Illicit Permission

[ngm_xsyndicate]

The man that arrived at the Hellfire Club manor looked like a paunchy, red-bearded man in his forties. In truth this was a highly convincing illusion created by an "illusion bubble" around the man's body. Giving his birth name to the butler, Harrison Turks, rather than his alias, Boss Grey was guided into the building for his building. He took a deep, calming breath, steadying himself. He was a dangerous man who'd taken more than his share of lives, but he was not deluded. He knew the person he was about see could filet him with a thought, but this was necessary if the syndicate was going to make in-roads into the Northeast.

"Wait here. I will inform the Black Queen of your arrival."

Grey just nodded, metaphorically putting his game-face on.

Comments

[ngm_hellfire]

Selene was looking through the assembled dossiers of those vying to be in the inner circle. She had the reports printed out because she liked the old school feel of paper. Those that didn't make her list ended up in the nearby fireplace. The other Lords Cardinal had their own lists. They would gather soon to put the fate of the newest Inner Circle on track.

Though she did have one other minor piece of business to attend to. A pawn nervously interrupted her ponderings. She simply nodded to him and shoved the Braddock girl's dossier back into the pile of folders.

She settled back in her throne-like chair and awaited her visitor.

[ngm_xsyndicate]

The butler ushered him in before promptly leaving when Grey was inside.

"Thank you for seeing me, Madame," he said with a bow. "My name is Harrison Turks. I represent an organization that would like to do business in this city. However we know and respect the Club's longstanding presence and have no desire to cause potential misunderstanding. Which is why I requested this opportunity to discuss potential arrangements."

[ngm_hellfire]

She waved a slightly dismissive hand at being thanked for an audience. While appropriate on his part, she had other business to attend to. Her eyes narrowed momentarily as something very slightly seemed off.

"Have a seat, Mr. Turks. Your obeyance to some of New York's illicit customs is appreciated." She gestured to a smaller chair on the opposite side of a small, mahogany table. "What sort of arrangements are you looking to have granted?"

[ngm_xsyndicate]

Grey made his way over, taking the indicated seat. Grey released the bubble, showing his true, almost Roswell-looking appearance. The illusion was necessary on the streets. In here however, attempting any kind of deception could be dangerous.

"My associates and I specialize in the maximum potential of mutants to profit in illegal arenas that humans just can't achieve. Someone wants diamonds out of Africa, we can get a teleporter to bring them in quick. Someone needs a guy dead without an obvious cause, we provide the proper talent. Basically Madame we can do whatever the Maggia, the Kingpin, or the Pride can do, but we can do it better and more efficiently. We would like permission for one of our top people to set up a branch of our outfit here in the city. Whatever the Club wants us to keep our hands out of, we can do it. Though we can also do business if you're interested."

[ngm_hellfire]

Selene didn't even bat an eyelash at the change in appearance. Though she did appreciate he was wise enough to drop the facade in front of her.

"I assume your main base of operations remains outside New York City, where mutant or not, you will need standing to survive the over-abundance of... altruists around every corner in bright costumes." When she said 'altruists' it sounded like she wanted the word out of her mouth as soon as possible.

She glanced at the dossiers. "If you plan to make major moves, you will reach out to my personal network of affiliates. I will smooth over any raised hackles of those who matter. If you just wish to be the street kings of illegal activity, you seem to already have the correct idea of what needs to be done. Though all of this will not be largesse, there is a price for such permission and favor granted."

Her gaze on him was steady to watch his reaction.

[ngm_xsyndicate]

"Of course. We prefer to attract as little of that kind of attention as possible," he agreed, his own tone indicating he had as little use for altruists as Selene. "We're not interested in any high and mighty pro-mutant cause, just the enrichment of our membership." He nods in understanding. "Understood. The syndicate is prepared to repay your generosity."

[ngm_hellfire]

"I don't want or need monetary remuneration. Once a year, you will pay me a favor. Something that is within your organization's ability to do. Any other things I need done your organization will be appropriately compensated for, but one free favor per year." She tapped her index finger idly on the arm of her chair.

[ngm_xsyndicate]

Grey thought on that before nodding.

"I believe the Board will find these terms reasonable."

[ngm_hellfire]

"Once they do, you're free to move your enterprises within the city without interference from the Inner Circle of the the Hellfire Club." Which was the most important part of the whole social club.

[ngm_xsyndicate]

He nods once more. "Thank you. When the Board agrees to your terms, do you want contact information for whomever we choose to send as our representative?"

[ngm_hellfire]

"That would be best." She brushed her hand over a spot on the table. When the motion stopped, her fingers were lightly gripping the stem of a glass filled with a dark red liquid.

"Anything else you need?"

[ngm_xsyndicate]

"No, thank you. You've graciously given me enough of your time." Grey stood up, a new illusion bubble returning him to his human disguise. "We'll be in contact once arrangements are made."