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Chase was a wise man, and Ever just nodded at him for it -- no complaining, no trouble, no urging. He appreciated people who had the wits to steer clear. As he'd said more than once, it was an addiction, not simply a hobby.

He didn't speak, for a bit, just light his cigarette and drew smoke into his lungs, considering what to say and where to poke, what questions to ask. He was here, and he'd had some purpose in mind, but the prospect of a drink made it all melt away some.

"What do you do?" It was as good a question as any, and one anyone could answer.

That got a slow blink out of Ever, a hint of a shudder; he blew smoke back over his shoulder, away from Chase instead of toward him, as he considered his answer.

"God help me, I could refuse." It came out earnest, amused, teasing all at once. Ever shook his head and tapped off ash as he thought about his limited interactions with even the behemoth machines at the public library. Like stepping into a foreign country. "Of course, that's in part because I don't know what it means to be a marketing partner at a...at an electronic company. You sell computers?"

Here was one person who would definitely not ask him for shiny tech, at least.

"Oh, I used to do something kind of like that." Except the product in question had been himself, and it had been more toward 'free' than 'for sale'; there was a glint in Ever's eyes that was amused, and mocking, and made it clear he wasn't telling the whole story there. He tapped off his cigarette in an absent way, watching the ash fall as he walked.

"Never had much of a real job, though, so it's hard for me to wrap my mind around. I guess I should get one, now. Being in the...the section I am, it's useful to have a place in society, instead of just drifting around." But he shrugged. He didn't want to think about it, not really.

Up ahead, there was a bar; the place Chase had intended or not, at least they could get drinks there.

"I put my hat in the company pool, so we'll see what comes of that first." He raised his eyebrows as he slid past Chase, taking the place in from the doorway before beelining it to an open table. The site was a rarity to Ever, who tended toward the kind of crowded place where people stood or sat with their elbows bumping. Maybe Chase would find it more commonplace, and the speed with which he nabbed it surprising.

He'd have to catch up. By the time he did, Ever was sitting with his legs sprawled out, looking the place over for real. "...fortunately, I have the company to lean on. And Zed, I guess."

"The General-King." It was easy enough, amused by the secrecy and the concern. He, at least, wasn't worried about being overheard -- not with things as loud in here as they were. Ever raised a hand, absently, in search of someone to come take drink orders. He wanted alcohol, and quick.

"And don't tell me there's more than one, I know, I know, but he's mine, so." His eyes flicked back to Chase and he shrugged. "I don't need that line again."

"Zed recruited him." How else? How had Ever known anyone until recent changes? He made a little sound, thinking about that. Making the effort now was, at least, some progress. It made him feel useful again. In a way.

Fingertips strummed against the table as the server approached, and Ever drew her in. He wanted vodka, and a lot of it, but that didn't mean much. He pretty much always wanted vodka and a lot of it. He ordered with a flash of a grin up at her, just a bit flirty.

"Yep." Except, the second it was out, Ever paused -- blinking at Chase and coming more into focus. It was an odd question, and one that made him think, head tipped to the side. Think. Smile, raise both eyebrows.

"Why? Were you expecting something else?" It was easily dry and joking, goading, but beneath...well. It was kind of the question of someone hiding something.

"Ah, well. That's kind of against the rules." His mouth quirked as he said it, though, less upset and more amused -- technically enforcing the rules, but in an easy going sort of way. It was different from most Generals, probably. He didn't think it was a bad thing, though: more flies with honey, and all that.

"Get your quota up, though, and no one will come to kick your a**." He drank -- and drank quickly, perhaps surprising, not relishing the drink, just trying to get the alcohol into his system.