A Man Chooses; A Slave Obeys

Chapter 1: An Aria

It was the summer of 1951, with Rapture completed Andrew Ryan commissioned an extravagant ball to be held at Fort Frolic with his favoured artist, Sander Cohen, presiding over the lavish affair. The long walk towards the Atrium was decked in gold and ruby, a decadent carpet sprawled across the floor and the finest drapes flowing elegantly as guests crowded through the narrow funnel towards what was surely going to be, the greatest party the world had ever seen.

There was a buzz in the air as hundreds huddled themselves into the Atrium. The doors closed all around as the lights flashed and faded. A single silhouette appeared on a balcony just above the crowd. Everyone stood silent. A lone cough as the silhouette stepped forward and the imposing figure of Andrew Ryan enervated the masses. He waved a hand and the room fell silent, the lights dimmed a little and a microphone descended from the ceiling.

“On the surface, I once bought a forest. The Parasites claimed that the land belonged to God, and demanded that I establish a public park there.” A few in the crowd began to mutter as the pause drifted ever onwards.

“Why?” Ryan proclaimed, with a steely determination. He took a sip of his drink and the crowd seemed drawn in. Almost pawing over his words and dreaming that he was talking to them individually. That was his power. Total obedience through reverence.

“Why I asked? So the rabble could stand slack-jawed under the canopy and pretend that it was paradise earned? No.” A few in the crowd dared to drink during the brief silence and were met with glassy stares.

“When Congress moved to nationalize my forest, I burnt it to the ground. If I couldn't own what I earned, why should everyone else be entitled to share in my success? This is the founding principle of the world in which I wish to reside. This is the ideology that helped me erect a monument to the hard-working man and this is the law by which Rapture is governed.” Many gasped at the sudden outburst of controlled rage but Ryan soon recovered. With a sip of his drink, he had them held in steely grip. Not one eye was away from him as he gazed back across the hundreds who flocked to be there.

“Every man is entitled to the sweat of his brow, the fruit of his labours. Every man here is entitled to share with me this great Eden that I have created and that you have all made possible. I propose a toast, to the sweat of your brow. Without which, none of us would be here.”

Everyone raised their glass and simultaneously chanted “To the sweat of our brow!” A cacophony of glasses chinking, people cheering and general commotion filled the room. Cohen stepped forward onto the balcony as Andrew Ryan receded into the shadows.

“I do sincerely hope you'll all join us in the Upper Atrium in an hour for a very special surprise. But for now...Let the festivities begin!” He bellowed and nearly fell over the railing. The music kicked in just in time to draw the crowds attention away and the lights flashed back on much to everyone's surprise.

People wandered towards the Lower Atrium where several boutiques were housed. Men and women alike browsed the collections in Sophia Salon. A finely dressed man was escorting a beautiful young woman through the store and helping her pick a dress.

“Oh darling, isn't this dress absolutely gorgeous. The emerald green would go perfectly with my new shoes. What do you think?” The young man, clearly disinterested, turned to her and half smiled.

“Yes yes, of course. Whatever you want my dear.” He removed a spectacular golden pocket watch and yawned as he ran his fingers around the rim and closed it. Placing it carefully back in his jacket, he adjusted his shirt and tugged lightly at the young woman's hand. She followed begrudgingly.

“Alistair, I do wonder if you are even paying attention to me some times” She whimpered slightly and pulled him in closer as they scurried through the crowds.

“Well of course I do. If I didn't why would I spend so much time and energy to bring us all the way here. I adore you and want to spend as much time with you as possible.” Alistair stopped abruptly and pulled the young woman in close.

“Julia, I have loved you ever since that night you nearly killed me with your horse.” They both smiled and laughed quietly.

“You know, I still have a scar on my back from where you managed to make your horse walk over me after you knocked me down” Julia blushed and playfully slapped his shoulder.

“Oh Alistair, how many times do I have to say sorry! I let you take me out for dinner when you recovered after all. Surely that was enough?” The young couple laughed. Alistair pulled Julia closer and gently pressed his lips to hers. She blushed and kissed back. They stood frozen amongst a moving mass of people. A solitary beacon.

“Julia, lets go and see what all this fuss is about in the Upper Atrium.” Alistair clasped her hands and gently pulled her towards the stairway. They disappeared into the crowd.

A group of loud young men push their way through the crowds to arrive at the opening of Le Marquis D'Epoque, a recreational drug store and bar.

“Come on guys, you know it's not a party 'til we get some smokes at least. We might as well have a few drinks before we see Cohen and his crazy bullshit too. You know what he's like.” The men laughed.

“Yeah, Vinny, remember when he said you had beautiful eyes?” The shortest of the group steps in front of the others and begins acting out the scene.

“Oh man don't remind me. He comes up to me ya' see, wearin' this weird pink suit with a huge hat on an' well he stops me an' says, 'Young man, you have the most exquisite eyes I have ever seen. I must have them!' and I swear, he came on ta' me and I had ta' push him off before he done somethin' weird. I said like 'What you think I'm some kinda boy lover? Get away from me man 'fore I slap the queer outta' yous', ya' pansy'. An' he walks off all scared lookin', like he's 'bout ta' cry or summin'. Man, that guy still creeps me out.” Vinny shudders and the others laugh.

“So hows about them beers then boys?” They all cheer as Vinny leads them further into the bar.

The group of men sit down at the bar and order a round of beers.

“So Vinny, what happened 'tween you an' that skirt you was chasin'?” The other men crowded around in anticipation.

“Ahhh, nothin'. She was seein' this otha' guy an'... well I ain't getting' involved in none o' that. Paulie knows bout' that right?” The biggest member of the group sighed and took a large swig of his beer.

“Yeah I know what you mean Vinny. That broad Samantha, she stole my heart and ran off with some guy from New England. Fuckin' bastard. If I ever see those two again, I'll.... hell, I don't know what I'd do.” Vinny looked down at his beer bottle as he swished it back and forth, watching the foam form and swirl.

“Ahhh enougha' this sad crap, this is supposed ta' be a night o' fun right? Well, how 'bout we all get hammered, right here 'fore we get ta' that Cohen bullshit? God knows I fuckin' need it ta' be near that weirdo' again.” They all laughed and polished off their beers.

“Bartender... gimme' two bottles o' whiskey... know what, make that three! Me 'n' my boys are getting' drunk tonight if it kills us!”

At the corner of the bar a young woman with brilliant red hair was sitting alone, nursing a warm beer, looking tentative and agitated. She starts tapping her pen on a notepad on the table and swirls her beer bottle around.

“Shit! Why can't I find one good fucking story? I spent days getting to know the right people so I could get in here and not one single fucking person is willing to talk to me!” She scribbles on her notepad in rage and slumps into her arms.

“Hey sweetcheeks, you're lookin' a bit overworked. Hows about you come ova' here with me 'n' my pals so we can show you a good time huh?” Vinny casually sat down in the chair opposite the young woman. She looked up and pushed her beer bottle to the side.

“Listen here fuck-face, when you see a young woman sat on her own looking overworked, the first thought that comes into your tiny little head should be to leave her the fuck alone. She clearly doesn't want to talk to people otherwise she'd have her fucking tits out and half her ass showing. Since I have neither, you can assume that I, 1. Don't need some assehole trying to stick his dick in my pants and 2. Don't want 'you and your friends to show me a good time'. So how about you take your drink, take a big swig, lather up the bottle and go fuck yourself.” Vinny sat in shock and awe. In the time it took him to process the insult, the young woman had finished her beer and started picking up her things to leave.

“Hey, wait just one fucking second! Who the fuck do you think you are Miss...” Vinny strains to read the name of her notepad. Before he can make out her name the page comes flying towards him faster than he can react. He falls to backwards over the table and smashes the beer bottle. His nose cracks on the wall as he slams against the floor.

“MISS VICTORIA ERHARDT! YOU UPPITY LITTLE FUCK!” Victoria stands over Vinny and kicks a chair at him. The whole bar has gone completely silent and every eye is on the two. Victoria realises and composes herself before walking for the door.

Vinny looks around. Paulie rushes over to help him up.

“Get offa' me! I'm fine. Fuckin' bitch betta' watch her mouth. God dammit! Broken fuckin' nose! You know what, no. I am NOT going to let this ruin our night. Now, where's my whiskey!”
Vinny and Paulie stroll back up to the bar and take their seats. After polishing off their whiskey the group head outside.

Victoria sat on a bench just opposite the opening of Le Marquis D'Epoque. Vinny and Paulie head off just in front of the other two men towards the staircase towards the Upper Atrium.

“Well, I guess I better go and see what all the fuss is about. Even those two are going to see it so it's got to be at least half-way entertaining. And I might be able to get a look in on Andrew Ryan, or least get Cohen drunk enough to have a chat with me. Alright girls, time to do your work.” Victoria pulled her clinging black dress down to expose the top of her chalk white breasts and rolled up the bottom of her dress.

“That old pervert doesn't stand a chance.” She hid her notepad in her purse and took out some lipstick, a cigarette, matches and a small container. She carefully applied her lipstick, luscious red with a hint of pink. Puckering her lips she blew kisses to the mirror. Slowly placing the lipstick back in her bag she placed the small metal container on the shelf below the mirror and opened it. Inside was a fine white powder. A couple walked past and gasped in disgust as Victoria placed a small amount of the powder on her finger and snorted it.

“What?! It's just fucking cocaine! Not like everyone else isn't doing it.” She carefully closed the container and placed it back in the bag. As she walked towards the stairway to the Upper Atrium she struck a match and lit a cigarette.

“Every vice has it's pro's and con's. This beautiful little stick of happiness just seems to make all the pro's that much sweeter.” She blew a cloud of smoke towards another young couple and laughed to herself as she climbed the darkened stairway.

The crowd started slowing down as nearly everyone was packed into the Upper Atrium. The doors were just about to close when a young man burst up the stairs. His hair was a mess and his clothes somewhat dishevelled.

“DON'T CLOSE THE DOORS! PLEASE?!” He stumbled up the last stairs and almost slammed into the door. Catching his breath he held onto the handle.

“Thank... you. I know, I'm a bit late but, here's my invitation. I think you'll find everything's in order.” The guard looked him up and down then flashed back to the invitation. He took another look at the young man who was straightening his suit and fixing his hair.

“Says here that you're Mr Alexander Stalling and Miss Amelia Taunberg. Where's your plus one?” The guard looked sceptical and the young man shuffled nervously.

“Well uh... you see... well... she left me. This evening actually. To go with another man. I... I wasn't going to come but... well, I didn't want to miss this for the world and...” Alex looked at his feet and tried to summon a speck of courage.

“Well you see a young man like myself has to appear at these sort of social occasions.” The guard visibly sighed and ushered Alex inside.

“Thank you my good man.” Alex muttered as he rushed into the dark room. The door slammed shut behind him and he thought he could hear a lock clicking shut.

A light shone onto an enormous stage at the front of the room and Sander Cohen stood with rabbit mask on his face. He gestured and the crowd moved forward slightly. The lights dimmed and he stood at the edge of the stage. Soft music humming just above the crowd and a faint whisper broke out. Cohen reached up and hundreds of masks fell from the ceiling. All of various shapes and sizes.

“Take them my children, for the night is young and what truth can be told with a face that is your own. But in a face you do not know could belie your true love. Or a close friend. A relative maybe? Or even, your worst enemy. A man is least himself when he wears his own face. But give a man a mask and you'll hear an ocean of truth upon his cold breath.”

People scrambled for masks, diving around the floor as Sander Cohen laughed. The lights flashed across the crows and flashed glimpses of the chaos unfolding. After several minutes, the crowd quietened. People were replaced by animals, by shapes in suits.

Victoria stood at the back, scanning the room for anyone she knew or worse, anyone that might know her. She had a bear mask. She found it amusing that she'd find a bear for herself. Her cigarette almost out she stubbed it out on the wooden sideboard and headed towards an open bar. Reaching over she grabbed a bottle of expensive whiskey and headed towards a seating area, hoping to find someone worth her time.

Alistair and Julia were clinging to each other in the centre of the mass. Alistair had a large rabbit mask and Julia found a matching female rabbit.

“Why hello my dear rabbit, what is such a fine specimen such as yourself doing on this fine evening?” Alistair bowed and took Julia's hand. She blushed and curtseyed.

“Well my good Sir Rabbit, I am here on a date with a ravishing young buck by the name of Alistair. Perhaps you know of him. The most handsome, courageous, intelligent man in all of the world?” Alistair swept her off of her feet and pressed their masks close as he held her tight.

“This young rabbit certainly sounds like quite the catch. Although I would expect no less from the most ravishing beauty in all the known world.” They both laughed and lifted their masks slightly. Julia pulled Alistair close to her body. She pressed herself against him and felt his heart being to race and she gently caressed her soft lips against his and ran her silky fingers across his back.

“I love you Alistair Fletching.” Julia whispered. Alistair drew her in to him and pressed his lips against hers in a fierce embrace. Julia flushed red and held tighter.

“I love you too Julia Winchester.” They both replaced their masks and drifted off into the mass of people.

Vinny and Paulie staggered through the crowd towards the open bar and took a seat. They both had masks around their necks and a bottle in their hands.

“What the fuck is with this mask crap Paulie?!” Vinny nearly falls off the stool as he leans towards the bar to take another swig from his whiskey.

“Hell if I know, but it's like you said, Cohen, is one weird fuckin' creep.” Paulie takes a large swig but finds his bottle empty. He throws it to the ground and reaches around to grab another from the bar.

“You know what though Paulie, I'm glad we came. The party hasn't even started an' it's already been the best night a' my life. Thanks pal!” Vinny pats Paulie on his broad shoulders.

“Ahh don't worry 'bout it. Ya' ain't goin' soft on me are ya'?” The men laugh and take a large drink.

“Here's to havin' a good time an' the best friends in tha' world!” Vinny takes one final swig and falls face first on the bar. Paulie laughs and takes another swig. He turns around and looks over the crowd before turning back to Vinny and patting him on the back.

“You're alright pal.”

Alex wanders through the crowd near the front, trying to get the best view. He bumps into a young women in a strange mask and knocks her over.

“Oh I am so sorry! Please, let me help you!” Alex holds out his hand and pulls the young women up.

“Wait... Alex?! What are you doing here?” The young woman steps back and a man approaches her from behind. He holds her hand and pulls her in close.

“Hey Amelia, this guy bothering you?” Alex takes a step back in shock as the man steps forward.

“Ameilia?! Wait but...how...how did you get here? And who's this guy?” Amelia lifts her mask and pushes the other man back.

“Oh Alex, I didn't think you'd come. This is Danny. He's my new boyfriend. What are you doing here? How did you even get in?” She steps forward and puts her hand on Alex's shoulder. He shrugs it off and steps back turning to walk away.

“I gave you three years Amelia, and you up and leave me. I was going to stay at home but I decided that I at least deserve to have a good night out. I hoped that you wouldn't be here but, I guess I was wrong again.” He storms off as Amelia tries to grab him but he shrugs her off again and she turns to the other man. They both wander off towards the stage.

Alex takes a seat at the open bar next to two drunks guys. One of them is passed out of the bar and the other is sipping whiskey straight from the bottle. The man turns around and passes the bottle to Alex.

“Here pal, you look like you need this more than I do.” Alex looks up and takes the bottle. He takes one big gulp and splutters.

“Hahaha, take it slow buddy, the burn gets you first.” The man turned around and put the bottle on the bar and grabbed another from behind it. Alex put his head in his hands, tears rolled off his cheeks and he pounded his fist on the wooden top.

“I'm sorry, I just, I lost my girl today and I found her here with another guy. This fucking assehole from the docks. I gave her three years of my life. I worked so hard so we could get here, and this is how she repays me?” The big man put his hand on Alex's shoulder and sighs.

“If I had a dime for every time I heard a story like that, I'd be a very rich man. My name's Paulie by the way.” Alex looks up and sees Paulie smiling and handing him the bottle again.
“My names Alex. Nice to meet you Paulie.”

A large gong sounds and the lights fade again. Sander Cohen stands in the centre of the stage under a spotlight. The music has stopped and the crowd is silent. Every pair of eyes is on him as he takes a deep breath. A curtain begins to part and a drum-roll sounds.

“Ladies and gentlemen... It's time.” The lights fade to black for a moment, then a sudden flash stuns everyone in the crowd. The curtain draws open. The music erupts and everybody screams.