On Board the Space Port Albion

[The Bindoner]

Kiki silently notes Stefano's concern about the guards. She has already discounted them. The contract in her hand indicates that they are theatre now - if she signs.

That is good to hear. Everyone sitting in each others laps on a ship, it is good for team building but poor security. Personal comfort is a luxury one can live without, but if we are to entertain local dignitaries, well, they have expectations.

[Leitz]

Stefano nodded. "Of course! There is a lot to discuss beforehand, though, and research to perform."

Someone might think Stefano was being a bit condescending in his speech. Kiki knows him well enough to realize that he is being condescending; totally out of character. Something he would never do to her unless there was something he was saying just to her.

OOC: Given his wariness about the guards, what he said about her skills versus his, and the familiarity with Orlovski, it likely he is saying 'there is stuff to talk about that is of questionable legal standing'. While Stefano himself is not the criminal type he is seldom willing to let those without financial interest over hear the conversations.

[Ahlmzhad]

"Well" Orlovski begins pausing briefly to wave the guards out of the room, "more a super Naval interceptor as it is fully armed and armored. We have upgraded the staterooms but could not really increase their size. Your analysis is correct that it is not meant to haul cargo, well trade goods, it has enough hold to bring supplies that you will need. It's not for entertaining, it's to make sure you are as safe as possible upon arrival. Your job will be to open a new market. Transports will come later. They are also new designs. One of the limitations of Long Jump is the size of the ship, 400T, and even then they have to have certain hull characteristics. So this is the biggest, fastest, most armed ship we could find to work with. And the Maneuver drive should make you impossible for them to catch, so if things go bad, you can out run them, scoop up the fuel you need, and jump back. Now we have already done some initial work, and you are expected. We have data on these worlds and peoples. So you'll have translators that will work when you arrive, and some background information. Still, we're not wanting to lose our personnel, or be seen as a corporation that could be intimidated, thus the ship designed to be able to extract itself.

We are paying you well up front because no one is certain that a profit will happen quickly. In fact we anticipate that it won't. This is a long time play, so your investment may be worth more to your heirs than to you.

As mentioned we have a CFO, an Operations Manager (Stefano's Assistant), a 5 man ships crew (2 Pilots, 1 Navigator, 2 Gunners/Crew), a Chief or Security, and a specialist technician. So that's 11 already, and the ship can sleep up to 16. Additional crew will be up to you and at your discretion. The plan is to hire natives for most of the basic work in the new offices. One it will be a necessity, and two nothing opens doors like new jobs. So if you and your current staff don't have those skills I would suggest at least one good hiring manager, or at least trustworthy manager that can handle the mass of hiring that you will need on that end.

Well I have someone waiting to meet with me. I'll leave you two to discuss. Dayle, please assist them with anything they might require. If his office is ready please show him over there. Again I beg your pardon, but we all have many balls in the air, and one of mine needs tending."

As soon as the door closes behind him Dayle lets you know the office is ready and nearby if you would like to go there.

[The Bindoner]

An operation like this, able to develop new technology and field it, to know who she is, catch her infiltrating their operation (sloppily), and yet bring her into a meeting with the apparent director of the project... Anyone in this room was trusted, especially the security personnel. Kiki had no intention of trusting them herself, of course. She said nothing that compromised her, or Stefano - beyond what was already known. Hearing the honest response of Mr Orlovsk to her comments was reassuring. Not provoked by questions, no hyperbole, no sugarcoating. A straightforward man.

[Ahlmzhad]

2:59 PM

"Why yes, Mr........................uh.......Fred" the receptionist says as she searches for how to greet you with no last name. "

Fred smiled and leaned close to whisper … ”Fokionas Athanasios Papageorgious-Michaelides. However my Grandmother got a court injunction preventing me from ‘using the Family Name for any business purposes’ after a certain political scandal. I think you can see why I legally changed it to just ‘Fred’. Besides, ‘Firearms by Fred’ sounds better than ‘Papageorgious-Michaelides Fine Weapons’ and fits on a business card much easier.”

You hear the door mechanism activate and see it whoosh open.

Fred whistled happily as he entered the waiting area and stopped to pour himself a hot cocoa before selecting a chair and a table to wait. He chose some soft classical music in the background and began to sketch on his cylinder with a small engraving pen. Slowly the faint scratches in the impossibly hard material began to mark the rough layout of the ultimate design … an epic struggle between warriors of Light and Darkness. The universal theme of the battle between Good and Evil.

Fred was so absorbed in his project, that he was completely unaware of someone entering the room and he didn’t even hear the first time his name was called.

The attendant moves you through a door on the side of the room opposite where you came in. He takes you down a short bland hallway, and into a small nicely appointed room where a man in an expensive suit, with perfectly coiffed blond hair, and cleanly shaven awaits you. His blue eyes seem to twinkle as he asks you to sit.

"Fred, I am so pleased to meet you. I am Antil Orlovski", and he hands you a business card. "It's my habit to check the new arrivals, as we get so few interesting visitors here in Albion. And was amazed when I saw your name. First I am a great admirer of your work. I've actually had the pleasure to hold and fire the weapon you made for my cousin Count Lev Krasniski. The colors were amazing, and the feel of it. I hope you don't take offense, my family are collectors, but what is an item worth that can not be used. Evidently not everyday, but occaisionaly a fine weapon must be allowed to show it's voice and power.

Now I did not call you in simply to praise your work. In fact I don't simply want to see if you would accept a commission from me, we will discuss that. What I called you in for is I have need of your particular skill set. Vloxmar is moving into a new and uncharted area of space. It is inhabited, and is at least open to exploring trade for us. We are able to send only a handful of people in. Your skills will give us the capability to provide unique and very desirable gifts for local leaders. Now these will be basic tech, slug throwers, but beautiful and exotic. But, you will also be doing some more mundane work to make very powerful weapons for our team as the need arises. Does this challenge appeal to you? If it does we can discuss terms."

[Leitz]

"Thank you, Dayle, that would be wonderful! Is there a way to get a supply of qana and a refill for Ms Arquez? I think we'll be talking a while. Would it be possible to get the CVs for the ship crew and current staff?" Stefano said. He turned to Kiki. "Ms. Hoover has been a great help and I'm trying not to tax her deeply. However, my assistant won't be available until tomorrow and I haven't met the CFO yet. So we make do as best we can and I try not to impose."

Stefano did his usual smiling, greeting others they met, and absorbing personal traits and nuance as they walked. (OOC: Kiki would probably know what he's doing) When they reached his office he grinned and enjoyed the moment before gesturing to Kiki to sit or stand wherever she pleased. He strolled around the office until Dayle brought the CVs, their refreshments, a small platter of cheeses, meats, and fruits, and excused herself.

He sighed and laid out his new comp and comm. "Excellent. Let's assume the offices might not maintain project secrets. However, that would be our employer's concern. You, of course, are most welcome to advise. I've spent most of my life where smarter people were in charge of such things and I'm happy to continue to do so until it is necessary to change."

"I've chosen to reinvest twenty five percent of my pay into the project. My sister's heirs will be the benefactors if it comes to that. Antil has authorized me to offer you up to three hundred thousand per year, so let me start the negotiations there and you can lower the number if you want." He smiled. "There are to be bonuses, etc, but that needs CFO input. So, you need to decide if you want to sign up under my leadership or not. No hard feelings if the situation isn't to your liking. Of course, I prefer you sign the contract."

OOC: Assuming Kiki agrees and signs.

"Antil and my late employer are good friends and there seems to be funding coming in from there. You rightly assume I want this to wildly succeed which is why I want you as Chief Operations Officer. A priority is to scan every room and place we're in, to include my offices, quarters, and whatever. Let me know if there are any issues. We have a while before supper, how about we review the CVs and get a feel for those we're going to spend the next year with? Besides base competence let's evaluate on willingness to be flexible about how things are accomplished and how they operate under pressure. Who will best relate to whom and how do we handle the inevitable relational issues. Between us we should be able to evaluate everyone and minimize some risk and maximize utilization."

He sat back. "Another thing to consider is what ship roles you'd like to learn. Ideally all of them, of course, but everyone is at risk and must be replaceable. We need to ensure there's more than one crew able to fly the ship and that means you, me, the CFO, my assistant, and everyone else learn some of the skills."

"Lastly, at least for the moment, consider the players involved and let's build background stories once we have a firm handle on the target. Data will be provided, but there is a world of difference if I show up as emotionally or legally attached or 'willing to play the field'. The same applies to you and the others so let's figure that out and settle in before we land."Stefano sat in his chair and leaned back. "Now, what have I missed?"

[atpollard]

“I hope you don't take offense, my family are collectors, but what is an item worth that can not be used. Evidently not everyday, but occasionally a fine weapon must be allowed to show it's voice and power.”

Fred smiled at the compliment “Truthfully, I would hope that my weapons get used occasionally. I strive to create an object of beauty for the joy of the owner, but a statue could decorate a mantle. I create weapons that are virtually indestructible because it may be called upon to save the life of its owner, and I would never have one of my weapons fail in its duty.”

“Does this challenge appeal to you? If it does we can discuss terms.”

Fred knew in his heart that the art of negotiation called for him to feign only slight interest, but he felt like a child on Christmas morning. “So … if I agree … I will continue to practice my craft … I will travel to new places on an adventure … and you will pay the High Passage and boarding expenses.” It is impossible for Fred to contain his excitement at the offer. “I ACCEPT!”

A huge smile on his face, Fred continued “This is a bit of a gift from the universe. I had grown weary of the constant struggle with the oppressive bureaucracy back home and decided to become a ‘Cosmopolite’ … a citizen of the universe. The original plan was to use my TAS passages to hop from world to world and just experience whatever there was to experience, using my craft and trust fund to support myself. So what you offer is exactly what I had planned on an infinitely grander level. How could I say no to a chance at such a once in a lifetime adventure!”

[The Bindoner]

Kiki accepts another spritzer, having left the previous one barely touched in the other office. This one again she merely sips and puts aside. Flicking an eye at the “new comp and comm”

I wouldn't worry about security here. That is, as you say your employers concern. Besides, we have no secrets to disclose.

Kiki produces a stylus, but pauses before signing

This is, of course, a wonderful opportunity. A whole new market of art and artefacts to develop. I am going to sign, but I need to know you understand I am not really the sort to take my place in a formal hierarchy. I have always been independent. When I sign this I will commit myself to work in the interests of this mission, and the corporation that pays for it. You are the head of this mission. I assure you my signature means something. I will honour the commitment it represents. But I will work in my own way, as an independent contractor, not an employee. I will take direction, not orders. I will question. I may dispute. - Smiling - So. Bearing in mind that I may not be the most obedient partner. Do you want me to sign?

OOC: Assuming Stefano accepts Kiki as more an equal than an employee:

I have some experience of basic security but no technical training in the subject. I can buy the equipment to scan for devices, of course, and I would enjoy the opportunity to learn to how utilise it. I think perhaps that the study of the problems of security is a better use of my time than learning to fly or fight the ship. There are dedicated AI that can operate ship systems in the event of casualties, expert robots as well. After the expense of outfitting the ship the cost of a Synthetic with a suite of software seems a good investment.

I hope there is a medical professional among the applicants. It seems we are to travel among hostile powers without the benefit of our medical infrastructure. A skilled Doctor with a well stocked medbay seems essential. Again, a robotic system as backup would be a good idea.

"Lastly, at least for the moment, consider the players involved and let's build background stories once we have a firm handle on the target. Data will be provided, but there is a world of difference if I show up as emotionally or legally attached or 'willing to play the field'. The same applies to you and the others so let's figure that out and settle in before we land."Stefano sat in his chair and leaned back. "Now, what have I missed?"

That is something to be decided as each situation presents itself.

[Leitz]

"Bearing in mind that I may not be the most obedient partner, do you want me to sign?" Kiki said.

Stefano let Kiki's question roll around for a moment."Bearing in mind that I am not the best CEO, let me ask; if I give direction that you do not like, can you execute anyway?"

He shrugged. "That's what I need you to be willing to do even though both of us will try to avoid that becoming the routine. I value you and your input. What should happen is that challenges present themselves and we have time as a team to evaluate and plan. Sometimes the opportunity may not give us that time and I may ask you to perform a task without having the time to explain it fully. Can you execute whole-heartedly?"

OOC: Assuming Kiki says yes.

"Excellent point about the medbay. Let me take care of that." Stefano made a note.


"That is something to be decided as each situation presents itself." Kiki said.

Stefano nodded. "We need to do a lot of guesswork before we go, though, to ensure we have some ideas on how to approach issues. The description provided earlier suggests we are dealing more with a warlord type than a business entity. There will likely be numerous risky or difficult challenges. One reason I want you aboard. The more we can psych-eval enroute the more we can plan."

[The Bindoner]

Stefano let Kiki's question roll around for a moment."Bearing in mind that I am not the best CEO, let me ask; if I give direction that you do not like, can you execute anyway?"

He shrugged. "That's what I need you to be willing to do even though both of us will try to avoid that becoming the routine. I value you and your input. What should happen is that challenges present themselves and we have time as a team to evaluate and plan. Sometimes the opportunity may not give us that time and I may ask you to perform a task without having the time to explain it fully. Can you execute whole-heartedly?"

Wholeheartedly? That I cannot promise. I also cannot promise to unconditionally do whatever I am asked. No honest person could, and you would not trust anyone who made such a pledge. I can promise to always do whatever is needed to further the aims of our project. When there is no time to evaluate and plan I will not hesitate to do what is needed. So long as you instructions are sane I will follow the course of action directed. When you go mad though... smiling Well, then I may disobey. It depends what sort of insanity you order.

OOC: Kiki is trying to convey that she understands her role, but her ingrained reluctance to surrender her autonomy forces her to hedge that with caveats leavened with black humour.

If you are asking me if will pose as your mistress when we meet barbarian warlords, then yes, I will act out that role. In public. *grinning*

[Leitz]

"If you are asking me if will pose as your mistress when we meet barbarian warlords, then yes, I will act out that role. In public." Kiki said, grinning.

"Be my mistress? Your recruiting bonus is inspiring, but I've already signed the contract."Stefano smiled, and then sadness took over. "Let's get the team together and review the data before we decide what social roles are to be played. But that does bring up a point. Along with madness, of course. I need your help with that. Not the madness, I can do that on my own."

Stefano sipped. "I am of an age where lovely companions are welcome. You know, and I would appreciate it if you ensure the other ladies know, that whatever nice things I might say in no way imply behavior beyond professional is needed to be fully recognized and rewarded with success. The issue is that this will be a long trip and I am finding myself lonely and old. Please, feel free to privately call me to task if that particular madness grows too strong."

OOC: If Kiki recalls Stefano's time before he has always been a romantic gentleman. No drama, no valid rumors of excessive behavior. Reasonably good chance he was more focused on career than family. However, she can hear in his tone that he may regret that. Of the family he occasionally talked about, one sister is recalled very fondly. "Mother", and the other sister, not so much. Kiki probably knows which sister's children will get his inheritance.

[Leitz]

"I think we agree." Stefano said. "It is good to work with you again."

[Ahlmzhad]

“I hope you don't take offense, my family are collectors, but what is an item worth that can not be used. Evidently not everyday, but occasionally a fine weapon must be allowed to show it's voice and power.”

Fred smiled at the compliment “Truthfully, I would hope that my weapons get used occasionally. I strive to create an object of beauty for the joy of the owner, but a statue could decorate a mantle. I create weapons that are virtually indestructible because it may be called upon to save the life of its owner, and I would never have one of my weapons fail in its duty.”

“Does this challenge appeal to you? If it does we can discuss terms.”

Fred knew in his heart that the art of negotiation called for him to feign only slight interest, but he felt like a child on Christmas morning. “So … if I agree … I will continue to practice my craft … I will travel to new places on an adventure … and you will pay the High Passage and boarding expenses.” It is impossible for Fred to contain his excitement at the offer. “I ACCEPT!”

A huge smile on his face, Fred continued “This is a bit of a gift from the universe. I had grown weary of the constant struggle with the oppressive bureaucracy back home and decided to become a ‘Cosmopolite’ … a citizen of the universe. The original plan was to use my TAS passages to hop from world to world and just experience whatever there was to experience, using my craft and trust fund to support myself. So what you offer is exactly what I had planned on an infinitely grander level. How could I say no to a chance at such a once in a lifetime adventure!”

"Well then if you're quite sure, here's the contract." Says Orlovski.

You review the document, and you are to be paid 150Kcr for the year with 75Kcr paid upon sign up, and you have the option to invest 37.5Kcr in the enterprise. You also will receive materials and all equipment necessary to perform your work. In addition you will be paid 10% of the appraised price of any presentation arms you create. It also provides for a 50/50 split of any proceeds from patents or royalties that result from your research and work for the company.

[The Bindoner]

"I think we agree." Stefano said. "It is good to work with you again."

Good, I can sign with a clear conscience, now we have made ourselves understood. I am glad we can still speak openly with each other, as we have done before. It will make everything so much easier.

Signing the contract and passing it over to be witnessed Kiki becomes informal.

I am underdressed for the occasion, but perhaps a glass of something celebratory before we start work?


Now, let us review what we know of the mission and the assets at our disposal.


OOC: Kiki wasn't offering to be Stefano's mistress, merely agreeing to pretend to be in whatever relationship is culturally appropriate to wherever we are operating. Stefano recalls that romance was never a part of Kiki's life - at least as far as anyone was aware. There were perhaps rumours of brief flings and tactical flirtations, but never of any romantic relationships. If there were any it was part of the life that she kept private, hidden from the people she socialised with for business.

[Leitz]

"I am underdressed for the occasion, but perhaps a glass of something celebratory before we start work?" Kiki said.

"I'm the boss so I get to pay for supper. I know just the place." Stefano replied. He grinned.



"Now, let us review what we know of the mission and the assets at our disposal." Kiki said.

"You'll see why I think you are such an asset."Stefano said. He leaned forward. "All very interesting."

He detailed out the data given earlier by Antil, as well as the understanding he had of the assistant, CRO, etc. (OOC: Pretty much everything Antil presented, filtered by Stefano's understanding and magnified by his appraisals so far.) It was a wonderfully structured picture as given, plus what Stefano had gleaned.

Kiki was sure that it wasn't everything. Stefano had glanced at the company comm gear more than once. He had talked about artifacts, factories, and other tangibles. She knew he was a people person. Whatever was on his mind would benefit the project and team but was not yet formed enough to make public.

"We need to see team resumes and figure out what skill gaps need to be filled besides the medical specialist. I'd also like to get as much sensor data as possible and even pack some sensor probes to send through the systems we visit. The fewer surprises the better. There are ten staterooms; double berthing is possible but will wear on everyone. The barracks is available as well yet we need room to bring back whatever seems best. We need to take what might be useful."

"At this point I suggest we take in the data we have but not decide too much on it just yet. There is still far too little data and we do not have out team assembled by far. At most two days should solve that, so we have a little time to settle any other matters and move everything here."

[atpollard]

"Well then if you're quite sure, here's the contract." Says Orlovski.

You review the document, and you are to be paid 150Kcr for the year with 75Kcr paid upon sign up, and you have the option to invest 37.5Kcr in the enterprise. You also will receive materials and all equipment necessary to perform your work. In addition you will be paid 10% of the appraised price of any presentation arms you create. It also provides for a 50/50 split of any proceeds from patents or royalties that result from your research and work for the company.

"Well, I suppose I can make due with that." said Fred with a huge grin as he carefully read the contract [[2d6] = 3+2 (advocate) +1 (EDU) ... This autoroller sure likes "3" ... I guess I miss any fine print. ] and then signed it. "How soon do we start?"

[The Bindoner]

Taking her time to review what she has learned Kiki makes a few notes in an encrypted file ( basic stuff, easy to crack: it's the new device. Habit. ).

We also need to think about what equipment we will need to take. Things we cannot obtain where we are going. A technician to maintain things as well. Trade goods. It will be easier to buy their artefacts if we can offer something more tangible than money for them. Our cash is probably worthless there anyway, now that I think of it.Yes, high tech items that are usable by untrained people are what we need. Things that make life easier or more pleasant. Of course, weapons are the obvious choice, but I do not think arming potential adversaries is wise.

Closing the device, and her business demeanor with it, Kiki quirks up an eyebrow and one corner of her mouth in a partial smile:

You were going to take me somewhere for refreshments?

[Leitz]

"Happily so. A charming place." Stefano said. He winked and pocketed his company gear. Picking up the keys to his office he locked everything up and they walked out a different way than they came in. "A different route, perhaps? More data."

After two and a half minutes it was clear that La Cucina di Maria was the destination. The sights and smells gave a strong family business feel and the dozen or so tables looked to be packed with workers and their families. A woman greeted Stefano by name and they hugged. "A beautiful lady guest; do I have competition?" She said, grinning. Their physical contact was nothing more than close friends. "Your usual table should be clear shortly, you're later than usual."

"I am ever yours, Maria." Stefano said. "But my friend and I would like a private table and one of your uncle's bottles, if it can be arranged."

The woman lost her relaxed posture. She gave him a formal kiss on the cheek and there was a small hand-off. "Of course, sir."

"Thank you, as always." Stefano replied.

He led Kiki to the restrooms on the right wall. They turned down a short hall and then he opened the door to the kitchen. Industrial steel and loud conversation raised an almost unbearable cacaphony. One of the cooks waved at Stefano, another whistled (probably not at Stefano), and a third smacked the back of the head of the whistler.

They paused at an old half height oven mounted on the wall. Stefano took a key, unlocked it, and put his comm gear into the main section. Everything was turned off and he looked at Kiki. "Up to you." He mouthed.

OOC: It looks like an unused stove with RFI shielding and some mild signal blocking. The noise in the kitchen would mask anything short of a nuclear detonation. Kiki can use, or not, the security. Stefano has the key.

Once things were stowed they passed out another hall and a short flight of steps. Stefano unlocked a heavy door and pulled it open. He reached in and flicked on a light switch. "Best table in the house. Though technically we are in the walls between two buildings."

After a minute he had unfolded the table cloth and laid out the silverware. Maria had brought a bottle of wine, bread, oil, herbs, and several bowls of pasta. He sipped the wine and nodded, Maria kissed Stefano's cheek and winked to Kiki before she left.

"I think we have everything. The room is isolated, though if you have any scanners it never hurts to double check. We can close and lock the door, I have the key. However, that is a decision for the lady, since it may seem inappropriate." Stefano said as he poured the wine.

[Ahlmzhad]

"Well then if you're quite sure, here's the contract." Says Orlovski.

You review the document, and you are to be paid 150Kcr for the year with 75Kcr paid upon sign up, and you have the option to invest 37.5Kcr in the enterprise. You also will receive materials and all equipment necessary to perform your work. In addition you will be paid 10% of the appraised price of any presentation arms you create. It also provides for a 50/50 split of any proceeds from patents or royalties that result from your research and work for the company.

"Well, I suppose I can make due with that." said Fred with a huge grin as he carefully read the contract [[2d6] = 3+2 (advocate) +1 (EDU) ... This autoroller sure likes "3" ... I guess I miss any fine print. ] and then signed it. "How soon do we start?"

We'll switch your room charges over to the company, you will start work tomorrow. Be here at 9, and you will be taken through the basic employee things, and we plan on launching the ship in 7 days barring any last minute hold ups. I do hope that is long enough to get your business wrapped up. Be ready tomorrow with the things you will need.

[The Bindoner]

He led Kiki to the restrooms on the right wall. They turned down a short hall and then he opened the door to the kitchen. Industrial steel and loud conversation raised an almost unbearable cacaphony. One of the cooks waved at Stefano, another whistled (probably not at Stefano), and a third smacked the back of the head of the whistler.

They paused at an old half height oven mounted on the wall. Stefano took a key, unlocked it, and put his comm gear into the main section. Everything was turned off and he looked at Kiki. "Up to you." He mouthed.

OOC: It looks like an unused stove with RFI shielding and some mild signal blocking. The noise in the kitchen would mask anything short of a nuclear detonation. Kiki can use, or not, the security. Stefano has the key.

Once things were stowed they passed out another hall and a short flight of steps. Stefano unlocked a heavy door and pulled it open. He reached in and flicked on a light switch. "Best table in the house. Though technically we are in the walls between two buildings."

After a minute he had unfolded the table cloth and laid out the silverware. Maria had brought a bottle of wine, bread, oil, herbs, and several bowls of pasta. He sipped the wine and nodded, Maria kissed Stefano's cheek and winked to Kiki before she left.

"I think we have everything. The room is isolated, though if you have any scanners it never hurts to double check. We can close and lock the door, I have the key. However, that is a decision for the lady, since it may seem inappropriate." Stefano said as he poured the wine.

Kiki stays Stefano with a hand on his arm as he moves to put the comm gear in the oven, removes and pockets the batteries from her own units and puts the dead devices in the locker. “Off” is an act of faith, I prefer to have evidence.

In the room, as Maria is setting the table:

You have good friends here. My father would definitely approve of your way of doing things.

At the mention of locking the door Kiki rubs the back of her neck, looking uncomfortable. I think it would be better to leave the door. We don't want to incite gossip and scandal by appearing to desire strict privacy. Besides, Maria will not want to be troubled with keys if we need something.

I have no technical equipment with me I am afraid, just this little toolkit. Striking a pose to present herself Everything you see was purchased this morning to create a character. There is more, a case with some mechanics tools and strange machine parts, but security have that.

Kiki is taking a light-hearted, self mocking tone, treating her costume as a joke against herself. Broadening the joke to encompass Stefano she continues:

Well, you have me alone, and we are as able to talk freely as we are likely to be, what scheme shall we hatch?

Taking the wine Kiki sips at the glass and smiles her approval.

Noting the swiftness of Kiki's hand as she moved to massage her neck, and its timing, Stefano realises it looked like a weapon check. An automatic impulse to touch a hidden gun or stunner, verifying its presence. He has seen that unconscious gesture made by bodyguards when something out of the ordinary troubles them often enough to recognise it, and use it to alert him to a potential danger he had missed. This one was disguised smoothly. Something about the situation has triggered a threat response that was quickly suppressed. The possibility of being trapped in a room, obviously.