7408/Interview in the Study, by the CandleStick

Interview in the Study, by the CandleStick
Date of Scene:	05 May 2019
Location:	New York City
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Black Queen, Free Lancer

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Black Queen has posed:
The house that Selene invites Millicent to, after much in the way of a background investigation, is rather big. It's an old styled New York Apartment complex, something that would've still been made of brick. 4 stories tall, probably had a dozen or so suites inside, and it was bought out by Selene and the residents were sent away. Then the insides were broken down to give a magnificent two story entry way, with stairs going up either side, double doors in the back to a big kitchen. Most of the family apartments turned into large rooms by breaking down walls, and replacing things along the halls with old paintings, artifacts of the ancient world, other antiques. Everything in the home predates the modern era, except the electricity of course. And yet still, even that has an appeal of old.

Chandeliers make up most of the overhead lighting, candleabras sitting on desks and tables, some of them actually having lit candles in them. And by the time the doorman, yes her home has a dedicated doorman, gets to where Milli is to meet Selene, she's passed millions of dollars worth of stuff each one rare in it's own way. And some of it older than Milli herself. The doors to the study open and inside there's Selene in a formal red dress that's worth what some people's homes are, and she's wearing diamond earrings that trail all the way down to her shoulders. Inside the room it is filled with books, all individual copies, and similar to the rest of the house many of them are original works that don't exist anymore, or were once supposedly lost. Some scrolls and bindings from even the Library at Alexandria before it was burned to the ground.

That is, of course, if Milli has an eye for the old. And Selene sits on a leather couch, there's a fireplace lit but open at the top to make more ambiance than heat, all while she has a crystal pitcher with wine in it, presumably, some fancy appetizers. It's a fondu platter, with meets and other things, to dip in warmed cheese and even chocolate if so inclined. She doesn't even say thank you to the man who brought her in, "Please, sit down. Eat if you wish."

Free Lancer has posed:
    It's quite the history to dig into, because well it's bizarre. She's protected important people, and sure if asked they give glowing reviews but nobody ever seems to just mention her idly. She's all but invisible until you know the right questions, and even then? Well she just shows up in the fifties, already protecting upper crust clientelle. There are gaps in there too, a few of which are quite lengthy. It's a fantastic bit of mystery really, if you're into that sort of thing. Especially because even her clients don't seem to know an awful lot, beyond that she was very good and very discrete.

    Even as she's ushered in, well she has something about her. It's in the air so thick you can all but taste it, even at rest it crackles. Theres something, well magically off about her to put it bluntly. It's the old stuff, that wild unpredictable fey stuff. The sort've stuff you can't even weave in this plane, and she positively exudes the stuff.

    Anywho pauses to adjust her tie, and offer a lovely fake of a smile. "A pleasure to finally meet you Madam, I've greatly enjoyed our correspondence. Nobody seems to understand how to write a good letter anymore, terrible shame really."She slips across the open floor, folding one arm behind before clearing her throat and taking a seat. "Oh and before we get to business, I must say you've got a lovely home."And another delightfully fake smile. "Oh goodness, look at me blathering on whilst I've been summoned for a business matter."

Black Queen has posed:
The food is layed out, but Selene doesn't even attempt to go for it, or move it. Even if it goes to waste, it is kept in containers and heating pots that are pure silver. Not just coated. They are designed with old English royal symbols on them, and she uses them as everday cookware. "My gratitude on you receiving my messenger and sending him back with words. There is a fine art that has been lost with phones and computers having replaced the art of correspondence. It takes effort, and time to write, it takes just a blithering idiot to type."

If Selene notices the Fey magic, which is a good likely she does, she doesn't comment on it nor does she even give off a microexpression of recognition. No, Selene's lived a guarded life for many more years than even the things in her home have been around. She's devoured the souls of countless con artists, and can even draw upon the memories of those who would be authentic to lie and lie extremely well. Only perhaps Loki himself might be better.

"Yes, this home is rather nice. I like to stay in New York whenever I can, because I am co-owner of a club here. Which is actually the reason why I wanted to speak with you. Though, please, if you wish something to savor while we talk make a plate. Normally I would have a servant do it for you, but I do like to keep them out when I am conducting business." Selene keeps her legs crossed, the long slit in her dress causing her legs to be exposed, but she doesn't really fidget or show signs of defensiveness in any way. In fact, for a bodyguard, Milli might notice that Selene seems to lack even that basic physical guardedness that almost everyone has upon meeting a stranger. "I wish to put you on retainer for my club, I have a great many wealthy clients who come in and leave, they often require a great deal of confidentiality which means they cannot utilize their own guards. And, well, it should be no surprise, jealousy often strikes and one of them may be the target of another. Since, my guests are haves, and those who are have nots often invoke violence."

Free Lancer has posed:
    "It is indeed a rare pleasure in these times to have the privelage of a well written correspondence."Millicent nods softly at this, delicately folding her hands in her lap. Shoulders squared and back straight, she could give most actual nobility a run for their money in the posture department. That slight, polite smile creeping across her lips. "Oh sincerely, your generosity is well appreciated but I'm quite fine. It may be considered rude for somone of my profession to indulge in a potential client's hospitality such."

    Theres a slow blink, and well she seems rather comfortable even here doesn't she? Most folks might find themselves uncomfortable with the spread, the house, the servants but not Millicent. Indeed she seems to be the very picture of relaxed, borderline serene in fact. This is a proper household afterall, a proper home.

    "I would be amenable to such a request certainly, though I should warn. I do follow a set of guiding rules, which govern my professional performance. This may be cause for some inconvience, for which I do sincerely apologize for. So exotic interests, and unorthodox pleasures which mundane law may not understand should not be performed in my presence. I am happy to protect the life and liberty of my client, however I will only do so within the bounds of the law."She offers an apologetic smile, or at least a very excellent fake. "Discretion is no problem of course, though I will ask for a measure of the same."

Black Queen has posed:
There's a slow lift of the hand that carries the wine she has, and Selene sips it and then she settles it down again. She mentions, "You certainly do have rules, it would seem." And Selene listens to the mention of things that cannot be performed in Milli's presence and Selene waves a hand a bit, "Think nothing of that part of it, that is fine. Nothing and no one leaves my establishment in anything but the utmost proper state for their position. What I would need is merely for them to feel safe getting home, or to the airport as we have many who travel just to visit our fine establishment."

Selene offers beyond that, "They arrive, and they go, but often without informing their own personal staff. I arrange their travel, it is my jet, my people they meet. And in the past we have not had much cause to be concerned. Though some would show up who do not now, at least not as regularly, if they had someone they could believe in more. A regular guard, someone who brought with her a bit of mystery and thus confidence."

Free Lancer has posed:
    "More than acceptable Ma'am, I do beg your pardon. I've found the best route to a successful working relationship is clear boundries, for obvious reasons considering the sort of clientelle it seems we both tend to cater to."And a touch of a shrug offered there. "Certainly I am capable of providing this service you request, I would be honored to provide you and your clients with my utmost efforts as required."And a delicate twitch of a wince.

    "If I may ask however, am I to expect costumed interference? I've delt with such things before of course, It does not concern me terribly truly. It does however have some bearing upon my position on compensation, as well as how I might go about providing these services. I may require specialized arms and transport whilst on the clock, of course."A delicate tug of the cuffs, as she reclines ever so slightly. "Whilst I endeavor to remain essentially a neutral party professionally, I do not pull punches when it comes to attempts at extra-judicial punishment of my clients. I'm afraid I'm not terribly comfortable with half measures, for obvious reasons."

Black Queen has posed:
There's a lot of words there, and Selene just kind of sits back. "What is your wish?" Selene questions a bit as she looks over at Millicent, and she smiles a bit at that. "What would be enough compensation, for whatever it is that you imagine could happen? Or that you imagine about my clients?" So, she's not answering any of the questions. Instead, she's asking her own question.

With a small pause, to sip at her wine easily, Selene continues, "Imagine a painting, one of the ones on my wall if you are not so artistically inclined. A museum might pay me a few million dollars for one of them. These cook pots filled with cheese, hundreds of thousands each and if they were to denote the initials at the bottom, and realize who actually made them... they might go up from there ten or elven fold." And she leans forward just a touch, "This is a number, you see. They can put a number on such a thing because they believe numbers have value to them. If that is your desire that the number goes up, because of a circumstance you feel may occur, then it does. Are you a fair person? Or are you greedy? I suppose there is also the option of being... self-deprecating, at which point I would not hire you. But let me just say, that the worth of a thing never comes down to a number. If there is another ask, then ask it, if that is your only concern, than think no more on it. It will be taken care of."

Selene slides forward an envelope that was sitting on the table, it's one of those long ones that fit papers, and she waves a hand over it in your direction, "This is a contract. In part, it speaks about typical things. You would put your life on the line before the client would risk theirs, that you would make reasonable attempts to sustain a life should they be injured. Et cetera. Typical contract. You will notice that the payment is left for you to fill in. Fill it in with your worth, and I will sign. If I find you not to be worth that, then your emplyment will be terminated."

Free Lancer has posed:
    "It's unbecoming of the help, to trade in favors with their betters."She offers without a hint of regret. "A trio of armored Mercedes prepared identically, two additional drivers and two stand ins. I don't require them to be anyone special, just men who can do as they're told. I'll also need a box of white phosphrus grenades, at least twenty four of them."which is, all things considered pretty vanilla right? "Fifteen thousand per ferry of a client, twenty thousand dollar bonus per attempted interception. I will likewise expect my medical, and equipment costs covered as they're encountered. You'll find these charges to be on the high end, but within the established industry standards for high risk clients."

    The folder is accepted, and well she does actually unseal the thing and start paging through it. "If I may speak bluntly, Ma'am? I am not interested in this line of work for the money, or the -things- it provides. I take great pride in my ability, and rather enjoy the game. I enjoy the challenge, If it didn't interfere with my professional distance I'd likely be doing such things for free. My victory is the reward I'm most interested in."And well barring contractual strangeness, yo she signs. Fifty K signing bonus is filled in to boot, but she's at least polite enough not to hand the thing back to Selene. Rather she sets it gently down where Selene can get it if she wants.

Black Queen has posed:
There's a little bit of a hand waving, as if all of the details are acceptable, or unconcerning at least to her. "I have many men, and women, loyal. Willing to be stand in drivers, who are... not 'anyone special'." And Selene finishes off her glass of wine before setting it on the table, conveniently at the same time that she reaches out to grab the paperwork. Looking it over to make sure everything is signed and dotted, due diligence, she signs at the very end. It is an elaborate calligraphy styled signature, Selene Gallio.

"Very well. All seems fair. Looking over at Milli, Selene smiles a tad, "You might want to dress up a bit for the club. Though I am not so archaic as to require a dress, and if that is your comfort level, then it is acceptable. Just, do not step inside of the club unless you are in a tuxedo, or similar. I have a few fashion designers who can make you something exquisite if you wished to enter."

Free Lancer has posed:
    "A three piece insufficient, goodness. I relish the excuse to wear a tuxedo once again, but indeed I have my own tailor."Theres a little smile there "I'm afraid I haven't worn a dress in ages, especially these days where everything has to be so slender. Does make it terribly difficult to kick somone in the head, or conceal a firearm of any utility. Rather miss the frills, I'm ashamed to admit."Theres an almost apologetic little smile there at her admission.

    "I do vaguely remember a time when most high class establishments wouldn't permit a woman in trousers at all, A tuxedo made quite the statement back then. Rather more sedate these days, but you'll hear no argument over dress code from me. Rather wish we saw more of them, makes for a delicious sense of occasion I find."

Black Queen has posed:
"Well, good then." Selene offers as her response, and she adds, "I have despised much of the prudishness that goes into fashion. And to be honest, I often desire that we go back to a more purposeful time. Necklaces of teeth, piercings made of bones, cloth only to keep the bugs at bay. If there is nothing more however, I will arrange a meeting with you for the club itself. We can take a tour around the parts where you will be allowed. And sort of introduce you to the club in a way, since you will be there with me."

Free Lancer has posed:
    And so she rises, offering a polite bow. "I look foreward to working with you, Ma'am. If theres nothing else, I'll take my leave. "And well yeah if not bidden further, she's out of there.