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Post by Doug Ramsey on Aug 21, 2007 7:30:14 GMT -4
Douglas Aaron Ramsey was having one of those days.
Sometimes, it just felt like he was the only one who had any clue that they were in a desperate war with the humans, and that it would take intelligence and strategy and tact to win, not brute strength or a lazy reliance on mutant powers and supremacy.
Never underestimate the opposition, that was one lesson of life Douglas Ramsey learned quickly as a boy. Unlike most of his brethren, Doug's mutant genes only affected how his brain functioned. He wasn't tougher, faster, or stronger than any other 16 year old Homo Inferior teen that might have been trained like he had been. Which meant, of course, that the more physically gifted mutants considered him powerless for practical purposes.
But for a powerless wimp, Douglas had amassed a hell of a resume by the tender age of 16.
The youngest cadet to ever be inducted into SHIELD.
The youngest recipient of the Imperial Medal of Honor.
The youngest Imperial Cabinet Member.
Director of the Imperial Secret Service.
Inventor of WARLOCk, the computer OS that made everything else obsolete, along with hundreds of applications.
One of the top five richest people on the planet.
At age 16, not only was he feared for what he could do as the Director of the Imperial Secret Service, but he was on the list of Most Eligible Bachelors, and thus, had quite a following of fangirls.
Of course, this all meant nothing to Douglas, simply because sincerity generally lacked in those who attempted to cater to his whims, and those who were sincere weren't interested in catering to his whims.
This led to a lonely life for Magneto's wunderkind, where work, not play was the primary time killer. Douglas was only as valuable as his contribution to the Imperial cause, and contrary to popular belief, Douglas wasn't as convinced as his rivals and peers of his immunity to being replaced. He had already designed computer programs that were far more efficient in detecting lies than the old fashion lie detectors, so that talent was replaced. Douglas had also designed computer programs that learned and translated languages nearly as intuitively as he did, and that replaced his mutant talent as well. The only thing going for Douglas was, in truth, the fact that it was he that had unearthed the plot against Magneto by fellow mutants and human terrorists calling themselves the Friends of Humanity, just before the plan came to fruition. In essence, Doug's very position in the New World Order was simply a matter of a blood debt... which could be considered paid in full, if the matter was pushed.
So, the boy genius toiled harder, driven to prove himself. For some reason, it was okay to be a genius if you had some sort of physical defect. The Imperial Works were headed by Forge, a mutant inventor whom Douglas had great fondness for, but no one gave Forge any attitude or flack, thanks to him being handicapped due to injuries recieved in the War of Ascension. Henry McCoy was a geneticist of unparelleled prestige, and yet, he was accepted with open arms, simply because he looked like the Cookie Monster. Doug appeared like a regular normal non-powered human, and therefore, chastised as abnormal.
He rubbed his temple, a slow throbbing quietly building up behind his eyes.
Another long night at the office. So many files, and honestly, not enough people he could trust with them. He had originally arranged to take his dinner in his penthouse suite at the top of the Ivory Tower, but called down at the last minute to the kitchens to have it rerouted to the office instead.
[TAG: Purity]
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Post by Tatiana on Aug 21, 2007 13:43:12 GMT -4
Tatiana gave the counter one last swipe with her washcloth. The main busy part of her day was winding down. Nothing had been out of the usual. They had prepared massive amounts of food for the Royal family and all those in the castle. And as usual a lot had been eaten and a lot hadn't. Most was donated to those mutant causes deemed worthy, and some was used to feed the staff. They were now operating on a quarter of the staff. Most had been sent to other duties.
It was high time she was done and back home to sit and read away the hours til she had to work again. Tati didn't mind it, it paid very well. And she did have a lot of free time. But never really much to do in that free time. That is why she usually put in the overtime. Now was the time when a few higher ups sent for meals to be taken to various places over the castle. The ones who worked through normal meal times. She normally recognized the names and knew what each person liked on their meal tray.
An inferior came rushing in waving a note. "This was just called down." The servant handed her the note and scurried away.
Tatiana's eyes scanned the note and she smiled. Well, maybe it had been a good idea to hang around. "I will handle this one myself." She said to the servant who was about to pick up the tray and head up to Ramsey's office. It wasn't a heavy tray, so she didn't mind the walk to his office. Hoping that he would be surprised, but happy, to see her, Tati picked up the meal tray and began her way. He had said he would see her in the kitchens, but that was days ago.
It was a quick walk and the hallway soon brought Tatiana to the door that she had been looking for. Not often was she in this part of the castle. Well, never in fact. She balanced the tray on her shoulder and knocked on the door with her free hand.
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Post by Doug Ramsey on Aug 21, 2007 19:34:58 GMT -4
//Unknown mutant requesting ISS Executive elevator.
//Cross-referencing mutant database.
//Acquired.
//Subject: Tatiana Beckinsdale.
//Profile: Castle personnel. Food Service detail.
//Authorized: by Douglas Ramsey for limited access, duty related.
//Guiding Miss Beckinsdale to office location.
[[Frienddoug. Tatiana Beckinsdale is now approaching the office door.]]
Doug looked up, one hand still rubbing his temple, the eyestrain of the computer monitors taking their toll. In a day filled with half-assed ineptitude, suddenly there seemed promise of a moment of sunshine in the long dreary haze of tedium and stress.
"Thanks, 'lock." Doug nodded. "Save files, close programs." Doug stretched, his collar unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up, jacket slung over the back of the armchair sitting before the fireplace. He flexed his toes, the digits wiggling within the black dress socks of his shoeless feet, the black patent shoes having been kicked off nearly an hour ago.
"ZEN lighting, 'lock, but don't run the sequence, please." Doug commanded, the room lighting softening, and a relaxing, hypnotic pulsing unregisterable to the naked eye began to thrum. It's as much for my benefit as it is for hers, he mused, as long as 'lock doesn't run the sequence, the most that it'll do is relax us both while it runs. I'm nervous enough as it is, so I can only imagine how dear sweet Tatiana is feeling right now.
[[Acknowledged, Frienddoug.]]
"'lock, play Classical Piano mix #2, one-quarter volume." Doug instructed the system, which complied nearly instantaneously. "Very good. Random sequence, please."
[[Acknowledged, Frienddoug.]]
The knock at the door was nearly imperceptable. A soft feminine touch, indeed.
"'lock, let Tatiana in." Doug said, rising from the chair behind the desk.
[[Acknowledged, Frienddoug.]]
The door lock cycled and automatically hissed open.
"Come in, Tatiana." Doug smiled, "Its so good to see you again. What brings you to 'Know-it-all Central'?"
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Post by Tatiana on Aug 21, 2007 22:14:38 GMT -4
A friendly voice reached her ears as the door swung open. Tatiana stepped lightly inside, holding the tray in front of her. "Your food. You had requested it to be brought to your office, and I just happened to be hanging around after my normal work hours." She smiled. Her eyes were looking for a place to set the tray down, but never having done this before,she wasn't sure where it usually went.
As offices went, Tatiana was sure this one had to be among the best. Soft music seemed to be very relaxing. She had the urge to stiffle a yawn, and all her worry about coming relatively unannounced was slipping away. "I hope I'm not interupting your work."
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Post by Doug Ramsey on Aug 22, 2007 5:08:24 GMT -4
Doug chuckled, briskly stepping around the desk, his sock covered feet softly padding against the think carpeting as he quickly approached Tatiana, and prompted her into handing him the large tray. "May I, please?"
He took the tray over to the low coffee table before the settee by the fireplace, and gracefully placed it down.
"'lock, ignite fireplace, 33 percent." Doug muttered softly, as the fireplace suddenly roared to life.
[[Acknowledged, Frienddoug.]]
"My dear Tatiana," Doug turned and bowed, his hands indicating the settee beside him, "The day that I prefer perusing files and information that, honestly, could be handled by my subordinates versus enjoying what little time our busy lives allow us to spend with each other...?"
Doug made a pistol with his forefinger and thumb, put it to his head and 'pulled the trigger'.
"Please," he grinned sheepishly. "You'd be doing us both a favor. Now, why don't you come over here and tell me what we are having for dinner... because to be honest, 'lock orders it for me. I've not directly ordered a meal from the kitchens in nearly a year."
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Post by Tatiana on Aug 22, 2007 12:00:29 GMT -4
"Thank you." Tatiana replied when offered a seat. She leaned forward and removed the top of the tray. Placing it to the side, she began to tell him what had been prepared. "Well, your program orders very well for you. It has some of everything that you might like, I'm sure there is extra in fact."
She looked over the tray. "For starters, you have some nice roast beef sandwiches, and dipping sauce to go with them if you like. And small salads. Some small pasta salads as well. To drink, there are several juices. And desert has brought several types of cooies, and a few pieces of pie." Tati paused for breath. "I believe the order involved 'some of everything'. Which is generally something we do get for an order." She crossed her fingers behind her back that Doug would approve.
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Post by Doug Ramsey on Aug 22, 2007 17:05:19 GMT -4
Doug winked conspiratorially.
"Well, its the late night munchies that 'lock prepares for," he whispered low, smiling. "I find my mind still racing at the end of the day, and I'm expecting my last growth spurt any time now." Doug grabbed his right forearm with one hand and gave it a squeeze while flexing his arm underneath the dress shirt. "Biceps of steel." He laughed, and leaned forward, sliding his hand over hers.
"I daresay that there is definitely enough for both of us, don't you think?" Doug raised his eyebrows, a relaxed smile upon his face, disheveled blonde hair whisping down over his right eye. "Would you care to join me for dinner?"
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Post by Tatiana on Aug 22, 2007 19:43:38 GMT -4
Tatiana smiled shyly. "You wouldn't mind?" She would love to spend more time here with him. All her shyness from the other night seemed to have come flooding back into her system. She gave a small laugh. "It would be a better meal than the day old chinese take-out I have waiting for me back at my apartment."
She looked around the comfortable office. "I can't believe you work here all day. It seems so nice and comfy. I mean, the kitchens here are large and have everything a caterer could want. But you have a fireplace and music!"
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Post by Doug Ramsey on Aug 22, 2007 19:56:51 GMT -4
"Remember, Tatiana..." Doug smiled again, "I entertain dignitaries, governors, and all the high ranking Courtesans here, in one capacity or another." He leaned in close, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone, as he winked again, "Besides, its part of my contract. I told them since I was expected to practically live in my office doing my duties, the least they could do for me was make it hospitable and homey."
He noted her nervousness flared up, nothing radical, but he read the signs, and backed away, reaching for the tray.
He plucked the salad up and placed it before them, grabbing the silverware. He twirled the fork in his nimble fingers, and stabbed it into the leafy mix.
"It appears that we only have settings for one," he said, lifting the small forkful up, and offering it to her, holding it steady in front of her face. "I'm not afraid to share, if you aren't."
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Post by Tatiana on Aug 23, 2007 23:23:49 GMT -4
"Of course I don't mind." Tatiana replied and took a tiny nibble of the offered salad. It was very good as expected. She paused to swallow, and then smiled. "Lovely of course." This was indeed the perfect setting for an evening meal.
"You meet so many important people in your job. I can't even imagine." Tati tried to think if she had met any famous people, well, none really personally besides Doug. "I think you are the single important person I have ever actually spoken to liek this. Mostly people just ask me which way to the cake table."
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Post by Doug Ramsey on Aug 24, 2007 16:35:46 GMT -4
"Then, Tatiana," Doug chuckled, removing the fork, and aiming for a nice portion of the salad, "They are blind, and they are fools." He stabbed the salad, as if in emphasis, lifting the leafy mix upwards, "...and I? I am the most fortunate benefactor of that stupidity." He definitively chomped the salad off the fork, like a shark swallowing its prey mercilessly, with a conspiratorial wink.
He chewed thoughtfully for a moment, before swallowing.
"As far as the 'important' people go," Doug shrugged, "when you are as close to them as I am, you discover one thing. They are no different than anyone else, except for their ego and sense of entitlement." He raised another forkful of the salad to Tatiana's lips.
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Post by Tatiana on Aug 26, 2007 22:14:23 GMT -4
Tatiana took another neat bite and nodded. When she had swallowed, she spoke. "I get the ego thing. I have seen some outrageous characters to be sure." She gave a small laugh. "You would simply not believe some of the odd requests my boss has had. Yes, above all and most importantly he works for the King, but that doesn't mean I am not sent out on the odd catering job for some really rich people." She shook her head in mirth.
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Post by Doug Ramsey on Aug 31, 2007 2:19:33 GMT -4
Doug laughed softly. "I can only imagine what gets ordered for Guido Carosella or Jeanne-Marie Beaubier." Doug paused, looking thoughtful, then chuckled. "Actually, I don't think I want to know."
Doug took another bite, then looked over the drink selections, offering Tatiana her choice of the variety that his APE* ordered.
"So, my dear... I could have looked up everything there is to know about you in your personnel file, but..." Doug picked out a pineapple-papaya-mango-passionfruit juice mix for himself, and poured it into the ornate palace glassware that had been provided by the kitchen, "I think that would have been cheating, and far less enjoyable than to hear you tell me yourself. Especially since I really like hearing your laugh."
Doug leaned back, stretching one arm behind his head, looking almost Vogue in appearance, as he sipped the juice, his eyes looking at the dark beauty before him caressed in soft fire light.
"Tell me something. Tell me something about you. Tell me something you don't want me to know. Tell me something that means something. Tell me something real."
*Artificial Personal Executive
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Post by Tatiana on Sept 2, 2007 22:03:35 GMT -4
Tatiana took a small cup of simple water. She bent her head down in thought as to his request. Hmmm, something straight from her heart then. There really wasn't that much people didn't know about her, but only a few things came to mind.
"Well, I used to have the nickname Tati when I was at home. Kinda different. I never talk about home much. I did leave under not so great circumstances there." The young lady paused, she hated speaking of her past, and her inferior parents. She had never even found out what had happened to them, or her brother.
"I have a small apartment as close as possible to here, so I don't have far to drive. I own a cat and live by myself." Tatiana smiled. Her apartment was rather plain, and decorated mostly in cat hair. "It's kinda embarassing, I'm the single cat lady of the apartment building." She hoped he didn't laugh. "I now that isn't much, but its my life. I love working with food, and never really have the time or energy to concentrate on much else. Thats just me. My small place and work."
She closed her eyes in thought. When she opened them again, her thoughts were a little troubled. "And I often wonder why people don't need my help more often." This was what she spent the most time thinking of. "I mean, I know food is my job, and I love it, but I can really heal people. Why was I never given a special job working with the injured and hurt? Am I that easy to over look? I can take the poison from the air, or food even." Tati shook her head. "I'm sorry, I tend to ramble at times, and I never tell people this unless they think me unhappy at my job, which I'm not."
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Post by Doug Ramsey on Sept 3, 2007 7:33:22 GMT -4
She grabbed a water, and paused for a moment, when Doug asked her his most important questions. It didn't surprise him, as she weighed and thought about the very nature of the questions themselves. After all, what insane individual would actually come out and ask things like this?
"Well, I used to have the nickname Tati when I was at home. Kinda different. I never talk about home much. I did leave under not so great circumstances there."
She squirmed, not so much physically as subtly, as if merely drudging up the memories forced her mind into places that she didn't want to be. Something significant drove her from her home, of that Doug could be certain. Something that hurt her, a lot.
"I have a small apartment as close as possible to here, so I don't have far to drive. I own a cat and live by myself." she said with a smile, proud and happy with this accomplishment. "It's kinda embarassing, I'm the single cat lady of the apartment building." Doug smiled at her, in reassurance. The last thing he wanted to do was trivialize her life, when she was obviously making an effort to answer one him openly and honestly, which is exactly what he asked her to do. "I know that isn't much, but its my life. I love working with food, and never really have the time or energy to concentrate on much else. Thats just me. My small place and work."
She closed her eyes, and Doug saw the crease in her brow, as she wrestled with whatever it was she was about to say, with some inner turmoil and difficulty. "And I often wonder why people don't need my help more often. I mean, I know food is my job, and I love it, but I can really heal people. Why was I never given a special job working with the injured and hurt? Am I that easy to over look? I can take the poison from the air, or food even." Tatiana shook her head. "I'm sorry, I tend to ramble at times, and I never tell people this unless they think me unhappy at my job, which I'm not."
Doug understood that feeling, and could sympathize. He had been consumed with that when he had first been chosen to serve in SHIELD, and found himself being seen as only a walking translator, useless for anything other than repeating words.
"Tati..." Possibly awkward, considering the negative connotations attached to her former home, and it being the source of the nickname. Good job, Douglas. Doug paused. "I..."
He looked into her green? blue? eyes, leaning forward, his fingertips tracing her cheek briefly before clasping her hands. "You are not easy to overlook. I've not been able to take my eyes from you since we first met. And while you think you are unimportant, and your job is trivial... its not true. Its your talents that make sure nothing harmful reaches the King or his Court. And if something were to happen to the King, do you not think that you would be called? He keeps you close at hand because you DO have value, Tati. That you should love your work, too, is a blessing. At a hospital, you would merely be just another mutant healer... but here, in the Castle? You are as a trusted Knight, who serves and defends her King with all her love and might, keeping him safe from the most sly of assassins. Who else can make this claim with such reserved modesty?"
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