|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:29 am
He'd found it in a file, one of the many the Negaverse had, a little tid bit of information which had lead to the phone call earlier in the day. He hadn't known that Stroud was a Negaverse agent but that was a plus right now, something he could work with and needed. He had already told the General Queen of his plans to enlist her help and he knew she'd be more than willing to come to his aid; whether to help a fellow agent or because he was a friend he didn't know. But she was willing to meet him here, he hadn't told her the reason for the meeting over the phone, but had let her set the place.
Wanting to blend in, if not disappear from notice entirely, the blond had done a quick shopping trip before returning home to shower and dress for the meeting. It wasn't something fancy, where he'd have bought some new expensive outfit, but rather he'd needed clothing that was very casual. A t-shirt and jeans with a pair of sneakers, and not his usual Guuci ones, made up the rather odd ensemble as he sat in a corner with his eyes trained on the door to the little coffee place. It had moderate lighting and a small stage with nice comfortable cushioned booth seating, which was where he sat glaring at anyone who dared try and sit at his booth. He was not here for the poetry or companionship or social whatever. The coffee though was nice, as he had a steaming cup of espresso clutched between his hands. She should be here soon, as he took another glance at his phone.
Raising one hand he carded his fingers through his hair, tugging gently on the locks of ash hair, as his nerves worked their magic on him. He wasn't normally a nervous person but he was right now. He didn't know how to approach Stroud about her involvement in the Negaverse - aside from being flat out blunt. But then how to bring up business such as what he needed to discuss and could she even help? He knew what she did for a living but could she lay her hands on enough furniture? Did she perhaps have connections to get him merchandise as well? Tea, and things to mix with normal plain tea leaves? If not he'd need to find the resources on his own potentially. This was a business cropping up from nothing and without him having ever been in the tea industry. Most people who started up a business picked something they'd had previous dealings with and knew and had connections into. He had none of that - this wouldn't be easy.
With him he had a notebook and pen; not for writing poetry to later read. He was prepared to draw out his idea and see what she thought and try and give ideas of what he needed or wanted. He had, if nothing else, come prepared for this meeting.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 12:55 pm
Going out was always a treat after hours in the studio. It was a change of pace, a change of scene, a change of energy and best of all there was going to be some easy-on-the-eye-and-ear candy for company. Alex had been a good time when they'd caught each other out at Most Boring Social Gathering Ever, so she'd be more than happy to hear his voice on her phone again. It had been a while. She exchanged her work clothes for fresh ones after a shower (to get the clinging smell of wood stain off). Her palms were red-brown stained as Lady Macbeth's from using it all day, but it the residue at least was cleaned off so she wouldn't leave 'bloody' hand-prints all over everything. Clad in a mid-drift civil war military revival jacket, steel t-shirt and hip-jeans (and a McCLellan Saddle shaped belt buckle), she made it to the appropriate place in no time. The poetry readings seemed to be just getting into their middle, which was good. There wouldn't be the distractions of the awkward first timers being forced to first-penguin through the initial hour or two of opening mic. Alex was so small, she almost missed him at first, looking through the dim. Once she did get a bead on him, she crossed and took the seating opposite, "Get enough done to finally have a go at a show?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:02 pm
Having shown up a bit early, he'd wanted to get a good seat that would suit the business of the evening, he had suffered through some of the beginners poetry. While he wasn't much for poetry, in any form, some of it was obviously very bad or at least lacking. Whether it was due to the reader, and writers, lack of confidence or poorly used words or something else didn't matter. It was obvious they were new, or just always suffered from nerves like he presently was.
It was only when he spotted Stroud headed his way that he felt himself relaxing slowly. Sinking into the seat, unconsciously bringing the cup of steaming liquid closer to himself. "Not really. I've been busy learning new tricks and such plus I've been busy with work of two kinds...one of which you also partake in - an evening job of sorts." He answered as he hoped she'd understand his meaning. "It's due to that, as well as a normal job, and school that I've actually fallen a bit behind in my assignments - something I hope to rectify soon." Yes, he was hoping that once he had all these plans hashed out and everything set into motion that he could catch up. Tonight was the second meeting he was conducting in order to start getting things going; so he could relax more and focus on his civilian obligations.
"I wasn't completely honest when I called you earlier Stroud. I actually didn't invite you here just for the poetry, as it's not much my thing, but also to discuss business. I need your help in a big way - it's an important plan that I've come up with and I feel your the best suited to help me with a large portion of it." Lifting his cup he took a sip before setting it down.
"Order anything yo'd like to drink, it's on me. If they have food I'll cover it as well."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:23 pm
Well that's too bad- but her eyes narrowed and her hand that had been lax on the table tensed so that her nails clicked on the faux granite surface. There was only one night job in town that anyone of any sort would associate her with, if they were in the know, so the leap of logic wasn't hard to what he was initially getting at- The Negarverse, The Senshi and the Knights- Was this an ambush? Which was he? Her expression was decidedly more stoney as he went on, sifting for clues and hyper aware if anyone else in the place was observing them that she needed to be aware of. At 'help', she relaxed marginally. "Are you Animal or Mineral?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:39 pm
Leaning in, over the table, his cup and spiral note book pushed aside for the moment, as he locked eyes with hers. "No need to be tense. I'm on the same side as you. I go by the name Benitoite in the evenings." Was it a name she'd heard? He doubted it. Even if perhaps they had been on some of the same missions, involved in some of the same large battles.
"I am sorry for not telling you over the phone but I didn't think it an appropriate way to tell you such. I hadn't known of your membership when we'd first met. It was not too long ago that I found member files and glancing over them took note of yours amongst them." He hadn't mentioned his rank, it held little importance to him, his name was important. His name had tacked on to it deed, accomplishments, follies, and said more for him than his rank did.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:59 pm
Membership-files-over the phone. Benitoite.Her initial reaction was that no, she hadn't heard of him at all. She was about to admit as much, opening her mouth before closing it without saying a word. It came back to her from forever ago- Spazzite's bloodied, smiling face while she was trying to teach him some Tai chi. 'Beni says I'm not allowed to watch anything implicit because it's inappropriate.'She remembered the rosters as well, looking at them at least once a month to keep up on names if not faces. General Benitoite was listed just under General-King Zinkenite in the Intelligence Branch. It explained the reference to looking through files. Which meant he knew her name there and there was no reason to announce it. Was this in response to her having let Zinkenite know she gave access of her connections and extra funds (that he'd more or less said were unnecessary) to the Negaverse? Or was this a scheme of Benitoite's own arrangement? She wouldn't know sitting there saying nothing. "I would have been happy to help you anyway, Alex, but if its evening business....I'm more than happy to help. " "What did you need ?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 4:15 pm
He had, not all that long ago, changed branches so he now was under Laurelite's command. But he didn't know she was thinking of who he reported to, or that her information seemed a bit old. Perhaps someone hadn't updated things though?
Leaning back in his seat he watched her, waited for her to speak, and then she spoke and he felt a smile curling across his features. "I've got a plan, a long term one, and I need your superb taste in furniture and design. I'm going to be opening a tea shop. Not your norm shop where you go in and sit down and sip tea. But rather with something like a tea bar, like how they serve cheap chinese food at the mall. Pick the tea leaves and what you want added to them and someone, one of our own, will package it for you. We'll be, of course, allowing people to sit and drink tea there but I want it to draw in as many people as possible. I also lack connections to get the products...components if you will. I'll be looking into getting my hands on tea cups, sauces, tea services, kettles, strains and other things to sell also." The smile, the glint in his eyes slowly developed, darkened, as he laid out his idea little by little.
"I've spoken to another Captain, who owns a business of his own, to help with that end of things. I would like your considerable sense of style and possible connections to assist in this endeavor.I have some ideas on what I'd like for a lay out but nothing solid. I not sure on if I want to go the route of stark white modern or antique and very quaint. I was hoping for your help." He spoke as he offered her the notebook and pen. "So we can work out ideas and put them to writing."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 4:42 pm
"Getting business would require it being trendy- as you say the old Victorian thing has been done, and Teavana tries to be antique chic." And completely hyper modern didn't speak to the history and depth of tea. Where was a good medium of design? "More human than human...what about a retro-future with deco touches. Deco has always been the old that looked clean but new. Tyrell Corporation and Bladerunner, it offers either a blue orange palette, blacks in there. If you wanted it more pop you could go with a poppy red and navy. Either look good with wood and glass. There would have to be a tea wall, the kind with the nooks for bulk tins to be stored- I can get you one from oak in the UK, refinish it in no time. Counters and stools are no problem either...though all wood would be so boring. " "Wood bottoms, resin counters mostly flat but with low relief thematic elements every so many feet to give visual interest. Resin would allow it to be whatever colours. There's a gloss epoxy that could finish the stuff, make it non-porous and it really looks nice. You'll have to give some sort of nod to the orient. Something like 'Origami Tea' would give you a simple graphic logo. I know just the art slave for making them," Her cousin could use the money of casting custom artisan counter tops, and it would be something more mainstream to add to his portfolio. "I know where to get tea as well. There's good tea tasting shops in Chinatown out in San Francisco. I know some of the owners and I can get their information and prices. The one visits China every year to do a tour of tea plantations to buy directly from the growers. "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 8:39 pm
Listening to Stroud told him he'd made a good decision in coming to her. She had a lot of ideas, as he'd hoped, and had ideas on how to generate income. He was listening, intently, to her ideas. At some point he'd even opened the spiral notebook and the pen he'd brought was flying across the lined page as he took notes on everything she said. He didn't want to forget a thing she said.
"Indeed, I have plans to get tins made and a logo for them. I've got to work on a store name as well. It was honestly one of the smallest details for this plan of mine." And thus was unanswered still; and it needed answering. "I need an area with bins that workers can serve customers from, where tea blends can be made up. Maybe something central in the room? I like the poppy and navy colors more than orange and blue. I like blue but I'm not such a fan of orange." But he liked her ideas a lot and would likely be letting her go to town on bringing everything she had in mind into the place.
"I need to do something with the floor also. Maybe wood or wood looking but more durable? I'm hoping for lots of people so lots of wear and tear." And he didn't want to destroy a wood floor, they could be expensive and he need to make a monetary return on this whole thing.
Perking up about the others connections for teas he brightened and nodded. "That's good. And you can get other things used to make the odd blends also? Like orange blossoms and such?" because there was no way he could put his hands on that many items and in a mass quantity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 6:17 pm
"Having a logo and a name will be something you need soon- it informs your design choices if you want the business to have a cohesive design feel." Stroud drew her fingers along her chin, tapping nail to lower lip a few times in thought. "Wood would be expensive. Bamboo has the look of wood, the strength of it, and its exponentially cheaper. Renewable, environmentally friendly resource as well. " "Dark, level bamboo with cast, relief patterned concrete tiles could look old and new at the same time, as well as taking the wear and tear nicely. " She squinched her nose, heaving a sigh, "You're at the University now, aren't you? Have you met my idiot cousin, Quincy, at the Art Department? Tall, rod jammed up his a** so far he doesn't sit much. He'd actually be useful for casting the counters and floors if you went with that- or any sort of casting at all. You'd never know with how much time he spends on jewelry and figural sculpture, but he's actually a good hand at hard-surface and architectural elements. I usually lasso him when I need to restore bronze Art Nouveau lamps shaped like naked women or dogs or whatever." "Oh, blend stuff, yes. They have that sort of access. Have you arranged a storefront location yet? Space will be a factor in determining how much stock you'll need on hand for opening day and the initial few months. You'll want things to look full. They have access to bulk infusers- flowers, fruits, herbs, roots, and spices. And its Chinatown. They have bulk tea cups, mugs, pitchers, gaiwan, pots, service sets, tea storage, trays, books, coasters, and gift boxes that you could have a look at and order what you'd like to stock. I'll get in contact with Ming and have her send me an inventory catalog."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 12:39 pm
"I was thinking of maybe letting the design and feel of the place dictate the name and logo used on the tins. I'm honestly not creative enough to think of a proper name for what I want." As he was sure most, if not any and all, ideas he could come up with were taken by some other tea place or a coffee shop or something else. "Alright, so we can do bamboo for the floors, like you said."
Nodding his head, that he indeed was at the college, he tilted his head. "Quincy...? Is that a nickname or shortening of his name? And tall...really tall? Long blond hair?" He asked slowly. How many people had a name starting with Q, or even a nickname? He doubted Quincy was a common nickname and figured it likely a shortening of his actual name. "Sculpture...jewelry..." Oh he was getting a very sinking feeling as he listened to her and puzzle pieces started to form. Reaching under his shirt he pulled out the necklace he still wore, even if they were broken up. "Does this seem like something he'd have made?" He really had a sinking feeling. Could he ask his ex, if it was the same person, for help with this? He had never wanted to pull him into the Negaverse, in any way, so could he ask him for help with something that would benefit the Negaverse?
"We're working on that. I'm not handling that. My...commanding officer is handling that. It's why this must prove profitable. I need to pay back everything we sink into this venture." He wanted to do more than that though. He wanted this to last a very long time and provide a lot of energy and money for them, fill the coffers. "I'll be looking to hire from within as well - to further help our organization. Members who need a job." He was, if nothing else, very aware of the possible needs of members and he possessed a desire to help those within the Negaverse and keep it like a close knit family.
"Could you make that two catalogs? I'd like to be able to put one into the file folder I'll be providing my commander. She wants to be kept up to date on everything; so I think being aware of where i"m getting product from and what I'm order would be appreciated." He wanted to cover that base just in case. He'd go over things, with the catalog he had, with Richard if he got the red haired man on board with the plans. He couldn't believe the idea was liked and that he was setting this up. He had to cross his fingers and hope it all worked out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:07 pm
"To each their own, starting at A or starting at Z. It works both ways." She leaned forward over the table, getting a closer look at the revealed necklace and snorted, "Aye, that's Quenton's work. You do know him then. Well.." "That makes sense you'd have something like that. You'd catch his eye, prettiest thing at the faire and an artist. And able to carry on a conversation that doesn't include chatspeak, " Equal chance that was just another 'you need to own this' as something more.....meaningful? Stroud had an excellent Spock-single eyebrow that asked all the questions she wasn't voicing. "I don't imagine you slept together though, since he hasn't lightened up though. I always thought getting laid might loosen his corset. Pity. " "Profitable would be a good goal. I'll get two. Do you have a hard deadline picked out for when you want the opening to be? You'll want to get some ads running for grand opening at least a month ahead of the date. "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 2:23 pm
"Mmm, so I'll wait till we have the inside done before settling on a name. I'll get to work then on a logo, unless you have an idea, and we can put things together. I think I should also get Richard into working with you and me, if he's able to take on helping me run things." He said. It wasn't that he had any particular reason for wanting the three of them to work together. The idea that each of them would have hand in the design and concept and running of this plan had him wanting them to meet and work together.
"Yeah....we had a run in at where I used to work, a plant nursery." He answered with a light flushing of his cheeks, it was good that it was dim in the area they were seated. "I wouldn't dare bring myself down to the level of chat speak - I'll leave that to simple minded children." Shrugging, or perhaps rolling, his shoulders he hoped she didn't notice the light color in his cheeks. "It didn't last though...not long before that big Eclipse party the city had. He's been too busy and so have I - I couldn't explain why I never seemed to have free time." He couldn't explain the Negaverse and how it ate up his nights. Alexandre couldn't explain injuries he might gain in the future or tell the other that he put his life on the line every night he went out. That would all require him to tell the other everything and he couldn't do it, not that he wouldn't have wanted to. "The two of us are just too busy and I can't pull him into my night life or tell him about it." And it did bother him, had then and still did, he had enjoyed the others company. "We're working on remaining friends but it's odd..." Setting new lines, changing them, and trying to keep to them.
"Can we try for a month from now for the opening? I'll work on posters, you can help also if you'd like, and I'll be working on putting out the word amongst our fellow officers that I'll need workers. Maybe if we can get samples of the teas and other components ahead of time, so they can get an idea for the items and such?" Almost like a tasting and such. If everyone understood and such it might help with selling things?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:57 pm
The sheer opportunities of quoting Tommy Boy saying 'Shut up, Richard'...and just who is d**k?" Stroud's smile got too-wide. It didn't lessen listening to the facts of her cousin's apparently failed relationship with the General-Artist opposite her and his complete avoidance of the hazards of whether or not they'd slept together. "Don't sweat it, he's probably the worst candidate imaginable for the Company anyone could propose. Breaking U.S. law is corporate policy, after all. " She euphemised their little organization to avoid any breaches of information conduct in public. "A month is shortish notice, but I think it can be done. Once a storefront is picked, I can get flooring contractors in to take care of the Bamboo in an afternoon. I'll get Quincy sketching tonight and bring by plans to your place....tomorrow afternoon? You can pick if you like animals, plants, or patterns for the relief parts. By the end of the week the pieces will be ready for install. End of a second week I'll have the antique-y pieces in hand and renovated to the right look. Third week you can do interviews while everything is finished installing. Product should be in by the end of that. Then just organizing taste tests and product lines, packaging things together and employee training....all systems are go for launch." "Sound about right?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2014 3:39 pm
"Indeed.Had I thought him appropriate for our Company I'd have brought him in personally. As you said though - it wouldn't suit him." He said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I can't imagine him serving our Company and breaking laws; less likely would be him handling the competition..." He stated trailing off. He really couldn't picture his ex fighting people or killing others. Then again could Quenton picture such from him? He wondered if people saw, or felt, the danger which lurked under his surface. Did people sense it somehow? That there was something dark to him? To others involved in the Negaverse.
"I know it's short notice, I apologize for that. I simply with to get things up and running as soon as possible. If it seems like things can't get done on the short schedule we can push it back. I'd like to have it open by Valentines day - in the hopes of people turning up on dates and such." As much as he hated the holiday, more like loathed, there might be some way to do something to get people in and make a killing money and energy wise. He could hope at least.
"I'll have the location to you as soon as possible and you can get the flooring people in. Plants might be a nice relief idea? Rather than animals" He said this slowly, as he tried to think of which might look better in his own mind. "Maybe something plant like to fit the theme of the place. I'll have Richard set up taste testing with employees, he comes up with the product lines for his candy store. So I think he can handle that, if you'd like to join us for that session?" He questioned lightly. He was really going to be bringing himself, Stroud, and Richard together for running this operation. It might be his idea, his little brain child, but for it to work he needed these two at his side and working with him and each other.
"The time line sounds about right though. You have no idea how thankful I am to know people like you and for your many talents." He spoke sincerely as he smiled at her, a bright and open smile, he was pleased with this and with knowing her as he did. "Do you mind if I check in on your work, not to see that your doing it right." He said shaking his head quickly, wanting to make sure she knew this last part. "But rather out of curiosity and interest in what you'll be doing and how it's all done." He was hopeful right now and his confidence in the plan was building, had been building, as they spoke. This was going to go well - he was sure of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
