594/Opening Negotiations

Opening Negotiations
Date of Scene:	24 May 2017
Location:	Latverian Embassy
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Doctor Doom, Domino

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Doctor Doom has posed:
On the grounds of the Latverian embassy, Doctor Doom lounges in a high-backed chair that looks like nothing so much as a throne--which, of course, it effectively is.

"Boris," he says, irritation in his voice. "Where is the one who has responded to my missive? Doom waits for no one, and yet I am on the verge of waiting."

"I will look, my lord, in case she is at the door," an elderly man dressed as in formal servant's attire says, bowing his head and shuffling toward the embassy entrance.

Domino has posed:
The door to the embassy opens just a few moments after the older servant's made his way out.

It's hard to miss her when she walks in; embassies don't often allow in women wearing a black leather catsuit of high tech armor, much less ones that are carrying visible weaponry. She closes the door with her right foot, maintaining perfect balance; when it clicks shut, she shifts her weight to her right leg as her left touches the floor once more.

Her eyes lock straight to Doom's, faint smirk on her lips. "You rang?"

Doctor Doom has posed:
Behind his mask, Doom's eyes narrow. He shifts in his seat, posture straightening just a bit.

"So," he says in a cold tone. "You are more punctual than I expected. Most would-be contractors try to make a show of power by causing me to lose patience. That is...not wise."

Doom beckons with a finger. "Approach. You may yet be the operative I seek."

"Tell me," he continues. "What moral compunctions do you hold?"

Domino has posed:
She walks over to Doom and stands in front of him, arms folding across her chest. "I'd prefer not to kill children or pregnant women, but if you have a compelling reason for it, I'm sure the money will help me sleep at night," she answers simply.

Doctor Doom has posed:
The Latverian sits up further, leaning forward on the throne's arm rests. "Excellent," he says quietly. "I doubt I will have such need, but it is reassuring to know that you are a consummate professional."

Doom sighs and nods, almost absently. "Consider this first request an audition, of sorts. You will still be paid--and well. I am interested in learning more about your technique. Your approach. Your philosophy."

"There is a Latverian ex-patriate," he continues. "A man, one Klaus Mendel, who spoke out against my methods nearly a decade ago. I let him live because it was more useful to me that he do so. To see who else might feel empowered to criticize their rightful ruler."

Doom leans his head back to look down the nose of his faceplate at Domino. "That usefulness has come and gone."

Domino has posed:
She's unphased by the request. "Any other pertinent information you have would be appreciated. If that's all you have, it will take me a little longer, but the job will not be impossible to carry out." She reaches up to push a few stray strands of hair away from her face. "Any particular way you want him to be handled? Public, private? Painful, quick?"

Doctor Doom has posed:
"Mendel lives in the tri-state area. He has come to live a relatively peaceful life here in the United States. He seems to believe that I have forgotten about him," Doom responds.

"He has a family. For the moment, they should not be touched. They may still come to recognize the prudence in bowing to Doom," the tyrant continues.

He pushes himself to his feet. "As to your method...I will leave that to you. Consider it an opportunity to demonstrate how you might approach the completion of other contracts." Doom puts his hands out in front of his body, palms up.

"Let it not be said that Doom is not considerate or capable of...collaboration."

Domino has posed:
Domino considers questioning why Doom's called her for what any idiot on craig's list could accomplish, but then thinks better of it. Never question a client to their face...

... most of the time, anyways.

"I would never question you being considerate," she replies smoothly. "It takes an exceptional individual to manage an entire country. All right then. You've got my contact number. Expect to see the results soon."

Doctor Doom has posed:
"I would neither expect nor tolerate anything else," Doom replies, placing his gauntleted hands on his hips.

"That will be all," he adds dismissively, turning his back to the assassin so that he can sit back down in his throne. "The servants will see you out."

In fact, Boris the elderly manservant is already at the doorway to the room, his head bowed politely.

Domino has posed:
Yep. All ego behind that metal suit. Dom figured. Playing along, she nods and bows politely. "At your service," before turning to meet Boris and exit stage left, even.