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| Topic Started: Sep 1 2017, 01:33 PM (15 Views) | |
| V.V. | Sep 1 2017, 01:33 PM Post #1 |
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Stella and Marcus meet up after the attack in the White Tower (linked to the script "What Lana Has Seen..."), and after Marcus' recent trip to the Peach Trees. (11:48:03 ) . Secure . the . Future . . Stella | Haden . Candidate for Mayor | Mega-City 1 | Imagine Chat | - [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to ALL: -Something horrific had happened. Horrible. Gruesome... …and yet Stella’s father had been remarkably calm about the entire matter involving the murder of a Hexia Corp employee. Murder wasn’t even the appropriate word, thought Stella, it had been a butchering.- -Seated in the pristine white of her penthouse abode Stella remained stoic and calm while ignoring the flurry of activity that saw a number of technicians at work bolstering the security features of her residence. Though her father was full of reasonable answers and explanations for the death of Don Forrester he had still requested she accept his offer of assistance to ensure her security. Stella was loathed to accept his help knowing it could be misconstrued as invitation to meddle in her affairs, namely that of her on going campaign, but what she had learned of Forrester’s fate had prompted her to accept. Her blood was chilled and she was left on edge knowing someone could infiltrate the White Towers and do something of that magnitude. The Forresters had been good upstanding people. A family. Law abiding citizens. All of it mattered little in a city as savage as this, a savageness that was foreign to Stella though she recognized the cause of it. It was then as the activity continued around her that Stella’s imperious gaze lifted to the city skyline stretching beyond her windows, lingering on the Hall of Justice towering majestically in the haze filled distance.- (12:42:34 ) . . . Hand of Liberty . . . · Marcus Lamont · . New Democratic Party . MC1|IC [ The White Tower ] -Is currently somewhere within the White Tower located in the northern sector of Mega-City One. Home to the rich and famous.- says to ALL: ...the White Tower was an ultra exclusive residence for the wealthy. It served as a home to many rich and influential individuals. As recent events had proven it was not impregnable though. The White Tower had been breached, a man had been murdered and strung up in a gruesome display from what I had learned though I still how much of it was a rumor and now many important people who thought they were untouchable knew better. There was a certain poetic nature to it all. When I arrived at the White Tower my credentials would have been checked, my identity authenticated and then I would have went inside still under the scrutiny of security that was now on edge.... ...I took the elevator to the upper levels flanked by two men in black suits, dark glasses who I singled out as professionals. They remained in the elevator while I exited. The halls were monitored by cctv systems and more security. Patrols were conducted now it seemed. This is the type of thing that high alert brought out. I was destined for the apartment of Stella Haden which I'd visited many times prior to this evening but this time there was a different feel to everything. It was business but not as usual. Approaching the apartment I would have pressed an intercom and stated...."Marcus Lamont, here to see Ms. Haden."....I dressed in the telltale suit I often wore, truth is I had a dozen of these in a closet with an expensive looking watch around my right wrist and polished shoes that showed I paid attention ot the details of my appearance.... (12:54:57 ) . Secure . the . Future . . Stella | Haden . Candidate for Mayor | Mega-City 1 | Imagine Chat | - [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to . . . Hand of Liberty . : -The activity carried on outside the apartment as technicians updated the systems already in place as a costly feature that made the White Towers all the more appealing to rich and prominent citizens of Mega-City 1. Some citizens however opted for personal residences in sectors that were highly contained, like an ultra exclusive neighbourhood of the pasts but Stella desired to be in the mix so to speak, not to mention the Mega Towers themselves were the best place to be if another nuclear attack occurred.- -Her dark gaze drifted from the skyline just as the new arrival was announced, the door opening to reveal more technicians in the dark Hexia Corp uniforms installing more cameras and motion sensors, among other things. In truth the additional security features felt like an ever increasing encroachment on her privacy that would allow her father unparalleled access into her life. Given her activities and those of her guest Stella was naturally concerned on the impact this would have on their future dealings.- -Turning from the immense window Stella, with hands folded in front of her, stood dressed in a crisp, black suit looking immaculate and imposing as ever with an air of effortlessness lending itself to her growing reputation as someone with a natural born grace about her that would in time define her as a quality leader. A faint smile graced her lips before she greeted you amidst the noise and bustle of the technicians at work.- “Marcus. I wasn’t expecting you. Is everything alright?”-She was to put off that you were here merely surprised and no doubt had she known you were coming Stella might have suggested a more appropriate location that was not in the process of being compromised. By now it must have dawned on you that their more sensitive business would now have to be conducted elsewhere…- (13:08:42 ) . . . Hand of Liberty . . . · Marcus Lamont · . New Democratic Party . MC1|IC [ The White Tower ] -Is currently somewhere within the White Tower located in the northern sector of Mega-City One. Home to the rich and famous.- says to . Secure . the . Future : ...the door opening revealed the Hexia Corp Technicians working inside of the apartment to ensuring the safety of Stella and the security of the location. I'd seen a few as I navigated the hallways on the trek to the apartment. It wasn't a surprise to me given that Stella's father was an influencial man and he no doubt wanted to keep his daughter safe although this also gave him a lisence to spy on her. It became immediately apparent that another location would need to be set aside to conduct more sensetive business. As I came into the apartment my left hand would reach across to the right and shift the watch I wore around my wrist. I saw Stella turning from the large window to face me and I seemed to study her during my approach across the threshold.... ...."Fine."....came the casual answer accompanied by a faint smile to match the one Stella had offered...."Everything's fine Stella. I was just having lunch with some friends and they told me about what happened here in the tower."....the truth was that the New Democrats, specifically those aligned with the Sons of Liberty who I represented on a day to day basis wanted to set eyes on Stella Haden and ensure that she was not to rattled. Stella was an asset to the New Democrats and they were willing to put further resources towards her. Now that I had seen Stella I seemed content that she was none the worse for wear though appearance could be deceiving...."Pretty crazy what happened here in the Tower. How are you holding up?"....I wasn't talking in code but everything I said could be assumed to have a dual purpose beyond mere conversation...."A lot of new security."....the comment was idle but to be expected given what happened.... (13:23:52 ) . Secure . the . Future . . Stella | Haden . Candidate for Mayor | Mega-City 1 | Imagine Chat | - [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to . . . Hand of Liberty . : -Stella appeared gracious at your explanation of checking in on her and behaved as one genuinely grateful for the concern of a good friend who was also known to be on her campaign staff as a security expert, among other things. Her father likely knew of your activities as a ‘fixer’ but that was the extent of it.- “It is crazy but I am holding up fine, thank you Marcus.”-Inviting you to join her near the bar off to one side away from the technicians as they continued their work she would soon be observed pouring two scotches while she went on.-“There is quite a bit of new security on account of the fact the Judges can’t do shit to find out who was responsible. It’s all very strange. This entire thing feels…wrong.”-She admitted after handing you the first of the two glasses before sipping on the scotch that may or may not be a left over from the previous centuries. If it wasn’t genuine then it was a really good synthetic version.-“They don’t know how the security protocols were bypassed. There are no suspects. No DNA. Or so the Judges claim.”-She said with skepticism in her voice before another sip was taken before with a hardening gaze and steel in her voice Stella continued.-“It’s just the type of thing the Sovs are good at.” -And watching you she wondered if you’d catch on to her train of thought, to the suggestion that they begin hammering the public with more anti-Sov rhetoric using this most recent incident to bolster the anti-Judge sentiments on the street.-“My campaign slogan is “Secure the Future” and they can’t even secure my own god damn residence.”-She complained before finishing off the drink with a swiftness that surprised even her. Apparently she was affected more than she let on by the reports of what was found in that apartment and as Stella looked around at her father’s employees busying about she pondered the wisdom of staying here.- (13:38:31 ) . . . Hand of Liberty . . . · Marcus Lamont · . New Democratic Party . MC1|IC [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to . Secure . the . Future : ...I joined her by the bar without any hesitation, I showed concern for her and played the role of her friend as well as one of her campaign supporters well. I worked for Stella but more so I worked for the Movement she represented and right now Stella was the face of the Movement. Once the scotch was poured I'd have listened to Stella explain to me how everything felt wrong, felt off and I couldn't help but agree but then before I drank from my glass I would raise it slowly and say..."To your health Stella."...the glass found my lips then as I took a slow drink and savored the rich flavors of what I thought was a good synthetic version but may have surprised me with its authenticity. I immediately caught on to what Stella was saying too and as I lowered my glass I would have said...."Everyone knows the Judges can't keep the Sovs out."...I would talk to the people I liaised with and ensure the anti sov rhetoric hit the streets hoping to bolster resentment against the Judges but I cautioned Stella after looking over my shoulder in the direction of the technicians ensuring we had some privacy even though we were speaking as friends here...."The Hall of Justice has never been a fan of what you stand for. Who says they want to protect you? You're a symbol of taking the power out of their hands."...the Judges maintained law and order but theirs was a totalitarian rule and every citizen in the Mega City knew it. Taking another drink from my glass I noticed how quickly Stella had emptied hers and showed a bit more concern...."Careful. You need to keep a clear head."....but I hadn't ignored her comment about security either...."You've got friends who want the best for you Stella. It wouldn't be a problem if you stayed somewhere else for awhile."....the pockets of some of the New Democrats ran deep, believe it or not some of these men actually owned private residences..... (13:54:32 ) . Secure . the . Future . . Stella | Haden . Candidate for Mayor | Mega-City 1 | Imagine Chat | - [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to . . . Hand of Liberty . : “The Judges are no friends of my father’s either but even still I feel as though what they know versus what they are telling the public is vastly different.”-She had no solid proof just an understanding of how those in power tended to operate with knowledge and the controlling of it being vital to the work of remaining ahead of the curve. Keeping the masses in the dark ensured they could not ask too many questions or openly criticize the work being done behind the scenes. When you cautioned her to keep a clear head Stella lightly smirked but putting her glass down did refrain from a second pouring. You were right and alcohol only numbed emotions and slowed the processes of her mind. Now was not a time to succumb to that kind of behaviour but as you went on to remind her she had friends Stella would reply.-“I can’t look weak though. Like I am running and hiding from a threat. However, I do not feel safe here either.”-The word safe spoken with additional emphasis to convey that it had two meanings at this moment as her father’s ever looming presence and likely heightened surveillance meant she’d be under a microscope. Thus, their meetings discussing the Democratic Movement could not occur here. However, as the wheels of her mind turned she began developing a vision for what might follow next for her on the campaign trail.-“What if I am not hiding though but merely…missing.”-The narrative being the Sovs already killed one high profile resident of the White Towers. What’s to say they couldn’t kidnap another? It would not only make her look all the more heroic when she is escapes her captors and is saved, as naturally that would be the ending, but it would also continue to make the Judges look inept…incapable…or perhaps if she was lucky even see her father pitted against the Hall of Justice.- (14:10:12 ) . . . Hand of Liberty . . . · Marcus Lamont · . New Democratic Party . MC1|IC [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to . Secure . the . Future : ....Stella wasn't wrong and I assumed like her that the Judges knew more than they let on to the public. I wouldn't have been surprised if what had committed the murder was actually a project coordinated by the Halls of Justice or worse the initial phase of a plan meant to end in the death of Stella herself. Perhaps I was paranoid but the possibilities seemed endless and I had seen how the Judges stamped out Democracy in the past. Listening to Stella lament that she could not appear weak I agreed but when she went on to suggest something more, that she might go missing I caught on to the narrative quickly...."The public outcry would be immense."....I said while raising my glass and finishing the last of the scotch Stella had poured into it then set it down on the bar..."Polls have always suggested you're loved by your supporters Stella. If you went missing there would be a call for justice, a demand for answers."....I could see it all coming together in my mind, I could contact a Cell in the Movement to kidnap Stella on the campaign trail and deliver her to one of the afore mentioned locations. Stella could wait out and direct her campaign secretly and securely before making a triumphant return to swing the polls further in her favor. It was a plan that had merit. "I'll arrange for added security on your campaign trail."....I said, changing the tone of the conversation somewhat...."As you know some of the neighborhoods and constituents we have you slated to visit demand upgraded protocols."....it was my way of pointing out that there were certain areas that would best suit Stella to go missing in, places we could blame anyone even the Sovs but she would have to ensure this was the course of action she wanted to take. Narrative aside it had the potential to become messy.... (14:30:00 ) . Secure . the . Future . . Stella | Haden . Candidate for Mayor | Mega-City 1 | Imagine Chat | - [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to . . . Hand of Liberty . : -Messy and with the potential to backfire completely. If it came out she had orchestrated her own kidnapping as a scheme to create publicity, well, she’d be in the Iso-Cubes in no time despite her family name, but it couldn’t be denied that going ‘underground’ so to speak would allow her move freedom of movement to coordinate the other branches of her growing network and escaping her father’s overbearing eye.-“Yes, I do believe additional security is quite reasonable, Marcus. Especially given the changing situation and also the sectors I intend on visiting in the coming days. Who knows what might happen out there but regardless I must be visible and seen meeting those I seek to represent.”-Her campaign manager was no doubt lurking nearby ever present with her data pad which she used to coordinate much of the campaign while watching live streams of polling data updated by the minute in some cases. The flow of information was incredible in a city as immense as Mega-City One but somehow Edith managed it expertly while juggling all her many other duties with almost inhuman skill.-“I will have my manager provide you with the new schedule and you can coordinate your efforts with her. It’s time for a re-alignment.”-Her gaze drifting in the direction of the technicians who were now finishing up the last of their work and preparing to leave. She feigned gratitude for their work but in truth Stella dreaded knowing her father now had a heavier presence even in her private residence.- (14:43:09 ) . . . Hand of Liberty . . . · Marcus Lamont · . New Democratic Party . MC1|IC [ The White Tower : Stella Haden's Apartment ] -Currently somewhere within Stella Haden's luxury apartment located in the upper levels of the ultra exclusive White Tower.- says to . Secure . the . Future : ..."Of course Stella."...was said as I replied in complete agreement with her visibly though the truth was I knew this meant she might be approaching a horizon of which there would be no return and I wondered how far down the rabbit hole I might have to follow her. Nonetheless it was my job and my duty as a man who believed in democracy. Even as Stella feigned gratitude to the technicians I would have said...."I'll handle all of the security arrangements. Maybe we can look at some extra protection for you as well."...I was looking at Stella then, taking in her figure and the curve of her frame beneath her clothing but I was all business in doing so thinking that Stella could potentially be fitted with a form fitting bit of kevlar, anything to help if a stray bullet wandered in the wrong direction...."If you don't mind Stella I should go. I just wanted to check in on you but I have a lot of work to do."....which was an understatement to be honest and moving like I was preparing to leave I'd have hesitated as though I just remembered something before reaching into my suit I'd produce an encrypted data stick and lay it on the bar..."Our friends thought you might want to take a look at this. Just campaign business."...it was really intel on those rogue elements of the New Democrats Stella had worried about one time, people that thought she might not be keeping to her end of the bargain but nothing else it would also give her a sense of who was around her. Anyways I turned and prepared to take my leave.... |
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| Chev. | Sep 1 2017, 02:47 PM Post #2 |
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I was here! |
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2:12 PM Jul 11
