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Post by inakamoto on Jul 9, 2013 19:06:30 GMT -5
Tony found himself transfixed on the picture of Sam as he sat in his office. A strange mix of emotions occupied his mind as he stared intently at the digital image on his phone. Longing, affection, arousal...but the most dominating emotion in his head was concern. More specifically, concern over her recent confession in regards to her connection with Loki, the Norse God of Mischief.
Though he had told everything was going to be okay, his understanding of the situation was very clear. If Loki did arrive on his doorstep, he'd be in for the biggest fight of his life. His weapons, as they were now, would be inadequate compared to the raw power Loki would bring. There would be no room for error this time. If he was going to keep Sam safe, he would need an ace to play.
After mulling over that thought, Tony turned his attentions back to his schematics. He'd been up all night, reviewing his past armors. He'd come a long way from the Mark-2 armor. He thought back to the unpainted silver test armor still housed in his warehouse, next to the 35 other different armors he had developed. He looked over every single one of them, and each of them were automatically deemed inferior due to some exploitable weakness in their design.
Tony was beginning to think he'd spoken too soon when he reassured Sam. Even his Hulkbuster Armor seemed inadequate. If he was going to go up against Loki, he was going to need something a lot tougher.
Before he could organize his thoughts, GLaDOS's voice came through the speaker on his desk, "Mr. Stark? Do you have a moment?"
"What is it, GLaDOS?" Tony asked in a distracted tone.
"You have an incoming call," GLaDOS said.
"Whoever it is, tell them I'm busy."
"I'm afraid this call is urgent."
"All my calls are 'urgent' GLaDOS, that doesn't mean-."
"He says he wants to discuss your 'circus' problem."
Tony froze for a moment; it took him only a few seconds to deduce what the call was about, "Put him through."
With that, a click heard on the speaker indicated the caller was transferred to Tony's line, "What can I do for you, Mr. No-Name?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2013 18:16:50 GMT -5
"Tsk, tsk, that's no way to start a converstation with a potential business partner now is it, Mr. Stark?"
Xanatos' smooth and cultured voice spoke over the line, as always calm, collected, and slightly amused.
Xanatos himself was sitting behind a desk in the most recently constructed company building in Paris. Over the centuries, he had collected around him a vast fortune and empire and he enjoyed running it with his own hands. But now something else had caught his attention and he had made this call.
"After all, I think we both can help the other achive ends they are having difficulty with."
Xanatos swirled in his high-backed leather chair so that he was facing out the completely glass wall behind him, giving him a perfect view of Paris and the Effiel Tour gleaming in the distance. He sat leisurly, his handsome and cunning face, his calculating dark gaze looking out over the city. He wore an impecable suit of the highest fashion but also of the simpliest design. His brown hair lay over his shoulder in a loose ponytail.
"Now then, shall we start our introductions properly? Or should I end this call and speak to someone else?"
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Post by inakamoto on Jul 18, 2013 3:21:16 GMT -5
Tony placed his right hand around his chin as he listened to the man on the other line. Tony's first impressions of the man rang out as 'player'. This man, whoever he was, was definitely trying to lure Tony in, like a rat to cheese.
Unfortunately, it was Tony who was at the disadvantage in this case. This guy wouldn't be as easy to rattle with his usual stance, and there was no way of knowing before-hand whether or not this fellow was on the up and up. He would have to tread carefully around this one.
"Sorry about that...unintentionally crass answer," Tony said as he rested his hands back on the table, "It's just that I've been approached by snake-oil salesmen before, and I'm usually suspicious of men who approach me, saying they have the answers to my problems. As a fellow businessman, I hope you can understand my skepticism."
As they continued to speak, Tony casually coded a command into his desk computer, activating a trace to track down his mystery guest.
"I'm Tony Stark, CEO of Strato-Form, Inventor, Philanthropist, Billionaire, Playboy Extraordinaire. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I'm sure."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2013 19:51:30 GMT -5
Xanatos sat completely at ease as Stark made his introductions. He picked up a glass that sat next to him and took a sip of its clear liquid before he spoke again.
"Much more civilized, wouldn't you agree? For a moment, I was afraid you might be a raging buffoon with a short temper, but clearly that is not the case. And I must apologize for my assumption."
Xanatos held his now empty glass outwards and it immediately filled back up with liquid, this time glowing slightly. The glow dispersed as Xanatos swirled the contents lightly, his view traveling over the olden sections mingling with the new growth of Paris.
"Now then, my name is David Xanatos, CEO and owner of several operations that I will not bother to list as I am sure you are aware of my corporate connections or soon will be. I can understand your concern in what I claim to offer you, as I am sure you have had to deal with many a conman in the past, but let me assure you, Mr. Stark, I am the genuine thing. So why don't you leave off trying to track my call? After all, what could you possibly hope to gain by knowing I am making this call from Xanatos Enterprises in Paris, France?"
Xanatos paused in his mild and amused conversation as he took another sip from his drink.
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Post by inakamoto on Jul 19, 2013 2:52:01 GMT -5
"Xanatos?" Tony said in earnest surprise, "Well, that certainly changes a few things."
Tony quickly cancelled his trace; now that he knew who he was dealing with, it was a fair chance it probably wouldn't have worked, anyway.
Tony was well aware of who Xanatos was. His various corporate connections practically made him one of the most powerful men in the world. His reputation also came with various unconfirmed rumors, most of which tied him to the Enchanteds. Tony wasn't one to believe is simple rumors, but if there was any one person on the planet who could divulge anything about Cirque Mystique, this man would be the one. Upon realizing this fact, Tony quickly rethought his strategy. He would have to exercise more caution and care with this man; he definitely didn't want Xanatos as an enemy.
"Okay, Xanatos," Tony said as he leaned back in his chair, "you have my undivided attention."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2013 21:33:27 GMT -5
"Excellent. To business then."
Xanatos placed his cup next to him and leaned back in his chair as he began to speak.
"I, along with most of the world, am aware that you have put together a skilled team known as Stratosphere Industries in the hopes of advancing scientific discovery and knowledge. I am also aware that while this is your company's mission, your methods are quite different from what the general public is aware of and that you have....alterior goals that co-inside along with this, mainly concerning creatures known as magical beings or Enchanteds. Through several sources of mine, I have also come to learn that you are focusing specifically on one large group of such beings that has gathered together, working at a traveling circus so named Cirque Mystique. Would you agree that these points are correct, Mr. Stark? I would hate to sound presumptuous."
Xanatos smiled out onto the city of Paris below as he spoke into his earpiece, lacing his fingers together and enjoying the view.
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Post by inakamoto on Jul 20, 2013 13:18:33 GMT -5
Tony's eyes narrowed as he listened to Xanatos' words. He wasn't sure if the mispronunciation of his company's name was intentional or accidental, but other than that, his information was quite accurate. At one rumor about Xanatos was confirmed: his ears are everywhere.
"For the most part, you'd be correct," Tony answered as he rotated his chair to the side, "clearly you know the value of gathering information. As for Cirque Mystique, my personal interest in that particular...organization stems more from scientific curiosity more than anything. The cirque hides many secrets, and as any good scientist, my job would be to find out what those secrets are. Of course, as you may or may not be aware, though Strato-Form's interest in the cirque is our own business, we also work under orders from a certain US Government body, who'd want nothing more than to see the cirque burned to the ground."
Tony then rose from his chair, and began making his way towards the bar.
"At any rate, the success of our 'mission' will require as much intel as possible on these secretive circus folk. And whatever information you have to offer will be considered of great importance. If it's accurate, that is."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2013 21:42:05 GMT -5
"Naturally, this is where our interests coincide, Mr. Stark. I have had dealings with the Cirque Mystique in the past and am interested in the various prospects that can be derived from them."
Xanatos' face remained its same amused expression as he intentionally bungled the name of Stark's company. It was amazing what a simple slip could reveal about a person. Clearly, Stark was not one to become upset over the small things. Which was good. Men who fretted over the small things always lost sight of the big picture and something like that wouldn't do.
"Now then, I do indeed have intel on various members of the Cirque, who they are, what properties they possess, their origins, and so forth. It has taken much money, effort, and time to recover this information and I would never part with it or give it away unless I believed the person could make it worth my while. So tell me, Mr. Stark, how can you make it worth my while?"
Xanatos spread out a stack of folders in front of him. All were labeled classified and held numerous warnings about the contents. Carelessly, Xanatos began to flip through them, showing photos and extensive sheets of information. He flicked from one photo to another, from a young Faciliar, to a shot of Raven and Gaara with their family, to Quasi and a joined photo of his lion form. However, he moved through these quickly before he suddenly paused and picked up a photo, almost lovingly.
In the aged and decrepit photo, back when photos were still very new, a young woman, slim and beautiful with dark eyes and red hair, wearing an angle's costume appeared to sing and dance in a crowded theatre. He let this photo slide down to reveal another newer one. In this one, what could only be described as the corpse of the woman, looking into the camera. But one look into the dark eyes revealed that indeed, this was no corpse. She was still alive.
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Post by inakamoto on Jul 21, 2013 19:16:51 GMT -5
"Well, now, that's the tricky part, isn't it?" Tony said as he poured himself a glass of bourbon, "As it's been said among men of business, 'every man has his price'. And considering the value of the information you no doubt possess, you'll most certainly want something of equal value."
Tony took a quick swig of his drink before continuing, "And I, personally, would like to think of myself as fair. Also, considering the resources at my disposal, I'm certain I can more than accommodate almost any price you can ask."
Tony then began slowly making his way back to his desk, "So, all that being said, what's your price?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2013 20:15:31 GMT -5
Xanatos leaned back in his chair as he continued to look at the photograph in his hand, letting the silence linger for a moment, two moments, three. Finally, he spoke.
"I know of your forces and capabilities, Mr. Stark. I know that if you are given the right information and advising in dealing with these beings, you can detain them. They are powerful, strong, dangerous, but you do have the necessary requirements to take them. At least, the ones of most importance. My price, you ask, for all this information and assistance is quite simple. I want one of the members of the Cirque. I doubt you have much information on her as she is not of the most interest in comparison to others."
Here, Xanatos paused once more before he lowered the photos back into their folder and flipped it shut.
"Her name is Sally Burton. I want you to intercept her once you are capable and have the necessary means to keep the others under control. She and I made a deal in the past, a contract that has of yet been unfulfilled by her. I wish for the contract to be completed, of course. I hate leaving stray ends, no matter how small. But I am sure you understand that. Once that has been completed, you will be allowed to do whatever you wish to her and the others. That is my price, Mr. Stark. Sally Burton for the Cirque Mystique."
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Post by inakamoto on Jul 21, 2013 21:17:16 GMT -5
Tony raised an eyebrow as he listened to Xanatos' asking price. On the one hand, Tony wasn't one to wonder much about the affairs of others; as long as their qualms didn't involve himself, or his cohorts, it was none of his concern. This, on the other hand, was enough to pique his curiosity. To go this far, all to settle a personal affair; surely it wasn't all as easy as Xanatos was making it out to be. There had to be something more going on.
Still, it probably wasn't a good idea to delve into such things. If Tony started asking questions, Xanatos may decide to take his business elsewhere, and he'll have lost this golden opportunity before him. While it was true that he wouldn't be able to fully trust Xanatos, but he seemed like the kind of person who'd be willing to cooperate, as long as you gave him what he wanted. And if this girl was all he wanted, then their business would be quick to conclusion.
"I think that can be arranged," Tony said after taking another sip of his drink, "of course, I'd like to run some scans on her first, once we get this, 'Sally' was it? Nothing too fancy, just some routine scans to gather some basic hard data on her species. But after that, she'd be turned over to you, no questions asked."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2013 21:33:33 GMT -5
"Of course, I would expect nothing less from you. All the same, I want you to understand this much. You may run your scans, but that is all. I do not want her handled in any other way by your employees, less she be damaged. Once I have concluded the contract, she will be returned to you."
It was as Xanatos spoke of keeping Sally unharmed that an edge of iron slipped into his tone, the only change in his voice during the entire conversation. This small reveal was enough to show that if she was delivered in any other way, consequences would occur swiftly.
However, his voice returned to its calm and amused tone as he continued to speak.
"Oh, there is just one other condition that must be met for our deal to be complete. I wish to meet you in person, Mr. Stark and to review your team for this mission. I know what you might say, that it is not necessary and a waste of valuable resources and time. But I hold a personal belief that deals hold more weight when made in person. Wouldn't you agree?"
Xanatos swirled back in his chair so that he was facing his desk once more before he quickly keyed in on his laptop, revealing a screen that already held the first draft version of the contract. Of course, the real one would be much more important. Meeting in person was absolutely necessary for it. After all, what good was a demon-made contract if not signed in person? Not that Stark would know that he was speaking with one of the very creatures he wished to capture. Such was the irony of the world they lived in.
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Post by inakamoto on Jul 21, 2013 22:10:50 GMT -5
Tony was able to catch that slight shift in his tone. That clarified the level of Sally's importance. It also hinted at a possible intimate connection between the two. No doubt, special care would be needed with her.
"Rest assured, Mr. Xanatos," Tony said as he sat back down in his chair, "my team will exercise expert care in her capture. As for the scans, my lead researcher handles all evaluations of our 'guests', and she is nothing if not careful with all subjects in our care."
Tony emptied the rest of his glass before continuing.
"I can also understand your wish to meet my team. As such, I'd like to personally invite you to our facilities, so that you may get a better look at their capabilities. It'd give you a chance to meet my lead researcher, as well. I'm sure you'll find her...quite delightful."
Tony's tone slightly wavered as he said 'delightful'. It was hard trying describe GLaDOS as anything but horrid, and chances are she'd most likely find some way of insulting him in the first few seconds of meeting him. Hopefully, he had thicker skin than most others.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2013 22:47:44 GMT -5
"Truly? Well then, I look forward to meeting your lead researcher and your team. I am sure they will be nothing short of stunning and will fulfill all of my desires."
Xanatos typed on the computer for a moment longer, adding a small section to the contract.
"Now then, once I have reviewed your team, I shall present you with my contract of terms and conditions. I think you will find it more than adequate to meet both our needs. Once it has been signed by both parties, I will deliver all the intel I possess on the various members of the Cirque. I will keep you up to date on any new developments that occur as well."
Xanatos let his fingers pause over his work as his eyes swiftly went over it. He then leaned back, satisfied for the time being.
"Now all that remains is to set a time and date for the meeting, at your convenience of course."
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Post by inakamoto on Jul 21, 2013 23:02:33 GMT -5
"Well now, let me see," Tony spoke as he accessed his schedule on his computer.
His eyes zeroed in on a date 3 days from that day. The schedule said 'board meeting' on that day, followed by 'project update conference call'. He was never fond of board meetings, and 'project updates' usually meant dealing with Maria. These thoughts immediately prompted two taps of the 'delete' button.
"Good news, looks like my schedule just cleared up a bit," Tony said in a positive tone, "I believe we'd be ready to welcome you three days from now. If it's okay with you, that is."
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