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>What is it?
/u/ put their goggles on tight enough that they started shipping personifications of chemical elements, metals in particular. We started from the nuclear family of a Gold/Silver couple and their daughter Copper and have been slowly expanding out. Done with a mixture involving some amounts of science and additional amounts of "this would be cute" when it comes to establishing an element or couple. The threads have a basic idea (or more) for all the elements and are now working on expanding relationships, relationship histories, physical descriptions, and other personal elements for the lesser-known elements.
We’ve reached a point where we can begin to discuss more about the events of the immediate future i.e., year 1, 2, and 3. Suggestions and discussion topics are welcome.

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>Collected Works
https://archiveofourown.org/works/8500270/chapters/119442073
https://archiveofourown.org/works/5253113/chapters/123611935

>Charts
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r-9lPzjj56iUCE8d9F6gfaes6ipOD5W0XLsjYZDGUw4/edit#gid=0 – Hair, height, misc bits and birthdays. Now includes musical acts!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UwL-GRvAG4s8n8b03ynoSDVvO76WXfkD?usp=share_link- Relationship charts

>Topics of discussion
Does Silica provide the parts that Posi works with?
Who are Posi's Friends?
Where does Lutetia work?

>>4265315
>didn't update the fics
>no sages
Almost there.
Speaking of; from the last thread
>https://archiveofourown.org/works/6683338/chapters/133358308

>>4265317
Sorry. Amateur mistake.

>>4265318
It's understandable. I'm fucking wiped as is.
>>4265315
>where does Lutetium
Technically her main employer would be the Argon estate with her doing part-time or contract work for Silice

>>4265315
So far, for Posi, her circle would look something like:
>Friends
Hydrogen
Argon
Germanium
Lutetium
>Acquaintances
Silicon
Europium
Corium
Muonium (for now)

Lithium is another possible option, on a similar basis to Silicon. Contract work, research, specialized parts, something in that vein. Positronium can also bond with the halogens, but there's a little less ground there to build off of there considering how distant from the city Posi has tended to be.

Do we know how Cobalt and Chromium met?

>>4267439
High school wasn't it?
>>4265686
Looks good. As for the halogen stuff, we could say she's an alumni/senpai/whatever though that'd just be more an accolade than history I think.

>>4267484
>High school wasn't it?
Looking at their ages at the time I'd say it was a bit later than that. Cobalt's profile specifies that it was during her apprenticeship, but not the specifics beyond that. Presumably Chromium was also just getting started with her career, so it could easily go one of two ways: Chromium window shopping or Cobalt's car needing repair. Unless it was something else entirely!

>halogens
That works nicely. If we really wanted to stress a connection she could've been a member of the same sorority (before the rest attended).

>>4267537
>CoCr
Perhaps both for them, after all it was a whirlwind romance iirc. So Cobalt gets her car fixed, flirts with the mechanic, and then like a week or two later Chromium's window shopping and Cobalt picks up the flirting. Does some line about giving a piece away as a gift for the car help and because a beautiful girl deserves beautiful accessories. Bit of a back and forth before Chromium suggests going out for dinner, it'll give her an excuse to wear the new piece she bought

>>4267602
>Cobalt trying not to flirt with her customers challenge
"I bet you say that to all the girls," says Chromium. "Yes, that's true," replies Cobalt.

>>4267606
Exactly. It just comes so naturally to them, how could Cobalt not fall in love?

>>4267637
She was probably relieved to finally be dating somebody who wasn't planning on joining the military. Which is, you know, fair.

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Yo thread, the /u/ virtual divegrass tournament will be taking place sometime in the remainder of the year, and I want to sign up a team to represent the thread, but I can't decide which one of these 3:

/metallurgy/ - Formely Al's team that Au has now monopolized (who could have seen this coming) also featuring Co, Bi and Fe
/alloys/ - with all the metal sproglets, spearheaded by Ellie, Irodos and Alnico
/gynois/ - the team with Ura and all the robutts

>>4267484
>High school wasn't it?
High School Co was too busy making Al bite the pillow

>>4268538
Can't go wrong with the original! Although the gynoids could be a fun change of pace.

>>4268538
/U/League is really happening?

>>4269941
Only needs a streamer but it's actively being planned (also it's the second edition, /gynoids/ competed in the first but didn't really achieve much)

>>4270024
In that case, the main team would be a nice choice.

Wait a second...

>Tungsten
>Aluminum
>Chromium

Based on those three, you might think Cobalt has a type. Some combination of slightly older, cool and/or a hotshot, mechanically inclined, could probably pick her up and carry her, etc. But then you have Platinum throwing a wrench into all that...until you remember what her future career is going to be. So, turns out Cobalt might have a type after all: women who are into cars (or, in Tungsten's case, motorcycles).

>>4270922
Co needs someone that can take care of her intake manifold

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>>4271653

What's Mercury up to during y0 again? Visiting the city for some downtime and the like?
>>4270922
The mystery's been solved.

>>4278722
She is, and probably has been for some time. Dating Chlorine has probably cut down on the amount she's spent in the countryside. Maybe a few weekends here and there. Come to think of it, taking her girlfriend out on a little excursion next time there's a significant astrological event wouldn't be a bad idea for a date. You can't get much more romantic than that, at least not by Mercury's standards.

Consider...Metall/u/rgy Roaring 20s AU.

>Flapper Gold singing at Krypton's nightclub
>Tin's band performing behind her on stage
>Ada, the hired muscle standing watch at the door
>Mob boss Polonium, who controls all the bootlegging in the city, at her private table
>Nervous bookkeeper Copper unwittingly getting herself wrapped up in their schemes

>>4281219
Sounds interesting. Who'd be the possibly corrupt Mayor that's rumored to be seen at the club?

>>4281621
It'd still have to be Praseodymium, I'd imagine. Maintaining all sorts of connections is just good business on her part, even if they aren't the type you'd tend to talk about in polite company.

Not to mention...
>Rhenium getting a tune up from Chromium before her street race with Cromoly
>Uranium's gang planning their next bank heist
>Investigative reporter Indium trying to get her next big scoop (watch out, Prase)

>>4281670
I like the others. I'm kind of neutral on Prase. Consider business tycoon Prase that knows her nascent empire is built on cards doing her best to lay a firm foundation via other ventures people catch onto the con.

>>4281679
Maybe somebody like Silicon could be the totally not corrupt mayor, then? Meanwhile, Radium is delving into dadaism and Aluminum is basking in the success of breaking another record in her latest flight.

>>4281687
Silicon's a fun choice along with the forgetable woman that serves as her right hand. She could be the life of the party, the belle of the ball and all that. Who's the would-be detective if Ada's a bouncer?

>>4281703
Tungsten, I think, would make a good private eye. Getting involved in cases she shouldn't all because she never learned how to say no to a pretty face. Working both in and outside of the law, depending on who's paying. Not afraid to throw a punch or two if the job calls for it.

>>4281711
Could go by Wolfram even. Argon being a veteran smuggler in cahoots with Krypton and Polonium, playing in the big leagues since she's a supplier to both of them.

>>4281716
Disguising her shipments as antiquities was a stroke of genius on the part of Argon. Of course, Polonium normally keeps Wolfram well paid not to stick her nose in their business, an arrangement which both women find agreeable.

>>4281718
Good connections. Now you got my attention. Who could normally be found dining with or in the presence of Boss Po and/or Mayor Silice on a normal night?

>>4281733
Everyone from judges to business tycoons. Lead, Bismuth, Zinc and Chromoly, to name just a few. Polonium is an enigmatic figure, and can be seen most nights with a young lady named Thallium on her arm, though the precise nature of their relationship remains the source of much rumor.

Let's see...
>Phosphorus and Sulfur, the criminal duo with a penchant for starting fires
>Up and coming boxer Titanium and her coach Vanadium
>Bismuth holding a séance at her lavishly geometric art deco estate
>Sticky-fingered pickpocket Stellite
>Holmium's still a bartender though

>>4282532
What about Thulium?

>>4282537
Thulium? Hmm. I could see her working as Chromium's assistant, but that might not be very interesting.

>>4282537
Actually, looking at some of thulium's uses, what if she was a counterfeiter?

>>4282590
Interesting especially if she's the older sister and/or aged up. Perhaps trying to keep Holmium out of trouble. An odd connection to Polonium, Uranium, and Phosphorous. I did just get struck by an idea too.
Loan shark Thulium

>>4282671
That could very well be the case, assuming they're still related at all. Makes me wonder what place Erbium might have in all this.
>spoiler
I'd almost want to suggest Lead for that, come to think of it.

>>4282674
I feel like Erbium and her sisters could maybe be roped in with the more criminal elements OR they're running the orphanage the kids reside in. I'm kind of quite partial with the idea of the four sisters being the four matrons of the Arrhenius House. Might be suggesting something that's too out of scope but it'd be a nice, well I guess, inversion of the sisters.
Loan Shark Lead sounds interesting, how'd that work? I thought she'd for sure be the tram/train master considering the time and her tastes

>>4282681
Oh! That's a great idea. Collects some of the disparate characters that might not have been otherwise. All the while Thulium could be courting Erbium, while feeling conflicted about keeping her criminal activity a secret from her.
>Lead
Partially because it's, like you said about the sisters, an inversion of her normal character, and partially because the image of Lead and her goons shaking someone down is too amusing to pass up. The train thing isn't a bad idea, of course, but this way she'd be a little more in tune with the rest of the cast so far. Also, for what it's worth, I have some thoughts on a different interpretation of a historical incarnation of Lead involving trains that's in a different context than this AU.

>>4282780
>feeling conflicted about her criminal activity
All things considered, I bet that Erbium's having a laugh whenever she's talking to Thulia and sees one of the kids wander past. Arrhenius House isn't infamous for nothing.
>Lead
The image of Lead having goons is very funny, although I suppose that might explain where Silver has hidden.

>>4283023
They've been hanging out with Stellite, haven't they?
>Silver
Perhaps so, which is a good thing because I honestly haven't been quite sure where to take Silver with all this.

>>4283034
Well I mean the greater implication is more damning than associating with a kid possibly named Finger(s). Even if it could be self-appointed.
>Silver
How involved you wanna get with her? Cause, and this is more of an idea for the overall themes, she could be a member of the "Family" visiting from the old country which I suppose is another thing that could be stressed. Whether the elements are immigrants or not. Fresh off the boat or otherwise in the case of the kids at the Arrhenius House.

>>4283039
That bad, huh? Somebody should warn Thulium.
>Silver
I've toyed around with the thought of some characters, such as Iron, vaguely being new arrivals to the city, so it's definitely a possibility. In the case of Silver, it's almost a problem of there being too many tempting options on the table.

>>4283042
Primae bless her, Thulia tries her best.
>Silver
Well far be it from mean to lean too heavily but I do feel like her plain looks and quiet demeanor would lend itself to that. She's the tired pencil pusher that came in from outta state. She's had a tiring day and all that she wants is to get out of the evening heat, relax, maybe have a drink and catch a song from a lovely singer. The lounge/club being nearby is just happen stance for her. Not that weird, especially since this is after that great war and it shook all kinds of people loose

>>4283050
Erbium'll need to tell her sisters to go easy on the poor girl.
>Silver
My initial instinct was for her to be some sort of businesswoman, respectable if maybe not a little gullible, but leaning into her more understated qualities could be interesting.

>>4283055
I don't think it'll move Yttrium any though. The stern old governess hasn't much sympathy these days.
>Silver
True it's why I think it'd be an interesting angle for her. That and pushing to the front that silver is, still, relatively the financier metal compared to the more opulent gold. I think, personally, she'd prefer if all her trips are uneventful. Maybe something with current events has exacerbated her exhaustion and it seeps deeper into her bones every day. Maybe she chats up Copper some nights over similar vocations.

>>4283062
She just needs someone to melt her cold exterior, right? Right? Or maybe that's what caused the problem in the first place.
>Silver
Aha, now it's all starting to click. Her being a financier is the perfect angle to work from, and explains why she might prefer to stay mostly in the background. She might even see a little of her younger self in Copper, albeit a slight more neurotic version. Sounds like she really needed that drink.

>>4283069
Perhaps both or some other events that hardened an already stoic lady.
>Silver
Not to mention all the doors it'd open, narratively, cause technology doesn't have instant communication just yet. Gotta be there in person to make sure things are being ran where it's desired and all that. That's on top of the people she's meeting being arrogant. Thinking they could pull a fast one on her or that she's easy to turn away.

>>4283088
Someone has to keep those kids in line, after all.
>Silver
Naturally, they always end up underestimating her. Can you really blame them? In light of this information it stands to reason that her and Lead would have a rather comfortable working relationship.

Who would be the best option for a notorious cat burglar? It's gotta be Cobalt, right?

>>4284466
In actual practical terms or character wise?
I wouldn't know about the former, probably some common metal alloy mix or a type of steel. The latter, my first thought was Zinc then it shifted to Iron. I'm liking Zinc better though

>>4284471
In general, but speaking mostly to characterization. Hmmm. I was initially leaning towards Cobalt over Zinc or Iron, but thinking about it more, is there possibly room for both? Cobalt would be the classier, sneakier type of thief, the kind who steals for the thrill of the hunt, whereas Iron would be is much less subtle in her methods, smashing windows and the like. Cobalt enjoys the finer things in life, but for Iron it's just a job. Either that, or Cobalt is some sort of art dealer who trades in stolen goods. Zinc I'd pegged as still being an architect, on account of someone needing to design all those fancy new skyscrapers.

>>4284478
>fine arts dealer
Cobalt being a fence and/or pawnshop owner seems reasonable enough. Gives her just enough distance to luxuriate in the finer things while enjoying fruits of a poisonous tree and system.
>Iron and Zinc
My initially thinking for Zinc was because of her architectural association. She'd have access to blueprints, making her a city clerk or architectural firm employee, would give her the means and all she'd need is motivation. Considering the rampant corruption the era came from, and some that's still lingering, she could very easily be disgruntled enough to do solo jobs if she felt so inclined. She would also possibly have access to events depending on her position.
Iron's a tougher sell yeah. I had some thought about her being Steel's disillusioned daughter, which I think lends itself to making Steel more interesting considering how it was framed as the Metal of the Modern Age. If anyone would be a tycoon rapidly rising in the era, I think it'd be Steel. In any case I'm not sure about Iron, I'm more sold on Zinc being the cat burglar for the reasons I gave

>>4284481
You make a convincing argument. Under the circumstances, Iron and Zinc could easily have a loose sort of agreement where Zinc provides her with the inside knowledge and Iron executes the job. Regardless of what ends up happening with Iron in regards to her potential thievery, I like your line of thinking about Steel. Swapping their roles like that makes a lot of sense, and could possibly be what's driven Iron to these circumstances.

>>4284483
>Iron
I kind of have two trains of thought regarding her. More to stress her ubiquitous nature than anything concrete.
>Steel connection
One is making her Steel's bastard daughter. With who? Who knows, but Steel sees enough of herself in the kid to take her in under the guise of hiring Iron on as a gopher/apprentice fixer/plot position that Iron's simmering resentment is understandable.
>Disconnected Iron
The other idea would be some kind of information broker who's somehow got a finger in every pie in the city. May butt heads with Boss Po, but who doesn't? Iron knows to be non-threatening enough if she wants to keep her cash flow steady and any sort of arms race is ultimately money in her pocket since both sides readily come to her. Maybe a mayoral aid or alderman to the city, she's involved in local politics naturally. Some yellow journalists may have dug up a connection between Iron and Silicon but nothing could stick aside from being sued for libel. Their further absence from the political venues that Silicon's involved with is rather pointedly ignored along with the company being bought out following Silicon's victory.

>>4284487
Between those two I think I'm leaning more towards the former. It's a slightly more unique setup, and plays off the circumstances of the real Steel and Iron in a way you couldn't with another group of characters. If anything, Cabon might be a good fit for the second concept.

>>4284493
*Carbon

>>4284493
Fair enough and I like the way you think. Carbon being one of the shadows lingering over the city is an interesting move for her.
I do have a suggestion that's more mundane: Neon essentially being the head of the energy department back then. Cause of the neon signs naturally

>>4284495
I've been wondering what sort of archetype Carbon would be best suited for, and this solves that elegantly. There isn't much that happens that Carbon doesn't know about, not in this city.
>Neon
See, I was thinking that she could be some kind of promoter, the kind of fast-talking figure who promises to make her clients famous. Puts her into contact with a large amount of people that way, as befitting the whole "showbusiness" neon sign angle.

>>4284497
I suppose that sets up the question of: who knows about Carbon's reach? I'm sure Silicon and Po might have some idea but would Tungsten know? Krypton? The foibles of being a minor local celebrity I suppose
>Neon
That is more fitting, yeah. Sounds like a more general advertising agent than someone manager or part of a firm that might have Krypton as a client.

>>4284505
Tungsten would probably have some inklings of her influence, but no real tangible proof. Just whispers and her own observations. It's not too surprising, after all, that a bigwig like Carbon would have a lot of friends in high places, and people like to talk. It's just a matter of getting the right people to talk for the right price, something Carbon knows all too well.
>Neon
She's a regular sight around Krypton's, and she's always trying convince someone that she'll make them the next big thing. Titanium is probably a client of hers, for example.

>>4284506
So what's Lithium doing in all of this? I'd imagine a interesting, if obvious, inversion would be Lith as the young heir while her more 'obscure' relatives are critical aunties that she has to put up with.
I did also want to ask about Molybdenum since Loan Shark Lead was talked about previously. Namely if she still worked with Lead or was perhaps working with either Cromoly or Chromium

>>4284597
I've been wondering the same thing! To keep the theme going, this version of Lithium might be looking to modernize the family enterprise, much to the chagrin of her many, more traditional, aunts. Assuming, that is, there still is one. Molybdenum is an interesting challenge. While it would be continue to be amusing to have her work for Lead, it couldn't hurt to explore the other options on the table.

>>4284613
Well considering the timing of the era, and her lineage, she could be working to be stabilizing her family's zaibatsu following the aftermath of the great war. Would somewhat explain why the old hens cluck so fiercely though I worry about Sodium and Potassium in such an inversion.
As for Moly; looking to the metal's history, it saw use during the great war in armor plating and as a tungsten substitute. Could maybe take inspirations from that either as her being a war profiteer that made her fortune during the conflict or as perhaps one of the higher ranked people in the war. Say captain of an armored division. Tungsten might know her if they trained together at the same bootcamp before Moly got shipped off to the armory

>>4284627
I suppose there's no reason that Sodium and Potassium necessarily have to be involved with whatever Lithium is doing, but that does still leave them a relative blank. One of the archetypes that's still up for grabs is the young woman looking to break into the burgeoning film industry; Sodium wouldn't be an inappropriate choice for that role. Would put her in contact with Neon, undoubtedly, and she'd currently be making ends meet by working at various restaurants.
>Molybdenum
I'm sold.

>>4284635
I like NaK possibly having some distance. If you'll humor a what if: K's running a semi-successful garden store with N as some degree of a business partner. Na's her young adult daughter that has dreams of stardom. Maybe, probably, first or second generation immigrants. Implication is that K's immigrated with the intent of expanding the Zaibatsu's reach/business and it didn't quite work out that well but hey K at least owns her family's store. N's a special case. Na doesn't quite realize her dreams of stardom, either from being a radio drama star or those new fangled silent movies, are probably going to be strangled by her family's shop unless something changes.
Que Lithium immigrating, expecting to see one of her more amicable aunts(K's mom), only to discover K in her place and the family shop. N's a little shady with how she's involved, particularly where she got the money to be a silent partner, but she seems like a decent person over all. Plus K remembers how hospitable Nitro was to her and her family when things were first being set up. Maybe also having some seeds for a potential LiK cousin romance.
>Moly
Which one though? Cause profiteer Moly is pretty unscrupulous while tank commander Moly has angst potential considering the war

>>4284650
I think you've got something here. And this'd be the same business Lithium is wanting to expand? I can see some potential clashes on the horizon between Lithium and Nitrogen if that's the case, or in either event really. Lithium wouldn't trust her intentions, or see the positive qualities in her that Potassium might.
>Moly
Maybe a combination of both? She's a veteran of the war who's moved into the business side of things in her civilian life, and probably keeping with the unscrupulous characterization in doing so. You know, the type who'd like to reminisce about the good old days. Once you get her started, she never quits - that kind of type.

>>4284655
It'd be a decent base of operations for Lithium if nothing else. Depending on how you feel on it, the clashes between Nitrogen and Lithium wouldn't really be business related at the heart of it. Lithium ultimately wants assurances that Nitro keeps to being the *silent* partner she set out to be. No need to involve herself in the business and her purchases of fertilizer could be for anything in Lithium's mind. Nitro, meanwhile, wants to keep access that being a silent partner affords her. After all she's got other interests than the middling profits of K's shop. Interests that'll be much more material in the coming months if her friends come through.
>Moly
If she's a somewhat high position in the division, she certainly could make some things disappear that she could sell elsewhere. The fact that she has to leave her wartorn home afterwards to escape something untoward is for the better. The city, and country, are where dreams are made of and she just got through a war fighting for them. It's about time she lives one

>>4284695
That's precisely what I was thinking. Lithium may be looking to expand the family business, but she still has her pride. And from the sound of, her concern might not be entirely misplaced either. Someone has to look out for Potassium's best interests.
>Moly
That could put her into contact with Lead, Uranium, and possibly Polonium depending on how much extra merchandise she's willing to part with. She's a legitimate businesswoman, you see, but if the price is right...maybe a few pieces of inventory mysteriously go missing from time to time.

>>4284696
Nitro does to an extend, though I imagine the stress of the city doubles every fortnight for her. Perhaps she wants to get out ultimately and that means material means and drastic measures for her fugue.
>Moly
Oh she would've sold most of it before came to the city although those certainly would be people keeping an eye out for her. Ura might not have a solid reason to yet, but someone that could supply guns is always appreciated. Lead would likely side-eye her, making sure she's not trying to muscle in on anything while Po might keep a passive eye on her. To see if she's truly as retired as she claims. Cobalt, on the other hand, might be interest in what she's arriving with.

>>4284701
So, she thinks she can make a clean break? She certainly wouldn't be the first to try. The big city has a funny way of derailing those plans.
>Moly
Ah, I figured that she would currently be in the manufacturing business and selling to the gangs on the side for a quick profit. Either way works, and she can still get her hands on those kind of specialty items.

>>4284707
She definitely wants to try. The big city and perhaps some of her friends.
>Moly
I mean it could be both. I was thinking more she's freshly arrived and any of her criminal past is more strictly in the 'old country' and during the war. Doesn't mean she's afraid of a fight, but you know, she's looking to settle. Maybe take in the sight for a couple months. Get a feel for things, and resist the allure of stepping back into a world she went into purely to survive the war.
All of these together: it has made me wonder about Uranium. She kind of a John Dillinger to Po's scarface?

>>4284714
Is that so? Trouble does have a tendency to strike where you'd least expect it. Maybe she could use a little more of Lithium's skepticism.
>Uranium
That's more or less the idea. Her gang would consist of Neptunium, Plutonium, and Thorium. Before this conversation I would have considered Molybdenum for the getaway driver, but things worked out better this way (if anything, I'd make her even more shameless about her desire to profit off of other's conflicts). But back to Uranium: they'd be employing the cutting edge of technology into their heists, as Uranium is still something of a tinkerer.

>>4284715
I see I see. I suppose I should just quite the coy words and say, I was building up to Nitro being part of Ura's crew. The bomb maker for the vaults and other things when it requires they go loud. Unfortunately she's getting on in years, and all the new fangled tech is exhausting her. Perhaps that's better suited for a Bonnie and Clyde type situation.
As for Moly, it sounds like she'll have another set of eyes watching her. A set remarkably close to home, which she'd probably find impressive considering she's living a pretty ritzy apartment in a Steel owned building.

>>4284717
That could work! Or, failing that, her own bespoke situation. There's always Phosphorus and Sulfur, but they tend to work alone. In general there's still a healthy variety of undecided characters to work with. Could be that her job here (or in the past) was merely supplying the raw materials for Uranium to work with. She likes to stay in the background, after all.
>Moly
Heh, maybe she should hire Tungsten to sniff them out.

>>4284718
Definitely a possibility and very true. Nitrogen works best when she's doing busy work. Lithium's gonna put her head in her hands once she learns Nitro's close to the same age as the various aunts that harass her about progress. At least she better knows how to deal with her now.
>Moly
Would be an interesting move, although she can't prove anything beyond besides a sinking feeling when she gets in late. Tungsten is also probably not that happy to see her if Moly visits. In spire of the easy work she gives her.

>>4284723
No wonder Lithium was so wary about her.
>Moly
That's not too surprising, considering their history. They may be old acquaintances, but Tungsten never liked the way Moly carried herself. No, she wouldn't have been too fond of her at all, but work is work. Someone out there seems to have taken an interest in her, however.

Word on the street is that Molybdenum was seen leaving Krypton's last night after a clandestine meeting with none other than Polonium. Officer Lawrencium declines to comment.

>>4287151
That would probably be the simplest solution to the gynoids in that scenario. Just making them people and what not.

>>4287330
A fun idea, not least of all because it gives them some room to stretch their legs conceptually. For example, maybe Americium is busy organizing a labor strike, and Nobelium could be a well-known philanthropist.

Actually, scratch that, Indium would be the breathlessly brisk newscaster everyone tunes their radios to for the latest accounts and Neodymium would be the investigative reporter hitting the streets to find 'em.

>>4297294
Could make Neo a yellow journalist or even a muckraker if it came down to it. Perhaps that's what Prase's nascent business empire is: that newfangled thing called Media. Groundwork done through newspapers and she's trying to branch out into radio but recent newpaper stuff is making it look shaky so she's trying to land a golden goose before things go under.

>>4297333
Hey, she's just going where the leads are! Of course, the juicier the story, the bigger the payout. All of which is to say, this would continue to give Prase the incentive to keep rubbing shoulders with the other big names in the city and foster those connections. For example, Steel might make it worth her while to put out a few headlines in her favor against Americium.

>>4297351
Of course and if she just happens to gain access to the upper echelons it's all the better. To deliver news of course. I suppose that could be another angle to Prase's problems either expansion in new technology or she's trying to push for national recognition since she's dominating the (tri-)state area she lives in.
As for Americium, how genuine you feel regarding the labor union? Cause it could go in the manner of the teamsters, OR, it could still be genuine but more cutthroat since the corporations are willing to mimic war-like states for laborers. Could be an interesting connection to a recently arrived Molybdenum if we wanna look at the "retired" arms trafficker angle again.

>>4297377
That's probably the fine line Americium has to walk. Things haven't gotten that bad - not yet at least, but it's happened before and she'd be wary of that fact. Molybdenum could even be the one reaching out to her initially with the same idea in mind, which only highlights the precarious position she's is in. Certainly, she's willing to fight for what she believes in, but (tentatively) she hopes it won't have to come to that.

>>4297381
In that case maybe she's preparing via drills in the countryside away from prying eyes to help her people prepare. It did also just occur to me that if Americium is human, then she's probably huge. On the level of Adamant, but more of a brickhouse. Maybe they know each other

>>4308357
Ada could've been a former coworker of Americium's before her current line of work, and someone who is still sympathetic to her cause. Maybe she's the one who put Molybdenum into contact with her in the first place. Working at Krypton's tends to give one a pretty decent grasp of all the dealings that go on in the city.

You know who could fit comfortably into the role of information broker in lieu of Iron? Hydrogen. I was debating her placement in all this, and that provides an answer to the question nicely.

>>4313321
In lieu of Carbon being the puppeteer or do you mean a more visible broker?

>>4313478
Oh, duh! Completely slipped my mind that Carbon had already been picked for that role. Hmmm. I'd like to give Hydrogen a more active role here than she normally has, and this is a good opportunity for something with a distinct contrast to her regular characterization. Carbon, meanwhile, has a little more flexibility in what her archetypes she might explore. Does that make sense?

>>4313613
Definitely. Oh idea and it'd keep her active but give her some distance. What if she was a bookie? A well known and respected bookie. Hydrogen that is.

>>4313627
I think you're on to something here. To be honest, I could also see Carbon in that role too, it just depends on which traits we'd like to emphazise in either of them.

>>4313644
I like Carbon as the top level broker and as the whispered about figure in the underworld. She might let things grow on their own most time but she's not above giving the city's growth a 'gentle' nudge every so often.
Hydrogen being a book, one trusted by Po and possibly Carbon, could make her queen of middle management by keeping things flowing. Every vice in the city passes threw her hands in some manner, giving the underworld and 'civilized' society the foundation they need to peruse their wants. She could style herself as a banker or financial consultant if such a thing makes sense at the time. Perhaps she's a point of contact for Silver when she's in town. Being business peers and all

>>4313654
I'm convinced! Somebody needs to make sure all the bets on those races Rhenium keeps having go smoothly, and gambling dens don't run themselves. With the amount of money she generates, Silicon is another potential point of contact.

>>4313658
Don't forget the pugilist matches. Big money there.

>>4313668
Vanadium might not think it's in the spirit of the sport, but she can't argue with the crowds. Neon, meanwhile, thinks that any attention is good attention.

>>4313673
It's also not like Vanadium might not have connections to the world of pit fighting. More legitimate fights though are better on her heart

>>4313716
Titanium never did ask how Vanadium learned everything she knows...or who those shady characters are who occasionally show up to see her.

In other news, renowned mountaineer Oxygen has recently returned to the city after her much publicized expedition. Rumor has it she's already planning her next.

In this roaring AU, I wonder how active Mercury is. Would she be fitting as a Tesla equivalent that's particularly jaded from the Great War and is spiraling into a wasting depression or did it activate spite and might've revitalized her? Perhaps locally known as the weird scientist down near the docks if so.

>>4324396
Easy to see the appeal in the (mad) scientist route. Where better than the fringes of society to conduct your experiments? Could say that Stellite and some of the other local miscreants like to hang out there too.

>>4324468
Furious scientist might be more apt if Mercury goes in that direction. All they had to do was listen! Couldn't even fucking do that over their own egotistical legacies!!
Perhaps someone Carbon wants to keep an eye on, at least while she's in her city. Hydrogen likely is more aggrieved by Hydra than Carbon. Whether it's because of the money she likely moves or the ridiculous bets, who can say. Hydro does her best, really, but trying to parse why Hydra's placing these bets drives her up the wall. Especially with how pendulous her luck seems to be. She'll have non-stop wins for a week 'n' a half and then it just disappears. No one is that exact?! Stell and some scamps hanging around is a good bit, along with the possible fleet of dock workers she likely employs to haul, set up, and move stuff. Might be unintentionally funding a good portion of Americium's efforts with said fleet and her scruple-less nature in regard to her hiring practices. Hydra's also not above using Stell and her little gang of guttersnipes as couriers or cat's-paws. The spite and fury definitely revitalized her but she has forgotten how much work is involved when starting over. Gotta make connections, plant roots, rub shoulders, it's so tiring but she can't stop

>>4324540
Sounds like she wouldn't be above selling some of her odds and ends to someone in, say, Uranium's group. What they do with those afterwards is none of her concern! Albeit, that might run counter to her reputation as a recluse, and past failures would almost certainly make her wary about sharing her work with others. Besides, they'd hardly be able to comprehend her genius. Takes someone more astute like Carbon to see through that façade, where others would simply write her off as a madwoman.

>>4324544
Perhaps not or more like the parts to parts that Uranium might want. Either way it's something that would might require Ura cornering the woman if she's still running on fury when they establish their partnership. Ah, corner as in getting Hydra to sit down and talk despite the guns being present.
Would she be an actual recluse or, like, aware that she has that reputation in socialite circles? She's a woman of science that likely rubbed shoulders company presidents, government officials, and nobility of the old country. She might find it refreshing to work with the lower class since they're so up front and honest. Who can say. You're right about Carbon though and the consternation Hydrogen suffers at Hydra's hands might tickle Carbon pink during one evening. I wonder if Silver would catch wind of Hydra's new residence during one of her visits. If they even know each other that is.

>>4324552
So they're after the parts for their own uses, not her expertise; makes sense. Uranium would likely not fully trust the handiwork of anyone save for herself in the first place, not when it comes to her line of work anyway.
>reputation in socialite circles
That life, her past, would largely be something she felt she's turned her back on. Or at least that's the impression her current lifestyle would suggest. She might be marginally aware that her name still continues to occasionally crop up as something of an oddity in high society, but would probably deem the petty views of those who spurned her as beneath her concern. Although, in her eyes, she's only just one invention away from proving them all wrong.
It's good to know that Carbon still has a sense of humor, at least.
>Silver
There's a good chance she might, but perhaps in her previous capacity as a public figure. She might be more surprised to learn about her current whereabouts.

>>4324560
Trust yeah and possible paranoia depending on how much of a veteran criminal Ura is. Ura's probably grateful, when she visits, to see that Hydra's naturally filtering out people that could serve as would-be lieutenants for her should things get to that point. Hydra is just baffled at the implication as Ura shrugs as if passing off a joke. Hard to ignore when one of the more memorable dock workers under Hydra's employ might have glowing eyes
>one invention away
Well an invention and demonstration. Gotta make them understand after all. Besides Carbon has to have her fun in some manner, things get sooo mundane as the years add up.
>Silver
The public figure angle might be more apt. Could be a case of Silver knowing of her where as Hydra has no idea who Silver is but she knows what organization Silver represents. And while she might've been cordial but distance before, her anger now has her wanting to maybe see if they can't benefit each other.

>>4324578
Why, Uranium would attribute half of her success to paranoia! And there's plenty more where that came from to go around these days. Most of them, Uranium's gang and the common workers, that is, would simply view Mercury as a local crackpot. That level of scrutiny serves Uranium's purposes nicely.
>invention and demonstration
Oh, that part? Mercury waves her hand dismissively. A little bit of fanfare and they'll be eating out of her hand once again. Or at least that's what she thinks. They did before, so why shouldn't they again? All she needs is a little more time to tinker...
>Silver
Mercury might need some convincing, but it also depends on how desperate she might end up being. After all, she has no doubt that she can succeed on the strength of her own intelligence. But if that should fail?

>>4324581
Ooh yeah I would have to imagine if Ura tried such a thing Americium would come down very hard. Which kind of makes for a funny image. Thori trying to be Ura's big ol' bruiser of a right hand-slash-bouncer and just getting thrown through a window of the warehouse office Ura's in. Seconds later the brickhouse that is Americium steps in, brushes shrapnel off the couch, and sits down while saying something about how she's been trying to reach Ura. They have something to talk about and she's sorry about the window. The beanpole didn't know when to quit.
>Silver and Hydra's aims
The demonstration, especially a private one, is such an important part. The hoops that Hydra has to jump through to get one with some people is exhausting though it almost makes her wish for a catastrophe to strike during her exhibitions. Might make things easy if tragedy struck during them.
Getting into contact with Silver, along with her organization, would be more for the access it could get Hydra although your right. One could never have enough protection, either financially or physically. Maybe Hydra should take that interested dock worker under her wing, could be her personal driver or some such. In any case, Silver's the hesitant one between the two of them cause she knows Hydra's good for it, but would the possible heat and attention backing Hydra bring be worth it?

>>4324591
Honestly, it's Thorium's ego more than anything else that would take a bruising in an event like that. Cuts and scratches might heal, but the types of grudges a woman like that holds take longer to fade. Uranium likes that in a subordinate.
>take that interested dock worker under her wing
They must be something else if they're caught her eye, of all people.

>>4324593
I wonder what'd cause the most bruising. The fact that Americium picked her up like a sack of potatoes or getting thrown through the window knocked her out completely.
>Hydra
They have a certain energy about 'em, that Mercury finds fascinating. Not to mention the genuine interest they show in the experiment(s). This did bring up another facet of Mercury in my mind: would she dislike being called Hydrargyrum in this AU? Largely from whatever kind of not-disgrace or issues she suffered, and the interest the name draws even years decades later.

>>4324605
Annoyance? The former. Embarrassment? Very much the latter. If anyone else in the gang so much as looked at her funny after that she'd give them a glare that would remind them why she's the #2 around there.
>Hydrargyrum
A pseudonym for her little dockside workshop might be just the ticket she needs to get some privacy, and might further explain Silver's initial troubles tracking her down. At any rate, this particular person of interest hanging around would have no idea of her identity further than that of a local eccentric. Depending on who they are, they might not even know about her previous accomplishments either, which (perhaps?) suits Hydra just fine.

>>4324607
Oh yeah that'll sting, I'm sure the way Nep and Plu snicker don't help matters. Speaking of Nep and Plu, what are the various siblings pairs up to in the AU? I think only Neo+Prase, NepPlu, and the orphanage matrons.
>Assistant
Oh they might be aware of some accomplishments but wouldn't know to attribute it to her since it's all second or third hand knowledge via radio, friends telling her about it. Mostly does her best to keep her head down, do her work, and get through the day but seeing the electricity in Mercury's lab is so mesmerizing.

>>4324621
I'd hazard a guess that Ruthenium and Rhodium would retain their sisterly bond if anyone would. Beyond that...maybe Caesium and Rubidium?

And yet she couldn't help but get noticed in the end. Our mysterious friend learned a valuable lesson that day about disgraced mad scientists: flattery will get you everywhere.

>>4324632
Caesium and Rubidium were sisters? Hmm well going off the earlier stuff; Caesium, Rubi, and likely Franci are probably back in Japan handling the zaibatsu while waiting for little Lith's correspondence.

>>4324638
Ah, I might've misread the original question. They could be, here, but they're also basically blank slates as far as these iterations of their characters go. I don't believe they've really come up yet for this AU.

In an inversion of her usual role, perhaps Francium could be cast as the distant and oft-unseen matriarch of the family who hasn't made a public appearance in some time.

>>4324641
Fair, I had to remind myself cause that Alkali trio is always just Lith's nieces in my head. Although...this is an AU like you said, and with the shuffling, there's nothing stopping them from being sisters. Would help further distance Franci as the matriarch despite essentially growing up Franci's imoutos before she ascended. Franci beign the matriarch would also mean she likely had a hand in raising Lithium to some degree too.
All that said, your mention of Rho and Rhen has me wondering what exactly would they be doing. Prase is busy cementing a nascent media empire, Steel's being content as far as I know. Po maybe has work for them if we wanna attach 'em to someone familiar. I almost wanna suggest that they had the more typical backstory, where they grew up separately and then ran into each other. Partly because of the era, and partly to give an excuse of them doing stuff not as a unit cause the whole sisterly thing could be recent.

>>4324646
That would certainly explain Lithium's drive to see the company succeed in her absence.
>Rho and Rhen
Pairing them to Po's enterprise is an enticing idea. To continue the theme of inversion, they could end up each having their own separate area of expertise that necessitates them splitting up to accomplish tasks. If nothing else, Po appreciates the symmetry.

>>4324650
Going over Rhenium and Rho's actual applications, maybe Rheni's a driver for someone important to Po. Say Thal, the little princess herself, while Rho is on collections or something cause the element has use in jewelry.

>>4324659
Perfect! They should still dress identically and act generally kind of spooky because, of course, they're still THOSE twins.

Out of curiosity, what would have lead them to reconnecting with one other?

>>4324661
I almost wanna suggest that despite how identical they look, they're actually sororal twins in the AU. and well, honestly? Running into each other cause they didn't know they were a twin until adulthood. Which, considering its them, causes their attraction to each other to hit them SUPER hard. Like, they meet for the first time in lounge or speakeasy one night where nothing pressing is happen, and the lights aren't on full blast, they're getting into bed that night and fucking until dawn. When they finish up with what would be the last round of the night, the top one rolls off with that delicious fatigue in the light of the morning as they both pass out. They wake up and are like
>It wasn't a dream.
>You are real!

>>4324663
I'd expect nothing less from those two. What are the odds, eh? I suppose from there they would've begun making a name for themselves in the underworld before they end up in Po's employ. She must trust them a great deal if one (or occasionally both) of them is in charge of escorting Thallium.

>>4324666
See, Lilith, now that's where the fun can start. Cause one of them, likely Rheni, could already be working for and help pull Rho into the world while also flirting. Of course that'll also go over well with the ever observant young Miss Thal. The young lass loves to narrow her eyes at Rho whenever she sees or hears the two together, much to Rheni's confusion.

>>4324669
Aha. How devious of her. But really, once they got together, there really was no other possible outcome. Luckily, Rho found that she has a natural talent for getting precisely what she wants from others and that's precisely the kind of skill someone like Po is looking for. As for Thallium, well, some things never change.

>>4324672
What really sold it for Rheni was when they got into a bar fight cause someone wouldn't stop hitting on Rho. Thal would make for an interesting case in the AU. Whether she's a legitimate heir or not, probably doesn't matter to anyone aside from Silver and who she represents

>>4324677
You could say it was love at first fight.
>Thallium
Hmm, legitimate in what sense?

>>4324678
Linear biological connection, although considering the organization Thal probably gets away with being directly related to Po. So she can either be Po's daughter, niece, cousin, or it'd take work younger sister. Any of those options would make her the de-facto heir to Po for those investigating the crime lord.

>>4324679
Ah, of course. Well, considering the circumstances, I can see why Silver('s organization) might be interested. All things considered, it's probably one of the first two options of that list. In either event, considering Polonium's position and general protectiveness of Thallium, the precise nature of their relation is probably not openly known to the public, for what that's worth.

>>4324680
I feel silly but Rho's twin is Ruthenium not Rheni. I'm still all for Ruth being the driver and guard for the young miss Thal but it just hit me I was misremembering the other twin. On the topic of Thal, and her...obscured connection to Po, I have a suggestion to put forth regarding her Roaring version. Namely, she'd actually be a decent crime boss on her way to inheriting Po's demesne but she has her vices. She's a touch spoiled considering the wealth she was raised around and her position so possibly a little bit bratty when she doesn't have to be serious and, also, something of a milf hunter. The kind that may get slightly obsessed and one that enjoys the hunt so she's a bit callous and dismissive afterwards but she's still young. Po doesn't hold her youthful adventures against her...well not much since most of the mothers and older women Thal has gone after are relatively minor in the grand scheme of Po's plans.

And on a completely different note: another pair of sisters to discuss in the form of TeSe. I'm not sure about what they'd do. Maybe something to do with radio or Prase's media empire if the setting plays up their use in communication technology. Unlike Ura and Po's circles, I'm sure they both do their level best to not reveal they're connected to wanted gangster Sulfur.

>>4324864
An easy mistake to make! Their names are quite similar. Considering the circumstances it's not too surprising that Thallium would've grown up to have that kind of attitude. She is, after all, essentially mob royalty. Playing with the idea ever so slightly, would it be fair to categorize her occasional misadventures as something of an act to capture Polonium's attention? Not that she really needs to help, but that's all just part of her willful side. The way she clings to Polonium's arm, there's no mistaking where her intentions truly lie. She knows that a little bit of flirtation can go a long way.

As for Selenium and Tellurium, I'd initially been knocking around the idea of them, or at least Selenium, being connected to Polonium, but honestly linking them together with Prase and Sulfur is probably the more interesting option between the two. It stands to reason that the kind of "accidents" Sulfur is likely to cause make for particularly juicy headlines.

>>4324968
Of course of course. I wanted to suggest that while Thal's first crush is alive and well, if weirdly off limits, her second crush was the nanny who helped raised herm the same one she used her bratty wiles on to get into bed where she was very taken by the older woman's curves and softness. I'd like to say that when she seduces one for attention it kind of backfires, cause the older woman kind of ends up on her arm when she wants the opposite. There's been like one or two where it actually happened but it drives her a little mad that it doesn't happen more often. That coupled with her brattiness has me realizing she likely enjoys humping mom butt when she's successful.

I'm sure Seleni makes for a good radio host while Tell is a good tech. Seleni's just glad that people have a hard time recognizing her on voice alone. Would they work alongside Indium? Also speaking of Prase and the radio; can't believe I overlooked Antimony being someone that might cause Prase's empire to chafe. Either because she controls paper production or because she's behind several competing papers and journals

>>4325079
A bit surprising, really, that Po would let that sort of thing go on beneath her nose. I suppose she must know that these dalliances are nothing serious, or rather done for attention, otherwise I have a feeling that anyone who got to close to Thallium would end up taking an extended vacation at the bottom of a river somewhere.

Selenium gets by on her uncanny ability to get people to trust her, even if it's well known who she works for. Antimony would be, understandably, wary of Prase encroaching onto her territory. A bit old fashioned, perhaps, but she hasn't achieved this level of success by underestimating her opponents.

>>4325084
I'm sure she's aware of it to some degree, the hindrance to surveillance in the era is more the lack of technology. Po would need someone tailing Thal damn near 24/7 which is inefficient most times. Which could be why she gave Ruth the job of being Thal's driver+bodyguard. Knows Ruth is loyal enough to Po that she can expect honesty when it comes to asking about her princess.

Quite right, Antimony didn't get and stay on at national level by resting on her laurels. Would be interesting if Antimony's decidedly older between the two of them.

>>4325105
All according to Thallium's plan. She really can be rather devious when she wants attention. Although, when Ruthenium brings Rhodium into the fold Thallium did find herself doing a double take and wondering how Polonium's lackey was seemingly in two places at once. Only the best for her, Polonium decrees.

>Antimony
That would appear to be the case. By now Antimony has seen every trick in the book, and this newfangled radio thing? A passing fad. At the end of the day everyone still will want a good, proper newspaper in their hands. If she wanted to branch out a little to differentiate herself, she could also be a publisher of books and other periodicals.

>>4325112
I wonder who Thal's friends are in this setting. Socialites and debutantes seem obvious but I've a feeling those would grate on her somewhat quickly. Especially ironic considering what she wants her future to be. I almost wanna suggest Iron but there really isn't a place that they could hang out along with Steel probably keeping the girl busy. Holmium perhaps? Sodium would be a rather fun possibility but that'd likely be very hard to swing with how the Alkalies are set up. Although maybe not if Po wants to look into Ura's crew on the sly. Give the assignment to Thal with the notion that it's kind of important, it'll be done whether she involves herself or not, but it'd help the family if Thal wanted to stretch her crime boss muscles.

>Media
It's tough cause the idea of old media exec Antimony looking into Prase for...reasons, she's not sure herself, is tempting. Especially if Antimony kind of realizes Prase is similar to her in a couple ways and begins to serious consider whether Prase would be a worthwhile heir to her business. Oh it'd come with drawbacks to Prase and the like but it'd cement Antimony's legacy while letting herself quietly bow out of the media game. It'd also allow her to possibly look over Prase's shoulder for information whenever something interesting catches her ear. Now whether Prase would accept such a deal is another thing.
Publishing would be an interesting route, would likely result in Neon rubbing shoulders with her which could be a fun light-hearted link. It'd also maybe put her in contact with several of the AU's would be scientists depending on the periodicals.

>>4325147
Holmium is a distinct possibility. Someone like her would thrive in and environment such as Krypton's speakeasy, and perhaps take on a slightly more cynical air in doing so. Sodium, actually, doesn't have any connection to the greater Alkali group as it stands currently. She was set to be an aspiring actress, and as such is also a potential point of contact for Thallium. Definitely one on more of the naïve side when compared to Holmium. Polonium would probably be reluctant to send Thallium into a situation that could be even possibly dangerous, but that probably wouldn't stop Thallium from either wanting or trying to help. For a job like that, I have to imagine that Polonium would prefer to send one of her many underlings.
>Prase and Antimony
Considering her situation, Prase might just be shrewd enough to be tempted into accept an offer like that. The question would be whether Antimony was humble enough to make that offer in the first place, and who knows? Coming from her, Prase might not want to hear it. Maybe it's just based on precedent, but Astatine could be one of the authors employed by Astatine's publishing arm.

>>4325154
Is Sodium not living with Potassium? I wasn't really expecting her to be involved heavily with the Alkali zaibatsu or for them to really be the reason behind Thal's potential investigation. It was more...Po wanted to give Thal some busy work that she thought wouldn't lead anywhere or to anything serious. Rumors don't lead to anything serious all the time, and from what Po knows about Ura, she doesn't seem the type to garden. Hence looking into the little flower shop owned by Potassium. Just a little assignment to get Thal out of Po's hair near the end of summer or something while double checking what she already dug up on her own. Besides Ruth'll be with her, and Rho is in charge of collections in that borough so Po's presence is there. Maybe not super visible since the shop likely sits at the entrance to what is Little Kyoto but she's made sure Thal's not in any danger. Po would never forgive herself if something serious happened to her princess.
At least that's what I was thinking with that route. Holmi would be a nice avenue for Thal since Po's a frequent guest, along with other guests, so if Thal gets bored with someone's groveling she can silently tell Po she's going to the bar. I suppose another candidate for Thal would be Stell though I'm not quite sure on that one since our discussions about Stell have kept the details scant.
>Prase and Anti
Fair fair. Realistically in the route of Anti being retiring media royalty, I don't see her actively tampering with Radio technologies. If it's truly a fad, it'll die out and be used by the government in due time. If not? Well...okay her empire takes a hit but people are always going to read, so maybe the hit isn't so bad. You're right though, Prase would have to keep her cool if such an offer reached her.
Astatine is a good connection though for Antimony and her publishing house. Although while author is a fitting term for Astatine might I suggest...scientist? Actual reclusive scientist perhaps.

>>4325191
To be honest, it'd totally slipped my mind that Sodium was still going to be related to them as well as the connection between Uranium's gang and Potassium. Reflecting back on all of that now, there certainly could be a space there that Thallium could fit into. Would she need a cover story? Potassium might not appreciate Thallium getting too close to them if she knew what family she was from. Regarding Stell, there's probably a social gap between her and Thallium that might make it hard for the two to meet, but it's not an impossibility. They just probably wouldn't cross paths often.
>Astatine
All of this is making we wonder if Astatine has a wife. Probably someone younger than her who married her for her money. A fact that's not lost on Antimony, but it's not an intolerable compromise.
>Astatine
I was thinking of her in more of a starving artist role, or in this case a struggling novelist. A frequent visitor to the many cafes of the city, where she can routinely be found wistfully staring out into space, trying to overcome her writer's block.

>>4325213
Correction: make that Antimony instead of Astatine in the second section there.

>>4325213
So I don't think Potassium would worry but eventually recognizing who Thal is. Lithium and Nitrogen on the other hand might. Lithium more just out of concern that Thal fancies herself a loan shark or miscreant playing at being elite which might ruin the store's image. Nitro, meanwhile, probably gets sufficiently spooked just by seeing in the shop to the point of making herself scarce and maybe missing a delivery she usually receives at the store.
The actual Sodium possible friendship is kind of...tricky cause, normally, I'd like to say they're theoretically class mates. Sodium from some passive and not so passive expectations on her to continue the family business leads to her going to school for business while keeping the small hope that the school itself would allow her to branch out and make connections for her actual dream. Thal, theoretically, goes to the school for a similar reason. Finances, business and, unknowingly, keeping her occupied for most of the year so Po can do more serious things away from her princess' eyes. Not sure if that'd hold up to scrutiny given the time.
All that said, maybe Potassium should be more concerned. She's a lovely, mature, woman that does her best to raise Sodium while operating a business when this confident, young woman starts hanging around the shop. She says it's because she's a friend of Sodium's and that Sodium's helping her with summer school work but K can't help the feeling that Thal enjoys her company while waiting for Sodium. Some of the things Thal says when departing brings a faint heat to K's face. Which Lith considers yet another reason why that...that...that girl! has no place in their business. K naturally has to bite her tongue when Lith basically tells her to stop entertaining Sodium's friend.
You're right about Stell, they don't have common stomping grounds on top of the social gap. Closest they might get would be some event being hosted at Arrhenius House, that Po needs to show up for. (1/X)

>>4325213
>>4325249
>Antimony and Asta
The trophy wife is an interesting angle and would help cement Antimony. Although who would be her wife? and perhaps love can bloom in the quiet moments. I like the penny novelist idea for Asta, could compare her to Dickens or Hemmingway. The novelist angle also kind of makes me wanna try and combine the two Antimony ideas. Where she's visibly known as the face of the publishing house for some great modern works but her actual position has her as a president for several disparate media outlets under her umbrella. Oh they're all stars that she loves to look at in her advancing age, she feels they're a little too disparate and maybe Prase could help bring them all under one house.(2/2)

>>4325249
Nitrogen: 1, Thallium: 0. With the way the situation is playing out, the most surprising outcome would be if Sodium and Thallium actually end up getting along in any capacity. Sure, Thallium is bossy and barely let's Sodium get a single word in, and yes, Sodium is too innocent to realize what's actually going on, but having an actual, normal friend has got to be a healthy outlet for Thallium and honestly something of a first for the girl. Much to Lithium's chagrin, that is.
>Antimony's wife
Arsenic, maybe? She's a blank spot right now, and her hazardous nature could kind of suggest something about her intentions in marrying Antimony. That isn't to say bad intentions, just that it wasn't ever a marriage based on an overwhelming amount of love. For a stern woman Antimony, merely having a companion is nice enough, and Arsenic does genuinely make an attempt. As for her career, that is probably the best way of aligning things and publishing is probably the one that's brought her the most success. She grew rich from publishing, and a household name through newspapers. Of course, that success is at least partially predicated on Astatine being able to finish her next manuscript!

>>4325280
Nitro's continued win won't be easy since Thal now has her sights on wooing the lovely miss K while actually deepening the friendship with Sodium. Lith won't be happy, probably, sure Thal qualifies her presence there by buying stuff. Actually this makes me wonder; would Lith be younger than K. I think the situation kind of sets it up that way. Would eventually allow K to put her foot down and tell Lith off. If she wants to seek a relationship with young Thal then it's her business.
>Asta
So I like the idea of Anti and Asta having history, maybe even Asta realizing being a kept woman is a decent. However I'd like to suggest that Asta and Anti are divorcees. Amicable divorcees but divorces all the same. They work better as friends and agent+artist than wives. Maybe Tell or Germanium though the why would have to be looked at for Tell. Germanium would have the obvious excuse of staying in the country through her marriage to Anti.

>>4325302
Considering the circumstances, it wouldn't come as too much of a surprise if Polonium ends up sort of "assigning" Ruthenium to "report" to Thallium. Partially as a way of placating her more imperious urges, but also as a way of keeping another set of eyes on her. That also serves the dual purpose of keeping Ruth and Rho together when they're on the job, which they would appreciate as well.
>would Lith be younger than K
It is starting to seem that way. Maybe not by too much, but enough of a gap to highlight a personality difference between the two. Eg. Lithium being more impulsive, territorial, etc. Sodium, meanwhile, is totally oblivious to all of this, her mind filled with dreams of stardom.
>Astatine and Antimony
Astatine and Antimony as a divorced couple? Hmm. That might run the risk of blurring the lines between their respective positions a little too much, and I wasn't getting the impression that Antimony would have really seen her in that way. Similarly to Stellite and Thallium, their respective positions in the social hierarchy are probably a bit skewed. Astatine is definitely leads a more bohemian lifestyle, whereas Antimony would have seen her (and her work) as more as a source of potential income than anything else. Art versus business. Wasn't Germanium going to be Prase's mayoral assistant? I still think the Arsenic idea has potential, especially if she does end up genuinely falling in love with Antimony.

>>4325330
Rho being involved with Thal's little investigation opens up some fun. I'm sure Rho popping up would send Nitrogen into a right flight. Like K's talking to Thal or something when Nitrogen tries to quietly stop by to check on something. Lurking in the back of the show floor or where ever, when Rho opens the entrance door, jingling the little bell. Having to duck down to step through causes Nitrogen to think it's not Rho but Po, so she ends up running towards the rear exit. Throws open the door to try and escape, gets a couple of feet into an adjoining alley before someone grabs her and pushes her up against a wall. Coming face to face with Ruth and Rho, a couple seconds later, while Thal's doing her best to distract/talk down K from investigating.
>LiK
Sounds reasonable, I think the bigger point of contention between them is more how...technically K would be Lith's aneue but in terms of hierarchical position Lith's more important. When she first saw the reality of K's shop, she probably realized on some level that she'd need to rely on K and N more than she expected...and that K has somehow got their aunties off her back.
>Arsenic
You know, I don't know why my mind just completely glazed over Arsenic as Anti's potential wife. She'd be rather fitting and probably has an arse that Anti can appreciate when the mood strikes. You're right for Germani or potentially. I think we joked about how Silicon's right hand isn't memorable beyond being Sil's right hand. Considering her name, and if we wanted to give more importance, Germanium could be a diplomat. The city's gotta be important enough to consulates right?

>>4325352
Subtlety never was their strong point, Ruth and Rho. Nitrogen's not the only one to be rightfully wary. Isn't it strange, Lithium thinks, how Thallium seems to be escorted by that entourage of hers wherever she goes? Even Potassium has to admit that the way Nitrogen seemed to react to them was suspicious.
>LiK
Lithium may be full of bright ideas for the future of the business, but Potassium has the experience to back up her words. On the other hand, even if Potassium seems like she knows what she's doing, she might be headed for a situation where she's in over her head dealing with Nitrogen. In that way, Lithium and Potassium play off of each other really nicely. All the more reason for Lithium to want to succeed, seeing how hard Potassium works.
>Arsenic
Precisely. She also has an acerbic wit that Antimony can't help but appreciate, and an eye for quality, which is probably the attribute that drew her to Antimony in the first place. What she didn't expect was that she would actually end up falling for the older woman.
>consulates
Certainly, and in light of recent events those would be more important that ever. Would that make Germanium in charge of dealing with ambassadors and the like?

>>4325354
Now to be fair to Thal, K, and Lith respectively; I think Thal did her best to not be overly suspicious. Ruth's thankful there's a corner store across the street that she can loitering in while keeping an eye on the front Thal through windows. Lith probably only caught onto Ruth from watching Thal leave. Rho dropping in would probably be a surprise engineered by Po after Thal's sniffing around for things pointing to Nitrogen. A surprise Thal's not happy about in the moment.
>AntiArs
Sounds solid enough along with merging the publisher+company president idea. Oh that means they probably are or go see fights Neon might advertise. The image of Anti smoking a cigar with like three guady ring on dominant hand now won't leave my head.
>Germanium
I think it would depend on if she's an immigrant or an foreign dignitary. Maybe she's checking up on her country's investments in a similar capacity to Silver. Would give her access to Silicon somewhat easily I'd imagine, though I'd wager she's frequently a guest at Carbon's table

>>4325356
If Polonium notices Thallium stomping around and pouting more than usual that evening, she already has her answer as to why. But honestly, Lithium should be thankful for Thallium's appearances because they're the only thing keeping Nitrogen at bay, however temporarily. Though in her eyes she's merely trading one source of trouble for another. All in all, does this little bout of espionage spell a potential conflict between Polonium and Uranium's group brewing? Uranium has managed to operate thus far without stepping on any toes, but it seems as if that's liable to change in the future. Or, at least, Polonium has reason to want to keep an eye on her activities.
>AntiArs
Arsenic had much a similar experience upon seeing her future wife for the first time. Antimony is probably too prudent with regards to money to place any bets on fights, but Arsenic might be inclined to indulge in a wager or two using Antimony's ample funds. In which case Hydrogen also comes into play.
>Germanium
Ah, so she would be Praseodymium's right hand woman in more of an unofficial capacity? In the sense that they frequently work together and Germanium can more often than not be found by her side. Can't help but wonder if there's anything more going on there?

>>4325365
I don't think it'd be anything serious. Just something weird caught Po's eye, felt it was harmless enough to send Thal after it, and Thal ended up shaking out part of Ura's supply chain. Ura's been far too good of a criminal element in the city for Po to do anything to her, beyond feeling tickled pink at Thal's discovery alongside Nitro and Ura probably freaking out waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nitro on the other hand, probably gets spooked into shifting some plans around and having to move things to obscure herself further which means Ura's plans are cooled a little. Thal's still going to be hanging around for Sodium and probably K, even after K and Thal's little fling ends.
>Mani
You're right such a position would put her in contact with Prase, though it could be a case of Prase trying to seal a deal with Mani's employer. I was originally thinking Carbon and Steel since cause of that one region in Germany.

>>4325370
That's fair. Polonium knows how powerful of a tool intimidation can be, and if it makes her job easier than all the better. Appearances are half the work of being a mob boss, don't you know. Uranium might not appreciate it at the time, but a little bit of patience is what's going to keep her from attracting too much unwanted attention for her antics in the same way that Sulfur and Phosphorus do. After all, Polonium isn't the only one who would like to keep tabs on her.
>Ge
Of course, of course. I understand now. That doesn't rule out a potential romance between the two, does it?

>>4325375
Indeed and speaking of those two. Just what are Sulfur and Phos up to? Laying low while heat dies down?
>Ge
Not that I can see, just that she's not immigrating or plans on becoming an expatriate. I wonder how they could've met in the first place. Well outside of business that is.

>>4325380
>Sulfur and Phos
After their most recent escapades that's a safe assumption. Even those two can only cause so much mayhem at once. Perhaps they've only recently returned from the countryside immediately surrounding the city where they were less likely to get spotted in the interim.
>Ge
Considering her position it stands to reason that Silicon (just realized I've been referring to her as Prase accidentally for several posts), as the mayor, would end up interacting with Germanium often enough that they'd get to know one another. At any rate her work would keep her in the city for the foreseeable future, so they have time to deepen their relationship if that is the path they end up going down.

>>4325386
You think they'd hit the surrounding towns and cities while mostly keeping out of the main City?
>Ge
True enough, depending on Silicon's tastes she might run into Mani 'off the clock' so to speak. If only Silicon could say the same. That said, I'm now curious about who'd sit at Carbon's table. Either at Krypton's if she shows up or at her favorite country club where she could be found most evenings.

>>4325399
Oh, at most times they definitely would. There's a reason they're wanted all across the country! They like to keep things as unpredictable as possible, and spreading out their targets is all a part of that plan. Well, if you can really call it a "plan". They're about as inverse from organized crime as you can get.
>Carbon
Steel is one option, though perhaps too plainly obvious of one. Considering her position it might be easier to list who she doesn't come into contact with. As for those who know her well enough to personally interact with her...well, Silicon is one option. They would probably be quite familiar with one another. Nickel is another, perhaps, but in what capacity? Hmm.

>>4325404
True enough, true enough. I-yeah that would be the case, they'd mostly hit up things on the outskirts or in between spots. The eastern seaboard's probably too developed for them to take advantage of in their usual style. Not sure why it took this long to click in my head, I was thinking it was something like Carbon, Silver, or Po scaring them fully away from the city when they got too arrogant from early successes.
>Carbon
Steel would make sense especially considering how she moves in the city, so her having a membership fits. Iron probably likes it purely from a food perspective since Carbon usually gets Steel to sit and enjoy a meal for once in her primae forsaken life. Hydrogen might have an office there. Nickel is an interesting option. Maybe she's an engineer although finance is an option. Even if it's kind of a gimme option considering who she is normally.
Americium is probably someone Carbon tries to meet once a week, maybe at one of the speakeasies instead of the country club.
Speaking of Carbon; it just hit me how she could be one of the long shadows cast over the city while still moving about so freely. She could be an expert arbitrator.

>>4325411
That isn't unresonable of an assumption; Carbon for reasons of stability and Polonium for control. But largely, Carbon stays out of such affairs and Polonium would have left them to their own devices assuming they didn't mess with her turf. Even those two know better than to torch one of her establishments. Ultimately it's hard to avoid the city entirely, so they would still be around frequently enough. Or at least in the vicinity.
>Carbon
Hydrogen is a perfect choice, especially if it's more so because of her guise as a banker. Well, not just because of that, as obviously Carbon would be well aware of Hydrogen's many "investments", and possibly even play a role in that side of her business.
>Nickel
Finances are the most immediately obvious option. What if she was the city treasurer or something along those lines? That would align her with Silicon, another member of Carbon's circle. Or would that be too boring of an option?
>Carbon, again
Would this be in an extralegal sense, or part of her "cover"?

>>4325413
>Carbon
I think if Carbon was to have any direct role in Hydrogen's business it'd be acting as the "house", forgive the analogy, for more disparate bets. Hence Hydro having an office and maybe a couple safes there. As for Carbon's arbitrator history, I think it'd be in an official capacity. It's what her actual business card reads though any sort of extralegal proceedings she helped broker probably helped sink her claws deeper into the city.
>Nickel
Treasurer's not a bad option, perhaps a touch obvious which isn't a bad thing. I almost wanna suggest the more direct option, that being she's a minter employed by the federal government. She lives either on the outskirts or in what would become a suburb of the city and frequently makes trips to the capital by train.

>>4325420
>Carbon
A backer, essentially, for Hydrogen's schemes? Makes sense. At the very least, that serves to provide an air of legitimacy for her dealings, and nobody would bat an eye as to why she seems to have connections to virtually every important figure in the city.
>Nickel
Would that put her in opposition with Thulium? Considering Silicon's proclivities, she probably wouldn't be any more comfortable with her presence either.

>>4325423
Yeah, and at this point I almost just wanna say the country club is Carbon's little home away from home.
>Nickel
I mean technically, yes it'd put her at odds with Thulium by way of vocation. Although what she'd mainly be concerned with is coinage more than bills. Silicon's proclivities? I didn't think she was that bothered beyond the spurious rumors surrounding her.
Oh right as for how Carbon could've befriended her, I'm rather taken with the idea that Carbon and Nickel are tennis partners. Met at the country club, and Carbon's a gracious friend if nothing else so Nickel's pretty frequently seen dining with her if she's in town. The tennis also allows for the rather fun image of Carbon being deceptively strong with a backhand that can knock someone cold

>>4325432
>Silicon's proclivities
Moreso that she doesn't really need someone snooping into her activities in light of said rumors. The totally baseless rumors that are in no way true or proven in a court of law - those pesky rumors. But if that really is Nickel's area of expertise then it doesn't sound like Silicon has much to worry about. This does raise the amusing question of whether or not Nickel truly realizes who she's dealing with during her interactions with Carbon.

>>4325437
I'm sure to some degree Nickel realizes that Carbon is powerful through the varying interactions and how she's treated at the variety of dinners she invites Nickel to. Although I'd imagine she kind of rationalizes it away as Carbon being finance or, more aptly, kingmaking. And if I may be so bold, I'm rather liking the idea that Steel and Iron are acquainted with Nickel. Nickel doesn't really wanna press but she can't help wonder if Steel is Carbon's daughter or just some guardian watching over Iron. A girl who seems to rather obviously be Carbon's granddaughter with the way the woman is affectionate with her.

>>4325438
It's beginning to sound as if Nickel might be a slightly more prominent figure than a simple government employee. Carbon is that old? I was under the impression that Steel would have appeared to be the eldest of the three.

>>4325484
Maybe middle management or what would be director of coinage. Although your right I think the frequent trips to the capital would be less frequent for most positions.
So here's the thing with Carbon which you can feel free to discard: Carbon and Steel are close to each other in age. Carbon's naturally older alongside Steel, maybe, looking younger than she actually is. It had slipped my mind last night but I was gonna suggest one of the Arrhenius matrons as a semi-regular visitor to Carbon's table. My first thought had been Ytttium but maybe that's too obvious

>>4325529
The Arrhenius women are that notable? Unless there's another reason for their meeting. Of the four (?) matrons there's no reason it couldn't be Yttrium.

>>4325533
If it's Yttrium then it's definitely because they aren't noticeable and perhaps something more private. Which would give weight to Carbon being in the older camp

>>4325540
That doesn't sound like your average social call.

Would Yttrium's visit be on private business or regarding the orphanage?

>>4325558
Probably a mix of both. Maybe the latter as an excuse for the former. After all, it's so hard to find people that know or remember all the old gossip. Not that, that's what it'd be since they're two rather serious women but surely the staff catches snippets of conversation.

>>4325564
Ah, so they have a history? That explains things. And then the rest of the pieces fall into place: with all the comings and goings, of course a place like Arrhenius House would serve as a valuable source of information for Carbon. Someone like Stellite, for example, is apt to see a side of the city from a view that not many else can.

>>4325566
I'd imagine so. I don't wanna get too ahead of myself suggesting it, but the notion came from Yttri and Carbon possibly growing up together. That being, I gotta imagine there's very few people that weren't alive where carbon wasn't already an adult among the current generation. Ytrri and her sisters may count among those numbers. Steel might've been a kid being raised by her parents while Carbon was a teen. I'm sure Carbon dotes on Stell like she dotes on Iron, making sure she's eating and that severe ol' Yttri isn't being too mean.

>>4325576
Very interesting. Carbon is surprisingly good with children, but maybe that isn't too surprising in light of the fact that Carbon is good at getting what she wants from people of any age. Maybe Carbon was herself an orphan? Some have speculated as much, but the real truth remains a mystery (to everyone, perhaps, but Yttrium). And that's precisely how Carbon likes it.

>>4325577
Of course of course. The staff at the country club quietly mark the days all four of the Arrhenius matrons visit Carbon. That tends to be when she's in her most charitable moods. They last for weeks if some of the older staff is to be believed.
A funny little thought did occur to me just now, namely that another of the country club members may have been Hydrargyrum. Initially to help wine and dine prospective people, but after her disgrace her membership was quietly revoked and she hasn't really been seen lately.
All that aside; I'm curious about which of the elements would be out and out socialites in the setting. Those that make their social lives their lives while doing various charity and event circuits. Maybe some that'd be less frequently seen since they summer in the alps to get away from that dreadful american heat. Arsenic is...kind of the closest one I can think of, but she'd arguably noveou riche which earns her sneers and whispers. Reflexively I almost wanna list Gold but I think she deserves a finer eye than something that obvious. I suppose Aluminium's hedging her way into that circle through her successes.

>>4325589
>socialites
Aside from Arsenic, Platinum is the first to come to mind. She would be about as upper crust as you could get, one imagines. Aluminum once personally offered to fly her around the next time she fancies heading abroad. Oh, and then there's Bismuth, but she's a little more private and probably slightly older by comparison. Now, contrary to all of them, Gold's prominence is much more of a localized phenomenon. She's a well known figure at Krypton's and other such establishments, but probably not to the greater public. If you were to frequent those sort of places where she performs, you'd undoubtedly have heard of her. Or heard her.

>>4325608
Interesting choice for Gold. I wouldn't've thought she'd be a lounge singer. My initial thought, before the socialite thing, was that she's one of the landed gentry from across the pond that winters in the city. Might be young adult aged or an opera singer if we wanted to keep her in milf territory. However, the potential and implication of Gold being gilded like the age before the 20s is very enticing. Very enticing indeed. How old would this gilded woman be?
Platinum is a great idea. She'd be a good socialite and event organizer if we wanted to have her older, would help explain why she's always on the move apart of working the circuit.

>>4325638
Yup! Gold was the initial one to kick all of this off, actually. She embodies the flapper archetype, with all modernity and youthful rebellion that entails. As such she would probably be...in her mid-twenties, still? Matbe a bit older, but not terribly so. I am liking the idea of having an opera singer character, however, but it would probably end up being somebody else.

>>4325653
I see, I see. Well a friendship with Tin and Krypton seems in order. I wonder if a nervous little cutie will catch her eye one night.
Oh in regards to Platinum and, in relation to the og setting, what if the Platinum precious metal group is significant to some degree in the Roaring Au. Rho and Ruth kind of put a little damper on it with their...weird immediate family history but that leaves Palladium, Osmium, and Iridium open to interesting avenues. I have an idea for Osmium, though I'm not sure how fitting it'd be. Iridium could maybe be the opera singer since most of the element's applications are pretty specific or...pen nibs.

>>4325661
Oh, I'm sure plenty already have. Though as of late Gold has noticed a woman that's always seated at the back of the crowd and who quietly attends all of her performances - a woman with silver hair. In keeping with the concept of the landed gentry/"gilded" woman, what if that role went to Electrum? That would place her somewhere in the range of her forties at the youngest. Otherwise, Iridium is a great choice for an opera singer, and in theory Palladium could hitch a ride along with Platinum as an attendant of sorts.

>>4325664
Cute, here I was thinking she'd angle for Copper to be slightly similar but different. Although lounge singer slowly falling for the mysterious 'regular' is particularly fitting.
>Electrum
So funny thing, before flapper|lounge singer Gold was brought back up I was gonna suggest that Electrum is young lady Gold's mother. She could still be landed gentry, not quite sure how she'd be gilded in such a thing but yes. If anyone's an out and out aristocrat it's likely Electrum and maybe Argon. Maybe not one in the direct line of succession but close enough to benefit from the position. >Plat group
So here's another alternative for Iri which might fit better. Namely her being an ol' naval captain or somewhere close to admiral. More from Iridium's usage in compasses and how it was used in cannons than anything significant. I'm up in the air for either. My idea for Osmium was to have her be an aging 'celebrity' detective. A notion she's probably displeased with since a. she's just a retired police officer that had the misfortune to be working as several tragedies struck and 2. she just wants to travel the world in peace. Just her luck it seems like her family is already there at every stop of her trip.
>Ladi
Attendant's good but it feels kind of typical. I almost wanna use the idea mentioned earlier just with Ladi being Plat's daughter. Could be a bit of a hanger on since she was likely a surprise for the rather vivacious Platinum.

>>4325680
I was imagining that Gold would like to tease the out-of-place Copper by flirting with her mercilessly, which is the best of both worlds really. While Gold might notice Silver, until now it's mostly been from afar.
>Electrum
That could still be a workable option, if Gold's current career is framed as an act of rebellion against her stuffy mother. Something to think about.
>Platinum group
Those are too good to pass up, both of them. We can always find someone else to fill the role of opera singer and there's no shortage of choices to pick from. Perhaps Osmium is the person who taught Tungsten everything she knows?
>Palladium
Oh, was she? In any event, I'd still like to include the original idea in some form even if it doesn't end up being Palladium who fills the role. Aloof mistress accompanied by her erudite attendant is a classic scenario that you can get a lot of mileage out of.

>>4325684
>El and Au
I like parts of it, not sure how Gold's rep could be built so quickly when she's only been slumming it for what is probably a handful of years. I almost wanna suggest the opposite. That Gold is posing as Electrum's long lost daughter from a fling she doesn't quite remember while vacationing in America. Whether El eventually realizes it or not, who can say though what El can say is that it got her overbearing siblings off her back. Yes, yes, she too can provide an heir for the house just like you, dear sister.
>IrOs
Considering Tungsten's vocational history maybe not, the timing might be too far, though we could say Osmium's celebrity following inspired her. After all, the cases she worked on were high profile and with varying permissions, Osmium sat down to give a more 'official' record of those cases. Official 'case files' that got turned into novellas and anthologies that livened up the continent during the turn of the century. Doesn't stop the varying gossip rags and penny novelists from making stuff up using a fictional detective similar to her to this very decade. Much to Osi's chagrin. Speaking of which, Osi knows her sister showing up at every stop is more coincidence, being a captain and all, but her niece Plat and grand-niece Ladi causes her to narrow her eyes. Specifically at Plat
>Plat and Ladi
Potentially. Would Plat be an aloof mistress? Or do you mean like motivation-ally aloof since she's angled as a socialite and mostly concerned with parties+gossip? Perhaps one of the wayward gynoids could be her ever constant attendant. Berkelium or Californium, I'd lean towards Berke personally. The image of a tipsy or drunk Plat whining to her precious Berkie~ about something as she's walked back to her room is cute. It just hit me that Ladi could be one of the potential Opera singers. Specifically because of its use in jewelry.

>>4325704
She's just that talented! But, on a more serious note, that is an interesting suggestion which could be characterized as Gold taking advantage of Electrum. What it actually sounds like is happening, on the other hand, is that they both stand to benefit from this arrangement in some way. Very interesting.
>Osmium and Tungsten
That's, yeah, that's just as good. Better, probably, considering the timeline, their styles, and Osmium's fame. Funnily enough, I was playing around with the idea of Hydrogen, of all people, filling a similar role at one point. At least she'll never get lonely while traveling the world.
>Platinum
Definitely the latter. Essentially, yes, aloof in the sense that she's rather carefree and possibly a bit absent-minded, which might explain why Osmium finds her trying at times. A+ idea to include Berkelium in that way, who by now would be well accustomed to what she would dryly refer to as her mistress's, ahem, "charms". Whatever would Platinum do without her? "Very little, I expect," Berkelium would answer.
>Palladium
How old would that make her at this point?

>>4325733
Despite what her older sisters and the greater rumor mill of europe might think, Electrum isn't an airhead. Cause she does remember frequently sleeping with one woman in particular during the year that Gold says she was born in. Mystery aside, El could still be an opera singer just now with her family's blessing since...well, since they never really tried to hide that she was unexpected. Well as unexpected as one could get in her family. Electrum swears that she seems to be the only member that knows what some degree of moderation is.
>Plat and Ladi
Ah probably a similar age to Gold, so maybe early to mid twenties. The potential scandal would be either Plat having her young or out of wedlock, which I suppose that's another thing to consider.
I also kinda wanna amend the earlier suggestion about Ladi growing up around Plat. She probably got handed off to Osi or Iri and the family's serving staff while Berkie kept an eye on Plat. So Ladi might have some mixed feelings after meeting Plat for the first time, if she's aware, as a teenager. I think both Osi and Iri wouldn't keep the truth from their grand-niece especially with Plat continuing to act as if nothing changed. Que both aunties invoking their authority to take Plat to Ladi's operatic debut after discovering she's back on the continent.

>>4325758
I suppose it would be fitting, in a way, if both Gold and Electrum were indeed vocalists, and if anyone was going to be an opera singer you'd be hard pressed to find a better option than her. It's hard to tell whether the look that Electrum gets in her eyes when talking about that affair long past is one of fondness or regret. Gold certainly couldn't say.
>Platinum and Palladium
All things considered, that decision was probably for the best. The amount of time Platinum spends vacationing wouldn't have been the best environment to raise a child in, and when you factor in her age and demeanor...Osmium and Iridium made the right choice. When they do end up finally meeting Platinum would likely try to treat Palladium as more of a friend than as a daughter, hence those mixed feelings on Palladium's part. Can you really blame her? The lifestyle Platinum enjoys isn't exactly compatible with things like "responsibility" or "stability".

>>4325761
Who can say, indeed. Hilariously, or maybe fittingly, El operatic experience, age, and prowess might now have her getting villain roles. She feels herself developing a twitch when the opera house frames her role as an age thing instead of just using flattery but what can you do with those below you? Beyond steal the show that is.
>PtPd
Oh Ladi definitely had mixed feelings that caught her completely by surprise. Very likely deflected Plat's attempts at friendship until a party Ladi was in attendance for due to her career. She can remember Plat giggling cutely as they got complimented and repeatedly mistaken as sisters. Ladi's not really sure how she kept a straight face through the compliments and introductions. It might've had something to do with having to keep an arm around Plat's waist most of the night, and then when the woman got tipsy, Plat interlocked their fingers to keep Ladi at her side. ...I think Plat would be constantly surprised with how tall Ladi is, causing her to kind of stare up at her during the quiet moments in the party. Ladi eventually has enough when she feels her cheeks heat up, again, and leads Plat away. Thankfully it was well into the night, so their flight went unnoticed by most of the party.
Naturally Berkie met Ladi's baffled gaze during the escape directed her to Plat's room.

>>4325771
Can you really claim to be Electrum in any form without a flair for the dramatic? Even she can't deny the enjoyment that comes from performing roles such as that. Maybe it's the costumes.
>PtPd
That's our Berkelium, always the consummate professional. "Does she have that much to drink every night?" Palladium would ask her the next day, flushed. "Only on special occasions," Berkelium replies in a matter-of-fact tone while folding a shirt. "That is to say, most evenings."

>>4325802
Ladi just sniffs decisively at hearing such a thing before excusing herself to retreat to her side of the familial estate. Thanking whatever goddess is listening that aunt Osi and Iri are staying for a couple weeks.
>meanwhile
A pouty Plat greets Berkie for breakfast, asking if the little Ladi has ran from the estate or just gone to work?

>>4326089
Aww, Plat misses her already? How cute. What happened to the dashing young woman who gallantly escorted her the night before? Ironically enough, Palladium might end up finding welcome company in the figure of Berkelium. Both of them are rather stoic, in their own unique ways (or at least Ladi tries to be), and Palladium would look up to that quality in her. After all, that's a much needed one in THIS household...

>>4326150
Ladi definitely finds Berkie to be a nice addition to the 'stoics' and likely wishes she met her under better circumstances. If we wanna look at a big influence, I'd imagine auntie Iri is the culprit. Osmium was likely busy playing politics, either local or aristocratic, most years so while she might've had a hand in raising Ladi it was kind of distanced. Wouldn't surprise me either if Iri helped Ladi with vocal warm ups considering she probably has to shout over storms at sea and cannon fire during the various battles she's been in.
Oh speaking of that family; I realized, belatedly, that Osmium's position wouldn't just be a normal officer. She probably retired as a police captain considering her family and possible military service

>>4326245
From Iridium she learned how to project her voice and from Osmium she learned what to say. No wonder she eventually took up singing. If Osmium was that highly renown it stands to reason she would have been of considerable rank. Growing up, Ladi probably grew quite accustomed to solitude, a bubble that has now been thoroughly popped by Platinum's presence.

On the topic of nobility in the AU; what's the size and scope of Argon's operation? Being the smuggler that she is, it sounded like she was equivalent to Steel in the underworld

>>4327987
Decently large, given her connections. Large enough to move the kind of merchandise she deals in, but not too large as to capture undue attention. She probably owns a warehouse or two down at the docks, and employs a modest workforce there for unloading contraband. This potentially puts her into contact with people like Molybdenum, but also opens up possibilities for, say, Strontium?

>>4328061
Mercury and her assistant too. Strontium's an interesting choice, what would she be doing?

>>4328134
>Strontium
Initial thought? Museum curator, and Argon's contact on the inside. On the other hand, there may be a more interesting option for her out there.

>>4328135
Good stand by, and would help flesh out Argon's important people. If I may be so bold to suggest that she's a theater director wanting to dabble in that fancy new medium called film. Purely on use of the element's mainstay application of cathode-ray tube and the earliest tvs. Which could help explain why Stronti's still working with Argon, needing monies and funds to privately fuel projects Stronti's shopping around.

>>4328149
How would they have become acquainted with one another in that case? Perhaps Argon has a taste for the arts.

>>4328151
Yeah Argon having a taste for the Arts. I suppose, depending on their history and if you wanna get into it, we could say Stronti's a family friend or someone Argon grew up alongside...say in a boarding school.

>>4328152
Maybe she could be a mix of both? That is, a museum curator with a history of dabbling in the theater as a director. Argon gets what she wants out of her position, and Strontium gets a patron of sorts.

>>4328154
Maybe, the bigger thing with being a director was to toy with her being a 'film' director while accounting for potential age and how new of a concept film is during the 20s via the theater director angle. Before it gets too wrapped up in vocational discussion, how old would Stronti and Argon be? Perhaps that'll help focus the direction. It sounds like Argon might be, maybe, in her forties while Stronti's more nebulous and could be mid-twenties to forties.

>>4328155
Hmm, how about early forties for Argon and somewhere around her mid thirties for Strontium? Although it could really go either way. That could indeed be Strontium's objective in involving herself with Argon, to be financed in making the jump to this new medium. Which, speaking of, Dysprosium could also be involved with as a charismatic producer.

>>4328157
Dysprosium could be an interesting choice. Those ages sound good for Stronti and Argon. Would Dys be aware of the smuggling or would she just be a specter looming over Stronti in the directorial front?

>>4328199
The latter, I imagine. This would be a common trait shared by both Strontium and Sodium, and if Dysprosium has an eye for quality half as good as her reputation would suggest, then she might be on the lookout for up and coming talent too. She hasn't built a name for herself by being complacent, after all.

Hopefully Strontium can shake that grumpy persona of hers before then!

>>4328217
Sounds like Neon might be in contact with her, being an indirect feeler and/or friend. Maybe Antimony as well. It also sounds like Dys is yet another person that'll receive the patented Lith gaze. This has made me realize that maybe Lith would end up studying business law to help out the family business, after working things out with K, to the point where Lith becomes the family lawyer. Dys'll probably feel a twitch develop whenever the idea of hiring Sodium rears it's head, cause Lith pops up like one of them ninjas to intrude.

Dys might find Stronti's persona refreshing up to a point. It would be interesting if, due to how much of a specter Dys is, Stronti's finding some surprising comfort in her friendship with Argon. Cause it's largely simple and she's more than willing to hear her complain.

>>4328237
Neon! Good catch, good catch indeed. Almost as a rule, Lithium would find Dysprosium and everything she represents untrustworthy. Can't her family go one day without getting wrapped up in somebody else's schemes? Becoming the family lawyer is the best way she can protect them, or at least that's what Lithium would think. Her and Potassium, they're almost going to end up as parental figures for Sodium at this rate.

>Strontium's friendship with Argon
Nobody is more surprised about that than she is. 'cause on some level, Strontium must have an unscrupulous streak to be assisting in Argon's smuggling operation, and crime is the last place she expected to make friends. But Argon is still technically an archeologist, so they do have something in common, even if she is using her expertise for ill-gotten gains.

>>4328242
Funny enough I feel like Dys is closer to Lith's imagined threats to the business than Thal and Nitrogen are. The vulture of a businesswoman that Dys is, just immediately has Lith's hackles raised and she can't believe adorably little Sodi's falling for the glamour. Sodium would probably feel a touch weird if she ever does clock that thought about Lith acting like her step mom, cause they gotta be what...? six years apart from each other or around that much? And only her mom has ever cared that much.

>Stronti+Argon
Quite right, quite right. If we wanna be a touch more cynical, Argon's little...foray into smuggling is probably temporary. Not just because of what we, the audience, know of the era but she's a noble. It's a bit of a busy work during the past couple of decades to fill out the family coffers because the war hit them decently. It's probably something Argon appreciates when it comes to talking to Po.

>>4328245
See, this is why they need Lithium around! Sodium has noticed her mother smiling more often lately, and things are livelier around the shop than they have been in a long time...even if it's not the type of business Lithium would always prefer. Now that you mention it, the thought has struck Sodium how Lithium is closer in age to her than she is to Potassium, but then, on the other hand, the way Lithium dresses, acts and presents herself all give off a certain impression of maturity beyond her years. That is, until Sodium catches her pouting when she thinks nobody is looking, or staying up late into the night scribbling out business plans in her notebook.

>Argon
Argon isn't one to pass up an opportunity when it comes to her attention. And honestly, it's just plain exciting, isn't it? Success in the underworld is success all the same.

>>4328256
Now if only Thal could learn to take a breath when they're out and about. At least Ruth understands why Sodi's always exacerbated when spending the day with Thal. Well N thinks Ruth understands.
>Ar
Sounds like Stronti better watch out or not do anything untoward when she gets some success relating to film. She might flip Argon's switch.

>>4328277
It's all a game about who can stay one step ahead. Thallium gnaws at her fingernail, wondering what Nitrogen is planning. Nitrogen watches Thallium out of the corner of her eye, wondering how much she knows. Ruthenium stands in the corner, thinking about...what she and her sister did the night before? Wait, what?

>Ar
Blackmail, is it?

>>4328287
Rho's shooting her sister a side eye before checking her watch. N just tilts her head cutely before saying she's going to go make some tea and leaves the room with K.
>Ar
I'd say more enticement with how Stronti was looking upon getting the news. Argon maybe talks her into continuing the night by celebrating at a lounge

>>4328292
Sodium is just ecstatic to have so many people around, totally oblivious to the fact that half of them are shooting the other half suspicious glares. Or, in Lithium's case, all of them.

>Ar
Ah, that kind of switch. Well, you know what she says about opportunity...and it's not like Strontium has anyone else to celebrate with, is it?

>>4328294
In such a case, I think Lith has a good bit of sense to politely ask them all to take it outside while she distracts K and N. Thal would probably shrug in good nature, snap her fingers, and then Ruth and Rho are picking up Nitro to take her outside into an alley.
>Ar
I don't think so no. Stronti seems like she'd be too busy being possessed by her muses most of her life. If they had gone up to Stronti's place, she'd likely have to apologize about not having the typical creature comforts available to Argon.

>>4328298
The old "if you're not going to buy something, leave" tactic. Works every time. It's practically a routine at this point. In Thallium's defense, she does make a point of making a nominal purchase or two every so often as to establish an alibi.

>Ar
That, and all the clutter. How long have those stacks of books been there again? Anything other than the possibility of polite conversation probably hadn't even occurred to Strontium. After all, why would someone like Argon be interested in someone like her? The very thought is preposterous!

>>4328306
Thal's nothing if not a lady, just like Po raised. Nitro, after having the scare of her life, probably takes K aside and starts putting her plans in motion. Alongside the general freeze she was spooked into making earlier. She'll probably have a fun afternoon discussing things with Ura.
>Ar
Exactly! Besides it's been ages since someone last caught Stronti's eyes and well, Argon makes a compelling point about celebrating.

>>4328320
Polonium, meanwhile, has been wondering why potted plants keep appearing around her office. For Nitrogen's sake, hopefully Uranium is in a patient mood. What's her excuse to Potassium?

>Ar
Argon does have a history of talking Strontium into things, and she can be very persuasive. Anyway, what could one drink hurt?

>>4328322
Po just has a faint grin as Thal's repeating some facts she learned about the plant and how it helps one think better. Not realizing she kind of answered the wrong part of Po's question.
>Nitro
Well considering, and this might be getting ahead of things, Nitrogen got fully scared into putting her retirement plans into motion from Thal...she sits Potassium down about the partnership and gives her some documents that is involved with signing over her part of the business. Acourse Nitro gets the daylights scared out of her by Lith appearing behind her to snatch up the documents while K is more concerned Nitrogen herself.
>Ura
Uranium, meanwhile, is for the most part alright. Nitrogen's meticulousness and planning would allow Ura a pretty smooth transition when things are all said and done. Ura just wants her for one last job, Nitro. She has~ a plan.

>Ar
Exactly. Argon would probably enjoy showing off to someone that could understand the significance behind what's being shown.

>>4328335
Hey, maybe Thallium learned something useful from this plan after all. Turns out that even the formidable Polonium has got to have a soft spot.

>Nitro
Sounds like somebody is about to have a serious discussion. From the look on Lithium's face when she peaked into the room, Sodium could tell that something was going on. That, and the way her tone grew sharper with every sentence she read.

>Ura
Wouldn't do her any good to get ahead of herself now. She's waited this long, so she can wait a little longer. She must be putting together quite the performance.

>Ar
The way Strontium's eyes light up when Argon mentions the topic of the latest artifact she's procured, or her thoughtful expression when it comes to the task of logistics. And don't even get her started on show business.

>>4328348
>Ni
Hilariously, as far as Lith is concerned, it's perfect. Nitro would be, essentially,giving her half of the business to them while quietly exiting. The rub is that K's more than a little concerned despite Nitrogen trying to play it off as a long time coming. Concerned enough that she maybe questions Thal about what they talked about.
>Ura
Quite right, quite right. then again maybe she can sell Nitrogen on one last score that'll give set her up for the rest of her life. Ura meanwhile would probably use such a thing as a stepping stone.
>SrAr
Exactly, they'd hit it off surprisingly and if Stronti gets possessed by her muse because of this passion all the better.

Imagining Dys as the slick corpo producer in the setting has me wondering how all the gangsters, crooks, and big wigs might view this carpetbagger that's sojourning in the city. Cause she probably rubs them in a way that Antimony doesn't.

>>4328570
>Nitro
Oh, wow. She really was spooked. Well, that's one thing off Lithium's plate, but she shouldn't celebrate prematurely: there's still Potassium's reaction to deal with. This might actually force a confrontation between the two, with Potassium questioning Lithium's apparent trust issues, along with her intentions here long-term. There's a lesson to be learned that sometimes the right choice isn't always the "correct" one, and that she maybe hadn't been factoring other's feelings into her business equations.

>Ura
Big intentions, eh? An offer so tempting that even Nitrogen couldn't refuse.

>SrAr
For Argon's sake, hopefully Strontium doesn't confuse her sudden attentions for an attempt at manipulation. After all, as stayed, why would she be interested in a woman like her? Self doubt might lead her to assume the worst, given their extralegal dealings.

>Dys
Competition at best, an unwanted intrusion at worst. Competition namely in the case of Prase, to name one such example. The way she acts has more in common with someone like Aluminum, but at least Aluminum has the excuse of being a public hero of sorts.

>>4328648
>NiLiK
Thal really is a motivating force and I'm sure with K forcing a sit down to ask why, it'll be a rough situation. I imagine Lith and Nitro will be competing in 'looks like they sucked on a lemon' when the things come to light.
Perhaps the final score isn't that tempting after all.
>SrAr
I'm sure Argon's personable enough to detect or start detecting those thoughts and help assuage them.
>Dys
Probably has a couple of dinners with Antimony and Arsenic to try and get the lay of the land. Maybe gets ahead of herself, and Anti has to remind her that Dys isn't in that wild west town of San Fran

>>4330283
>Thallium: "Oops."
See, Polonium really had nothing to worry about. If anything, her princess is the one that caused trouble in the first place. Ruthenium and Rhodium can confirm as much.

When Potassium starts to lecture those two, Nitrogen is sitting there wondering "wait, why am I still here?"

>SrAr
The question is, what's stronger? Argon's charisma or Strontium's self-doubt?

>Dys
Upon Arsenic's request, no doubt. Antimony can never say no to her wife. Nevertheless, Dysprosium has her mind set on plundering this town for all it's worth. Sure, that's not how she would phrase it, but Antimony knows the type when she sees them. There's plenty of talent here, she just has to dig it up first.