Ernest T. Ford in The Spires

Bright's rp blog for The Spires

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

[eternalouro]

"Regular business shouldn’t be conducted with an iron fish and a gun to the head. Those are final negotiation tactics. You catch more flies with honey, or in this case, gin." Ouro shrugged. "Big Snap’s other associates were happy about the change as well and as a boss people actually like, I don’t necessarily need to sleep with a gun under my pillow." He did anyway just to be safe. "Or worry about one of my own men stabbing me in the back. It’s more beneficial to them that I stay alive."

Big Snap was smart in regard to many things; he was especially good at keeping illegal activity from tying back to him, an example that Ouro hoped to follow. Big Snap however had been a stubborn and ruthless individual, who didn’t hesitate to use force and threats to get what he wanted, Ouro preferred a more persuasive approach and he had no desire to hurt or strong arm people who didn’t deserve it.

"You’ve convinced me, perhaps we can work out a deal, and maybe make each other rich-er in the process."

[brightspires-blog]

"I'm glad to have convinced you.  I do enjoy having more money."  More money meant that he could pay those who deserved it more.  He liked his competent employees a great deal.  They made his life easier.

Ernest poured himself more gin, thinking he probably shouldn't have a fourth drink.  The walk back wasn't terrible, though, so he went for it.

"I'll leave you with a personal business card, then, with my personal number.  It's easier to handle special requests myself since I fired the last guy in charge of dealing with people."  Ernest sighed audibly at the thought.  It had been so bad that it was still awful to think about.  "I can start working on a quote for you, but unless you know the entirety of what you'd like in a pair of wings right now, you ought to book an appointment to speak with some of the engineers and designers who can help you with a combat-ready set of wings.  They will have the in-depth knowledge to help you, and they will be able to give me estimates for prices."

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

[eternalouro]

"I’m afraid I have to ask the obvious question. If you’re so confident in the capability of your new wings, why is your assistant testing them out rather than you? I’m not about to pay whatever price you’ll be asking just to risk my neck on a beta product. I can certainly put them through some rough situations, but I’d prefer to live through the process."  

"As for staying out of the limelight, I plan to for the time, and likewise you don’t need to worry about your product connecting to mafia related business as I also have a vested interest in keeping my hands clean." 

[brightspires-blog]

"A fair concern.  The metal has undergone significant stress testing in the lab and the results were better than anyone had hoped.  Since all we really did was use a new model of wings, that I have personally used before, and used the new titanium metal, there weren't many doubts to be had about the integrity of the wings.  They will hold up better than steel and aluminium.

"Sofija here is putting them through the first field test, so to speak, because she is more likely to put them through more.  I may speed in sports wings, but she flies like an apocalypse is following."  Ernest rolled his eyes.  It was true that Sofija often pulled a lot more aerial stunts than he did, but it wasn't the real reason for her testing them.  "Not to mention, I'd hate to get a new assistant.  I swear I'd never find one more dedicated, organized, and hard working."

The organized part was really a lie.  Ernest was organized enough for two people, and she was more like organized chaos.  But Ouro didn't need to know that.

"You seem quite a lot different from Big Snap.  I can't say I've had too many particularly pleasant meetings with people in the mafia until today."  Ernest remarked, savoring another sip of gin.

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

[eternalouro]

Ouro took a quick glance at Sofija, he had a feeling he knew what kind of tabloids would get on Ernest’s nerves, but he decided not to mention or dwell on the subject.

"A secret you say? Color me interested." Who wouldn’t be interested in a secret? It was a pitch he saw coming from a mile away, but an effective one none the less.

He learned back in his chair casually to listen to what Ernest had to say. “Go on.”

[brightspires-blog]

"Sofija, stand up if you would."  Ernest told his assistant with a gesture.  She opened her wings for display, clearly knowing what Ernest was getting at.

"My company has been experimenting with a new technology for wings that no one else has to date.  Simply put, we've developed a process to make titanium a viable metal to use in wings.  It is such an expensive process that not even my optimistic side foresees it being part of mass production for years to come.  Not a soul outside the group of materials engineers and scientists knows about it, yet.  Sofija is currently testing the very first pair of titanium wings."  Ernest explained, motioning to his assistant's open wings.

"You may have noticed they have a slightly different lustre that is more appealing than steel or aluminium.  Titanium wings are stronger, while being lighter than steel.  They are stronger than aluminium as well, but not quite as light.  I firmly believe the potential of titanium's strength worth the trade for more weight.  Sofija - thankfully, I suppose - doesn't have to put the wings through much strain, but you may just be the person to put the titanium wings to the test."  Ernest discussed objectively.

"I'd prefer if you kept it out of the limelight, even though I'm sure word will get out soon enough.  It's not like anyone else has the funding and resources to get the results with titanium my company has, anyway," Ernest finished his spiel on titanium.  "I had my personal favourite designer create the stunning wings Sofija is wearing, but I can certainly have one of my other professional designers work with you to design a pair of your own.  We were already starting on the materials for a second pair of titanium wings at Wings of Wax, so it won't take quite as long as it would from start to finish.  It isn't cheap to produce titanium in a form that's useful, so I will have to charge a steep price for them.  I'm sure we could work something out."

Ernest was quite proud of this particular innovation.  Titanium was the perfect addition to his company's top sporting wings.  He almost found it a shame Sofija hadn't yet had to test the durability of her wings.  Almost.

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

[eternalouro]

He stared blankly as Ernest burst into laughter in front of him, this was apparently a joke he’d missed. So the tabloids were already writing about him? “Aliens…” He frowned “They really couldn’t think of anything more original?” Still despite the aliens, whoever wrote the tabloid had gotten suspiciously close to the truth and he couldn’t do anything about it. If he were to comment on it at all, if anything were to happen to the reporter, it would only confirm that aspect of the story in the eyes of more legitimate news sources. “I’ll have to give them something more interesting to write about.” 

"Speaking of… forgive my tangent here, but have you considered creating wings for defensive purposes?" He took out a business card for a company called Emperor Industries "Defense contracting and weapons manufacturing, one of my more legitimate businesses." He’d considered crafting the deity weapons using black market funds, but why? There was nothing illegal about weapon development and doing it completely legit would just be another middle fingered salute to the Governess. If he played his cards right, she’d be paying him. Gilded residents and governments alike loved their shiny new toys, and the private defense portion would allow him to make more progress within the Spires without the red tape that bound the police. "If I’m going to be selling defense, a pair of wings that help me advertise that fact would be ideal." 

[brightspires-blog]

"I've long since given up on giving them better things to write about.  There will always be one unsavory tabloid to ruin your day."  Ernest commented.

"As a matter of fact, I have given it a small amount of thought, as of late.  Aluminum of course was never a bad material for it, but I never gave it serious thought until recently.  If you wouldn't mind keeping a secret, I might just have something to fit your needs."  The CEO's lips quirked into a crafty smile.

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

[eternalouro]

He smiled and poured it into two glasses, handing Ernest one and put the bottle in the middle of the table in case Ernest wanted a refill. “I would greatly appreciate it if you kept my name secret for the time being, you know how Cutter is. As for business…”

He extended one of his wings so Ernest could see the full extent of the damage. The golden frame was completely bent to the point where the wing was nearly inoperational and the magenta feathers, what few remained, were shredded. “Obviously I need a new pair. Gold looks pretty, but it’s not strong. I need something that can take some abuse, but doesn’t look plain.” 

[brightspires-blog]

Ernest sipped casually at his gin until Ouro got to the part about Cutter, recalling his last conversation with her, when he coughed a few times before it became laughter.  He cleared his throat, noticing Sofija's subtle raised eyebrow to ask if he was okay, that to others may have expressed concern, but Ernest knew it was really just condescending.

"Funny you should mention her...  I ran into her browsing the tabloids earlier today and they were saying you had risen from the dead, something about aliens, you know.  She didn't believe you were alive or that you'd be running the mafia.  What an unpleasant surprise this will be for her."  He attempted to wipe the smirk off his face.  Ernest liked seeing the Governess in a fit as much as anyone else.

He took another sip, careful not to choke, before addressing the battered wings.

"What a mess..."  Ernest eyed them, leaning his chin against his hand.  "You'll probably need something nice and strong, I'm sure.  I suppose there's the poor man's standard steel.  Or the more expensive aluminium alloy.  It is lighter; works well when it gets cold in the higher reaches of the spires, unlike steel; and it corrodes less readily than steel.  I imagine you would have the funds for aluminium, yes?  Aluminium is a bit of a newer thing, but the Gilded sector has been jumping all over the stuff.  It's making me rich.  Well, more rich."

Ernest grinned deviously.  It wasn't really that he was a greedy person.  It was more that business was like a game to him, and he liked winning.  He paused and considered Sofija's wings for a moment.  Her's were something unheard of in today's technology.  They were titanium and alloys, and performing better than anything thus far.  He continued staring as he contemplated the idea of getting Ouro to test a pair.  They would, of course, come with an insane price tag that would make a dig in even his own coffers.

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

[eternalouro]

"I am Ouroboros Sanfield, but please call me Ouro, I seriously hate my full first name." He inspected the saffron gin. "So you enjoy drinking Meren tears?" he joked about the price of the drink. "I admit though, you have good taste. Juniper first and foremost because it’s gin we’re talking about here, and coriander. The saffron emerges later and leaves a nice aftertaste. Expensive because of the saffron and of course, prohibition.” He placed two glasses on the table “On the rocks?”

[brightspires-blog]

"Mm indeed, it is pricey, even before prohibition, but it always used to be a staple of the Ford's house.  I wouldn't drink it any other way, Ouro."  Ernest smiled genuinely.  "Thank you."

Somehow, Ernest liked this man.  He seemed like he would be pleasant to do business with.  His least favourite were the Gilded ladies, which wasn't hard to discern why.

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

[eternalouro]

The room was decently sized with tables (for poker) and chairs off to the side. There was also a mini bar that could be easily hidden behind a hollow false shelf with the flick of a switch. Ouro had been to the Java Sparrow Cafe a few times, it was an okay place, but he’d had no idea until recently that Big Snap had dealings there. He was the only person in the room and chose to sit at the center table, he wore his suit because business talk demanded it, his hair was still blond, but brown at the roots where the natural color was starting to grow out. He made no effort to hide his identity, although he didn’t know Ernest personally, gilded residents knew of and often recognized each other. How could they not with all the gossiping?

The Pearlcatcher had cleared everyone out and of course there were no cameras (not that it mattered because they would be talking about legal things). The man seemed a little too eager to please his new boss, or maybe he was just following a routine which had been long drilled into his head, either way, it made Ouro feel slightly paranoid.

He was sitting bored, leaning back in his chair, with his feet up on the table and the bottle of Saffron Gin in his hand when he saw Ernest enter. He put his feet on the ground and placed the bottle on the table. “Good afternoon Ernest T. Ford and…” he glanced at the women in the background “Sofija I presume.” 

[brightspires-blog]

"A good afternoon to you, as well...  Might I get a name?"  Ernest asked, maintaining a suave business demeanor.  He really didn't feel that calling him "mob boss" was particularly polite, "yes, this is Sofija."

He walked over to the table and caught sight of the bottle of saffron gin.  Nothing like a bottle of one's favourite alcohol to make one feel like a drink.

[brightspires-blog]

Of Deals and Drinks

Ernest took a moment on the threshold to look over the sign with sky blue and coffee coloured script, and a swooping bird, saying Java Sparrow Cafe.  The place wasn't busy, but it wasn't empty, either.  From the front window, Ernest could see the place had an interesting combination of rich decoration and recycled decoration.  There were many mismatched pieces, yet they somehow came together as they balanced around the space.  As he entered, Sofija followed like a shadow, despite the lightness of her appearance in the new thistle dress she wore.  The place was well lit, providing a pleasant atmosphere, but it was arranged to leave space and obstacles between groups to provide privacy, even though it was small, without being closed off.

The server at the door greeted him immediately, and he gave her the password.  She escorted him to a back room, one of many, and he wondered if the thistle trend had caught on so quickly.  Apparently, he'd underestimated the power he and Ms. Riswell held in trend-setting.

[eternalouro]

A Message from a Shady Stranger

[eternalouro]

"Good point, public place it is then!" He scribbled down an address to a place called Java Sparrow Cafe In the Silver Zone. “It’s a quaint place, a little out of the way, but I hear they have wonderful coffee. Of course you won’t actually want to meet in the cafe area itself if you’re going to be drinking. Give them this password and they’ll escort you to a more private meeting area. My boss will meet you at noon tomorrow. I’m sure you’ll know him when you see him, if anything he’ll be the guy with the Saffron Gin.” 

He ripped the paper out of the notebook and handed it to Ernest. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me Mr. Ford and thank you for choosing a room with no cameras. We look forward to doing business with you.” 

[brightspires-blog]

"It certainly is just as beneficial to me as it is you."  Ernest remarked on the matter of cameras.  He couldn't afford to be caught in illegal business, not that this time it was illegal.

"I suppose I will be there."  Ernest confirmed and stood.  On his way out the door, he paused to ask, not actually waiting for the answer, "naturally, he'll allow my assistant to accompany me?"

[eternalouro]

A Message from a Shady Stranger

[eternalouro]

"I don’t know" The messenger admitted with a smile. "We’re still adjusting to the change in leadership, I know only slightly more about him than you do." He wrote saffron gin down in the notebook “Would you prefer meeting here or in a public place?”

[brightspires-blog]

"Not surprisingly, I'd be plenty happy to meet here, but I'd be surprised if your boss wanted to meet in a building with this many cameras."  Ernest deliberated half to himself in the absent manner he most often spoke in.  It was unusual for him to be attentive in conversation.  He then added, "This room has none, in case you were wondering."

[eternalouro]

A Message from a Shady Stranger

[eternalouro]

"Wings of course. Everything strictly legal." He shrugged "The new boss is very particular about which laws get broken, in what manner and for what reasons." He took out a small notebook and a pen.

"So why am I here? First I need to know how open you are to the idea of doing business with us and in what capacity. My boss was also quite interested in what your preferred drink is."

[brightspires-blog]

"I see.  I think I shall like business with him, then.  Not much to hide."  Ernest spoke half to himself.  This was a pleasant surprise.

"Any legal wings are really just the same deal as with any other client.  If he wants wings, we can make them.

"I like saffron gin best.  If your boss wants wings, he'll have to let me know what he wants.  We have nearly everything under the sun available to us for custom wings, too.  Anything in particular he was looking for?"

[eternalouro]

A Message from a Shady Stranger

[eternalouro]

"The Mafia" He said bluntly. Of course he’d already checked the room for cameras and listening devices, sometimes it was a good thing when important people made him wait.

[brightspires-blog]

"So the mafia is still running then." Ernest stated, rather than asked.  He raised an eyebrow as he posed the question most concerning him, "what business does the mafia have with my company?"

[eternalouro]

A Message from a Shady Stranger

[eternalouro]

"Well well" The Pearlcatcher smirked "If it isn’t Mr. Ernest T. Ford himself." The messenger didn’t offer his hand for a handshake, why should a man of Ernest’s status even care? "If you haven’t already guessed, I’m not here to represent myself." He sat casually, sipping his coffee. He didn’t appear to be a typical thug, he was unassuming, not intimidating, just overall average, even dressed halfway decent. A criminal who made an effort to look so plain was a smart criminal. "Also you have wonderful coffee, I’m guessing your assistant over there made it?"

[brightspires-blog]

"She did."  Ernest replied, ignoring the fact that the man had skipped formalities.  Not that he really wanted to shake that man's hand, anyhow.  This guy seemed pretty average, but who was he here for?

"Whose business are you here on?"  He asked, staring out the window from his seat, expressing some disinterest.

[eternalouro]

A Message from a Shady Stranger

[eternalouro]

The Pearlcatcher waited impatiently in the conference room, he wasn’t surprised he’d been told to wait and he wouldn’t be surprised if the person who stepped through the door wasn’t even Ernest T. Ford at all, but rather some lesser messenger… sort of like him. He decided to make himself comfortable and help himself to the complimentary coffee, this might take awhile, but it’s not like he had anything better to do. 

[brightspires-blog]

Ernest stepped into the room at exactly the half hour mark.   Sofija opened the door saying, "Mr. Ernest T. Ford has arrived."

He entered the room to see a pearlcatcher with a coffee, waiting for him.  The man looked a little bored.  Ernest knew he probably shouldn't bother doing any business himself, but he did get bored, and he liked working with the people doing special orders.  Usually these kinds of business inquiries were of that nature, so he met with them personally.

Part of him wished he was more patient, though.  If he had been, he could have made this guy wait until tomorrow.

[eternalouro]

A Message from a Shady Stranger

A plain looking man in business casual showed up early in the morning at the front desk of Wings of Wax. He was an extremely unremarkable thirty something Pealcatcher with brown hair and brown eyes. He asked to speak with Mr. Ford. He did not give his name or the company he represented. The only reasons he gave were “A lucrative business proposition” and “Mr. Ford will understand.” 

[brightspires-blog]

The phone rang.

Ernest caught the ball he had been tossing in the air above him repeatedly.  He was procrastinating today.  The only thing that needed to get done had been a meeting earlier, so he had dropped himself into a comfortable position laying on his bed.

"Are you going to take that?"  Sofija asked, though Ernest figured she knew the answer.

Sofija stuck her tongue out at him before reaching for the phone at her desk and answering it anyway.

"Hello, Sofija speaking."  This phone line was only called by people in the company, so they already knew who they were calling.  After a pause, his assistant relayed the message, then, "are you going to meet with this guy?"

"Whatever.  Conference Room 524.  A half hour." Ernest replied with a bored expression.  He may as well.  Sofija said goodbye and hung up, holding back laughter at Ernest's behavior.  This was why he had someone to answer calls.  The board would kill him for this kind of behavior.  Maybe they were already planning to do so.  Who knew?

With a sigh, Ernest began lazily making himself presentable.  He didn't need the time to get ready.  He'd be ready in a few minutes.  But this was a messenger, so Ernest would make him wait and meet him there, Sofija in tow.  He might need her if this was some scum with illegal business.  Ernest never did trust them too much.

[nunalyn-deactivated20230716]

Visiting the Shops

[nunalyn-deactivated20230716]

Nuna smiles more, her face lighting up. “Perfect. I’m sure you’ll have a good time.”

[brightspires-blog]

"I'll see you there, then."  Ernest nodded his farewell, then finished his business in the shop.

He walked out having bought the thistle paisley tie, and an appointment to get something nice for his assistant.  She was getting rid of  a few out-of-style items from her wardrobe and discreetly giving them to a charity that reuses fabric from the impractical Gilded clothing to make practical things for those who had very little in Rusted.  Sofija liked this charity, so Ernest had a tendency to donate money to it, as well as clothing.

[eternalouro]

Spinning Stories

[eternalouro]

"The fire was apparently started by an unattended cigar, but neighbors reported a lot of shooting beforehand so something most certainly happened." She shrugged "I admit I’m curious to know who’s taken over, there’s not enough warfare between Mafia families to say the position is still open. I’m certain it’s been filled, but whomever it is, they’re under the radar."

"…for now."

She sighed in exasperation “Unfortunately I can’t seem to get cooperation from the police. Chief Amazonite is never in the office, she’s off doing something irresponsible no doubt. No wonder the Mafia run this place.” 

[brightspires-blog]

"Hm.  Could be true."  Ernest nodded a reply.  "Food for idle minds, I suppose."

Ernest himself was also curious about the what was happening with the mafia these days.  He hadn't dealt with them recently, but he may need to find out about what business he might be able to get from them now, if at all.  They often paid well to get wing-related items that were either illegal or near impossible to come by.  Dealings with them could potentially make their lives easier and add a little extra cash to Ernest's already gold-lined pockets.