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[Oni Storm]

Victor was standing there blank and dumb founded. He knew deep down he should be feeling, doing, or saying something (shouldn't this be funny or crass or deplorable or anything?) but alas nothing. Instead he just stood there rigid and emotionless as when he first entered the room or was told be'd been severely burned for the first time.
It should have bothered him, he knew that but instead all he could feel was the cold. The doctors had told him even back then that the cold feeling made sense and it was just his bodies way of compartmentalizing and severing it's ties to the nerve bundles and tissue damage from the flames. There was more to it than that though, he just knew there had to be, it was more akin to being a blank stone tablet all polished and ready for some such script or etching to give it purpose, like a headstone 9he shuddered at the tought or something useful anyway. Instead it was like this, blank, polished, unfinished, meaningless..

Trying hard to shake himself from his dull drums, he looked up and forced a smile. Becoming more familiar with his surroundings once again he noticed Catherine's death-lock on his arm and how they'd suddenly left the bar and were headed over towards Katie and the two gentlemen there near her. Looking around he also noticed that the servers were just finishing up with the drinks and that Catherine still held her chalice high (geez how long was I out? that should have taken 20 easy)

Catherine looked at Katie and the gentleman attached to to her eyeballing them both up and down before leaning in and speaking to them in a hushed maliciously divine yet seductive tone "So what are your intentions? What form of depravity and debauchery are you looking to get into?"

Catherine gave that stern almost motherly stature as she stared at them both, indicating she wasn't going away til she had an answer. Then picked up a nutcracker from out of one of the many bowls around the bar as she noticed the last of the drinks being sat upon the farthest table. she tapped the side of the chalice, raised high again and shouted "Salute" before sipping from the blue concoction, sat it down and peered at the couple intently, her piercing wintry eyes burning through to their very souls. "So where were we? Ah, yes waiting for my answer."

[Grafvitnir]

"Not at all, Hangman."
Graaf took the offered camera and rose from his stool. He paced several steps back from the bar and took two photographs of the pair.

[Thom Frankfurt]

"Tanks man." DeMarkus said to the burly mechwarrior from the FRR (sorry can't spell it, too lazy to look it up, and not gonna try.) The former champ then looked Kristian's way.

"So's wat yer story?" 'Mar spoke to the buisnessman trying to ignore the younger generation ordering drinks with sexual innuendo names, despite how much he wanted to applaud them for ridding the bar of the stuffy old nobles walking around with an air of superiority.

[Listless Nomad]

James stood a little straighter as Katie's sister and her escort approached. He could sense her eyes moving up and down his body, not checking him out, but appraising him like a threat. This caused James to swallow involuntarily. Despite having been in multiple battles, and been on the edge of death recently, there was something extremely intimidating about this woman. As she approached, the woman stopped and leaned in conspiratorily, causing James to lean in involuntarily. Katie's eyes sparkled in a knowing way. The woman spoke, her voice sultry and devilish at the same time.

"So what are your intentions? What form of depravity and debauchery are you looking to get into?"

James was taken aback for the umpteenth time this night, but quickly recovered.

What is it with these girls and asking crazy questions?!

James studied the woman's face and body language as she stared at him. Her motherly appearance was clearly not an invitation. When she picked up a nutcracker from the bar, James' eyes grew wide, and he couldn't help but follow the tool with his eyes, wherever it went.

James my boy, what HAVE you gotten yourself into...

He breathed a sigh of relief when she used the nutcracker to merely tap the side of her glass and signal the toast with a shout of "Salute." James and Katie both drank, with James taking a hefty swig. Visions of a night of passion, clothes scattered on the floor of his opulent hotel room, the feel of warm skin upon his raced through his brain. A smile began to creep over his face before he was shocked from his fantasy.

"So where were we? Ah, yes waiting for my answer."

James smirked, before taking a slight bow in deference to Katie.

"I'm am at the fair lady's command. She has been a gracious dance partner, and a wonderful companion. It is my duty as an officer and a gentleman to ensure Miss Katie has a pleasurable evening, and gets as much satisfaction as she desires."

James looked up at the woman and gave her a wink, before straightening fully.

"Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Major James Söderlund, commander of 1st Battalion, Bravo Company, 1st Robinson Rangers. Might I inquire as to the identities of the lovely couple who stand before me?

[Sparks Murphey]

Thom Frankfurt, on 16 August 2012 - 05:29 PM, said:

"Tanks man." DeMarkus said to the burly mechwarrior from the FRR (sorry can't spell it, too lazy to look it up, and not gonna try.) The former champ then looked Kristian's way.

"So's wat yer story?" 'Mar spoke to the buisnessman.

“Me?” Kristian wrung his hands together. “Well, I grew up here, on Tharkad, up in Cold Creek. My dad was a mechanic, travelling to out of the way places for the danger pay. Even did a tour at Taatyana Trans-Oceanic. Between him and my mum, I grew up to be a bit of a war machine nut. Always wanted to be a MechWarrior or an aerospace pilot as a kid, but we couldn’t afford to send me to an academy. So, now I work for Quickscell’s marketing division and still get to play with the toys, without getting shot at.”

[Thom Frankfurt]

Sparks Murphey, on 18 August 2012 - 09:57 PM, said:

“Me?” Kristian wrung his hands together. “Well, I grew up here, on Tharkad, up in Cold Creek. My dad was a mechanic, travelling to out of the way places for the danger pay. Even did a tour at Taatyana Trans-Oceanic. Between him and my mum, I grew up to be a bit of a war machine nut. Always wanted to be a MechWarrior or an aerospace pilot as a kid, but we couldn’t afford to send me to an academy. So, now I work for Quickscell’s marketing division and still get to play with the toys, without getting shot at.”

DeMarkus scoffed when the 'kid' mentioned going to academy. His own son, Thom, had just recently been expelled from NAMA (New Avalon Military Academy) and from what he last heared, the kid wasn't too bad. As for himself, DeMarkus never went to an academy for any advanced training. He was conscripted at age fifteen for the CCAF, and recieving battlemech training by the time he was eighteen, but it wasn't at the prestigious Sian University. Unless of course you called having a luitenant screaming at you in Cantonese as you stomped around in an Urbanmech on a frozen firebase on Warlock an academy education.

"I's asay dats da better deal. Take's it from a one who's spent a's good amount of time getting shot at, it's not too fun. And a education at an academy is a good thing, but dat doesn't make you's Gray Noton. My's boy, Thom got expelled from da NAMA, he's doing alright from what I's hear. But I's haven't heard anything for awhile," He looked nervously at Kaylee who wrapped her arm around his back. "and I'm a former two time Solaris champ. No advanced training."

He offered to the young buisnessman.

"So you's asell military gear?" He asked hopefully.

[Oni Storm]

"Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Major James Söderlund, commander of 1st Battalion, Bravo Company, 1st Robinson Rangers. Might I inquire as to the identities of the lovely couple who stand before me?"

Catherine offered her hand "A pleasure most kind Sir, I am the Lady Catherine Pride, though I'm sure you knew that part already. Oh, and this stiff lump beside me that would be Count Victor Von Laxsinger." Catherine said as she gave Victor a slight kick with the tip of her rear leg to avoid both further embarrassment an so as to avoid falling off balance from her outstretched arm. Then let out a slight giggle or delight "He's normally more talkative than this but being surrounded by this much pompous haughty air and stuffiness has obviously suffocated his creativity and speech patterns."

Edited by Oni Storm, 19 August 2012 - 02:25 PM.

[Sparks Murphey]

“Well, strictly speaking, I market military gear, the guys in sales are the people who’ll actually process your order. I just set up the deals.” Yep, that’s me, big time deal setter. “And it’s not just military stuff, either. I mean, we’ve got access to all of Quickscell’s civilian lines, as well. The new model Fencer Sports is due for release in a couple of months, and we got a sneak peek at it a few weeks ago,” Kristian nodded appreciatively, “A nice car. They’ve fully reworked the exhaust manifold, it sounds like a beast.”

Two things finally sunk through his head: firstly, he was starting to babble, and secondly, Mr Frankfurt’s comment might have actually been in prelude to actually purchasing something instead of polite conversation about Kristian’s job.

“I could set you up with a pre-order, if you’d like. Though, of course my speciality, and yours, I presume, are in the military side of things. Is there anything I could show you?”

Edited by Sparks Murphey, 21 August 2012 - 01:14 AM.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Sparks Murphey, on 21 August 2012 - 01:13 AM, said:

“Well, strictly speaking, I market military gear, the guys in sales are the people who’ll actually process your order. I just set up the deals.” Yep, that’s me, big time deal setter. “And it’s not just military stuff, either. I mean, we’ve got access to all of Quickscell’s civilian lines, as well. The new model Fencer Sports is due for release in a couple of months, and we got a sneak peek at it a few weeks ago,” Kristian nodded appreciatively, “A nice car. They’ve fully reworked the exhaust manifold, it sounds like a beast.”

Two things finally sunk through his head: firstly, he was starting to babble, and secondly, Mr Frankfurt’s comment might have actually been in prelude to actually purchasing something instead of polite conversation about Kristian’s job.

“I could set you up with a pre-order, if you’d like. Though, of course my speciality, and yours, I presume, are in the military side of things. Is there anything I could show you?”

"Yeah's. Your company have any of dose new mechs or dem fancy new weapons?" DeMarkus shrugged. "Normal particle cannons an lasers don't catch da crowds interest like dem new toys do. An der scary, before Kay and I's left to come here, I's saw a match were a w'Hammer took two Gauss slugs to da chest an blew sky high." He sneered as he talked. "Pilot didn't evens get a shot off."

He shook his head sadly, then took a sip of the pinkish wine.

"You's got a cataloge or something?" He perked up at the thought of it.

[Listless Nomad]

James bowed slightly and brushed his lips upon the outstretched fingers of Catherine as she introduced herself.

"A pleasure most kind Sir, I am the Lady Catherine Pride, though I'm sure you knew that part already. Oh, and this stiff lump beside me that would be Count Victor Von Laxsinger."

James suppressed a smile as he saw Catherine lightly kick her date for failing to introduce himself.

I guess I'm not the only person who has been left tongue tied by these women ...

Catherine noticed James' suppressed smile and let out a giggle of her own.

"He's normally more talkative than this but being surrounded by this much pompous haughty air and stuffiness has obviously suffocated his creativity and speech patterns."

James could notice the embarrassment on the man's face grow as he struggled to compose himself. Clearly he was uncomfortable in social situations, and Catherine wasn't helping things. James quickly offered his hand, which Victor reluctantly accepted for a stiff handshake.

"I'm sure m'lady that it is not the haughty air and stuffiness, but your beauty that has left the Count tongue tied. You sister Katie has had the same effect on myself many times this evening." As James turned to address Katie, he spotted Grafvitnir further down the bar, resplendant in his uniform, sipping a drink.

Pinching Katie affectionately to get her out of the stupor she seemed to be in, James continued.

"Well Katie, let us leave your sister and the count for now to enjoy their evening. I'm sure they have some mischief they'd love to get into without being bored with my idle chit chat. Besides, I have an old comrade in arms that I'd love to introduce you to."

James bowed once more to Victor and Catherine, lightly kissing her hand in parting, and led Katie down the bar towards Graf.

"Graf my friend, may I introduce you to the Lady Katie Pride, who has been gracious enough to accompany me this evening."

Edited by Listless Nomad, 25 August 2012 - 01:47 PM.

[Sparks Murphey]

Kristian lay the binder out on the bar. “Well, we haven’t a lot of the recovered lostech stuff in our off-the-shelf range, but we do have a few systems reserved for more specialised purchases,” he said, flicking through the binder.

“Ah. How about the Dreamcatcher 15mm anti-missile system? Great for ramping up the tension in the crowds - they watch the flight of missile arcing down on your ‘Mech, they tense in their seats, BOOM! the missiles explode in bursts of smoke a dozen metres from impact,” he shrugged, “Of course, it’s only useful if your enemy is carrying missiles, but if you go up against someone who’s a real missile maniac and carries them as their weapon of choice, swapping the Dreamcatcher in real quick pre-match could cause quite the upset.

“Now, if you wanted something more offensive,” Kristian looked around conspiratorially, then quietly added, “And don’t let this spread too far. But if you did, the Deleon Hyper-5 should be clearing it’s shakedown soon. It’s an ultra-class AC, though not a rotary tri-barrel like the Imperator Ultra-5. Ours uses a stationary, dual breech-and-barrel system with a rotary loading mechanism. It’s slightly heavier than the Imperator, but the upside is that you don’t have to wait for the barrels to rotate before firing again. Like a hand-held double-barrelled shotgun, you can fire both barrels at once, though after your initial barrage, your rate of fire is back to that of a comparable ultra autocannon as you wait for the loader. A Solaris debut would be nice for us, too, so we could cut you a discount.”

[Thom Frankfurt]

Sparks Murphey, on 25 August 2012 - 05:42 PM, said:

Kristian lay the binder out on the bar. “Well, we haven’t a lot of the recovered lostech stuff in our off-the-shelf range, but we do have a few systems reserved for more specialised purchases,” he said, flicking through the binder.

“Ah. How about the Dreamcatcher 15mm anti-missile system? Great for ramping up the tension in the crowds - they watch the flight of missile arcing down on your ‘Mech, they tense in their seats, BOOM! the missiles explode in bursts of smoke a dozen metres from impact,” he shrugged, “Of course, it’s only useful if your enemy is carrying missiles, but if you go up against someone who’s a real missile maniac and carries them as their weapon of choice, swapping the Dreamcatcher in real quick pre-match could cause quite the upset.

“Now, if you wanted something more offensive,” Kristian looked around conspiratorially, then quietly added, “And don’t let this spread too far. But if you did, the Deleon Hyper-5 should be clearing it’s shakedown soon. It’s an ultra-class AC, though not a rotary tri-barrel like the Imperator Ultra-5. Ours uses a stationary, dual breech-and-barrel system with a rotary loading mechanism. It’s slightly heavier than the Imperator, but the upside is that you don’t have to wait for the barrels to rotate before firing again. Like a hand-held double-barrelled shotgun, you can fire both barrels at once, though after your initial barrage, your rate of fire is back to that of a comparable ultra autocannon as you wait for the loader. A Solaris debut would be nice for us, too, so we could cut you a discount.”

DeMarkus nodded as Kristian pitched the UAC5 and AMS, he looked over a Kaylee who was sipping away at her wine when she wasn't making her 'concentrating' face. When he looked back at the buisnessman he noticed the FedSuns officer that was giving him the *****
(not homosexual, just odd) look earlier introducing a beautiful young lady to the Löjtnant from the FRR.

"Well's I'ms not gonna's lie an say's I's not interested. Dat antimissile system would's sure be's useful."

He liked the idea of pitting an AMS mounting Cataphract nuetering a missile boat. As for the autocannon he was hesitant, his boy Thom told him stories about the wonder weapons being worked on at the NAIS, and he did mention a story about an autocannon jamming and exploding catastrophicly during it's trial runs. But, still an increased rate of fire would sure be helpful... especially at a cheaper cost.

"Kay what'cha tink about dat, can you's arig da 'Phract to tote an anti-missile-system, an one of dem new fancy-pancy AC's?" He asked of his wife who nodded before speaking.

"Mar, I've been your tech for neigh on twenty years, and you still doubt me? If I can't bolt it on, I'll duct-tape it on, you know that." DeMarkus smiled imagining her description. And in a way she was right, whenever he asked anything of her she always delivered. He almost wanted to chuckle thinking about the time she rigged One-Eye to pack a particle cannon.... What was it she called it, Comanther? Panmando?

"Okay's... you's got a card or someting?" he asked, desiding to risk it. He cast a sidelong look at his wife and nodded his head in the direction of the Fed Sun officer and his companion, she gave him an annoyed look then walked on over to the young couple, who she walked up to and cleared her throat.

"Hi, I'm Kaylee!" She beamed while thrusting her satin gloved hand at the couple.

DeMarkus chuckled to himself while watching.

[Grafvitnir]

Graaf turned, startled, as Nomad appeared from down the bar.

Listless Nomad, on 25 August 2012 - 01:43 PM, said:

"Graf my friend, may I introduce you to the Lady Katie Pride, who has been gracious enough to accompany me this evening."

"Of course. I am at your service."

Graaf put his arm across his chest and bowed deeply to the stunning young woman. Rising, he turned to his old companion-at-arms and gave the man a strong pat on the back.

"It is good to see you Nomad! How have you fared?"

[Post responding to Kaylee will come after Nomad's response.]

[Oni Storm]

"Graf my friend, may I introduce you to the Lady Katie Pride, who has been gracious enough to accompany me this evening."

Katie curtsied and dipped herself forward and low in a teasing fashion at the other gentleman before her. "A pleasure kind Sir, It is always a welcome sight to see a handsome face, and a friend of friend, is as good as any friend of mine." she smiled brightly with a mischievous gleam in her eye. "So what kinds of trouble have you two boys been getting into together over the years? Do tell, and leave no detail out. I want to know everything. After all there should never be any secrets between friends, now should there?" A huge Cheshire like smile appeared upon her face then as she sit in one of the bar stools closest and propped her head into her hands starring at both them with an intensity that seemed to leave both men taken aback for the first few seconds, then began to barely audibly hum (or was it purring, they could exactly tell). One thing was for sure though, she seemed very happy and caught up in the moment as she awaited their dirty little secrets to unfold.

Edited by Oni Storm, 27 August 2012 - 01:16 PM.

[Listless Nomad]

James smiled as Graaf quickly turned in response to his greeting. It was good to see his friend again, especially in more pleasant surroundings. Standing up from his bar stool, the young man looked at Katie and smiled.

"Of course. I am at your service."

Graaf put his arm across his chest and bowed deeply to the stunning young woman. In response, Katie curtsied in a teasing fashion, with both the high thigh slit and her cleavage adding a sensuality to the motion.

"A pleasure kind Sir, It is always a welcome sight to see a handsome face, and a friend of friend, is as good as any friend of mine."

Katie smiled brightly with her usual mischievous gleam in her eye. James knew she was up to something and he couldn't wait to find out what she was up to. "So what kinds of trouble have you two boys been getting into together over the years? Do tell, and leave no detail out. I want to know everything. After all there should never be any secrets between friends, now should there?" A huge grin appeared upon her face as she sat upon a nearby bar stool. Leaning forward, she propped her head on her hands and stared at them with an intensity that seemed to leave both men taken aback for the first few seconds. James could barely hear a hum or purring coming from her as she waited for their response. She was clearly very excited to hear their combined stories, unaware of the deep pain it represented to both of them.

Both James' and Graaf's countenances visibly darkened at her remarks, and both remained silent for a moment. Katie's request transported both men back to a city of smoke and fire, of bodies and blood, and too much loss. For James, his memory raced back to his shattered mech cockpit, wounded and alone - until a soft hand reached out to squeeze his.

James was snapped back to reality by the sound of Graaf's voice.

"We met in a bar on my home planet of Vekfahren, quite by accident. We shared a few drinks together, got into a few...scuffles...with some undesirables...and have kept in touch on and off ever since.

James could see Katie biting her lip in confusion as she listened to Graaf's story. He had noticed a spark of recognition at the mention of "Vekfahren," but James could tell she couldn't quite place it. Her face settled into a slight pout as Graaf cut off his story quite abruptly and gave James a hearty clap on the back.

"It is good to see you Nomad! How have you fared?"

James was genuinely happy to see Graaf again, and his flashbacks from his time on Vekfahren did not resurface this time.

"I've been well my friend, although I've been significantly better having met my lovely escort tonight. My time since our last meeting has not been significantly different than our experiences on Vekfahren, and I am relieved to be able to spend an evening of peace with friends." James turned to the pouting Katie and gave her a wry grin. "I'm afraid Graaf and I will have to be significantly more intoxicated to divulge our deepest darkest secrets to you. Let's get started on that, shall we?

At this, James requested three drinks from the bartender, and gave Graaf a friendly squeeze on the shoulder.

"You clean up well my friend, how have YOU been since Vekfahren?"

[Thom Frankfurt]

Kaylee stood there in shock her hand extended to the young couple whom, other than a mischivious grin from the 'Lady' Katie Pride, was ignored.

Hmph, Are these guys actually ignoring me?

She cast a look her husband's way who had a look of bemusment and shock displayed upon his scarred face. As the two men talked about what she gathered was some backwater planet she smoothed down the front of her satin dress. When the young man from the FedSuns placed a hand upon Graf's shoulder and asked him how he was, she siezed her oppertunity and butted in.

"Oh my Gawsh, Grafvitnir. Who's your friend?" She stabbed out her hand at James and the young minx. "HI, I'M KAYLEE!" She layed it on thick while she beamed.

From the other side of Graf she heard DeMarkus choke on his wine, and she smiled all the wider.

[Oni Storm]

At this, James requested three drinks from the bartender, and as the young man from the FedSuns placed a hand upon Graf's shoulder and asked him how he was, there was a sudden disturbance in the conversation; "Oh my Gawsh, Grafvitnir. Who's your friend?" She stabbed out her hand at James and the young minx. "HI, I'M KAYLEE!" She layed it on thick while she beamed.

(OMG I can't believe he ignored her, what was he thinking) Katie quickly kicked the back of James' ankle [hard] and as the drink arrived, quickly handed hers to Kaylee's outstretched hand. "I swear these men and getting caught up in the glorious past. Never living in the here and now for long huh? Well I for one welcome a conspiritus sister in arms, if you care to join me. Why don't we leave these chatter boxes here and see what we can get into out on the dance floor hmmm? [she winked at Kaylee] Maybe then they won't forget their manners so quickly in the future, hum? What do you say? Come on let's have a little fun." she says excitedly as she bumps hips with Kaylee then and tries to get her moving towards the dance floor.

Edited by Oni Storm, 30 August 2012 - 07:22 PM.

[Sparks Murphey]

Trying to contain a creeping sense of fluster, Kristian reached into his jacket pocket for his bundle of business cards. They were brand new, having only arrived on Tuesday after he’d pestered Ms Falatti for a week. Now, here he was, giving out his second one of the night, and to DeMarkus frickin’ Frankfurt!

“You won’t regret it, Mr Frankfurt,” Kristian said, scribbling details on the Deleon Hyper-5 and the Dreamcatcher on the back of the card, “I’ll get in touch with Manufacturing tomorrow and see if I can get you some numbers. We’ll keep in touch, yes?”

Without waiting for a reply, he slid off the barstool and strolled away into the crowd.

This was it! This was his moment! He was going to be the guy who launched the Hyper-5 into the marketplace, and solidify his position in marketing. He started to think about the possible spin-off campaigns: obviously Quickscell branding on the weapon itself, for live spectators, a collectable figurine of the Cataphract with the UAC/5 prominent, probably a series of vid and radio commercials with Frankfurt promoting it...though, hmm, would the unique accent be a plus or a minus there? It might make them more identifiable, but it might also get them mocked. He’d have to ask Ms Falatti...oh, there she was! Kristian casually, but politely, stood by Arielle Falatti’s shoulder as she chatted to a general with far too many ribbons on his chest.

“...mmhmm...Will you excuse me for a moment, General?” she said after a moment. The general nodded and she turned aside.

“What is it, Kristian?” Arielle said, mild annoyance in her tone.

“I think I just sold a Hyper Deleon-5 to DeMarkus Frankfurt.”

“Please tell me you didn’t call it that when you spoke to him.”

“What did I say?”

“Hyper Deleon-5.”

“I meant Deleon Hyper-5,” Kristian stopped and ran through the conversation in his head, “I’m pretty sure I got it right all the way through. Anyway, he wants to put a Hyper-5 and a Dreamcatcher on his Cataphract, and I said we could probably cut him a discount in exchange for some promotion.”

Arielle stared at him, speechless. Yep, this was it. Kristian had left her gobsmacked at him, a lowly junior marketing assistant, bringing in such a major deal.

“...A discount off prototype costs, right?” she said after a moment, “He knows that’s a discount off the prototype costs that the Hyper-5 is worth, not what a regular class 5 ultra would cost, yes? Kristian, please tell me you didn’t just sell a million c-bill weapon system for less than a fifth it’s value!”

“I...I...Yeah, I’m pretty sure. I mean, I mentioned that it wasn’t off the shelf and that it was still in shakedown...”

“Shakedown? Kristian, they haven’t even got it accurately hitting a two-metre target at fifty metres yet due to the offset recoil! The Hyper-5 shows promise, but it is not a ready weapon system. How soon is he expecting it?”

“Uh, we didn’t really talk about that, or costs yet. He’s going to give me a call later and I said we’d sort those sorts of things out then. Don’t worry, I can sort this out.”

Arielle started walking to the bar, “No, I’m going to sort it out now.” She stopped again. “No, I can’t that will just make us look unorganised. Look, don’t try making any more deals tonight. Once they close the doors tonight, you go back to your hotel room, and you research the f*** out of this. Then, when Frankfurt calls you back, you make d*** sure you give him full disclosure and seal this thing without us looking like fools. I don’t care if he turns you down, but do not screw this up.”

Kristian nodded morosely. Arielle gave him a sympathetic smile.

“Now, get out there and enjoy yourself. Stop stressing about work. I told you, let me worry about the deals. I’ll find you if I need a hand,” she pointed across the floor, “Look, she’s cute. Go ask her for a dance.”

Great, now he was being set up with girls by his boss. Though...to be fair, the red head sitting alone at the corner table was cute. And apparently unattached. He plucked up his courage and sauntered over.

Spelling Edit

Edited by Sparks Murphey, 31 August 2012 - 06:32 PM.

[Oni Storm]

Though...to be fair, the red head sitting alone at the corner table was cute. And apparently unattached. He plucked up his courage and sauntered over. Ariha Kline was the typical esoteric quizzical type, right down to the ribbons in her hair and glasses on her face, she was pretty, sure, but nothing to write how about. At least that was the self image she had, and she'd come to accept it. now though now there was the young man approaching her table at this huge gala event, and she didn't know what do, or a clue how to handle it. (What if he asks me dance? Oh gawd how do I deal with that? I can't just turn him down, that would be rude. Then again wouldn't be worse to step all over his feet? Aww man why did that woman have to point me out over here? Geez) [she swallowed hard and a slight beading of sweat appeared around her fore head and neck] she could feel her palm starting to sweat as the man drew closer. (Ok calm, calm, CAlm, C.a.l.m. I'm in control here. He doesn't know me, I'll be fine. C.a.l.m. R.e.l.a.x....c..a..l..m..good) {she breathed out in a long slow ex-hail] She looked up into the face of the gentleman that stood before her, concentrating specifically on the eyes and smiled an awkward but pleasant smile. (Well at lest he has to make the first move now. Maybe I'll get lucky and he'll chicken out. course that would leave me here all alone again, but that would be good wouldn't it?) She blinked away the thought and fought the urge to shack her head as well as she continued to peer up at the somewhat handsome figure. (right back to where we were the ball is in his court. We're all good.)

Edited by Oni Storm, 31 August 2012 - 06:37 AM.

[Sparks Murphey]

The redhead looked up at him uncertainly.

"Why do polar bears weigh so much?" Kristian asked.

"Uh, I...what?" she stammered.

"It helps break the ice," he replied, sitting next to her, "I'm Kristian, by the way."

She closed her eyes and groaned, but couldn’t help smiling. “Ariha. And that was terrible.”

“It worked, though, right?”

“It...yeah, I guess it did,” she nodded, seeming uncertain where to go next.

“Well, Ariha, I saw you and wondered what a pretty girl like you was doing left on her own, so I thought I’d come over and ask,” Kristian said, trying a reassuring smile.

“Oh, I’m not...”she swallowed as a flush started to creep up the pale skin of her neck and onto her cheeks, “I mean, I’m here with people. Not like ‘with’ with them, none of them are my boyfriend or anything. Just, you know, business.”

She looked out across the ballroom, avoiding his eyes, to where the summit’s guests pranced to the strong beat of a military 2-step. “I’m just the engineering intern. I’m basically only here to see some of the tech demos. I’m...not so good with people.”

Kristian got back to his feet. “Would you like to dance?” he asked, offering his hand.

Ariha stared at him agape for a moment, then nodded. “Um. I don’t really know how,” she said, her words contradicting her nod.

“Me neither. We don’t have to dance like the rest of them, just step to the beat and we’ll do fine,” he said.

She took his hand and he led her to a quiet part of the dance floor.