Slow Motion From the Shadows ((Emma Frost first & then others))

[vesper_verde]

Marcelo Jaoquim Alencar da Silva double-checked that everything had been in order before he left the penthouse. This business meeting was vastly important. It had many aspects he had to juggle in both parts. He had gone through the right channels to get this meeting at Frost International.

Sage and Stephanie had given him pointers on things outside of the realm business. The business end he could handle; everything else that mattered he would take pointers on. He had a ring on his right hand to block cursory telepathic scans. He was assured if Emma Frost really wanted in his mind, she would get there. So, he had to be careful not to think of things, even in passing, about his secret identity. The ring would help remind him.

He walked confidently into Frost International in his tailored dark gray suit. The appointment had been set. He had made sure it was before school started at Stephanie's alma mater and it was with Emma Frost herself. Patrolling had been light the night before so Marcelo moved smoothly into the building.

He caught his reflection in a surface. There was a brief satisfied smile at what he saw. His double-breasted wool suit fit perfectly. His white, cotton shirt helped his emerald green silk knit tie stand out as an accent. He reached up and adjusted his cotton pocket square slightly with the hand not holding his leather briefcase. His silver cuff links caught a sparkle of light from the motion. His newer leather ankle boots, thankfully, did not squeak as he strode across the small expanse of floor to the reception desk.

"Bom dia," he greeted the receptionist with a smile. "Marcelo Alencar da Silva to see Ms. Frost."

Comments

[vesper_verde]

"Ah, good. You're not too deep into anything." He moved into the room and shut the door behind him. What they would talk about did not need to leak out into the general office atmosphere. Marcelo then moved easily to settle into the indicated chair.

"Things went well with Ms. Frost. She's willing to help us against Shaw." He crossed one leg over the other. "But I decided to pop in to see what you have on Reginald Crane. And to start you on another task in regards to Shaw's downfall."

[thelivingcomputer]

In truth, it didn't matter how deep she was focused on anything. Her brain could compartmentalize and multitask better than most super computers. Still, she appreciated the consideration.

"I suspected she might." Shaw had no shortage of enemies. "I've assembled a file for you." She reached for a side drawer on her desk, unlocked it with a thumbprint scan, and fished out a data stick to hand him.

"It's secured to our servers. You can look it over at your leisure."

[vesper_verde]

He took the data stick with a thankful nod. He would look it over in his office. Marcelo stuck it in the breast pocket of his jacket.

"Good. Thank you." He settled back in the chair. He calmly folded his hands on his lap.

"The next thing I need done starts our more direct actions against Shaw. I need you to dig into his political connections. Find whomever in the government has ties to him and find out any dirt they have themselves. We'll help with those calls for transparency that people want. I also need you to find any ways Shaw has tried to pull something over on the government in his dealings with them."

[thelivingcomputer]

"You're planning to go after him through the judicial system?" It was an interesting thought. Some had tried before, but they were mostly humans working with human limitations. Those in the mutant community who'd tried generally defaulted to force. A combination of the tactics would be interesting.

"I'll start assembling data on his associates and their connections. It shouldn't be too difficult, given his ego." She'd bet anything they'd find more than a few politicians with their hands in Shaw's pockets.

[vesper_verde]

"That is a route to take. We need to investigate that. As well as get information that can leak and destroy the public's perception of him. Particularly check the politicians in Pennsylvania. Stephanie said that with the manufacturing for Shaw Industries done there, they're apt to be in his grasp." Marcelo needed to hit on multiple fronts. He couldn't do just one way. He really couldn't do it by force. He was aware of his limitations. Stephanie's father had survived this long, so it needed to be all out to work.

"We just need to make sure Shaw Industries itself will be standing at the end of these 'revelations.' Stephanie wants to have her legacy and use it for good."

[thelivingcomputer]

"As you wish." All out destruction would be easier and potentially more satisfying, but seeing Shaw out of business would be sufficient.The man was long past due for a tumble and Sage was all too willing to help make it happen.

"Anything else?"

[vesper_verde]

He took a moment to consider her question. She could probably handle more tasks than this, but he would have trouble keeping track of all the things they were juggling.

"That should do for now. Thank you, Sage. For all your help."