fandomhigh | An Excuse for Field Trips, Wednesday 4th period

It was back to Portalocity again this week, and students had been told to dress for rather more comfortable weather.

Comfortable and potentially rowdy.

"This week marks the beginning of a period of fasting and abstention from a number of enjoyable things for some sects of the dominant religion in these parts," Hannibal said. "Accordingly, prior to that, it marks a period of celebration, indulgence, and hedonism."

"Yesterday," Jono noted, "was, to many people, known as Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras. The day before the fasting begins, meant to clear the last of the fat from the pantry, so to speak." He paused, and then added, "Pancake day."

Well. It was.

"Užgavėnės," Hannibal said, not to be left out. "There are a number of different traditions for this day and this week. One of the more extravagant is Brazil's Carnaval. Even within that country, there are a number of different celebrations. Today, we will be visiting bate-bola."

"That's right," Jono agreed, "we're going to Rio." A pause. "The trade-off is that there'll be clowns."

Couldn't win them all, class. But this would be a singularly unique experience, perhaps the clowns could be forgiven.

Or you could just not worry about clowns. But you do you.

"There will also be music, fireworks, and general chaos," Hannibal said. "I recommend you stick close so as not to miss our portal back. If it becomes too much for you, please let one of us know; we have a portal on standby, and can get you home."

Or at least back to Fandom. Sorry, Vette. Nell. Jack.

Hannibal put on his wide-brimmed hat - which was, as all his hats, a joy, Jono - and smiled and waved them through the portal.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Festively!

Peebee

Prompto Argentum

Yang Xiao Long

Vette

Wonder what you're in for this week.

Bate-bola - clowns, loud music, bright colours, and fun! Your teachers will look the other way if you drink, but try not to get in trouble.

Of course Yang had gotten herself a drink within moments of arriving, and was already dancing on the sidewalks to the loud music, cheering on the clowns.

THIS WAS GREAT!

Once they ping in.

Hannibal is here! Mostly people-watching; this is the place for it!

Jono was also here. And also people-watching.

Or, well, side-eyeing the clowns suspiciously.

Jack was waiting for Dr. Lecter and Jon when they got back. She let the students file out, waving to those she knew.

Once they were gone, she locked onto Dr. Lecter. "Jon tells me you're something of a parental figure to Sparkle."

Good opening, direct, to the point.

Hannibal could appreciate direct.

He nodded. "For so far as he allows it, yes."

Jack bobbed her head in a nod. "You ever do prison rotations for the head shrinking?"

Hannibal gave her a very smooth look. "What does that have to do with Sparkle?"

Jack gave him a very faint smile right back. "Because the motherfuckers who jumped him and his boy were arrested yesterday. Whole bunch of people were, in fact. They're being held cuz they don't exactly have the funds for bail, much less anything better'n a public defender. I don't expect 'em to be found not guilty and if they go away, they're gonna be gettin' three hots and a cot for a good long time."

She'd wiped out their credit cards and their bank accounts and messed up their credit ratings so bad no decent bail bondsman would touch them.

"They made some real bad life choices."

They had hurt someone she cared about.

"They could probably use some counselin'. Get 'em to turn their lives around."

She was unspecific as to which direction.

"Figured if you did rotations, you probably knew the other headshrinkers. Could have a word with them."

Hannibal hummed. "I've never worked in New York before. Still, I'm certified in one version of that state." His credentials should hold up well enough with his natural charm to get him into a prison.

He smiled. "Give me their names, and I'll see what I can do."

They could all commit suicide, or they could be convinced to become informants and out themselves...there were so many possibilities.

Jack rummaged in a pocket and came up with a small thumb drive. She walked it across her knuckles and flipped it to Hannibal.

Photos of their drivers licenses. Photos of their credit cards though, at the moment, those were maxed out. A text file with all of their social security numbers.

"Sparkle was in that weird place, you know? Where he wanted to know but also didn't want to know what happened to 'em. I offered to do the footwork. He was worried he'd, y'know, killed 'em. He'll be relieved, I think, that they ain't dead." A beat. "Well. Two of 'em. Third guy made his own real bad life choice not to go to the fuckin' hospital and some sepsis did for him."

Hannibal nodded as he took the thumb drive. "We have spoken of it. Would you like me to tell him, or would you prefer to do that yourself? I am prepared to be backup for either of you, should you like."

"Nah, I hooked Kaidan for it, he should be explaining it right about now," Jack said. "Sparkle just might need that whole 'sepsis did it' thing reinforced for awhile. He's a good guy so this whole thing's got him a mess and," her jaw tightened, "he don't deserve it. These fuckers jumped him and his boyfriend. Whatever the consequences were, they fuckin' bought it."

The corner of her mouth softened and hiked up in a small smile, "But he's a good guy, so he worries, you know?"

She figured he knew.

She wouldn't worry. She'd have killed all three of those men and walked away without a single further thought.

Jack would have done the same thing to the two survivors - but it would've messed up Sparkle more, so she left them to the mercies of the penal system.

She was leaving it to Dr. Lecter to make sure the mercies of the penal system were mighty fucking few.

Oh, Hannibal could definitely do that. He smiled back.

"I know. Don't worry; I'll be sure to take care of this."

"Thanks. Knew I could count on you," Jack smiled, "After all, he's one of yours, too."

"He is." Hannibal nodded. "And I will do whatever I can to ensure he is safe."

...I got nothing.

An Excuse for Field Trips, Wednesday 4th period

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Carnaval!

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Once they get back.

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OOC!