|
Post by inakamoto on Aug 18, 2013 1:18:00 GMT -5
Though GLaDOS was incapable of displaying human emotions on the outside, she did feel a bit surprised when Xanatos mentioned her 'secret project'. It was practically one of her best kept secrets in this facility, next to her ultimate ambitions. For this singular demon to have been able to divine this much knowledge about her...
"You certainly know how to wheel and deal with your clients," GLaDOS said as she rose back up over Xanatos, "however, my plans would require a little more from you than just your vow of silence."
GLaDOS then keyed in a command to the computer, and pulled up a holographic image of a mechanical construct, distinctly different in design from the androids currently in the chamber.
"This would be my 'back-up' body," GLaDOS explained, "but, unfortunately, it's systematic functions are a bit much for conventional internal engines to manage, so I've been looking for a different type of power source. One that would be able to generate a large and plentiful amount of energy, enough to keep this particular unit functional for a very, very long time. And since you're a man of much resources and talents, I thought perhaps that you might be able to require something fit these needs. That is, if you're willing."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2013 21:02:29 GMT -5
Xanatos just looked at his nails, as if searching for an imperfection, like a hangnail or split. Ownens remained tensed but did nothing else, his cool blue eyes on the large circular robot in front of them.
"Well of course you would, GLaDOS. Everyone has a price and I didn't think you would settle for nothing but the best price that would satisfy your needs."
Clearly finding nothing wrong with his nails, Xanatos looked up at GLaDOS, his face suddenly very serious.
"I know you want to prevent yourself from ever being shut down or put offline. That's why you are working on your backup. Funny, you are not even human and yet you also do not wish to face oblivion, just like so many other things."
Xanatos' voice grew softer as he spoke and his look seemed to grow far off. But suddenly, his brown gaze fixated again.
"You look to science and technology to achieve what you want, yet the answer to your problem lies in something you do not understand. Magic. My abilities could give you what you desire, merged with your robotic components to produce a nearly limitless power source. It would be somewhat similar to the Alchemy of the past."
Owens shot a look at Xanatos. He didn't like the idea of something like GLaDOS mixing with demonic magic like Xanatos. There was no telling what could happen, but he was only a servant, a slave really, so he kept his mouth closed.
|
|
|
Post by inakamoto on Aug 29, 2013 5:17:54 GMT -5
"It's not really as strange as you think," GLaDOS said calmly, "one of the many subroutines included in my personality matrix includes a sense of self-preservation. My creators felt it was a necessary addition to ensure I wouldn't attempt any...reckless behaviors. You'd be surprised how well it's served me over these past few years."
GLaDOS then lowered herself to Xanatos' level, so that she could view him, eye to eye.
"An interesting analogy. Fascinating, really. Magic and science, two polar opposite forces in our universe, coming together to work in perfect harmony. I've always regarded magic as an unpredictable element, chaotic and unstable. However, if given proper controls and direction, through scientific means, the results would be, in essence, perfection."
GLaDOS's gaze then shifted away from Xanatos towards her androids, "Perfect order, born from within chaos. Can you imagine anything more beautiful?"
GLaDOS then turned back towards Xanatos, "If you're word is upheld, and you can truly help me to attain my goals, then I will do all within my power to ensure your own ambitions."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 23:58:41 GMT -5
"Indeed. It would be truly spectacular. The best of both with none of the weaknesses."
He spoke softly, but there was an absolute certainty in Xanatos' voice, in the depths of his words. Owens merely dropped his gaze to the floor, the barest trace of a frown on his features.
"I can easily create a self-contained magic which could serve your purposes, GLaDOS. All I require is that you do as you say and allow the contract I have to be signed and completed. Then, I will have control of the resources I require to ensure that, should Mr. Stark deduce what you have already, he and this organization shall not cause me unnecessary problems. My goals and yours by no means need conflict, GLaDOS."
He smiled up at the large robotic component, sure in his argument and the simple fact that he could give her what she wanted.
|
|
|
Post by inakamoto on Sept 28, 2013 2:00:19 GMT -5
"Then we have an accord," GLaDOS said as she raised herself back over Xanatos and Owens, "I believe this could be the start of a beautiful friendship."
Tony's voice then came in from speakers in GLaDOS's chamber, "GLaDOS, I'm on my way up to the office, tell Fancy Pants and his Monkey I'll be with them in a minute."
"Understood, sir," GLaDOS said plainly.
Tony voice came in again, "You don't have me on speaker, do you?"
"Of course not, sir."
"Good, I'm on my way up."
The speakers clicked off, and GLaDOS turned back towards Xanatos and Owens, "Time to conclude our business deal."
With that, Xanatos and Owens found themselves transported into Tony's office. GLaDOS's face appeared on a giant video screen on the wall opposite of the giant cathedral-like windows behind Tony's desk. On the right was Tony's mini-bar, with a small portion of the wall dedicated to the shelving various wines and spirits from Tony's wide selections.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2013 0:43:26 GMT -5
Xanatos only gave the slightest twitch of his lip when Tony spoke over the speakers to GLaDOS. Truly she was a most interesting being, even if she was inorganic. And she could still help him reach his goals very nicely.
Owens was less than pleased by being called a monkey but only scowled behind his glasses as he adjusted them slightly. When they appeared in Tony's office, Xanatos strolled about as if it was his own personal space. He went over to the selection of wines and examined them while he stroked his bearded chin, his smile never leaving his face.
Owens was more than eager to leave by that time but was not ready to push his employer. Instead, he tried to speed the process up a bit.
"Mr. Xanatos, shall I set up the contract so that we may begin when Mr. Stark arrives?"
"Eager to leave already, Owens? Very well, go ahead." Xanatos had just picked up a green glass bottle and was examining the labeling, not turning to speak to his servant.
Said servant merely adjusted his glasses once more before he put the brief case he had been carrying down and, taking a key from an inner pocket of his vest, unlocked and opened the brief case. Inside was a simple black interior that protected a length of paper, hand-written and elegantly formed down to the miniscule words that took up the space.
|
|
|
Post by inakamoto on Oct 11, 2013 3:18:54 GMT -5
Barely half a minute had passed before the elevator doors opened, and Tony stepped out, adjusting his jacket as he made a quick scan of his office. He noted Xanatos' admiring his wine collection. While not one to feel entirely possessive of his spirits, Tony Stark was quite known for being territorial, and Xanatos was dancing awfully close to that border-line.
He also noted Owens over by his desk, opening up the case that no doubt contained the fateful contract he was to place his John Hancock upon.
"No, please, make yourselves at home," Tony said, doing his best to hide his sarcasm.
"I must say, Mr. Stark," GLaDOS said from the view screen, "it's so nice to see you making new friends. You and Mr. Xanatos have so much in common."
Tony was certain GLaDOS was trying to be funny, so he decided not to respond, though his brain conjured up a few choice words to that.
"She's right, of course," Tony spoke after clapping his hands together, "I believe this new partnership is a blessing. How about a toast to commemorate our new-found alliance?"
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2013 23:52:59 GMT -5
Xanatos gave only the smallest of turns when Stark entered the office. He grinned at him as he continued to hold the bottle in his grip, his other hand in his suit pocket.
"Thank you, Mr. Stark. Your hospitality is highly refreshing. And I never turn down a chance to share a toast with a future business partner. Especially one with such refined tastes. I have not seen a selection of such rare wines outside my own collection in a long time."
Xanatos placed the bottle he had selected on the desk where Owens had finished setting up the contract. It was placed on the desk, crisp and clean, with a single pen next to the document. Owens had closed the case and stood silently in the background, waiting for his employer to finish.
|
|
|
Post by inakamoto on Oct 23, 2013 3:08:38 GMT -5
Tony pulled out three wine glasses from the bar, and placed them on his desk. Upon lifting up the bottle, he noted the date on the side of the bottle, a very good year. Seemed on top of everything else, Xanatos was a good connoisseur of wine.
He then filled two of the glasses, handed them to Xanatos and Owens, and lifted his own glass into the air, "To a bright and brilliant future. May it prove beneficial to all parties involved."
After downing the contents of his glass in one gulp, Tony then turned his attention to the contract on the table, picking up the pen that lay next to it.
As he looked down a the contract, Tony suddenly felt a shiver run up his spine. It was only for a brief moment, but the sensation was still very distinct. He paused briefly as he tried to determine what it was he just felt. The human body was capable of all sorts of unexplained functions, especially when trying to warn the brain of impending danger. But, in this case, Tony didn't detect any thing wrong within his visual range, so he decide to ignore the feeling as he began scrawling his name onto the contract.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2013 18:59:05 GMT -5
"Truly, Mr. Stark. I believe we will all be surprised by what we will achieve through this contract." Xanatos lifted his glass into the air as Owens gave his only the barest of lifts and a stiff nod.
Xanatos placed the glass against his lips and took a slow sip, enjoying the taste of the wine and how it mixed with the taste of victory. His handsome fathomless eyes watched as Stark paused for a moment from signing again. However, he seemed to shrug off whatever had happened and placed pen to paper, the fresh ink of his signature shining on the deal.
He gave a smirk into his wineglass and something seemed to flash deep within Xanatos' eyes, something ancient and inhumane. Owens felt the power of the deal, the enchantment, starting to work its magic on Stark. The fool had signed so readily and now he had trapped himself and his team, ensuring they would do all that Xanatos wished and more.
Owens felt his hand shake on his glass and a light sweat break out on his forehead as he though back to his own contract, the one he had signed. Suddenly, he lost his grip on the glass of wine and it fell to the floor where it shattered with the soft tinkle of breaking glass.
|
|
|
Post by inakamoto on Oct 24, 2013 4:30:36 GMT -5
As Tony put the pen to paper and signed his name, he happened to side-glance at Xanatos, and caught something off. In but a brief second, Tony saw a darkness emanating from within Xanatos' pupils. He immediately felt chills looking into those eyes, coupled with a sudden sense of dread.
It was a realization come too late, however. No sooner had he finished the 'K' in his name, he felt sparks of energy begin coursing through his arm, and into the rest of his body. He recognized the sensation immediately, it was a similar sensation from when he let himself get too close to a witch on a mission to try and kill him.
Magic!
Tony barely noticed the sound of Owen's glass breaking as he stumbled backwards away from his own desk. Tony was very familiar with the properties of magic spells and curses. And despite the swiftness of his reaction, it was of little good. Whatever enchantment was contained in that piece of paper, it had done its work on him.
"Mr. Stark?" GLaDOS spoke from the video screen, "Is something the matter?"
Tony ignored GLaDOS as he turned to Xanatos while doing his best to maintain his composure, "What the hell did you do to me?"
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2013 13:37:47 GMT -5
Xanatos felt the smile on his face widen but didn't respond immediately to Stark's question. His reaction had been quite interesting. Clearly the man had had some experience with magic, but not enough to recognize what was concealed within the contract he had just signed.
Xanatos finished off the glass of wine before looking at Stark, his eyes still sparking with the power he had just gained through the deal.
"Why, Mr. Stark, I have only done what was agreed upon between us in the contract. I assumed you knew of our terms. After all, I did explain them to you only a short while ago."
Owens was still standing stiff and silent as Xanatos spoke and didn't even bother to try and clean up the broken glass. Instead, he gazed at Stark with a look that was almost pity.
|
|
|
Post by inakamoto on Oct 24, 2013 18:07:12 GMT -5
"In other words," Tony said, straightening his posture, "now that I'm in this deal, there's no way I can back out."
Tony's first instinct was to activate the emergency call in his watch, which would've immediately sent out a signal calling on the members of Team-X, as well as a few select drones to attack. But, after making a slow motion towards his watch, he noted the calmness Xanatos managed to maintain. He was completely still, and the look on his face almost seemed to be daring him to react negatively. A lesser man would've assumed Xanatos was underestimating him, but Tony was no lesser man. The feeling of biting dread that clung to his heart had become more stronger the longer he stared at him. Factoring all the details, Tony could only conclude that Xanatos had included an enchantment that would've prevented him from rebelling against Xanatos, or Xanatos was too powerful for anything in his arsenal to combat. Either way, starting a fight would've been an act of futility in this instance.
Tony simply glared at Xanatos as he let his hand drop away from his watch, "I take it I've made myself a deal with the devil."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2013 21:35:04 GMT -5
Xanatos could feel the corners of his lips curling up. While it was true Stark was quite the amazing person, he was still just human in the end. And Xanatos had been playing humans, feeding off of their desires and wishes, for so long it was more than second nature to him. He strolled forward and placed his empty wineglass down before looking directly at Stark.
"Close guess, Mr. Stark, but not quite. If the devil exists, I have not met him yet. But human or not, I am a man of my word. Do not look on this contract poorly and merely think of it as insurance for me."
He put his head slightly to the side and truly he did want Stark to see it that way.
"If ever you suspected my true nature, it was reasonable to assume you and your team would try to detain me, and I really couldn't have that. So I put precautions in place should it ever come to that. But I am still a man of my word, Mr. Stark. I will do what we agreed upon and aid you in capturing the members of the Cirque Mystique. And as long as you and your team do not try to stop me and my goals, then you need not know what...surprises the contract contains if broken."
At this, Xanatos removed his hand from his pocket and held it out to Tony, a genuine smile on his face.
Owens remained silent and kept his gaze on the floor.
|
|
|
Post by inakamoto on Oct 25, 2013 3:12:32 GMT -5
"In other words," Tony responded, "I just have to play by the rules, and no trouble gets started."
Tony hated to admit it, but Xanatos was right. If Tony had found out about his 'enchanted', possibly demonic, nature, Tony would've had him thrown in a cell with the rest of the circus folk. And if he were in his position, he'd probably do the same thing. He didn't have to like it, but he did have to admit, it was brilliant.
Tony wore a slightly reserved sneer on his face as he begrudgingly shook Xanatos' hands, "Okay, Xanatos. We've got ourselves a deal."
|
|