5th Turn [Video/Action] Forward Dated to the 26th

[redjacketthief]

[It's late at night that the video feed opens. The thief is there, not remembering proper camera etiquette again, with a finger held up to his smiling lips. "Be quiet," he seems to be asking. Not that it would save him.

While he's requesting quiet, he himself is haphazardly humming a soft, haunting melody, the title of which he will swear to the day that he dies that he doesn't know. For a man who hasn't spoken to God in years, his humming is strangely reverent.

The viewers soon realize why.

The thief removes himself from the video feed, presenting a scale replica of a cathedral that some may recognize as the forever incomplete Sagrada Familia, the magnum opus of the deceased architect, Gaudi. Done up entirely in matchsticks and glue, and delicately standing on the coffee table in front of Lupin's zebra print sofa, it is but a faint echo of the original's majesty.

Astute observers will notice something different about it--it doesn't look as incomplete as it is in real life. The thief comes back into view, smiling.

There are secrets lingering just beneath the surface of his gaze. He will say nothing that will indicate what, though.]

Beautiful, isn't it. Been feeling a little nostalgic, for some reason. I thought the Old Man would appreciate it.

Comments

[justicereigns]

So you got a hobby after all?

[redjacketthief]

You call playing at something for a month a hobby?

[He was just bored and, with a derth of locks to pick, needed something to do with his hands.]

[doubleppk]

Oh. You think they'll ever finish it back home?

[justicereigns]

You don't?

[Better than Smoker's non-hobbies.]

[Video]

[greatinspector]

[Zenigata is up late, as usual. He's reading a new detective book he found at the library The Curious Cases of Judge Dee but as always he has his journal open, letting it pick up various notes. When Lupin's broadcast comes on, he sets down the book and listens.

The haunting tune strikes a chord with the old Inspector, its familiar...but also not. He listens quietly, waiting for the purpose of all the theatrics and reverie. Though, as the small replica comes into view, it all finally clicks together. The incident in Barcelona a few years back...]

You know, it really does bring back some memories.

[redjacketthief]

Who knows? Gaudi died in '26, and his plans were partially destroyed. Last I heard, there was a lot of heavy debate about what to do with it. For all we know, it might even end up collapsing.

The Spanish government wasn't too smart about where they put their Alta Velocidad Española...their high speed train. The foundation might be compromised, for all we know.

[Video]

[redjacketthief]

Just been thinking about the Old Man, is all. He carried that secret for decades, without even a second thought.

[He lights a cigarette, far away from his little model.] Wiley bastard...

[redjacketthief]

Just was thinking a little about my mentor is all. He carried a heavy secret for decades...I hope it doesn't take me that long to get us out of here.

[doubleppk]

Such a shame~

It'd probably cost more money than it would bring in though.

[justicereigns]

You have a mentor?

[Thieves have mentors?!]

[Video]

[greatinspector]

No kidding. I can't even imagine what that'd be like. Something like that...it'd eat me up inside.

[He takes another swig of coffee, nodding] Definitely a tricky old coot.

[redjacketthief]

What, did you think I was born from a crimson egg in the catacombs under Paris as a fully grown man already knowing how to play the system? Even a well crafted blade needs a skilled handler.

[redjacketthief]

Who knows? It's a cathedral, but also a tourist spot. It's also a World Heritage Site. They might be able to finish it one day.

[He hoped that was the case, anyway. With Mark gone, who else was there to look after Gaudi's masterwork?]

[justicereigns]

I always thought thieves just became thieves over... other reasons. Not that anyone taught them how.

[Video]

[redjacketthief]

Not many people can do what he did, Pops. Even less would be willing to. I was just thinking of the parallels between his situation and ours here, is all. With luck, we won't have to work decades to reach our goal.

[redjacketthief]

My grandfather was an art thief and a gentleman. We have the same name, how can I be any less?

[Some men just didn't fit into the traditional system at all, Smoker. They had no choice but to be themselves, regardless of the consequences. It wasn't an easy balance to manage, maddness and freedom.]

[justicereigns]

Less? I'd call it more. Bloodlines don't mean you have to follow footsteps.

[doubleppk]

[Well it is scheduled for completion in 2028, 2026 if they get enough funds... which given the current state of the Eruo seems unlikely.]

Will you go see it then?

[redjacketthief]

Unfortunately, my mind moves too fast, and the world is too slow. I don't fit in with the rest of society at all.

At least my work keep my mind moving, gives me challenge. It's more than a lot of people can say about their jobs and lives.

[redjacketthief]

[2026 for the centennial of Gaudi's death is the goal...but politics, economics, and liars ruin all well honed plans.]

Of course. It was Mark's masterwork too.

[justicereigns]

Tsk. And you think Zenigata's life is too boring?

[Well okay, stakeouts are boring. And being stationed in Loguetown was extremely boring, but that was why Smoker was trying for G5, and all its insane problems.]

voice

[miniaturization]

....Impressive.....

[redjacketthief]

No.

Because he's chasing me.

voice

[redjacketthief]

Thanks. I needed something to do with my hands, and this kinda happened.

voice

[miniaturization]

[WHOA HE DID NOT MEAN FOR THAT TO BROADCAST. OH GOD HE'S TALKING TO LUPIN THE III, OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD ----]

....!

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H-hobbies are nice...