xp_logs | Hope & Namor

xp_trance posting in

Hope and Namor mix business with a little pleasure during an HFC event.

It was, at least on the invitation, a networking event.

The clink of champagne flutes mixed with the soft whispers of politicking were familiar to the tall man, shirtless in a sleek blazer and slacks, as he followed his escort for the evening. The man wasn't even particularly daring for once – Namor had quickly learned that a Hellfire event meant a very particular sort of net and work.

A sparkling net case to entrap its members with flash, entertainment, and high couture. Wealth on display. White and black, where color was affiliation but also a dare.

The real work of trades, deals, and the inner court aristocracy that was seemingly part of every age. Moving pieces on the board.

Namor observed. Carefully, and – as had been discreetly stated via said invitation – silently. This did not mean that his partner for the evening didn't have an effectively imposing shadow. Quite a bit could be said with a raised eyebrow or through the set of one's shoulders. For Namor, that mostly meant the fine and practiced art of nonverbal challenge and judgment.

The whisper of skin tight cream silk was a familiar comfort on nights like this, even if the light cape floating behind her was a little unusual. The moonstones on her chandelier earrings and in her hair gleamed in the low light. Eyes that met hers in her greeting as she slid through the crowd got a gracious nod, guests too wrapped up in their own conversations for anything more. Those that ignored her or turned away were carefully noted as she approached her escort with another gracious nod, this time with small smile added.

It was hard to say if her taller shadow either abhoored or took ironic satisfaction in this political gladhanding, but his reactions were subtle. A tapped finger. A straightening of the jacket. Coolly professional.

Numerous quick glances and the occasional glare skittered around the room before the sound level raised minutely and a tiny smirk flashed over Hope's face. Not so caught up in their own worlds as it seemed at first glance. "Shall we find something to drink first?" She offered quietly, knowing the bar was on the other side of the large room.

The Atlantean's eyes found the bar easily, and the smirk on his face held far sharper corners. "As long as we cut straight through the center – I tire of playing demure."

"What would you like to play then, your Madjesty?" Hope murmured with another tiny smirk before turning around with a sharp click of her silver heels. "You might wish to escort me if you would like to set some tongues wagging... The supposed boytoy and the protegee, what would they say?"

"Let their pratter only elevate your own plans," Namor said dismissively. "This is your dance." He offered a hand. "Take the lead."

"It is entertaining though." Hope graciously accepted his arm before heading back into the crowd, a little smile playing around her lips. "I have some social obligations before we can get down to business, but I have arranged for us to use a private meeting room in a short time." She explained as they easily made their way to the bar, Namor's air of menacing indifference helping part the way.

"Your Benefactor has already gifted me with her views on this circus," the Atlantean remarked after fetching two new drinks in hand, "but indulge me as we posture. What is your prize, here, between the costuming and the theatrics." It was an idle inquiry, made as he traced a couple attendees who had been circling them curiously with a steady, murderous glare.

Hope accepted the drink and took a small sip from the cocktail. "There are many... connections, the exchange of favors, the gathering of information, creating 'brand familiarity' to name a few." She listed them with a small shrug. "Maybe even a little the thrill of the game?"

Namor chewed that over. "There is little thrill in games without satisfaction. Atlantis was much more refined in its politicking."

"There is just as much happening under the surface as what is visible." Hope pointed out, sipping again from her drink. "Tell me what Atlantis was like then?"

"When one rules, there is little need to play the game," he said with a sigh. "Let no man say I am not immune to nostalgia for my home. Here, though, all of these sharks lack a common goal. They feed on whatever swims too close."

"I absolutely do not believe that people in your former home solely strove for the common good." Hope quietly objected. "A measure of self-interest is always involved. Plus, very few people are free from greed or ambition."

This got a dark chuckle, but it was full of honest mirth if it also held something sardonic. "That is my secret to hold as the sole remainder of a lost people from a lost time. Did you not have obligations? Dazzle them so that we can get down to business."

"Hmm..." Hope tilted her head a little, surveying the crowd unobtrusively. "You know, I just might have changed my mind. Let us finish our business first and everyone can ponder and gossip to their heart's desire. It might even make the social obligations easier." Gesturing at a nearby staff member to open a discreet door, she added: "Please follow me."

Putting on a great show of intrigue, he followed.

The act – as much as Namor would allow for himself, here and in present company – lasted as long as they were safely tucked into a room whose door blended in as discreetly into the wall as the intent for the meeting space was intended for. The inside held a table, several chairs, and enough soundproofing to ensure that any business conducted would be safely away from eavesdropping.

The king sat himself without waiting for Hope. He was the client, afterall.

Hope moved towards the wall, revealing a small safe and quickly keying the code. Two thick folders of fine leather were revealed and she withdrew them carefully. "You referred to needing a company 'inscrutable enough to push for change, but hungry enough to devour those I plan to destroy'. After a preliminary assessment, I believe these two companies meet your needs." She opened both folders, putting them in front of him.

Namor's expression remained neutral as he reviewed the paperwork, drawing out the newly found silence between them. He didn't meet Hope's eyes until after he had set the folders aside. "I am pleased to be assured my words were remembered," he said, "and these recommendations are tidy enough." His gaze fixed Hope with raptor intent . "Which would you choose?"

"This was only a preliminary assessment, so I would wish to have a full assessment done first to be fully aware of any potential skeletons that might be hiding in the closet... or other factors should be aware of." Hope stated thoughtfully. "But I believe this one shows the most promise at this moment. It would take some more work beforehand, but this company is poised for something with a very solid basis underneath. It has some space to be aggressive, to experiment."

He tapped one finger on the folder in question, labeled simply 'Oracle.' "There are always skeletons. A few secrets could provide leverage – blood in the water makes those left adrift desperate."

"If you wish I can have a full assessment done for this one, including full analysis from both financial and business standpoint." Hope perched on a seat, easily maneuvering the floating cape and pulled out a small pad and pen. "How in depth would you like to go? A full workup of the main players in the company? A web of their most important relationships in government and business?"

"Best to know who to lean on and who to cut away." Namor worked his jaw. "In the assumption that we will continue this arrangement, Hope Abbott. I am glad to see your strengths were not oversold."

Hope nodded as she took a few more notes. "I will have a proposal including the financial specifications to you at the end of the week. But before that I will send you a more detailed list of your options, so the proposal can meet your exact specifications. Is that agreeable to you?"

He narrowed his eyes, but it was hard to tell if Namor was merely making her wait or honestly considering. "It is agreeable." The 'for now' was implied. Still, he smiled. "So. Is there more business, or shall we return to that aristocratic circus?"

"Is there anything you wish to be done with the other companies you suggested? Further investigation might prove valuable for competition purposes." Hope tapped her pen thoughtfully on her pad. "Though this could easily be done in the future as well."

"Subtle influence is a beginning, but I would like to put something with teeth in charge."

Raising an eyebrow, Hope tapped her pen on the page. "You wish to investigate if there is suitable talent you can tempt away from the other companies?" Preferably someone with 'teeth' so to speak?"

Namor glanced toward the door to the outside party. "An outside element can turn the course of any conflict. I am open for suggestions. How did you put it? Those seeking 'the thrill of the game'."

"Very well. I will include this in the proposal." Hope pushed the floaty cape out of the way as she made another note. "We can add other options in the future when their need becomes apparent, I believe. Then, shall we rejoin the party outside?"

This got her a knife-shine smile.

"Let us not tarnish your brand familiarity," he said. He was now standing, hand open.

She rested her hand elegantly on top of his. "I believe that might be wise. And we do not want to miss the entertainment. There is an acrobatic dance group from Austria and they are a feast of the eyes."

"Business and pleasure, then. Very well."

With that, they returned back to the fray.