Post by Girard Laurentine III on Feb 27, 2013 23:06:28 GMT -5
At last, The Grand General himself joined the rest of us at the table. Girard made a short nod in greeting at his arrival. If only he had not been so late...But there was nothing that could be done about that now.
It seemed that Swain also took notice of the Chemist's little lady-friend. Knowing the way that Swain tended to say things without saying them outright, Girard managed to gather that the Grand General was just as surprised as he was over the Chemist's +1. Of course, the Chemist's response did not help matters; it only showed Singed's impatience and apparent rudeness for all others to see. And he was supposed to be one of the more social of Zaun's citizens...
Girard, out of politeness, waited for either one of the guests to fill their plates or the host himself before filling his own. It seemed like the meeting was at a stalemate...Waiting for one side or another to make a move.
Viktor merely stared back at Singed and seemed to consider the chemist's words, before turning his attention to the head of the table where their host would no doubt be seated. It wasn't long after that the man of the evening finally arrived, ever so fashionably late, with his oafish Hand not far behind. The Grand General made his way to his prestigious position at the table, to look upon the entire gathering if various individuals that had been generously invited to share this moment with him.
The Machine Herald glared indignantly in Swain's direction, doing nothing to hide just how irritated he was at having to be drawn away from his work. He could not emphasize enough that he was an inventor, a designer, and most of all, a techmaturgical engineer....
"We appreciate you making the journey. I've several commissions to discuss with you both--and, as the Chemist has likely informed you--we are gathered tonight to re-negotiate the terms of allegiance between our two great states." Finally, the point of this entire thing. Viktor's head inclined slightly as his stare became a bemused one, hidden beyond the expressionless metal object barricading his face from all manner of harm. "Times are changing. It would behoove us to tighten our bonds, our securities. To prepare for whatever the coming months may hold."
Viktor couldn't help but scoff at the words that had been spoken. He held no regard for the supposed bonds that the Grand General spoke of, and would have immediately left if not for the fact that he was in accord with Singed. If anything, the Chemist was the only one keeping him seated right where he was. The Herald would not be so unwise as to betray the contract that had been forged between two of the greatest minds to come out of Zaun. He knew that he would need funding in order to progress upon the Glorious Evolution that Valoran would be ushered into, and the Mad Chemist, and perhaps even Noxus itself, was his best means of acquiring the materials he would need to prove his revolutionary value.
"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Grand General, but I have no interest in bonds. I am an inventor, a pioneer who strives to usher in a future where technology has ousted mere flesh and bone in dominance. My allegiance lies solely in one thing: the Glorious Evolution."
Post by The Master Tactician on Feb 28, 2013 1:52:06 GMT -5
Crimson eyes snapped to Viktor, impassive but for the burning purpose they held. "We are well aware of your motivations, Herald," Swain replied. From the case he removed a folder full of documents and blu-prints. He handed this to a servant, who whisked around the table and bowed low, offering the package to the machinist. The design dossier illustrated a fully augmented form: an adamantine warrior wreathed in flame.
"You are here for this." Again, he folded his calloused hands behind his empty plate. "Funds and materials will be supplied, of course."
The Grand General lifted his chin to address the nearest maid, "Escort the Chemist's company to the smoking lounge. See that she is comfortable." This was neither the time nor the place for an extra set of ears.
Caerys played the part of a politely attentive young noble lady, taking in the conversations all around, subtly smirking at each man that had their eyes fall on her. She seemed to be more a distraction than anything, and she laughed slightly.
Well, it seemed her time with the in-crowd was over; but Caerys remained polite and made no complaints. She didn't really think she would be around to hear all of Noxus's secrets just like that. The servant came over with a tray to assist the lady with her plate.
"Well then, excuse me as I take my leave, General... Master Singed most insisted I come along after all." She said, leaving Singed a peck on the cheek before rising.
The maid came over and Caerys most gracefully rises and leaves with her towards the lounge... she keeps her keen personality, looking around the hold, wondering if she could go exploring a bit, or was confined to the lounge... After eating.
Post by Alexis 'Mute' Lindser on Feb 28, 2013 2:12:41 GMT -5
Alexis nods respectfully, eyes down, then turns to the woman, retrieving the pad of paper from her apron pocket and writing a note. Her handwriting is impeccably neat, and it's written in a size large enough for most to read, but not so large as to appear shouting.
'Please come with me, ma'am.'
Her subservient façade hides the clamor of her jangling nerves- she knew she'd be working in the same building as the Grand General, but to be meeting him on her first day of work? She only hopes that the protocol she's following is good enough; Vivien didn't prepare her for escorting guests from the table, nor did she give her any advice for dealing with situations where she might need to "speak". Would the General see her muteness as a hindrance, and send her away...?
She's nervous as she waits for Singed's companion to rise, but her face is perfectly composed as she holds up the note at eye-level with the woman. The only possible indication of her inner plight is the turmoil behind her cool grey eyes, which only the carpet may see.
A tray rests in the hands of the other maid who had approached, and she takes the woman's plate, ready to go along with her and Alexis.
Post by Chairman Magnus Dunderson on Feb 28, 2013 16:19:21 GMT -5
“Well is always easier to complain on how the trains are never in time than to make them get in time.” Magnus said talking partially of his own experience and partially trying to ease the tension on the dining room. “New times are on the rise but I’m deeply concerned on what will come in those times.” He added modifying a little the words of the grand general to get his point across. “Alliances and organizations are to be made with every aspect on mind…The benefits and the down sides. Opposition and support purpose and enemies I would like to know what you have in mind for Zaun and Noxus before I…we come to a decision.”
Sometimes a man does not sell his soul for profit. Sometimes it’s just to not lose everything.
Post by The Mad Chemist on Feb 28, 2013 16:21:09 GMT -5
“Excuse me I suppose that I let a childish thing get the best of me.” Singed had calmed down after seeing the importance of the subjects at matter. “Even if rationalized how you didn’t give any credit to Zaun during your speech about the defeat of The burning vengeance and how that speech was to raise the Noxian spirit I suppose it did got to me” Served himself some food and give his good byes to Vermillion. “If we are going to strengthen the bound between our nations we need to create better routes of communication and trading. As well as create a culture in which is not shameful to look for strength in technology.”
Post by Alexis 'Mute' Lindser on Feb 28, 2013 17:49:01 GMT -5
When they reach the smoking lounge, Alexis starts to write to Singed's companion on another piece of paper.
'I'll leave Miranda here with you, to show you around if you should need anything else- if anything meets with your displeasure, do not hesitate to inform her. When you are wanted back at the table, I'll return for you.'
Miranda, the girl with the tray, sees the note and nods, grateful to be given a break from serving. As soon as the note has been read, Alexis turns to head from the room back up to the dinner- she knew the General had meant to remove the extra pair of ears, but Vivien couldn't handle the table herself, especially with Miranda gone- and he doesn't know that I'm new; I'm fairly certain we all might as well be faceless to him.
She pauses before the door, and smooths down her skirt again before pushing through, and taking her place again- standing in the background, posture perfect, eyes down.
Out of sight of the important men folk, with only a maid for company, Caerys increased her eating pace, showing that she enjoyed the food- she had not eaten to fill in more than a year and she was in a state of ecstasy. She topped her supper with a drink of the fruit juice, vehemently avoiding alcohol.
She turned to face Miranda. "So, dear, tell me about yourself, what's it like working here? Anything interesting to see that's not off limits?" She asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin, addressing her present company, not wanting to seem that aloof.
Post by Alexis 'Mute' Lindser on Feb 28, 2013 21:47:45 GMT -5
Miranda blinks- she hadn't expected friendliness. "I-it's good work, ma'am," she says, her eyes still on the ground- Caerys' current attire has led the maid to believe that she's serving a noblewoman. "I've been here for a year, now. How might you mean 'interesting'?"
---
Alexis stands at attention at the dignitaries' table, her demeanor perfect for serving- her nerves are beginning to calm, somewhat, as she gets more used to being in the Grand General's presence.
Viktor's eyes, secreted away ever so deliberately by his mask, scanned the folder that was presented to him. He opened it to peer at the documents and blueprints held within, the image he was met with causing his mind to grow both curious and bemused. And he was right to be confused, as he had only just recently finished some weapon designs for Singed and was now seemingly being asked to design and construct the structure of what appeared to be some autonomous warrior.
"...."
Despite being a Zaunite, Viktor paid no attention to the words of neither Chief Executive Dunderson nor the Mad Chemist Singed. His focus was completely and unwaveringly upon the design he was given, and as he analyzed it he grew more and more perturbed, as unwelcome as it was, at the prospect of creating what he only assumed to be soldiers of Noxus. He finally broke his gaze upon his newest commission as he leered suspiciously towards Swain himself.
"I do not doubt the credibility of your assurance over funds and supplies, Swain, I simply can not help but ponder as to the exact reason for this.....project."
It was a strange and curious commission, and from what he had gleaned from the enclosed documents the pieces would be comprised of a material with a ludicrous resilience against heat and fire. Viktor did not keep up with news these days, so he had no idea of the triumph over a certain elemental being of flame. Matters of scientific and techmaturgical advancement were all that he gave mind to, as that was most relevant to his work.
While she couldn't be completely honest, Caerys felt that the small talk with the girl was truly satisfying- a simple conversation, rather than something that demanded her time and effort.
"Well now, don't be shy for a little small talk, dear. I suppose that meeting I was shoo'd away from would've been a bore anyway, powerful men talking about important things. What is your name? And what's there to do around here, aside from looking pretty?"
Post by Alexis 'Mute' Lindser on Feb 28, 2013 23:37:14 GMT -5
Miranda blushes- her natural state is shy, but she's willing to answer the woman's questions.
"It's Miranda- and there's always the books that are kept around, but I do not know your tastes in reading material, ma'am." She fidgets with a sleeve, unused to dealing with people so casually.
--
At the table, Alexis listened attentively to the conversation at hand. Politics had never interested her, but it sounded as though they were speaking of some interesting technology.
Post by Girard Laurentine III on Mar 1, 2013 0:23:10 GMT -5
Girard was close enough to Viktor that he was able to make a subtle glance at Swain's schematic. The depicted warrior was indeed fierce...but the flames made no sense in Girard's mind. To have the machination wreathed in flame - all without destroying the augmented pilot - would require no small amount of magic, as well as insulative materials. It would make a fine weapon for a skilled pyromancer, but otherwise...It seemed impractical.
The Zaunites seemed to conclude that they wanted more information before settling upon anything, which was a sound decision. Girard turned his gaze upon the Grand General, eagerly waiting for Swain's response to these questions.
Post by The Master Tactician on Mar 1, 2013 1:18:00 GMT -5
The burning embers of the Grand General's gaze fell first upon the blustering chairman, second upon the disgruntled chemist and thirdly upon the inquisitive machinist. It was Singed to whom he offered his first address, "We hope that personal pride will not prevent you from advancing your nation and your craft. You are well aware why my address was not a showcase for scientific prowess--though there will be many opportunities for Zaun to demonstrate her merits in the near future--should you agree to my terms."
Beatrice seemed to crane her neck towards the extensive schematics in an avian imitation of human curiosity. Swain cleared his throat with a bronchial wheeze before continuing. He waved a hand in the direction of Viktor's packet, clarifying, "It is a prototype. A single unit. Peruse the details carefully. I must know whether you are capable of constructing such a thing before we discuss it further."
He extracted several more folders from his case and offered them to his servant, who distributed one to each member of the table. These contained a bulleted outline of the evening's meeting. "Routes of communication and trade, yes." Swain echoed Singed's sentiment. "You will find enclosed a plan for the construction of a railway connecting Noxus and Zaun directly. An ambitious project, to be sure, but one that can be achieved with equally shouldered budget and laborer provision. Not only will the construction itself create jobs for both our states, but upon completion, it will obviously expedite trade and travel. And--should the need arise--allow for the swift transport of military units between us."
Turning his attention directly to Magnus Dunderson, the general continued: "Speaking of which, we believe it would be prudent for Zaun to establish a central military force. There is much strength in your state, but it remains unorganized. Too long has Zaun rested on the unreliable backs of mercenaries and corporate agents. We recognize that this has been the Zaunite way. Nevertheless, we cannot help but imagine how devastating the Brand Incident might have been had it occurred in Zaunite territories. In the time it would have taken to organize sufficient resistance, casualties could have easily doubled or tripled. We cannot afford to sustain such losses. Therefore, Noxus is willing to provide military training to your developing forces for the remainder of the year in order to ensure a quality foundation upon which you may build. These are the first of my terms."
His jaw extended as he tongued the space between his teeth, blazing gaze boring into Magnus Dunderson, "Your thoughts, chairman."
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