#* verse: lodestar.

[etherdwellers]

@shivcomplex

it would take a day to list the differences between connor and his little sister: their politics, ambitions, tastes in décor… her apartment is the kind of concrete chic he rebuffs, but as he reviews the place, he finds he doesn't hate it. maybe he feels a touch of good-for-her.

shiv's space is different from dad's, or her mom's—and the distinction rings out no clearer anywhere than in the centre of the room. for there is a dog pen. a pen with an occupant.

"you got a dog?" connor says eagerly, already on the move. "wow, shivvy, when did that happen? what's the…" he realises said mutt's size as he comes to loom over the enclosure, but he's committed to the folksy bit, "…little guy's name?"

[etherdwellers]

@lavenderrpages

connor couldn't recall karolina being on the guest list for one of dad's little inner-circle dinners before, so he supposed she must've been promoted in the way that counted. not in title, maybe, but certainly in logan roy's esteem. or maybe this was dad's way of closing rank against some impending disaster at royco's door, currying favour with every ally he could get.

still—as he nodded and noted her down, connor figured it would be nice to have a new face at the dinner table. the novelty outweighed the uncertainty of having never hosted her before. her office was close enough to his father's that he opted to march right from one to the other once he'd finished recording the guest list, rapping a playful rhythm against her doorframe.

"got a sec?" he said. "i just want to touch base on your preferences for tomorrow. dietary and seating." he delivered the last sentence knowingly: interpersonal politics in this building moved in mysterious, speedy ways.