruin the sense of direction he had found either, and he couldn't blame himself for everything anymore.

But some of those things he didn't speak to other people about, knowing how badly they reflected on his brother. Jasper wasn't the sort of person who would have taken it very well if he had known about the curse.

Lucky didn't feel good about keeping that to himself still, and one day he wouldn't, but even when that day came around he very likely wasn't going to be able to explain the origin of that curse.

Even though Jasper saw it differently Lucky still had to give people some room to breathe, knowing himself how easily mistakes were made.

"Might be busy," he speculated as he opened the door, feeling the subtle pop and flex of muscles that had been complaining about the brief confinement, "shouldn't be too hard findin' em."

He went with the obvious assumption and headed towards the garage, keeping an eye out along the way anyway but since he heard noise from that direction it was a pretty good indication they were going in the right one.

"Bet ya don't buy your fancy cars from places like this," Lucky chuckled; a little hard to imagine those shiny, expensive cars Jasper liked so much in a place like that instead of in some showroom.

@goodeveningjasper

Jasper grunted.

Might be busy was just bad business.

Though he held his tongue because there was no sense in pushing it. Not with Lucky at least - the way he calmed in down was almost as irritating as the last of business sense of whoever own this lot and garage. Lucky just had this way to pulling Jasper and his judgement back behind the front lines.

Stepping out of the car he wiped off his pants leg from some dust that was already billowing from the gravel drive. Shaking his head.

"Aye aye I am sure you think my lot comes from a fancy dealer where I get served champagne with each purchase." Jasper knew he probably gave off that energy at times - which was good but everyone was always a few points shy of right. "I've been to places much worse in fact."

Walking around to the front of his sleek black car he looked over to Lucky and reached his hand out. Rubbing a single finger along the other mans hand. "You forget I come from below the poverty line. My folks wouldn't have any set of wheels with out my help." It wasn't a point to make; or that he supplied his family with anything. Jasper didn't need the applause or approval from anyone. "Plus you find some of the best gems in old yards like this."

@bad-moon--rising

#Lucky | Jasper

Business Business Business || Jaslip

“Well, I just came in looking for a Board member to support my petition, but I certainly won’t say no to distributors,” Phillip said with a grin. “I’ve got contacts for building stuff from Mr. Deavor and [nameless entity]’s given me some for food and beverage, but I’d love any and all connections.”

If there was one thing Phil had learned in his (admittedly brief) venture into the business world, it was the power of networking. And contrary to what his older brothers and father and John would have had him believe, networking was… actually fun? And he was good at it?

As it turned out, networking was just making friends. Talking to people and finding out what they liked and what they did and remembering that. Of course, you had to be nice and genuinely want to connect with them, but Phillip had always done that on some level.

“And any advice too,” he added with a laugh. “Like I said, this is a new world for me, but I’m ready to learn all I can.”

@goodeveningjasper

#Phillip | Jasper #i feel like I rambled there for a moment

"Well mate you came looking for a board member but found yourself a fellow business man." Jasper said proudly. No matter his intentions outside of this small meeting he knew this was the right connections for himself. No matter how much Phillip actually needed from him.

"I would love to offer some of my own business but here inside Town Hall I am not sure how many lines that might cross." Jasper smiled as if it were a bit of a joke due to being at his desk in that very place. Although there probably was a line he shouldn't cross promoting himself while wearing his board member hat for the moment. "Which is why I carry a card for such occasions." Pulling one out from the stack on the stand center of his desk. "I dabble in alcohol specifics and such. We can reconnect on that later eh?"

The foundation was set. The faint smell of burning leaves started to seep through his pours as the Smoke enjoyed the transaction of possible friendship was growing before him. The scent mixed with Jasper cologne as the aroma set in the board member office.

"Networking really is the best place to start when looking for advice." Jasper knew that better than anyone. "I know there is some old saying its all about who you surround yourself with but mate...I fear whoever created that line was correct." Comfortable again leaning back in his chair he looked back across to Philip. "Are you close with different groups in the community? Socially of course a man like yourself must have friends. I am thinking more different businesses and society clubs. Even some over at the university. I could really see this pub of yours being a melting pot."

@knightley--phillip

Secret Tunnel | Cruel Jazz

The black market was always a mess of resources. Sometimes Cruella could get the things that she needed. Other times it was full of useless nonsense and could do nothing for her or for her business. But it was essential that Cruella get in contact with someone that could do the work that she needed done.

The work was more unsavory, something that she personally didn't want to have her hands on, even if it would be oddly satisfying if she did it herself. To succeed Cruella had to have her distance. So of course she'd gotten a contact, and he had said he'd connect her with someone who would do exactly what she wanted. Naturally she gave her contact a sneaky way into the basement. For deliveries and all there was a specific hatch that one had to open up that was covered by leaves and things in general.

Once one opened the hatch there was a sloping ramp that brought a person down into the basement from that end with any major supplies and came into the wine cellar area and not the top secret part. So Cruella waited for her contact to bring a possible willing worker, having poured a few glasses of wine for each of them as she did.

Soon enough she heard the creak of the hatch and some footsteps making their way over. "Well, it's good to see that you both are punctual. Are you aware of why I wanted to meet in such a...secretive location?"

@goodeveningjasper

[outfit]

#Cruella | Jasper #AHHHHHH I AM SO EXCITED

Jasper had received a message from a constituent for more private business. Lately most of his black mail and hit job work had been done strictly with government employees. Why? Well in London that was who he was rubbing his elbows with. One of the only men for hire in such business; especially in that theater usually kept him busy.

Of course his last trip had landed him in Istanbul - ending with a small envelope of pictures being delivered by his dear friend Mena.

This seemed to be more private which he appreciated. It had always been a red flag when someone came looking for his assistance with a laundry list of questions or worse demands. Jasper was strict with his business and once a deal was offered he was who held the reigns. Not many people were willing to let go of such things. That had always been the problem.

Lets get our hands dirty.

Matching pace with the connect of his connect Jasper walked down the ramp that lead into what he would call a working warehouse. Except...he knew this was far more protected than even his cover up warehouse. Walking out of the shadows he slowly approached.

The face was that of Cruella. Jaspers face didn't flinch with a single expression as the two stood in front of one another. This was business and he wasn't going to let outside connections cloud that.

Her.

Yes her. Jasper thought back.

"No -- but I appreciate keeping whatever has brought the two of us together private until we could meet face to face." Jasper said eyes looking across to his neighbors. "Shall we begin then?"

@ice-in-her-stare

Business Business Business || Jaslip

“I’m in the service industry right now,” said Phillip. “I work at [name redacted]. I started as a barista, but now supervise some shifts and take point on managing various after-hours events. I’ve already talked to [nameless entity] about this transition — they’re fully supportive. Gave me some tips too.”

He nodded.

“And I don’t mind long days. Especially not if it’s in a place I own and one I’ve built up, y’know? I’ll look for capable managers for my off days and build up a staff I can trust. But in the early days especially, I’m not afraid to put in the hard work.”

He might come from a posh background, but if there was one thing Phillip’s time in Swynlake had taught him, it was that anything worth doing was gonna be hard.

@goodeveningjasper

It was comforting to hear that Phil had his head about it when it came to the industry. Everything could look right on paper and even be a great sell but when it got down to the work of it all; well proper work would have to be put in.

"Aye impressive then mate. I can't say I have made my way to the shop often." It was a pity but Jasper knew he was a creature of habit at times. "I should really change that. I am a steady tea drinker so I am sure you make a stiff cup over that way."

It was a friendly banter before he looked over the plans again seeing if he had missed anything. "I think you really have something going here." He nodded again. "What can I do for you? Do you need anything else?" Jasper looked up over the folder to the man across from him.

"I have a fine list of distributors I'd love to connect you with if that is something you'd like?" Jasper wanted to get his hands in this somehow. Whether its his illegal liquor or not. "Your hard work is a bit infectious mate I must say."

@knightley--phillip

#Phillip | Jasper

instinct and opportunity || Jaspilvia

"Oh I think some of the ideas were leading in that direction." Jasper shook his head. It wasn't like he was going to our Ms. Cruella and her intense list of ideas. At least by name - that would be...unprofessional of him.

Jasper was not a gossip - out right but the man did like to talk.

"I think the worst of it was everyone needed to resubmit for a license. Take the drivers test and all with most strict rules." Jaspers eyes fluttered. "Although I do think some people should be reevaluated...I've seen a couple seniors taking the corners a bit quick." A small joke. The senior citizens around town were rather mild compared to London. "No but I think some folks around here would rather ban all drivers than find a legitimate safer option."

@sylvia-marpole

"Oh wow." Sylvia was joking but she should have known if it came across as a joke to her didn't mean it wouldn't be serious to anyone else.

"Retests are a smart idea but everyone? You might just have a riot on your hands." Sylvia teased.

#Sylvia | Jasper #idk if i responded before #i can't find it

"You think they would start rioting?" Jasper shook his head. It all sounded rather funny but he knew that some of the more prickly citizens would really cause a stir.

"So I've got myself between a rock and a hard place. I am hoping to start up something to at least keep impaired people off the road." Jasper knew he couldn't do it himself. "I need to find some fine folk to help get my ideas and take them public."

Leaning back in his chair he crossed his arms across his chest. "Plus it would help get this nosey bodies off the towns back!"

@sylvia-marpole

instinct and opportunity || Jaspilvia

Sylvia nodded, it was terrible, something she hope she wouldnt see much of when she moved but where there were cars there were accidents. She just knew too.mamy stories where it ended so tragically.

"You cant say wild and not expect me to ask what some of the suggestions are. Remove all cars? Make it a purely walking city."

Jasper was not a gossip - out right but the man did like to talk.

@sylvia-marpole

#Sylvia | Jasper

Learning the Ropes & [Javu]

The idea of Nuka meeting Jasper made Kovu both nervous and relieved. And--a little jealous.

He thought his brother would be much better equipped to handle dealings with Jasper. In Kovu's eyes, Nuka was way more capable. He and Vitani were his mum's right and left hands. Kovu was...just the jewel in the top of the crown. It made some of the weight lift off of him, to know he had his brother as backup.

At the same time, until now, Kovu had been in control of Swynlake. It had been a big responsibility and he had done some good things so far--making important moves...but clearly not enough. One silly mistake and their mother had sent Nuka to clean up Kovu's mess.

Not that Jasper needed to be alerted to any of these family squabbles.

The rule was to always put up an united front. No matter what.

"Of course, we can certainly arrange a proper introduction." Kovu was sure that they'd probably met before through the circles they ran in, but never so officially, working so closely. "Just let me know when you're free, I know you're a busy man."

@goodeveningjasper

#Kovu | Jasper #I am ready to close this up #we can start something new please?!

"Right on mate." Jasper was pleased to hear that a meet up could be arranged. There was no reason other than knowing who the other man was and get a feel for him. Swynlake was a small pond and Jasper knew where he sat in the hierarchy that was never spoken about. So a meeting with the brother would simply given a glimpse at where they thought that sat amongst the rest of the fish in the pond.

"Look forward to seeing you get some legs under this petition." Jasper reached across his desk offering a hand to Kovu. A proper handshake to end their meeting. "If there is anything else you may need just give me a ring. Plan to meet up in a week or so then? Yeah?"

@whereforeart-thou-kovu

Learning the Ropes & [Javu]

Well, at least Kovu was doing something right, he thought, as Jasper offered him assistance, implying that the Badun organization was happy to align with the Morakes. His mother would be happy to hear that. It was serendipitous that they were both in Swynlake, but he knew they should make the best of such an alliance.

And he would just be happy to give his mum some good news. He'd felt like such a failure lately. Which wasn't a feeling he was used to. His mother was counting on him. It felt like his entire family was.

Getting Jasper Badun in their corner would go a long way in impressing his mother.

But then--aw, fuck.

Nuka.

Of course Jasper would notice that. They should have prepared a lie. The normal one wouldn't work. Which was just that London's InterPride office had sent Nuka down to Swynlake in a move that just happened to bring him closer to his brother.

No, a new lie would need to be crafted.

Thankfully, this was something that Kovu could be good at. And this kind of lie was easy to grab.

"Yes, we're moving into the next phase of our operations. Don't worry, he won't be interfering with any of your business operations. I'd be happy to set up a time for us, or you two, to meet. Nuka is a valuable asset to any team."

And Kovu really did mean that. He'd always be lucky to have his brother in his corner.

@goodeveningjasper

Whatever the reason may be it was truly their business. Jasper had no legitimate feelings or knowledge of Nuka Morake. Only who he was and where he fit within their ladder. Which is all smoke and mirrors like it should be. Kovu provided a reasonable enough reason which was good enough for Jasper. An eye was all he was going to keep on the older brother - any trouble he stir up with only warrant more questions.

"A smart move." Jasper nodded. "A foundation will surely help your organization and your plans to infiltrate the underground of Swynlake." The smile that grew again was a bit lazier than before. Kovu needed to surround himself with other who had the same vision or he could eventually get swallowed up. That was something Jasper did not want happening.

This relationship was key to both of their growth.

"I would love the opportunity to speak with you both." He nodded again. "I could always approach him myself but I rather go with you mate. We at least have ourselves a relationship."

@whereforeart-thou-kovu

#Kovu | Jasper

keep it vintage, love ||Bad Luck

bad-moon--rising

"Roland's th'sorta person with a lotta energy an' doesn't always know wha way t'send it. He's a lil rough at th'edges but he's not t'bad." Lucky smiled; his brother was a lot, sometimes too much for some people. Loud, intense and full of opinions. But when he looked at Roland he didn't see the curse, the arguments or even the accusations; he saw his brother. The brother he'd grown up with who felt had to claw for everything because somewhere along the way Roland had gotten it into his head that something about him wasn't good enough. Lucky wished he knew a way to make that feeling go away because it wasn't true; for him it had never been a competition.

Once upon a time there had been exploring the woods and conversations about the future ahead and that feeling of knowing they just fine because they'd look out for each other.

Maybe it wasn't that way anymore, as much as Lucky wished it were, but he didn't want Jasper to think badly of his brother.

"He's harmless, just carryin' a lotta heavy things he's not ready to put down yet; ya can't hold tha too much against him. There's a lotta good t'him, lotta heart."

Lucky folded his arms back across the window, looking out into the wind and letting that breeze wash over him like the memory of those old days under the trees.

But of course he had to come back to the moment, chuckling as he tipped his head. "Should know, yeah; might be busy? Folks over here do things different than back home; would've already met em, talked to em an made friends by this point," he joked, or mostly joked; it was still true. But different folks had different ways of doing things.

"Probably 'round th'back if that garage," he speculated, "could probably park here an go see."

He was pretty eager to stretch his legs too, even if it had been a short drive.

@goodeveningjasper

Jasper knew it was best if he just bottled up his feelings on Roland. There was never going to be a world where he say the mans antics appropriate. Following his loves lead though he knew it was for the best to let Lucky steer that ship. This was his family and there was nothing worth breaking up what he had - even if he wanted to put the bafoon in the ground. (Sorry Roland.)

"We are all carrying a lot of weight." Jasper reminded with a smile - his only poke at the brother conversation. A simple reminder that it didn't excuse his behaviors.

Pulling the black Mercedes to a halt in the driveway Jasper shook his head. "Aye love but doesn't matter what people have goin' on." It was the business speaking now. "We are here to make deal and provide them with money - the least they could do was welcome the customer." The eye roll was lazy and playful as he shook his head and ensured the care was shifted to park. "Shall we go chase them down then?"

@bad-moon--rising

#Lucky | Jasper

instinct and opportunity || Jaspilvia

She would forgive him but that didn't mean she wouldn't correct him and make the request every time he did. As he moved to sit she nodded and gestured for him to take a seat.

"Ah- yes if you didn't get a call then very likely then it's not ready but that doesn't mean I can't check and make sure." Perhaps it was logged in but it hadn't made it to the second step.

"Is everything okay?"

"Oh no you don't..." Jasper wasn't going to really stop her. It was his own impatience that brought him here. This wasn't the first of the last book he was requesting.

The smoke flicked at the back of his vertebrae trolling at his lack of ability to wait. You know mate you've got to wait for the call. Now you've got her doin more work for ya.

"Thank you Sylvia." Jasper smiled as he leaned back in his chair.

The matter of Town Hall wasn't anything private - if anything it would do him some justice to really engage more with the community. "I am sure you're away of the crash that took out our local salon?" Jasper pressed his lips thin. "I have been taking most calls and meetings. You know speaking with our concerned citizens and jotting down every idea for progress." His eyes rolled playfully. "Even if they are a bit wild."

@sylvia-marpole

#Sylvia | Jasper

keep it vintage, love ||Bad Luck

bad-moon--rising

"Dunno; has its place sometimes, like most things. Only way I get t'catch up on what m'family is doin' these days, 'cept Roland of course. He can just come round an yell at me himself," he joked, mostly, even though Roland did seem more interested in arguing than he was in talking lately. "Also did a lotta bad for me; rumors spread fast." And if not for videos and the internet maybe there band could have recovered.

But in the same breathe it was the online world that was keeping their music alive in little corners and devoted fans.

"Gotta balance things I guess; good with th'bad. Sure makes keeping th'cinema runnin' easier but not somethin' I wanna spend all m'time online."

He wasn't the one who ran the cinema's online presence usually, that was Scott unless there was something he needed to post publicly outside of the usual things.

Jasper didn't care much for the reach of the technology that connected everyone though, he'd noticed, and it was just another of those things that was Jasper and he didn't overthink it much.

He liked the quiet sometimes himself, but he also liked the woods, summer bonfires and long weekends in wild places that neither Jasper nor Scott were quite as eager to experience; it was all give and take.

Lucky turned his attention back to the road and the building ahead, giving it a quick look around as they pulled into the lot, stretching his legs as he stepped out of the car. "Guess we head tha'way," he reasoned, spotting the open door to garage on the property.

@goodeveningjasper

Jasper really took in what Lucky was saying about his own family. The two couldn't be more different. There wasn't a single day that Jasper thought about the goings on of his own family. Verneals health was one thing but after the wards were up he felt like she would favor well. Not a single thought flashed across his mind - what Horace was doing or his father. Only memories of Arthur - which held him together in his darkest of time.

A slight twitch of his hand flicked as he gripped the steering wheel. "Roland yells?" Jasper asked almost cutting his love off. That was triggering in the oddest of ways. It wasn't that Jasper wanted to come off over protective but bloody hell he didn't want anyone messing with his flock. "He better knock that shit off." Jasper warned pressing his lips thin - that loud mouth needed to reign it in.

The car was slowing continuing down the drive inch by inch. "We can pull right up to it then." Jasper ensure his smile had returned - Lucky wasn't going to see anything less than that smile. "I assume they know we're comin?" Jasper leaned forward looking for anyone out front. "If they wanted to make a decent sale love they would be here to greet us."

@bad-moon--rising

#lucky | jasper

instinct and opportunity || Jaspilvia

Putting in time at the University always felt like an oversight. Everytime he came this way he ended up catching up with Mary and Miss Midler. Popping over to the library he was hoping the edition he asked the London Library to send over had arrived. As the summer months were approaching it was almost instinct for him to want to pick up a copy of the Beautiful and the Damned.

With some bad new that it had not arrived he decided to mozy around the shelves killing some time. Wrapping around to a cluster of tables he noticed a semi familiar face. It had become a custom to recognize everyone in the community now that he had a seat on the council.

"Ms Marpole!" Jasper raised a hand to signal a wave. "Hope the afternoon is treating you well."

@sylvia-marpole

"Jasper, please just Sylvia is fine. Via if you're feeling particularly spicy." Sylvia joked but she did not need anyone calling her Ms Marpole, much too fancy for her, imposter syndrome to the max.

"But yes the afternoon has been lovely, I can't wait to get to enjoy this weather when I head out. How's your day been?"