Names?
Jacob Rookery Frye.
Evie Desdemona Frye-Green.
You're new around here. So thought we'd take this time to get to know one another.
You sure you want to know? Because I warn you, once that book is open, it is a hard one to close.
What my brother is trying to say is that we are happy to answer your questions. Though we can not guarantee the answers will satisfy.
That's quite all right. They don't need to satisfy. You both can relax. This is an informal space.
Very well.
Your names are very interesting, if you don't mind me saying.
It's what Father chose for us.
Is it? And who is your father?
He is ... ... ... he is... ... ...
Our father always believed in the mission. And he was thorough. You know? A dancer must learn the dance before he dances it. The mission comes first above all else. At least that was how it was before ... ... ...
Before you emerged for the first time? That happened last night, if I am not mistaken? Your names. Your voice. Your mannerisms. Fragmented. Taken from a video game. You, Jacob. The cocky young bisexual in their 20s who acts first, asks questions later, with a strong sense of justice and is willing to do anything to get it... and his twin sister, patient, calculated, diplomatic, focused, a proud wife who knows injustice because their partner is a minority. Most importantly, both with a desire to carry on in daddy's footsteps. Yet you don't know what that is. Because you are part of a System. Those characteristics... desperation to make a father proud. Dedication and determination for justice and making the world a better place and leaving it stronger than the one you were born into... ... ... that is what led to you emerging in the Perpetual Cabaret Players. You are, for want of a better word... initiates. Ha. Just a little joke.
Who are you?
Oh, where are my manners? I am Dr Constantina. But you can call me Circe. If you like?
And him?
David. Posner. Stenographer. He transcribes everything. For prosperity. But if you would rather he didn't, or if you ever want anything redacted during sessions, please just say.
Sessions?
Yes. Sessions. As part of the System, the Players, regular check-ins with myself and my team are important. And encouraged. By the Hecate. The three-in-one. The head honcho. Though, rest assured, they are not mandatory.
The Hecate?
Maiden. Mother. Crone.
Very good, Mrs Frye-Green. Yes. Scarlett Vidal. Ivy Edwards... and myself. Maiden. Mother. Crone.
Funny, you don't look like any crone from the depictions I have seen.
Ah... and what is your understanding of a crone, Mr Frye?
Old. Eccentric. Wise. But untrustworthy and tricky.
Ah. Yes. A rather unflattering, patriarchal dismissal of female aging. Did you know that men have the same process? There's is Youth (or Lad), Warrior, Sage. Ha. Sages are wise and trusted. Crones are a source of anxiety. And as for Warriors... why not Father?...
I wouldn't be opposed to that.
Ah, so I have got you thinking already? Good. Yes, I am far older than I look. I accept being a crone in its entirety. With all the baggage it holds. Plus anything new I create for it. It is my role here to help guide and unlock who each member of the System is. Really is. And allow them to thrive in our little band. Of course, these sessions are intensive and do require a lot of self-reflective work. So only if you are re ...
I'm ready!
Very well. And you, Mrs Frye-Green?
Evie, please, Circe. And I, too, am in. I am not going to bottle it now.
Marvellous. Skeets?
Hi. I am Skeets, the System interface for the Perpetual Cabaret Players. How can I be of assistance?
Please set up regular appointments and check-ins with the Frye twins here.
Affirmative. Setting up appointments now.
Good. Come now, I will have Rouge take you to your new living quarters. Welcome again to the Underground Club, you two.
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