2019-09-13 - Protecting An Investment

Summary:

In the process of working out deals, Mari reveals her troubles with Rivera and somehow … Emma recruits herself to help.

Log Info:

Storyteller: None
Date: Fri Sep 13 23:26:19 2019
Location: Mari's Office

Related Logs

None

Theme Song

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emma-frostmari-mccabe

"I think we're getting close to an agreement, don't you?" Mari asks the guest sitting across from her. She's not at her desk, but in the comfortable chairs that fill the corner of the room. There's a pot of tea and french press with coffee on the table between them, and files with paperwork in them.

"If T'Challa and I can perfect these designs, Frost Industries will gain a licence for a commercial range. How does that sound?"

They've been talking for some time now but it hasn't really been a chore. Two business women who know what they want and are prepared to negotiate, and compromise, to get it.


"I would say, Miss McCabe, we are making excellent progress." Emma's dressed in a lacy confection of a dress that had the unfortunate effect of shutting down the brains of most of the male (and some of the female) staff to greet her. The thing is /barely/ decent, and actually suits her very well indeed. Her jewelry quite restrained save for one conceit - the sapphires match her eyes almost perfectly, the settings of platinum roughly the hue of her hair.

Yes, Emma's a very vain woman, but she knows how best to take advantage of her considerable charms.

Leaning forward, she warms her coffee up. "I think, in fact that your proposal is acceptable, Mari, may I call you Mari? This holds great promise for both our firms."


"I insist that you do. May I call you Emma?" Mari smiles as she sips her tea. Like Emma she's dressed impeccably, no lace or frills for the spirit caller though. It's a suit of her own design as well - of course. Mari's style is known for a blend for functionality and fashion - which is why the two women are having this discussion.

"I would like to introduce you too to Miss Potts from Stark Industries. We believe there's an application in wearable med tech as well."

That might sweeten this deal just a little more.

Mari's phone lights up on the table and Emma will get the glimpse of part of the message that flashes up 'found telepathic protection, yet?' If she's scanning, she'll also get an echo of that in Mari's mind.

"Now that we've got this section organised… what does a woman like Emma Frost do for recreation?"


Emma makes a /huge/ show of pondering, then offers a flash of smile, and a single very firm nod. "You may, Mari."

See, Mari dresses in a way that is both aesthetic and practical, Emma's outfits are weapons. Practical and Tactical - this is a dangerous pair of women! And both so very very pretty.

"Mm, I'd like to meet her, actually." Emma states after taking a small sip of her coffee, her manners exquisite. The mention of wearable med tech definitely adds a bit of sparkle to sapphire eyes.

She is certainly going to read the text, and yes, surface thoughts too. Emma does not scruple about making sure she's not being messed with. Any advantage, right?

"Oh, many things, Mari. I enjoy reading, opera, dancing…" She leans back, holding the cup at chin level. "…there's always research, but that's not always recreational. Shopping, definitely." Another sip, and then she smiles. "And you?"


Mari smiles at the show. "Then, I shall do that. Emma." For a moment the ex-models attention drops to her phone "Excuse me while I answer this query." She taps on the screen and Emma will get the gist from the thoughts the woman doesn't know to hide.

Mari has problems with someone who can affect emotions - something that worries her business. Something that she and T'Challa, and others … are going to do something about. There's worry there though. Emma might intuit what that is.

With the message sent, the ex-model puts her phone down and focusses on Emma again. "Ah well, there's not a lot of time for recreation I'm afraid. Between McCabe and Vixen but when I get the chance, I love a good cheesey movie. Dancing and swimming and yes, as you say, research."


"Oh, of course." Emma waves off the phone as inconsequential. She spends the time enjoying her delicious coffee Mari was kind enough to provide. Oh, and reading her surface thoughts too, but that's hardly worth a mention.

Emotional control is VERY dangerous stuff, part of why she tolerated Manuel De La Rocha after she taught him the error of trying his tricks on HER. Probing deeper, she seeks the source of Mari's worries, and then carefully withdraws so as to avoid detection once she's gotten a read.

The thing about having allies is that you have to look out for each other or things just fall apart. Quickly.

"I've actually been working on something I think you /might/ find useful, but I'm not sure I want to market it…"


Emma is aware of the protests that outlets that stock Mari's range have experienced. People angry or upset - perhaps unnecessarily so. There was also the incident the other night at the Veterans benefit - where Mari seemed to be confronted by one of her board.

The sound bites on that was mostly of a small asian lady, 'convincing' the bigger man to back off with Steve Rogers and T'Challa standing by.

Those are the thoughts that Emma picks up along with another woman, Rivera and the name 'Mephisto'. Something about deals with devils and having to find the contracts. Rivera seems to be the key to that.

"Oh, what that's? Are you able to tell me? I understand perfectly if you can't."


Leaning forward once more, Emma sets her coffee cup on the table, legs crossed and angled away as she sits. "Well, I have been researching you, of course you've been doing the same regarding myself." She assumes this is just de rigueur at the level they operate on. "I have noticed some disturbances near some of your business outlets." Emma meets Mari's gaze steadily. "And my gut is telling me that the high-tensions there were more than natural in intensity."

A glance to the side. "Possibly even meta-natural in fact." She looks back. "Does this track with your own thoughts on the matter? If so…I have been working on a variety of devices that deal with such phenomena, you recall I'm something of an expert in parapsychology, yes?"


Mari stills as Emma mentions that, meeting the womans eyes steadily. "It's not hard to discover that McCabe has been experiencing some adverse interest. The company line is it's nothing we aren't used to but … " Mari sighs. "… yes, it's not natural. It's something that is causing me concern. T'Challa and I, along with some friends, are trying to deal with it but we're … challenged, you might say … on protecting ourselves."

"I had remembered though I'm not exactly sure what it means."


"It means, Mari, that I study psychic abilities." Emma says steadily. "Things like prescience, lucid dreaming, telepathy even, or maybe empathy…psychometry. Those sorts of things." Her expression is serious. "People think these things are hoaxes, and often then are, but we live in a world full of metahumans, of mutants, mages and gods. Aliens." Each one punctuated with a subtle movement of long fingered hand. "In short…I study the powers of the mind."

Which is the gods' own truth. It just isn't /all/ the truth.

"What if I were to say I have some promising tech that could potentially help in that department? Though…I'm VERY wary, I would -not- want it getting out, or being marketed. And I would be quite put out were the government to acquire it, would something like that be of use to you, oh venture partner?"


Mari keeps still, holding her cup before her as she watches Emma. "I know that those skills exist, of course. Not that I'm sure I know anyone with those abilities but I know enough mutants to know that … there are more things on earth … " it's a mangled quote but Emma should get the intent.

There's a slight frown. "You have tech that help with emotional control? Psychic abilities? That uh … would be very helpful and I'd certainly not be publicising it if I was granted the use of it. A group of us will be using T'Challa's housewarming to bait the person who is doing out …"

Perhaps Emma might like to be there.


"I have some, yes. It would need to be tailored to each person, however, or it might cause…unfortunate…feedback." Emma shrugs. "Of course I have some such myself, and mine works very well indeed. Perhaps you might like me to join you at your soiree? I can of course help you with the more experimental systems, but as I said, my own works quite well."

A tight little smile, her eyes icy. "I don't particularly care for people interfering with my business, and as we're partners in some potentially highly useful and lucrative ventures…YOUR business, Mari, -your- business is by necessity mine as well. Protecting you, and your interests serves me, and mine."

See? All good and practical logic.


Mari looks concerned as Emma makes the suggestion. "I would love you to, Emma, but it will be dangerous. Rivera, that's the woman … she's already caused several of my people to hurt themselves and others." The ex-model shakes her head. "She did a deal with devil she hates me so much."

That … that's kind of galling.

The sentiment though gets the softest of snorts. "You and T'Challa both have a similar approach in that respect. I admit, I hold similar beliefs. Do you feel you will be safe, if you attend Emma? I have Captain Rogers and an Agent May of SHIELD also assisting."


Silvery laughter, and then Emma smiles, genuinely warmly despite the ice that was there a moment ago. "Oh Mari, believe me, if your enemy…" She looks a question. "Rivera, was it? If your enemy can get through the defenses I'm able to raise the point would be moot." Emma nods, hands resting on her knee. "Yes, Mari, I will be as safe as any of us." In fact with her there, EVERYONE potentially can have some formidable shielding!

"Might I ask her 'beef' with you?" It only seems fair, the why could lead to valuable insights. "Captain America himself, mm? Impressive, not familiar with Agent May, but if he or she is being mentioned in the same breath as the Captain then I'll assume they're very capable indeed."

She looks thoughtful. "I think my own means should be able to protect a handful of people, possibly a double handful but no more…"


"If you are sure, Emma, I would love to have you there. We will do everything we can to ensure your safety." Mari says earnestly. "How … do you wish to proceed with this tech? Is there training required? And yes, Captain America and Agent May, a tiny asian lady who doesn't take … crap."

There's amusement at the last.

"Rivera … Molly Rivera applied for a design internship with me a couple of years ago. Quite frankly, Emma, her ability was non existent and she wasn't successful. I didn't think anything of it, really. She went on and started her enterprise which has stuttered and spluttered. I've never considered her a competitor and I've never wished her ill - she's found a niche that I don't service but it's fashion and … well, I'm sure you know how that gets."

"As we decide our 'guestlist' which will mostly be those who can combat what Rivera throws at me, I'll be sure to consult."


"Oh, quite sure. Now, I'm not a fool, I'll gladly accept whatever protection is available." Emma's lips curly wryly, and then she laughs softly. "Ah, good for her. No woman should -ever- have to take any crap from anyone."

And then she continues when asked about the tech. "Honestly, there's likely no time to deal with the shielding tech, we'll just have to rely on my abilities for now, and those of your friends. We can work on the tech later. Many of the components are going to need to be custom fabricated, I might be able to fit /one/ person with a shield, but that would take a week or so, do we have that kind of time? Remember, the shields are tailored to each individual."

Emma sighs at the description of Rivera. "So, her hate is envy fueled by her own inadequacy. Sad." She nods. "So…count me in, Mari McCabe."


"A week or so. So time is limited. I can't let Rivera go for much longer, she's already got to some of my Board." Mari shakes her head. "We might not have the time given everything else. If you think your abilities are sufficient…" Mari doesn't ask. If Emma is ready to share more, she will.

It doesn't mean the spirit caller isn't curious though.

"If you are able though, Emma, I understand it is possible for a person to improve their own telepathic resistance with practice. I would like to learn that, if I can ."


"Ah, a pity then, there's only one person I can produce a shield for in that time." Emma says. And of course she didn't pick a week based on knowing when the party was, that would be absurd!

Emma smiles faintly. "I am sure they'll do the job, and if they cannot, I doubt that much of anyone could have done better." Okay, that's actually some serious faith in her defenses. This woman is either cocky as hell, powerful as hell…or maybe both.

That last bit earns Mari a smiles. "Ah, see, now /that/ I can start you on tonight. There are a great many techniques that will provide at least some degree of protection, and I am fairly certain a woman of your mental character and acuity could manage, Prince T'Challa as well. In a week I can train you both to a fair proficiency, but such skills take constant training and practice."


"That's wonderful. Let's finish up with this business and if you've the time, I'll arrange for dinner to be bought in. T'Challa is working, I'm afraid but I'm sure he'll be happy to accept the offer as well."

Mari gestures and for the next little while, the two women continue to work.


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