Mr. Collins, Sir? ((Ivan))...

[light]

Collins fiddled around with a stray wire, deep in thought, and not really paying attention to the statistics being read to him by his Keyxi. If he couldn’t recall the numbers, he would merely tell it to play the message again. At the moment he was concentrating on the new idea that a group of researchers from the physic-mental branch had proposed that morning. It should have bothered him, the very mention of brainwashing someone should have made any sane person disgusted and angry. The thing was…he wasn’t. Collins had calmly told them to come back the next day with the full presentation. That was all. No screaming, no threats, not even a grimace indicated that Collins had any qualms about the idea.

The lung dragon spun around in his chair, taking a slightly childish delight in the feeling he had whenever it spun with the momentum. He had been thinking about making the chairs with some anti-gravity-tech, but he knew that the world would be a very dismal place if one couldn’t do something petty in their office once in a while. After he began to feel a little sick with the amount of spinning, Collins checked his agenda with his Keyxi. Seeing that his new assistant was coming in that afternoon, he gave a sloppy grin in anticipation. Now he wouldn’t have to check his agenda, something he had a hard time remembering to do, and a load of other junk that he was no good at. Collins knew better than to try and do someone else’s job, he would just make a mess of things someone else could do with their eyes closed. That was the beauty of leadership that so few people understood. He was only there to guide and oversee, not do everything himself.

Collins turned off his Keyxi and tried to make his workstation more orderly. In truth he was a slob, especially at home, but he didn’t want his new assistant to feel like he would have to clean up after his new boss. It wouldn’t do at all. After a good fifteen minutes of scrambling around to find places to put the disassembled hover board he had been tinkering with. Satisfied that he was ready, Collins ordered up a drink for the new guy. He didn’t drink anymore, not since his bout of depression, he didn’t want to. Still, his assistant might be nervous about meeting his boss for the first time. Collins hadn’t interviewed the guy, but had a huge file on him, so he was at the advantage of the meeting.

He sat down, and was able to listen to the statistics being read to him this time. After about an hour, he got a message on his Keyxi. The building had just picked “Ivan” on the sensors. Delighted, Collins gave the order to have him sent straight up. There was no point of wasting any time and making the guy sweat; that would be cruel. Once again, to ease the tension he felt in between his tired shoulders, Collins began to spin absentmindedly, waiting for Ivan…

[Rook]

Ivan had not had to run to work today, because that was the sort of thing a pizza-boy did.

The world that lived in glorious ascendancy (anyone who wasn't a pizza boy or affiliated with pizza) had a concept called "transportation", which basically was the idea that someone could get to one place to the other without being arrested for jaywalking or running into an old lady with her arms full of fruit cakes (he felt bad, okay?)

No instead he'd been picked up in a large black car, at first under the impression that someone was going to offer him candy, then sorely disappointed (well not really, he'd read a book in second grade called MR. MALLOW's SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS, which pretty much turned him down from any candy offered anytime but the Fall Festival, and even then he was sketchy), the only explaination he was given when told to 'get in' was that Mr. Collins spared no expense.

Ivan had no idea why rich people loved to step on the small people and see them squirm, but they did, his experience both as the son of a rich bastard and a pizza boy had had him feeling spat on more than once, and despite graduating top in his class, at those times he felt like his one goal in life would be to see them shrunken down to size and eaten by the cat.

He could already picture this Mr. Collins in his head, perhaps a doberman, or a lion, ever the aristocratic Feline stereotypes, probably tall and balding, exquisitely dressed with the knuckles of a bully, probably screwing around with his secretary, despite all this assumed contempt, Auroa industries unlocked that Engineering nerd in his head, and made him almost weak in the knees (something cheetahs very seldom experienced).

His short spiky blonde fur, dappled with natural spots sharp as indian ink seemed almost psychadelic in the crazy light of the lobby, or whatever it was called, something to do with flowers he was sure.

His soft blond hair was combed neatly, his whiskers neat, nary a one missing and his tail dragging motionlessly behind him. He was wearing a slightly faded, though still nice dark blue suit with a white undershirt, crisp as a board.

His feral blue eyes were the only things that seemed out of order, perhaps a little too lively and shocking for such a cultured place. They screamed hybridity where it was not there, this had been a problem for him in the past.

So I can't remember the floral scheme, I'll have the entire floor plan memorized by tonight. he thought with grim satisfaction, perhaps simply at having something to do in his shoddy little apartment besides reread paperback thrillers.

This job would change his life, if he landed it, his cool head refused to shelter hope, the fact that his boss would be an asshole was already written in stone, he wouldn't call himself cynical, just completely and utterly faithless in the world.

He let an elderly man beat him to the elevator, but everyone else had to watch as he closed the distance with a brisk pace.

It seemed to take forever, through miles of beautiful though confusing architecture before he got to the right room. It was big, but that was to be expected. It turned out that that might be the only thing he was right about initially.

While nearing his floor Ivan developed the wild suspicion that he still smelled like pizza, even after months, which was ridiculous, he took two showers a day everyday.

But still...

"Sir can I borrow your col--"

But It was too late, he was already at the floor, the door opened, and he had to get off.

The words that came from his mouth were instinctive, Ivan's voice had the soft accented clarity of someone who had learned to read before the designated grade.

"Mr. Collins, Sir"?

[light]

Collins was nearly caught spinning in his chair, but the elevators were noticeably loud in the peaceful atmosphere of his room, so he stopped about five seconds before the elevators came to his floor level. Still, he was obviously disheveled with his extreme spinning. He gave a sloppy looking grin of excitement when the lad came in, but quickly tried to smooth out his hair. It was no use; he would have to do with looking disheveled, come what may.

He reapplied his grin when Ivan called him “Sir”. All the “noobs” called him that for the first week at most, but they were quickly trained out of that. Collins crossed his ankles, a pose that he now did naturally, and made him seem more inviting, yet still professional. “Ivan, please come in and make yourself comfortable,” he purposefully left out his last name; they always made him feel awkward.

“Let me express how glad I am that you’re here.” With this he gave another quick spin on his swivel chair. Any excuse to spin in the chair that day. Then in the same, firm and liquid voice that won many hearts, “As you can see, I am most delighted, as I hope you are. Though I pretty much doubt you feel the same. Do forgive me for saying this, I suspect you might hate this job if you really wanted to. There’s a lot to hate. You could hate me, I am the Conductor of Ceremonies in Council, and frankly I’d hate me too; the weird way this company is set up, all the technology, tight security, etc. etc. Then again, I don’t think you will. You were chosen as the best, the most capable. That’s who you are. You may hate all those things, but I have a little nagging feeling that says you are right for this job, and probably more. We shall see. For now I’d like to ask you what you a few questions, if that is alright with you?” Collins eyebrows raised above his expressive, beautiful eyes, in the form of their own question, though it would be a tough guess as to what the question was, the way he kept his face professionally composed.

Meanwhile the Keyxi gave off a five minute warning for some appointment or another, but the lung dragon kept talking as if it was of no consequence. In truth, he forgot most of the time to check his agenda, so this was why he was so little concerned. He needed a personal assistant. Then again, what multi-billionaire didn’t? The strange glass walls became crystal clear, letting in more of the natural sunlight, as well as absorbing less of its energy. The view, if one paused to look, was a stormy grey color, but made one feel refreshed and crisp. The whole world was alive while Collins talked that day, as it would be until the end of time. Something about when he spoke, however, gave it a deeper meaning. It was as if the sound reminded you to find yourself in that place, all at once, so you could remember it forever…

[Rook]

Ivan would have never thought that he'd be so beautiful, there were no veins bursting from this man's neck, he lsat in his odd fashion, completely composed and his presence made Ivan feel like a cub, a mewling newborn with it's eyes closed. Almost weak in the knees he forced himself to look up, but he could not quite meet the other man's eyes.

Were all dragons like this? Or was it just this man? He could have overthrown Julia based on his looks alone, and his voice

The hair on the back of the cheetah's neck was sticking straight up, but he forced out a normal sounding voice, he was not one to crack under pressure, he never had been.

But that voice, it said Listen to me, trust me, love me, worship me...But Ivan had known someone with a voice just like that.

He knew....

He was outdrawn, but he was still armed for the game.

"Whatever you wish, Sir". He persisted, his brow arching ever so slightly as he stood, and kept himself from trembling as the room shifted and the dragon pinned him with his eyes like a snake did a rabbit.

[light]

Collins gave him a comfortable smile that spoke of his trust towards the other. It was hard for smiles like his to exist, for it was hard for someone to be so sincere in such trust. But no matter how foolish it was, or how many times people had misplaced that trust, Collins still believed in the Good that grew in hearts. And he could smile this way, not because of years practicing in front of the mirror, but because he believed in the Good in hearts fully and with no hesitation. So he smiled the smile he had earned, but winced slightly in pain at the end of Ivan’s sentence. He really didn’t like it when people called him “Sir”, it reminded him of how they would address his father, and he most definitely did not want to be in any way compared to that man. Still, Collins decided to not point it out till later, maybe the guy just needed to relax, the first time Ivan had looked at Collins, he had seemed rather…tense.

The lung dragon gave nodded in an affirming manner and commenced with the questions in his brisk, punctual way. “Alright Ivan, I’m going to ask you a series of questions, and I would like your response to be only one word.” Collins gave a tiny smile, many people got stuck on that part, but he thought Ivan would be able to handle it. “And don’t worry, I won’t hold most of it against you; ready?” Then his face composed itself so as to seem open-minded to anything the man might say, and his voice became unconsciously soothing and crisp. “First question: Do you own a Keyxi? Second question: What is your favorite color? Third question: Have you read “Little Women”? Fourth question: Do you enjoy intimidating others? Fifth question: What is your favorite meal? Sixth question: If someone made a movie about your life, what would they call it? Seventh question: Describe yourself in a single word. Eighth question: Are you a happy sort of person?”

After firing off the questions, Collins sat back and listened to his replies with a careful expression. He didn’t want Ivan to feel he would see him negatively. Each and every question was very careful asked to find the answer to the question Collins had not asked, even if they seemed silly, they were actually very clever. That was what the owner of Aurora Industries was, almost deceitful with his intentions, but always for the better end. The better end, who was he kidding? He was just curious…

[Rook]

Oh, you bastard.

Ivan's only response was to arch his eyebrow, though inside turmoil and drastic dips between hatred and confusion were raging. Why was this guy doing this? Was it all some kind of sick joke, or maybe a Council tradition.

I''m out of it, like an animal on it's last legs on the hunt, there's probably a 30...no 20 percent chance he even still wants my work, and even if he does, the guy is a wacko.

But I need this job. Both for the pay, the social standing and....

He forced himself to cut that thought train short, he did not know what lengths technology had advanced here.

His heart beat was fast, but his voice sounded smooth and confident, nary a waver in it.

"All right" he said exasperatedly taking a deep breathe, answers, sharp and clear fired out of him like an ancient rifle in some battle field.

"Yes, Electric Blue, No, No, Chicken Parmesan, Burnt Pizza, Concise" he paused "and that all depends on your viewpoint".

He shrugged apologetically in an 'oh well' sort of way

"I had to use more than one word to be truthful."

[light]

Collins worried about the raised eyebrow that was directed at him. From past experience with his last personal assistant, it was a sign of “you have got to be kidding me”. He asked strange questions all the time, and it would hurt him if it made Ivan uncomfortable. Plus he really needed to know this; none of the information was on the file. It would be inconvenient if he ended up hating Collins. After all, the lung dragon truly believed that Ivan was the right one for the job. Without thinking about maintaining a neutral expression, Collins leaned forward, with a slightly worried look in his eyes. Once he started speaking, however, the owner of Aurora Industries relaxed and breathed normally; though he did not dismiss the exasperated tone in Ivan’s voice.

Collins leaned back into his squishy chair with a thoughtful face before brightening. Ivan would learn if he wanted to, and it was best to give him time instead of looking too deeply into the answers given to his questions. “That’s alright; I may need that truthful part of you soon. Now if you don’t mind, two more questions and I will let you ask yours. One more thing, you may need to upgrade your Keyxi with some of your software before you can look at any files,” here he gave him a slightly apologetic smile before continuing, “Where’s your favorite place to eat, and how much money do you have in your account?” The last part Collins said bluntly, being used to discussing money…

[Rook]

Ivan wasn't nervous about money either, he was rather cynical towards it actually. It wasn't a secret that he wanted more of it either, and if he landed this job, he'd get it. Sure, that wasn't his only reason, ambition drove him, but above all he wanted comfort and stability. The ability to sleep in a bed that fit for him, to have fine meals when he came home so hungry he no longer had an appetite, and he wanted to be secure.

He wanted fine wine and flowers.

Collins's questions had set him off on a daydream, it wasn't a deep one but he did jerk a tiny bit when the dragon inquired about eating arrangments.

He broke out in a smile for the first time, somehow proud. And amused by a joke he wasn't going to share.

"Anything that sells pasta and meatballs, I'm not familiar with many establishments. Could you choose one like that"?

[light]

Collins raised his eyebrow at the obvious attempt to keep the subject away from money. If Ivan was to be his secretary, he was going to have to be comfortable in discussing these things on a daily basis. It didn’t really matter any way how much he had. Aurora Industries took care of its own.

He fondly remembered the first time he had enough paperwork to swim in. It took him a while, but he finally admitted he needed help and decided to hire a secretary. The first secretary he had hired was a man named Chris. Collins always hired male secretaries; this was mostly to keep the press off his back with rumors of a love scandal, and to avoid any uncomfortable moments that females were so prone to bring on certain times of the month. He was a man after all, and even the most chivalrous men felt very confused and awkward whenever presented with a woman in the middle of a mood-swing. Anyway, Chris, a panther looking to start his own company, nearly had a heart-attack when Collins casually mentioned the amount of money that summed up his paycheck and personal tab at all restaurants. To put it basically, all his secretaries, if they stuck around for a year or so, could become whoever they wanted, and owed Aurora Industries a thing or two, which was just fine with Collins. The combination of encountering the day to day functions of such a big company, and learning the finer subtleties under the dragon’s careful eye, was enough to make millionaires of paupers. Still, it did mean Collins had to find a new secretary every two years or so, and that was always such a hassle. This was part of the reason why the man was so delighted to see Ivan; stress never dealt well with Collins, too much bitten nails and strained eyes.

Coming out of his reverie with a jolt, the golden-eyed man narrowed his eyes at Ivan. Maybe it would be best to let Ivan find out for himself. If the cheetah did not find out while at a restaurant, then he would know by his fifth pay-check, which was set at the usual amount of his secretaries salaries. The first four were meant to balance out the account before dropping in the money; after all, it was best to not have too many questions as to why his personal secretary had such a unproportional amount of money in his bank account all of the sudden.

Collins broke out into an excited smile, which would seem directed at the prospect of choosing a restaurant, and make him look incredibly childish, but was rather at the thought of Ivan choking as the numbers on his Keyxi screen kept going up while he viewed his money in the bank.

Then a sly gleam came into his eye; a few of Ivan’s answers made him suspect a silly notion. From his file, I’ve read he’s worked at a pizza restaurant. I have also noted from one of his answers to my questions was “Burnt Pizza”. Should I…? Collins decided to take a bet. His father, though never a very good one, had always taken bets, and bets had saved Aurora Industries in the past. Why not use that intuition and good luck now?

The dragon stood in the graceful manner that spoke of majesty bestowed on his breed of both dragon and feline. He stood straight and tall, his pearl horns piercing the air and causing a faint whistle of the wind when moved suddenly, his fur along his body moving like a breeze of air slowed by the currents of the sea. Collins smiled a mischievous smile, which told of a joke that would be to both their benefit, but told the truth of his intentions. Though he never intended the look to seem so, the dragon in him would always smile at its prey before the chase, and a dragon he was. “Well Ivan, I know a fine place. What do you say to Mr. Gatti’s? I hear they just put one in Sequoia Terrace and it has the whole menu; plenty of spaghetti, lasagna, salad, and their world famous crispy crust pizza.” Here Collins stopped, judging his reaction before moving on. If Ivan ended the play here, he would win, but feel slightly disappointed. If Ivan chose to go on, though later lost, Collins would be able to trust him better. However, if Ivan won, Collins would have to reassess the cheetah at a later time, and there would be no silly little games…

[Rook]

Ivan regarded Collins for a moment, his glance was very blue, but it was not cold or penetrating, at least it did not seem so, it was really no more than a glance, he moved fast, like a top of the line missile quickly and independently changing positions.

He would not allow himself to look more than that lest he be intimidated, instead he peered out the gigantic window, quite tactfully into the Terrace itself, he could not tell whether this was an image genrated by the cameras here, or a real thing his eyes were seeing.

This made him uneasy, but not half as much as Collin's proposal, it confirmed what he had suspected, this bastard was going to try to break him down.

Ivan felt anger simmer What right does he have? He asked after me..

I've come too far now.

Lets see him try and make me actually eay anything.

Ivan looked back with a small boyish smile, both shy and reserved, like a kid on the debate team giving his speech. "That would be ideal, sir".