So, then, this was the Velvet Room. Truth be, she had imagined something in red... the blue, while lavish in its own way, was off-putting. Definitely not her color, and a stark contrast to her attire, making her feel like she stood out even more than she already did. Strangely, however, no one else seemed to notice her entrance in the slightest -- something that Tarot was quick to explain. A perception altering Semblance? In the back of her mind she was already "running the numbers", theorizing on uses and possible weaknesses for something like this. Having come across many an odd and extravagant Semblance in her line of work she was long since used to taking them into account. This one didn't impact her plan... at least, not
directly.
Tarot was certainly eager to impress. Maria took her seat opposite him, hands folded across her lap and below table level. She sat, listening without a hint of expression, as this man went on and on. Oh, he
was an impressive hacker, she had to give him that, though she took his claims to have found very little beyond her old name with a grain of salt. After all, she'd been part of a travelling circus act -- the star of a key show, in fact. They
had advertised,
especially on the CCT. And although she had since hired some of the best systems infiltrators money could hire to scrub the net of all traces and references to Fraus' Travelling Circus, the very fact she was here now was proof enough that not quite
everything had been mopped up.
Tarot's reference to "the other two" was almost enough to make Maria break her poker face into a scowl. He could have been referring to anyone, of course -- she dealt with a multitude of clients on a regular basis, both the 'talented and looking for work' variety and the 'busy and looking for talent' type, but something in his voice suggested it was the two most notable in recent memory: Petrichor and Bitter. For someone to have that level of awareness of her operations was alarming; being discreet was a
must in this business, and having her work history waved in front of her like that brought a touch of angry heat to her cheeks. Thank goodness for the mask.
And then he sat there, dictating
rules to her. The arrogance of men never ceased to astound, but to try and tell the foremost broker of information and operations in Mistral how the business was to be done was
especially galling. It was sensible to avoid collateral damage, of course -- a trail of bodies tended to create more problems than it solved -- but to limit one's options during a job could be catastrophic, potentially even fatal. Still, she did her best not to react. She took the Scroll from him with one hand, browsing its contents with morbid curiosity. A weapon that could manipulate blood and drain Aura? Even in her agitated state she had to admit, that
was interesting.
And finally, the offer of a drink came.
"No, thank you." Having seen all she needed for the moment she put the Scroll down, resting one hand on the table and the other on her leg.
"You are an impressive hacker, Tarot. You've proven that point, several times over in fact. Someone like you could indeed be an asset to The Lady's business... however, we have a small problem."The mechanical
clink-clank of her weapon unfolding was a soft, quiet sound, but at this close distance he'd be able to hear it. Just in case, however, she made sure to tap the gun barrel of Chant Thrice on the underside of the table to draw his attention.
"It is my job to, among other things, filter out which clients are brought to The Lady's attention. While many have something to offer -- talents, Lien, useful contacts -- not everyone is good for business. Some pose far more risk than reward, and some..." She now allowed a cold scowl to split the neutral calm, making her emotions clear.
"Don't know the difference between 'can', and 'should'."She leaned towards him slightly, eyes glaring.
"You overplayed your hand. Some things it's best to let rest, and my past is one of them. Now, the only way I let you leave here alive is if you--""Maria, stand down."
The voice, as forceful and firm as it was disguised, came from close to the entrance. There, garbed in flowing black and disorienting reflections, was The Lady herself. Maria stiffened, started, and turned her attention that way -- it was all an act, of course, but she knew how to make it
seem real. So long as Tarot's Semblance stayed in effect the entire theatrical scene would remain unobserved, and if for whatever reason the effect suddenly broke... well, a good actress knew how to improvise.
"My Lady, I--" Maria began, only for her disguised double to silence her with an upheld open hand. The Lady made her way over to the booth with long, purposeful strides, the very image of poise and focused intent.
"I have heard all that has been said. We will address your... indiscretion later, Maria." Reaching Alex's booth, The Lady cast her gaze his way.
"You sought my attention, code-breaker. Now you have it. This business concerning Sanguine Alchemy and the rest is of interest to me. What is your proposal?"