Chapter 6: Luck in Spades (Synopsis)
Luck in Spades (intro to T.O.M.O.) 4/20/25
Dicer is staring at the group emblem one day and notices that the Symbol for the Spades Faction is actually filled in. He questions A.C.E. About this and it is confirmed that the legal department does indeed have a leader, T.O.M.O. D.A.C.H.I. he has just not met him yet because the faction head has been out working in the field. Dicer keeps wondering about what kind of person that leader is after he is unable to get any info about the man from A.C.E. Other than: “you’ed know if you had met him” and “you’ll find out for yourself soon enough”.
About a week later, Dicer notices the landing floor lobby is abuzz with activity. People he hasn't seen before are running and shouting, trying to get in order while whispers of “his majesty arrival” fill the halls. A whistle blows from somewhere and the people line up on either side of the entrance in a deep bow. Dicer is standing at the end of the line in curiosity as the doors fly open and in walks T.O.M.O. With a title announcement and a grand flourish. The man slings off his cape passing it to one of the assistants and he is handed a cup of tea. He takes a sip and looks to criticize it but locks eyes with Dicer before he’s able to do so.
With a less then pleasant “who the fuck’re you?” T.O.M.O. Hands back the drink and moves to approach Dicer. Dicer explains that he is the newest member to the Diamond Faction to which T.O.M.O. Laughs and expresses his dis-belief, all while saying a few disparaging things about A.C.E. In the process. Dicer is unhappy with the man’s jabs at his friend and questions T.O.M.O. As to what he does and where he’s been.
T.O.M.O. Proceeds to humor him, stating that he serves as the leading judicial figure for Ark Light - that he is the judge, jury, and executioner of the law and that Dicer better behave well less he gets in trouble. T.O.M.O. Watches Dicers expressions through it all and lights up with a sly expression as an idea strikes him. He talked in a feigned concerned/ mocking tone as he explains that he’s been out doing business inspections and had found a hole-in-the-wall restaurant on the west side that shouldn't even be operating due to the amount of code violations they had. He states that he had to return early in order to start filing the paperwork to shut down the place within three days.
Dicer recognises this shop as one near his home that he frequents on occasion and tries to appeal to T.O.M.O. On their behalf. T.O.M.O. states that the law is the law and
that he simply does not care about Dicer's personal sentiments. He then taunts Dicer by stating if he wants to try his hand at playing the hero he can but he’s going to need more than luck and doubts that Dicer could make the 3 day deadline of fixing all of the shops issues.
T.O.M.O. Sneers a bit but says if he can beat the odds, he will admit Dicer was a good addition to A.C.E.s team, and also that he will be generous - stating that if there is any permit work that needs to be filed that he will get his faction to expedite the paperwork to give Dicer a fighting chance. T.O.M.O. Wraps up his speech by saying he doesn't think it’s worth his time and the Dicer probably wouldn't make it anyway, but would love to see him try.
The conversation is over and with a snap of his fingers, his faction members follow T.O.M.O. Out as he leaves for his department's floor. Dicer is left in the now empty entrance filled with the feeling of loathing and determination.
Dicer goes to the shop and looks for the owners - he is determined to help but as he takes a look around waiting for them to come to the front he sees just how bad of a shape the place is in - he hasn't noticed it before, but even he can admit that the place couldn't possibly be suitable to continue running as it is.
The older couple comes down and apologizes to them, saying they got their food license suspended and can not offer him anything. Dicer explains that he heard of their troubles with T.O.M.O. And has come to help. They have their doubts but accept the help in light of Dicers confidence. Dicer reassures them but says they will probably need some extra hands to help and will start getting the word out.
A montage of Dicer and the couple calling people ensues and members of the community are seen coming in and out of the shop to lend aid. A checklist of things to do is made and he does his best to communicate and direct people to cover the tasks at hand. Dicer and another boy try to move the stove but it is a mess underneath and a mouse runs out. A tearful Dicer is seen calling some pest control. He is seen scrubbing and deep cleaning and animal control is seen catching the mice for transportation away from the shop and sealing the holes in the wall. They clean the fryers, fix some wiring to keep the food heaters and coolers at the right temperature and take out the trash.
At a break on the second day Dicer calls A.C.E. On the phone but it sounds like A.C.E. Is busy in a battle somewhere else as there are clashing and yelling sounds around his leader's normal cool tone. A.C.E. Apologizes and says that he does not think we will be able to make it back in time to help but tells Dicer it sounds like he has everything handled and that he has faith in him.
Dicer is a bit disappointed but he is undeterred. He wipes his brow and gets back to work. There is another montage of him trying to get the couples permits renewed, repainting the walls, and cleaning out and restocking the fridge and supply closet with the help of some other town people as the owners providing snacks. The place is transformed and looks better than ever before.
The end of the 3 day timeline ends as he puts the finishing touches out and looks at the checklist that has all been completed. He shares the news with the owners but is still worried about the inspection. The couple comfort him, expressing their appreciation for everyone’s support and states that even if they do not pass, that Dicer did all he could and that whichever way it goes they are grateful and that they would always have a meal ready for him. He thanks them for their kindness and the bell rings signally T.O.M.O.s. Arrival.
Dicer watches in anticipation as T.O.M.O. Takes his time going around the shop, checking everything, even swiping his gloves on surfaces looking for grease. T.O.M.O. Comes up empty on all accounts. He goes and talks to the owners, telling them if they keep everything maintained they can continue for many years into the future without issue and to not let the place fall into dis-repair again. He stamps their papers with the permission to operate again and the couple promise to keep things up to date. The couple gifts T.O.M.O. And Dicer food as they are leaving and the two walk out with each other.
T.O.M.O. Pulls Dicer Aside away from the door and gives him a series of backhanded compliments for the work he’s done as well as the advice that he can not possibly save everyone, even if he wanted to, and that Dicer should be more selfish. Before Dicer had a chance to disagree T.O.M.O. Turns and walks away. Dicer grumbles a bit to himself that T.O.M.O. Is wrong and that he will prove it to him one day. He looks at the bag in his hand as a symbol of the fact that he is able to help people, even if it’s in a small way. His phone then buzzes with a text from A.C.E. Saying that he’s done with his mission and will see Dicer when he gets back to the Citadel. Dicer emailed a bit and lights up a bit as he is struck by an idea. He turns around and heads back inside the shop for more food.
Afterward Dicer meets up with A.C.E. And while they share the take out, vents to him about T.O.M.O.s awful personality and about the adventure he’s had saving the restaurant from T.O.M.O.’s unfair scrutiny. A.C.E. Praises him for a job well done but explains to Dicer that not once had T.O.M.O. Actually shut down a business, and instead had arranged for them to get assistance until they could be brought up to code. Dicer is shocked to realize that he has been duped into community service and, even though he did the right thing and didn't mind having helped the store, vows to be more careful around T.O.M.O. And his manipulations again.
Chapter end.
