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 Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:22 pm
Adjusting the sharp angles of the short, stark black strands that framed her face, the woman turned her head slightly, examining her profile. With a quick nod and small smile, the over all look was approved and she proceeded to place the final touches for this evening’s event. Sweeping her thumb over the screen of an electronic pad about the size of a deck of cards, she selected a color from a varied list and returned her attention to the mirror before her. A wave of aqua blue rippled over her silky tresses, starting at the roots and ending at her recently, trimmed tips.
Tali was seriously digging this new Moodlett Hair Modification and considered it one of the best assets in her cosmetic repertoire, which in retrospect was a rather extensive collection. As she combed her graceful fingers through her newly altered hair the up beat, electro-pop music blaring from her portable music player was interrupted by a rather annoying three-toned chime. Shortly after the notification, a hologram depicting a cheerful redheaded woman with a smile that seemed too big for her face displayed itself on the left most corner of Tali’s vanity table. “The Maximilian Christmas Banquet will begin in half an hour, Miss. Novikov.”
Tali nodded. “Thanks. I’ll be going down in a bit.” The words that spilled form her pink lips were marked with a slight inflection that signified Russian breeding and a lifestyle of refinery and beauty, the first a strange contrast to her obviously Asian descent. Chinese to be exact, nearly all of her features spoke of her ancestry. A Chinese mother and a Russian father would produce such a child, though the combination was not necessarily a bad one. Tali waved her hand in dismissal.
The tiny, luminescent woman then faded away, leaving nothing but the stained oak surface where she had been standing before. As if she had never appeared, the music presumed.
The Maximilian Christmas Banquet. Tali’s fingers involuntarily drifted to rest on the center of her abdomen then snapped away immediately, as if scolded for such an act. Instead, she shifted her hand to pick the invitation up off the table, to look at it for possibly the hundredth time since she had received it. Angled eyes the color of a toxic, violet sunset scanned the calligraphy printed on the page. Her fingertips were no longer pressed to her stomach, but Tali felt a burst of nervousness, hope, and fear radiate through it. This could be her only chance, these people…
Shaking her head and smiling as if the thought were ridiculous, Tali slid the invitation into a prismatic, blue clutch-purse that shifted to amethyst under the light of the fluorescent bulbs of the hotel’s extravagant vanity table. A lip brush coated with a similarly colored cosmetic product moved smoothly over each lip, lower then upper, with expert precision. That was the theme of her outfit tonight, after all, shimmering tones of purple and bright blue. On many people this would seem too gaudy, but Tali pulled the look off perfectly. Like a high fashion model on the runway, everything came together over her distinctive bone structure, petite figure, and pale, eastern skin.
Summed up in a single word, Tali was sexy. But not in an over bearing way, no certainly not. She was the subtle sensuality of a whisper in your ear, the rush you felt through your whole body from a sidelong glance, she was the woman at the bar who regarded you with those fiery, slanted eyes that dared you to even make contact. Some people considered her a tease, but Tali was classier than that, at least she liked to think so.
It wasn’t like Tali had never been intimate with anyone before, she contemplated the small number of lovers that had lay tangled in her sheets over past years as she coated her lashes in neon-enhanced sapphire mascara. But, Tali didn’t want to reduce herself to street regular. A hot commodity, that’s what she wanted to be.
After applying a few lines of black, liquid eyeliner and a couple brushes of shimmering, luminescent eye shadow, Tali stood to go slip into her party clothes: a strapless, straight-cut dress that cascaded to the floor, and a pair of strappy heels.
Both were constructed from a material that matched her color scheme, purple and turquoise swirled as her body created different highlights and shadows. From the way word was spreading on the street a good number of people would be attending this party. Tali had spent weeks planning this outfit to ensure that no one else would stand out as much as she did. It had to be unique, and she had ensured it would be by tracking sales of the seasonal colors and popular purchases to estimate what the other guests would be wearing. She would be different, but not to the point where she looked like a freak show. Just to the point where she would easily draw her hosts’ eyes. Altogether, Tali had commissioned the perfect ensemble.
Striding over to the nightstand beside the plush, queen sized hotel bed, Tali pressed the stop button on her player. The room grew still, the air filled with nothing but her nervous breaths. Tali inhaled then exhaled slowly in attempts to calm her erratic heart beat. She was terrified, which was strange, it was just a new merchandise right? Something to have that no one else did. Her very own, what had they called it again? Oh yes, Frog Prince, that was it. Tali pondered for a moment the level of illegality surrounding this event, but brushed the thought away quickly. That didn’t concern her, she just… she just needed this, for reasons that she couldn’t bring herself to admit.
“Miss. Novikov, the Banquet will begin shortly. Would you care for a drink to calm your nerves? Body temperature readings suggest that you are feeling distressed.”
“I’m fine thank you!” The slender woman snapped, brilliant eyes narrowing at the holographic woman in irritation. “You can go now.”
Bowing once again, the simulation disappeared, leaving Tali to her own thoughts. Maybe she should have taken that drink after all? No, she didn’t need it. She didn’t need any help. She would get this Frog Prince; there wasn’t a doubt in her mind.
She scooped up her clutch, adjusted her neon bangs in the mirror one last time, and strode towards the door, placing her hand firmly on the cool metal of the doorknob.
“This is it…” She murmured absently, amethyst eyes fixed where her hand rested.
The knob twisted and out she stepped, heels clicking steadily as she made her way down the hall. A satisfied smirk played on her lips as she saw where the eyes of the other party-goers rested. On her, on Tali Matka Novikov. As she entered the elevator and pressed the main lobby button, her confidence was bold and strong like stampeding bull. Tonight was her night, and no one could stop her.
But if that was the case, why did that empty feeling inside her only seem to ache more?
And with that, her certainties vanished. The symmetrical doors closed and, silently, the elevator began to sink. Tali’s stomach lurched slightly, but her face was as smooth as glass. The shadows, sharp and planar, slashed across her skin and she couldn’t help but feel her imperfection. It was like those daggers of negative light were cutting her open, exposing her, saying. “We know what you want Tali, but you can never have it.” Taunting, unrelenting.
The elevator moved on.
***
“Yeah babe, I can get you set up with this guy, he’s looking for talent like yours. You could make some real profit,” Obviously by ‘talent’, the sleazy older man in the ivory suit was referring to the proportions of her body. Curves a little less than the average standard graced her petite build, but Tali made up for this disadvantage with the way she carried her self. Poised, graceful, charismatic. In an odd way of putting it, Tali had the personality of at least a D.
“All I’m asking for is a little… favor. That’s all sweet heart.” He attempted to snake his arm around her shoulders, but Tali stepped strategically away. “Thank you for the offer, Sir,” She winked a single, violet eye at him. “But, I make my own way.” With a small flit of her fingers in farewell, and a devious smile, the Eurasian woman selected a bubbly, passion fruit drink off of a waiter’s tray and eased away.
“No interesting guests so far…” She mused to herself, a sip of the sweet alcoholic beverage following the almost whispered words. The statement was well backed up, considering her slightly outlandish, yet strikingly appealing get-up had drawn the attention many guests. “Just as planned.” She added silently to herself. The actual eating portion of the banquet had yet to take place, so the attendees were wandering about, sizing up their competition, wondering who would walk away that night with the grand prize. Had that been her seventeenth conversation or her eighteenth? Tali was loosing count, and the drinks weren’t helping.
Oh well, Not like their opinions mattered anyway, they weren’t going to be the ones handing out the prize. Tali’s slanted eyes scanned the crowds, searching for her hosts. After a few moments, she caught a glimpse as expected; Maximilian’s table was surrounded by a horde of prospects, all clamoring to get his attention. He looked bit agitated at the sheer number of people, and who wouldn’t be with all that racket, but the occasional flash of a pocket book, or of feminine skin, seemed to pique his interest and perk his mood up considerably.
That was obviously not the route to go, she’d never get anywhere if she just jumped into the crowd and tired to fight her way to him like a hopeless groupie. Not to mention women who more substantially endowed than her were already drawing his eye. Sighing, Tali glanced down at her chest, wondering for a moment if she should reconsider her stance on having a non-altered body.
Then, in the line of her peripheral vision, Tali spied her target.
The woman was perched on a barstool, legs tucked under the elevated surface of a counter, near the entrance of the circular room, taking sizeable swallows from a champagne glass. Her hair was cut sharply around her face with stray strands of violet cascading down around her high cheekbones. A black, lacy gown hugged her generous curves and trailed to the floor beneath her sheer, stocking clad feet. The shoes, Tali noted, were sitting on top of the bar, stiletto heels casting reflections in the polished surface of the bar. The woman finished off the bubbling liquid, honeyed amber eyes shooting a glance at the calamity that surrounded the good Doctor Y. A small shake of her head, drawn lips parting in a sigh, the second party host was bored.
Tali smiled like a gambler catching the coins from the slot machine in their hat, pleased that they had pressed that last coin in despite previous losses. She sat next to Madame Adelle, taking the seat to her right.
“You’re feet hurt?” Tali questioned nonchalantly. She tapped the wood finish with a neon nail to get the bartender’s attention, then motioned simply in Adelle’s direction to request the same beverage.
“Not at all,” Came Adelle’s flippant response. “Just thought the bar top looked a little lonely.”
Tali reached down, pulling off one shoe, then the other. She placed them adjacent Adelle’s own, graciously taking the champagne that the bartender offered afterwards. The two women smiled at one another, touching their glasses together in mutuality.
“So, which guest are you, hon?” An intrigued smile tugged at the corners of Adelle’s mouth, pleased to finally have some company.
“Tali,” She confirmed, returning the smile genuinely “Tali Matka Novikov.” It was a bit of a mouthful, but the sharp consonants and rounded vowels fell pleasantly from ones lips. Adelle nodded as in approval, propping her chin on delicate, white-gloved hand.
They chatted idly for a bit, about the weather, about fashion, even a few giggles over a clever joke or play of words. But intelligence flashed behind both amber and amethyst eyes as the banter cycled back and forth, Adelle was eager to hear her offer, her appeal, and false pretenses weren’t really Tali’s forte.
“See this?” The fair-skinned woman took a few strands of teal hair between her fingertips. “I helped my father design it.” Tali pulled the selection pad from her purse and handed it her purple-haired bar mate. “Go, on.” She encouraged. “Pick any color.”
After a few moments of scanning through the options, Adelle tapped her index finger to a mint green hue. As the current passed through her hair, Tali briefly explained the process.
“First, you deep condition your hair with a special enzyme rich formula every night for about a week. Then you use something similar to a hair dye that contains a type of static generating fluid. The fluid bonds to your follicles so it coats your hair like natural oils.” Adelle was listening intently, experimenting with a few different tones. A wave of strobe-flashing orange soon overtook the previous selection. “The enzyme responds to electric currents, different frequencies and intensities make it turn different colors. So, when you press that,” She pointed to the control just as Adelle chose to decorate Tali’s locks with rainbow highlights. “Is sends a signal to the fluid to generate the appropriate amount of electricity.”
Adelle scrolled through a few more options until she was content and then handed it back to its owner. “How long does it last?” A very scientist-like response, Tali had expected no less.
“It all depends on the person’s hair consistency really. Like for me,” She brushed her fingers through her hair as she reverted it back to aqua. “I would probably have to redo it in about three years. People with thicker hair might have to do it every other year.” Adelle seemed satisfied with the response. Tali took this as an incentive to continue.
“I help my father make little gizmos like this all the time. For me it’s just a hobby to earn a little pocket change, he’s the one that owns the company.” Seeing that her pitch had caught the woman’s attention, she moved on with renewed enthusiasm. “He owns a company in China that specializes in electronics and transportation technology. The government employs him to design navigationally aware planes, boats, vehicles.” Tali leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile curving her blue-painted lips. “I never have to take the bus. I have a different car for each day of the week.”
“Is that so?” Adelle looked into her glass for a moment, elegant brows creased thoughtfully.
“I don’t mean to pry, but, I’ve heard rumors that you’re companion,” The train of her purple gown whisked along the marble floor with a soft sigh of fabric on cool stone as she made a sweeping gesture, indicating to the blonde man in the center of the party’s focus. “Has a strong distaste for public transportation. Do you feel the same Miss. Adelle?” Her voice was smooth as silk, words well oiled with a natural, charismatic appeal.
A thoughtful expression displayed on the woman’s golden-eyed face. She crossed her legs, left over right, and rested her elbow on the elevated knee, chin cradled in her hand. A silence settled over the two. Tali waited patiently, expectantly, hoping that she would receive some indication that her offer would be taken into consideration. The candlelight from the room flickered in her mauve eyes, like fire on a cool autumn night.
“Why do you want the prince?” Adelle asked suddenly, shifting back in her seat, uncrossing her shapely legs.
Tali had of course planned ahead for this conversation, considering every path their conversation could take. This had been one of the options she had prepared for most thoroughly. The response Tali had in her arsenal was perfect, mysterious, charming, tempting, and clever. it would leave the perfect impression on her host and was perfectly capable of being relayed to the other.
But, Tali didn’t give this prepared response to the intense woman with the violet hair and the amber eyes that sat across from her. No, the words that slipped from her mouth and pierced the air were the absolute last words she would have wanted to say.
“I can’t have children.”
If there was silence between them before, it increase two fold now. Tali sat, shocked, horrified. Desperately, she tried to think of a way to repair the damage she must have done, but nothing came to mind. This was catastrophic. Her chances were ruined. The doctors would think this was a guilt trip, of course they would, and there was no way they’d pick her now.
“Why”
Tali blinked in surprise, expecting a more scalding reply. “R-radiation,” She fumbled. “Uh, I was exposed to too much radiation when I was little.” My gosh, she sounded so stupid, but Adelle pressed on.
“What about adoption?”
This was a question Tali had asked herself many times before. “I’m not really sure. It just… It just doesn’t feel right.” She shook her head, knowing this must sound like a lie, a fabrication to get what she wanted. “Not that adoption isn’t a good choice, I just- I don’t know…”
Once again, they sat in silence. Tali was expecting a roll of the eyes, or a condescending smirk, but neither came. Instead her bar-mate simply stated,” It’s almost time to start eating, I’d find a seat if I were you.” She stood, smiling gently at the petite Asian girl and took her own black shoes off the bar. “I enjoyed our chat.” Adelle added before leaving to take her spot at Maximilian’s table.
Stunned, Tali remained seated for a moment, wondering if Adelle’s reaction to her brazen statement should be taken in a positive light, or negative. Repressing the urge to run from the banquet hall, Tali placed her heels back on her tiny feet. The soles of her shoes made a tiny clacking noise as they touched the floor. Tali adjusted the material of her dress to ensure there were not folds or creases across her body. Without thinking she found an empty table and sat, not caring who would join later.
The man from before took a seat next to her, taking up his flirty banter as if she had never rejected him. But she couldn’t hear him.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:56 pm
Adelle routed back to Maximilian's table deep in thought. The young lady who approached her had been the only guest who actually engaged in a conversation that was valued towards the goal of the evening. While schmoozing and dining were the primary activities of the event the grand decision of who would receive the prince was what lingered mostly on the hosts' minds. Sure, they could pawn the creature off to just about anyone who was willing to pay big bucks but they were interested in who needed to pay those big bucks the most- and Adelle had decided just who she wanted to own him.
As she sat, she delicately pulled her dress to her thighs and scooted her chair in next to Max. Her eyes glanced up momentarily to Tali at her table before that smile curled across her lips and she leaned close to Max's ear. "I believe I've met someone here who would benefit most from 003." she began to whisper, hands idly picking up the glass of water on the table and swirling it around- not exactly making an effort to sip it. "I'd still like to hear about anyone you've talked to, but I must make sure that this young lady is highlighted in our search."
Lifting her pinky from the glass, she pointed in the general direction of Tali, and had to stiffle a giggle at the poor thing being bothered by a clearly-oblivious man. "Tali Novikov. That's her name. She's the daughter of a Russian inventor whose made this nifty little- oh nevermind, Im getting off topic." Her buzz was glaringly obvious. "Anyways, our subject approached me just a bit ago... I asked her why she wanted our prince... she proceeded to tell me that it was because she couldn't have children-" It was easy to see where Adelle was going with this considering her motherly nature over her prince.
By now she was practically leaning on Max trying to keep from letting her voice rise too loud. "-Said she was exposed to radiation." Deciding to end her explanation for now Adelle returned to exchanging smiles to all the other faces in the room and occasionally giving a wink or two just to tease anyone else whom which she may have exchanged words with. Eventually she would lean back to Max again "So, what are you thinking?" she asked. "If anything, my vote for double-oh-three would be on Madam Novikov. Besides, her father and hers' inventions fetch a pretty penny. He owns a factory in China developing planes, boats, and vehicles. You could say goodbye to riding that wretched bus hah!"
With that, the woman flagged down a waiter, she felt the need for another drink.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:39 pm
Maximilian was eying this great, large steak right in front of him. The life of a rabbit, living off the vegetables growing in his family's underground greenhouse was getting tiresome and there was nothing better than being surrounded by fat, rich people and imagining himself being exactly the same. Well, except for the fat part. The scientist pulled a face and pulled the two-pound steak away from him. Fine, fine, he never got what he wanted anyways. A whole room full of stupid rich people and yet nobody in particularly had caught his eye yet. Perhaps young Amir, who had without a blink of an eye given him something worth more than what Maximilian earned in a year. Perhaps Iyou, who had promised him three cars! Oh the things these silly people were flinging at him for just a peek of Double-oh-three.
Sighing and leaning forwards, his chin cupped in his hand, he surveyed the crowd--Was he imagining it or were all his guests grinning eerily up at him? A thousand dagger-sharp teeth, giving him venomous smiles, but there was no happiness in their eyes, just desperation, like rats clinging to a scrap of wood in a flood. This wouldn't do at all.
Snapped out of his stupor by Adelle's sudden arrival, Maximilian slowly turned towards her, the corner of his eye just picking up that part where she pulled up her dress and he almost swallowed his tongue. He leaned closer towards her, eyes willing the hemline to go further up but in view of anyone else, he was just extremely concentrated on what she had to say.
Tali Novikov. Now why does that name ring a bell? He had heard of the woman before, he recalled his mother had used Novikov inventions on herself more often than she probably should have.
What Adelle said next made Max blanch. They were not an adoption agency, these experiments were not children to be coddled! Still, it was better than some of the other guests that arrived here tonight, some of them wanting the special Prince for no other reason than to show off to others. Now that was disgusting. Twirling the hairpin in his fingers, contemplating the idea for a second, his eyes soon lit up when his partner mentioned saying goodbye to public transport. Oh yes, that would be quite nice indeed..
Dropping the hairpiece onto the table in front of Adelle, the old scientist stood to his feet--it was about time that this party was over, it had already carried on through half the night. His voice magnified by the microphone on his collar, it carried through the audience as he boomed out,
"Ladies and gentlemen! I am sure each of you are eagerly anticipating the prize of this evening. It will be the most controversial, the most useful, the most special gift that money could ever buy,
And as such... none of you can afford it. Thank you for attending, and good luck next time."
Had he gone mad? Certainly not. For as the confused crowd threw up their hands and began storming out, Max grasped Adelle's arm and hissed, at her,
"Go after her, don't let her leave."
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:30 pm
Allowing herself to become lost in the feel of the fine linen table cloth, Tali sighed. Why had she made such a stupid mistake? Her mother had taught her better. Had she held to her intended rubric for the conversation, none of this would have happened. Miss. Adelle would have been in the palm of her hand, her chances for the prize increased exponentially. Her mind soon wandered from her current predicament to the fallacies of what could have been, a life with her own child.
But, the man at her table was relentless therefore it did not take long for Tali to be forced from her state of disillusionment.
"I thought I rejected you earlier," She snapped, angled eyes narrowing dangerously. "But apparently I didn't make myself clear enough." Reclining against the chair back, she fiddled absently with a few stands of her vibrant hair. "I'll make sure to amend that now. Go. Away. I'm not interested."
With a turn of her head, she make it very clear that she intended to ignore the man for the rest of the night. Tali wasn't usually one for blatant dismissals, but her previous social failure with her hostess had left the Asian girl feeling quite sour.
This bitterness however, turned to rigid despair upon Maximilian's sudden announcement. "None of you..." His words echoed in her mind, enraging her slightly. Was this all just a game to him? Calling them all out here just to be turned away. She had expected that night to end in defeat for her, but this had been with the assumption that someone would have walked away with the child.
Noticing the grumbling bodies around her shifting to leave, she stood to join them. What was the point in staying? Her chances had been dashed, no reason to stick around and rub salt in the wound.
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:14 am
Even Adelle appeared a bit shocked at Maximilian's announcement but wasn't stricken as worried- in fact, as soon as he grabbed her arm she realized just why he did it. It was best that they talked to their winner in private anyways, and what better way than to just freely clear everyone else out. She nodded to his command and without hesitation got up from her seat, eyeing down Tali to assure she did not "escape." Adelle avoided making a scene by walking very casually through the masses of people until she was able to stand next to the doors.
"Good evening to you-" she would bid to each guest- "Do make it home safe, we will see you next year!" her voice didn't sound frantic but as soon as she lost sight of Tali she grew worried. When the vibrantly-haired woman passed though she gently grabbed her shoulder, not letting go, and smiled. "Madam Novikov, we appreciated your presence this evening-" she began but paused to say goodbye to a few more guests passing through the doors, then leaned towards her and smiled calmly. "Would you mind staying just a bit afterwards? We'd really like to talk with you."
Adelle made it clear that she wasn't going to let go of her, grip firming should she try to depart. When the majority of the guests left, she loosened her hand and smiled. "Come over with me and Maximilian, we just want to speak a little more with you.." she cooed, and directed Tali back with her to the table that she and Max had been sitting at, glancing around the room every now and then to make sure nobody was staying and being nosey.
"Maxy-" she began, and stepped behind Tali some to let her and the owner of the mansion speak, secretly excited for the young girl.
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Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 1:09 am
Tali had been perfectly willing to accept defeat that night, return to the mundanes of her life, pretend this whole evening had never occurred. Even as she made her way to the banquet hall's doors she was pondering a new invention to keep her mind from the subject of this tragic defeat. With a sigh of resignation, she wormed her way through the departing crowd. The toe of her neon, shoe had barely made it past the threshold when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
First instinct told her it must be the man from the table again, but the fingers of this hand were slender and feminine, certainly not characteristic of the evening's frequenting assailant. A turn of her head revealed the hand's owner to be none other than her hostess.
"M-miss Adelle?"
She stuttered in surprise, but her words were overlapped by the violet haired woman's expression of gratitude for Tali's attendance. The Madame turned away for a moment to politely bid a few other guests farewell, then proceeded to grip the smaller woman's shoulder with a rather imperative force, insisting that Tali stay a while longer. Confused, Tali agreed with a curt nod, eyes a bit wider than before.
The crowd was a bit thinner now, just a few stragglers still picking through the buffet and the complimentary drinks before skulking out the door. Apparently, Adelle seemed to find the lessened head count to her liking. She released Tali's shoulder with a charming smile, ushering the Asian girl to the center of the circular room with a few more elegant words. Before Tali knew it, she was standing before the other, more elusive host. Not wanting to get her own hopes up, she pushed the prospect of the Prince to the back of her mind, convincing herself that there must be another reason for this encounter.
"Sir."
She bowed her head politely in greeting, heart pounding nervously beneath her vinyl-clad breast.
"Tali Matka Novikov. It's a pleasure to meet you."
She looked up, amethyst eyes framed in long lashes. Regarding him with a mildly, smoldering gaze that had become second nature to the young socialite, she curved her purple lips into a smile.
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Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 8:42 am
Maximilian's lips curved into a smile as the room began to clear. Oh how he did enjoy making scenes, despite his so-often-called "proper upbringing". A trouble-maker to the end, his nurses predicted this ever since he circumvented the laundry chute--into their bedroom of course. Chuckling (with abject glee, mind you) as the guests noisily and very irritably left Rheinfels, leaving the grand hall abandoned, except for of course, the mess they also happened to leave behind. This was one of the reasons Max didn't entertain much.
He stepped down from the stage, around their table and onto the main floor as Tali approached, clearly as confused and disorientated as the rest of the guests at the party. Clapping his gloved hands together, he beamed at the woman, eyes twinkling as she formally introduced herself. Had tonight been anything other than business-only, he would have gotten an eyeful of her body--that dress did look rather ravishing on her figure, and that look on her face, dear dear--but Maximilian composed himself, putting on a charismatic grin for her before announcing,
"Madame Novikov, the pleasure is all mine." The words seeped through his lips like honey--sweet to taste yet terribly fattening. "I have heard many things about your father, my dear, including his remarkable intelligence, and I'm sure he's passed that trait on to you. ...You do know why you were called back, of course?" Had Maximilian really wanted to cause trouble, he would have accused her of taking too much food from their buffet line, but now was neither the time nor place for such things. He cleared his throat and moved closer, adjusting his collar for good measure.
"Madame, we have thoughtfully weighed up the various offers we have received tonight, and reasons behind wishing to acquire such a.. peculiar creature, and, to be frank, both usually turned out as nothing but bullshit." Not that he thought her reasoning was any different--These creatures were not children, they were highly refined experiments whom nobody should ever become attached to like that. Maximilian still didn't know how long they could live. The only difference between their bullshit reasons and hers was that her offer was a little more shiny than everyone else's. Maximilian wanted to establish from the start how high the bar was set. Luckily, he wouldn't have to be around to watch what she did with it--love it, baby it, drown it--after he received payment, he couldn't care less. Gesturing with his hand and rolling his eyes slightly, his free hand dove into his breast pocket and he withdrew the special prize that everyone that night had been dreaming of. Admittedly, it was a little less spectacular than most would imagine, but the potential it held...
Max fingered the delicate brooch in his fingers, idly smirking at Tali, that little bit of his licentious personality showing through for a brief second as his eyes flickered up and down her body to admire the dress for a brief second.
"It won't match with your outfit, I'm afraid. But it does grow faster than an ordinary child, so in three or so weeks, so that won't matter very much..." He quickly snatched the pin away from sight again, closing it in his fist. Adelle would probably have been mortified that he'd been carrying it around all night and probably even moreso that he was being so rough with it (he had seen how she doted after her own brooch--it was a rather disturbing sight that he was glad only needed it subjected upon him once in his lifetime). "But of course. All of these things I'm telling you won't be of any importance at all if you don't have what I'm looking for." He opened his gloved hand to reveal the pin had vanished, a cheap magician's trick his grandfather had taught him once upon a time. Knowing how eager the female sex was to have anything even resembling a child (it was hormones or something, he only understood the chemistry behind the process, but there was no mathematical formula for a woman's mind just yet), Maximilian expected Tali was going to be rather philanthropic when it came to what she could give him. She had plenty to offer, as it were--plenty indeed.
"What exactly do you have in exchange for him, Madame?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:06 pm
As he responded to her words, Tali sized up the man known as Maximillian, watching the subtle gestures in his expressions and movements with utmost care. He was not a man of the noble sort, or at least that is what Tali gathered from his not so playful attempt to unnerve her and the lustful glint in his eye. (Oh yes, she had most certainly caught that. Yes indeed) Tali smiled pleasantly nonetheless. She had previously given up hope, but from the way he was regarding her, the way his words were formed, this seemed to be more of a business proposition than a casual thanks for attendance. If nothing else, this would be the exact opportunity she needed to coerce the scoundrel like man to her side. Making sure to flutter her eyelids subtly, she nodded.
"I have a rather modest assumption as to why you've chosen to take audience with me, Monsieur. And if this assumption is accurate, then we have many things to discuss."
He seemed pleased with the response. Inwardly Tali gagged. She quite disliked speaking in such a manner, even though she had been instructed on formal dialogue practically since birth. It made her feel confined, like a marionette on it's strings. She shouldn't have to dance this dance just to please an audience. But, the feeling of disgust soon passed as Maximillian elaborated on the piteous offers of other guests.
Her smile remained neutral, but her stomach immediately filled with butterflies. She was in. Tali could tell from the way he flourished and glanced at her. Her offer had been selected from all the others. Now the sudden dismissal made sense. How clever.
"I'm sure,"She began, taking a hand and brushing a few strands of hair gracefully behind her ear. A gesture Tali had been taught to feign nervousness and vulnerability. This man obviously had a vice for control, and if it took her giving it to him to get what she had come for, get it he would.
"Any offer would seem small when held next to such a brilliant prize."
A small inclination of her head and an upward flicker of her eyes would make it seem obvious that she thought him the brilliant mastermind, but she denied him this pleasure. Tali was sucking up enough already, overdoing it would only make her seem obstinately flattering. When he produced the pin, it took ever reserve of her will to keep her hand from reaching out. There in his palm lay the answers to her prayers. It had to be the pin that contained the child, why else would he flaunt it so? Every hope and dream she had denied she had ever wanted for all those years. Right there, inches away.
"I assure you that will not be an issue." She said softly, letting her amethyst eyes linger on the all important trinket. "I have many others that will compliment it just fine."
When he withdrew the pin, a devious smirk on his lips, Tali decided immediately that she held a significant distaste for this man. She would much rather be dealing his more pleasant companion. Tali did not let the slightest hint of dislike show through her visage, of course. With a perfect facade of desperation she was sure she had Maximillian convinced that she had every intention of groveling for his prize. The disappearing act did not amuse her in the least. Sickened by his eagerness to toy with a woman's emotions, Adelle had no doubt told him of her slipped up reasoning for wanting the prince, she allowed her expression to grow more despairing.
"N-no!" An small edge of hysteria seeped into her voice, for a moment Tali was unsure if it was intentional or her letting her emotions get the best of her. Regaining her composure, Tali withdrew an unintentionally extended hand. "I mean, I assure you, my offer is quite satisfactory."
Reaching into her purse, the Eurasian woman produced a small electronic pad, similar in shape to the Moodlett control panel.
"This," She reached up, turning the image this way and that, zooming in and out with simple sweeps of her fingers. "Is the latest model of my Father's newest vehicle. Model X4329-0. Or as my dear Father likes to call it, The Deity." A rather silly name, at least she thought so, but still very appropriate.
"I'm not sure what details you have about the products of Novi Corp, but I assure you Monsieur, we hold nothing but the highest of standards."She handed the small pad to him, tapping the surface once more to shut down the image. "All the information is stored in there. Everything about this car is completely customizable. It will be constructed to your exact parameters, color, pressurization of the shocks, even the AI is manufactured to be perfectly compatible with it's driver. There is a scan function on there when you are both done reviewing all the information, one for both you and Madame Adelle of course. Just activate it and it will take all the necessary measurements for production. There is a twenty question survey as well, take it and everything else will be set up."
Tali smiled, watching him regard the proposition with hungry eyes. "Completely self sufficient," She continued. "It can even drive its self. If that unnerves you, however, the AI is also programmed to teach it's owner how to drive. And pot holes won't be a problem anymore. Well, unless they're big enough to fall completely into. But the standard ones won't even jostle you. The tires fill with a special sort of rubber alloy, makes driving as smooth as glass."
Satisfied with her pitch, Tali bowed. "It will take one month to build once the information is sent in. Until then, you are both welcome to take your pick from my personal garage. Not quite Deity standards, but all top of the line, I assure you. Keep them as a complimentary gift."
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Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 3:10 pm
Adelle waited aside listening to Max speak and resisting the urge to lurch forwards when she saw the pin. You've had that on you this WHOLE time? She snorted to herself and made a mental note to scold and pester him about that later. A wrinkle appeared across her forehead and the woman could not help but glance to the side when he began seeking leverage. Before the evening had begun though Adelle knew that there would come a point when the exchange of currency was made, however, she had not expected that a female would be the recipient of this prince. It didn't feel right to have to watch this pleasant young lady that she had just met face the daunting music.
Then again, the drinks from the evening were playing a role on her emotions and it was probable that Adelle wouldn't care so much in the morning. Noticing the frantic change in Tali's voice Adelle pursed her lips and shot a look to Max letting him know she wouldn't intervene though wished he'd down play the sadistic connotations. In fact, she felt almost guilty for spilling the beans as to why Tali truly wanted the prince.
But as the other woman gathered herself and brought out the device that would illustrate the dynamics of the fantastic car Adelle's face lit back up. Damn. She'd give her pri- No, that was a lie, but she'd certainly give up anything else of great value to have a sweet ride like that. Driving Brodi around in it and taking long cruises out of Saltaire would be a great idea for a weekend of fun. As Tali further explained the automobile Adelle leaned forwards some and 'oohed' at its features.
With that she glanced back to Maximilian to see his reaction, but squeaked loudly as soon as Tali mentioned there would be one for her as well. Madam X had to keep it together, biting her lip to avoid squealing any louder. "Maaaaaaxiiiieeeeee...." she hissed quietly and gave him the 'I Need that car NOW' face with agressive puppy eyes. "That's quite a marvelous deal, wouldn't you agree?" Adelle asked, slowly walking beside Max and giving him a bit of a hip bump.
Adelle was much easier to sell than Maximilian was. Tali probably noticed this fast, but would it be enough to persuade the head honcho?
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 5:19 am
Maximilian was already starting to question the woman's mental stability with all the fluctuations in her composure but he didn't really mind too much--The prize was what she was willing to offer him, not what therapy she would undoubtedly subject the Prince to in his later life. He never understood this fascination women had for raising children. From what he knew of the process, it was unbearably comfortable for them as soon as they spread their legs on the operating table and didn't end until the child's 18th year (at least, that is). His eyes invariably flickered onto Adelle's for a brief second and he tried to imagine what life would be like with her as his wife and a few miniature Max and Adelle-lookalikes running around Rheinfels.
On second thoughts, Max soon dropped that thought, the s**t those kids could get into around his laboratory would be downright ghastly.
He took the pad from Tali quietly, content to let her ramble on in her own little world as he activated the pad again and stared silently at the car. It looked like a dream. He was sure he could get the hang of this driving thing sooner or later. If those idiot bus drivers were still allowed on the roads with their driving skills, there was hope for him yet. She was right about the self-driving mechanism making him uncomfortable though--he never liked AIs to control his life in any way. There was no knowing who tampered with them beforehand anyways.
His attention was diverted by a soft whine issuing from his partner's lips. "Maxxxyyyy..." He glanced over and almost laughed at the look on her face. Shouldn't have he been more excited about this proposition than her? Jolted into looking back to Tali from the bump he received from Adelle's hip, he finally let loose a chuckle and decided to finish what he'd called the Asian girl up for in the first place.
"Yes, I agree Adelle. More than generous," Maximilian twisted his mouth into a smile and in a flash, he'd retrieved the pin from his breast pocket--Lord knows how he managed to get it back there in the first place. Drumming his fingers on the small pad, the image of the rotating car still plastered onto the screen, he finally handed the pin over.
"Come back in a couple of weeks.. it should be ready to hatch by then and you'll have your pad back with our details." He quickly pocketed the device and shot Adelle a look as though to tell her to calm her excitement until their guest was out of ear's reach (one loose word about how easy his partner was when it came to the sympathy vote would bring a horde of liars and sniveling sycophants to their doors). As a final note, he added,
"Wear him as close as possible to your heart, as often as possible, so your little angel doesn't grow into a brat.
Oh.. and try not to crush it, you'll only be getting one, my dear."
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 12:00 pm
When Adelle looked at Maximillian with those eyes, soft, sensual, filled to the brim with demand, Tali knew she had won her, and in that victory had at least swayed the fair-haired man in her direction. His subtle bout of laughter only seemed to verify this. Tali felt her stomach turn a few flips, hands gripping her clutch purse tightly as her nerves got to her. This moment would make or break the small Asian girl. The false defeat before had destroyed her enough, a second true one would probably have irreparable damages.
When the words of verification left his lips, Tali was quite sure her heart would soar right out of her chest. An uncontrollable smile split her lips, posture immediately perking up at the sound of sweet, sweet victory. He produced the pin and she held out her hand tentatively. Feeling it's small, but reassuring weight in her palm, she closed her fingers around the pin, relishing the reality of the moment.
"You won't regret this." Tali assured, pinning the ornament to the front of her dress, right over her heart as he had suggested, and pressing a small hand over it. "I'll protect it with my life."
Producing a card from her purse, clutched between two fingers, she handed it to the man. "Here is my contact information, whenever you want to come and select from my collection feel free to call. I'll make sure I'm available.
Feeling she should be on her way before she overstayed her welcome, Maximillian had already seemed to lose interest in even listening to her response, Tali bowed politely.
"Thank you very much for having me. It was a lovely event."
And with that the woman turned on her heel, exiting the building with a certain exuberance in her step and getting into an awaiting car, painted to match her outfit for the evening.
"Home please."
The chauffeur nodded, tipping his hat politely, and proceeded to drive off. Tali couldn't stop smiling. She looked down at the brooch, stroking it's smooth surface wit the tip of her finger.
"You and I are going to be very close from now on, little one"
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