rock steady

Irishman on a mission.

[thecelticwarriorsheamus]

[rocksteady-ginger]

A beer....and a brawl, maybe....

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

rocksteady-ginger:

Stephen looked around once more. He had no real idea how much money might come out of the deal for Claudio in the end. He could suspect though that he would not take any risk if the amount would not ne accordingly high. Plus, with Russians involved, there was always a lot of money on the table. He ran his fingertips through his beard for a moment. He could not overdo for a first job, but he could not sell himself under value. Thoughtfully, he named his prize, just the number. [whatever might be suitable, I have no idea ^^]

Claudio didn’t show if the number shot at him was too high or too low. On the inside, he smirked. The Swiss had worked with many different people, and he knew what he had in mind, the price range he had set for the job, but he loved to find out how his opposite went about money. Stephen was not cheap, but he was not underselling his work. Claudio would save a bit if he agreed, and yet it showed that Stephen knew his numbers as well.

“I think we have a deal, Mr. Farrelly. You get your price, a new suit…” And a possibility to make a lot more money if Claudio needed him again because, thus far, it looked all more than promising. Promising, safe, calculated. Just like Claudio liked it.

[rocksteady-ginger]

“Pretty good!” This had been a real smooth negotiation, and if this job would work out fine for both sides in the end, there might be more business in the future. “I take it that you will be provide the exact date some time in advance?” he asked, nevertheless holding his hand out to Claudio to seal the deal.

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

rocksteady-ginger:

Stephen saw the whole suit idea rather as entertaining than an issue, but he wondered if people would not rather take him less seriously in such an unlikely style than in his usual. But if the prize was right, he would not argue about it. If they underestimated him, it might even come in handy. He shrugged. “I have no problem with that.” People in this kind of business knew the danger. And the more private the place for their appointment was, the better. “If the looks are important, then you surely don’t want to get there in a pick up truck. We can go for the cliché SUV. But in the end, I don’t mind, as long as we both fit in and the thing is capable of some good speed.”

Claudio nodded in silence. So Stephen would not be all up his game for having to waste some human life. That was good. Not that Claudio ever took a life himself, but he had persuaded quite a few people to do that for him. “I shall have just the perfect ride prepared.” After all, Claudio had an assortment of different cars to choose from, down to the Mini. “Which leads us to the last question.” The Swiss man pushed himself off the table and went back to his chair, sitting down with his elbows up on the desk. “What is your price?”

[rocksteady-ginger]

Stephen looked around once more. He had no real idea how much money might come out of the deal for Claudio in the end. He could suspect though that he would not take any risk if the amount would not ne accordingly high. Plus, with Russians involved, there was always a lot of money on the table. He ran his fingertips through his beard for a moment. He could not overdo for a first job, but he could not sell himself under value. Thoughtfully, he named his prize, just the number. [whatever might be suitable, I have no idea ^^]

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

rocksteady-ginger:

Stephen arched his eyebrows. Was the guy really talking about a suit? “Why do you fear it? And in case we /are/ talking about a suit - I don’t have one.” Of all the things he could come up with, this was definitely one he could not provide. “Metal and concrete means I can shake the ground a bit, but not make the walls come down the way I want them to.”

“It’s just an expression.” Claudio waved his hand before folding his arms in front of his chest again. He was sporting a suit even now, so… “The suit is no issue. I have a personal tailor who will take care of that. On my costs, of course. As soon as we come to an agreement, we can schedule an appointment for the fitting.” And, again, if Stephen would prove himself, Claudio would need him in a suit more often. An investment, that was what it was. “Well, we do not want to wreck the whole place and call unneeded attention to us. The question is if you are able not only to protect yourself and your employer but if you would also go the extra mile to get rid of people that saw too much.”

[rocksteady-ginger]

Stephen saw the whole suit idea rather as entertaining than an issue, but he wondered if people would not rather take him less seriously in such an unlikely style than in his usual. But if the prize was right, he would not argue about it. If they underestimated him, it might even come in handy. He shrugged. "I have no problem with that." People in this kind of business knew the danger. And the more private the place for their appointment was, the better. "If the looks are important, then you surely don't want to get there in a pick up truck. We can go for the cliché SUV. But in the end, I don't mind, as long as we both fit in and the thing is capable of some good speed."

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

rocksteady-ginger:

Stephen slowly scratched his beard. This was most interesting to learn. Whatever he wanted? If this was true, then it was a mighty ability - as long as he was speaking a language people understood and he could avood a sore throat. “Comes most likely in quite handy with business….

Ok. Intimidation. I am rather immune to blades and bullets when I turn. It might yet people off, the sight, but I believe, if we get to the point of blades and bullets, that will not matter much amymore. Otherwise, brick walls are good if we decide to take an unexpected way out. Concrete is not as good. I can’t do as much in such a case.” Apart from making the ground shake. “I don’t have to wear a suit, have I?”

Claudio smiled the smile of a knowing man. Not only business. And yet, there were restrictions, but Stephen did not have to know about them, at least not yet. Then he nodded. “No one who pulls a weapon on me survives, one way or the other. By that time, it certainly doesn’t matter who saw what because no one will be able to tell a tale.” Or however that English idiom worked.

The brick wall part was slightly peculiar though. “I am fairly certain that we are talking about metal and concrete, yet I never paid close attention to the actual building stock before.” Maybe something to consider if Stephen delivered a job well done and could be worked with in the future. “I fear that I will indeed need you to have to wear something fitting my business identity. I can give you relative freedom in picking the mode of transportation though. Or the ‘set of wheels’ as it is apparently called here.”

[rocksteady-ginger]

Stephen arched his eyebrows. Was the guy really talking about a suit? "Why do you fear it? And in case we /are/ talking about a suit - I don't have one." Of all the things he could come up with, this was definitely one he could not provide. "Metal and concrete means I can shake the ground a bit, but not make the walls come down the way I want them to."

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

rocksteady-ginger:

Stephen had glanced around to take in the details of his surroundings, but had returned his focus to the man in front of him when he started to talk sbout details. He had many questions indeed. “Do you plan to meet in town?” he asked. Or any town? “And how many people do you expect to show up?” He frowned, considering things. “Authorities are no reason to worry. I have no interest to cooperate and they have nothing on me to make me. Close combat us usually no problem. I just might to have to turn into my natural form.” He eyed Claudio closer as if it would help him to answer his next question already. “How does the fact that you don’t speak Russian affects your skills exactly?”

Natural form. While Claudio had heard some things about Stephen, he had yet to see the man’s true form. So far, he didn’t even have an idea of what that may look like or entail. “If my calculations and preparations have been properly”, and they always were, “combat will hopefully be no option. It is more about the intimidation factor and being prepared for the worst case.” In said worse case, however, hand-to-hand combat would probably be no option either as his Russian “partners” were known to rather fight with guns or at least a knife. “The meeting will be set up to be in an industrial area a bit off the city. Down the river. No witnesses, no… civilians.” The Swiss man smirked again. He did not purposely hold his powers back from anyone, but he had learned that people not knowing what he could do was rather useful even with allies. Yet, no one ever asked him so bluntly about it and Claudio was not about rising any mistrust. Not if he wanted this to work out. “I can make people do whatever I want by just telling them to do so. I call it persuasion, a rather harmless term. Yet, it doesn’t work if the person I try to persuade does not understand me. While I could thus take matters into my own hands - or voice - with the person I am speaking to, his bulldogs, incapable of understanding proper English, are immune.”

[rocksteady-ginger]

Stephen slowly scratched his beard. This was most interesting to learn. Whatever he wanted? If this was true, then it was a mighty ability - as long as he was speaking a language people understood and he could avood a sore throat. "Comes most likely in quite handy with business....

Ok. Intimidation. I am rather immune to blades and bullets when I turn. It might yet people off, the sight, but I believe, if we get to the point of blades and bullets, that will not matter much amymore. Otherwise, brick walls are good if we decide to take an unexpected way out. Concrete is not as good. I can't do as much in such a case." Apart from making the ground shake. "I don't have to wear a suit, have I?"

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

 rocksteady-ginger:

At least when it came to handshakes, Stephen felt that they moved on a similar level. Good. It had turned out to be true that a handshake said much about the human behind it. There was not much that Stephen actually had to fear and yet he had no idea what Claudio’s special talents might be like, so it did not hurt to stay on guard. He chose to not sit down, but nodded his appreciation to the offer. “You have a reputation of taking business very serious”, he answered. “So do I. That makes things usually way easier than if the attitude towards business differs strongly between potential partners. I will need some more details though to see if I can actually provide what you’re looking for.”

Again, Claudio nodded. He wouldn’t be where he was today if he didn’t take his business serious. And Stephen wouldn’ t be here right now if he didn’t take his business serious either. And upon the other’s last words, Claudio cut any wasteful thought about small talk and cut right to the case.

“I usually do this kind of business alone or with a carefully curated assembly of imposters. The problem in this very particular case stems from various factors.” He rose one of his fingers; the important details first. “This will be a potentially dangerous situation. The business opportunities I am seeking to chase here are a bit far off the line of legality. It is nothing I can use to have an incapable imposter with me.” A second finger was risen. “Secondly, I can not risk taking someone with me who is likely to be drawn to hand over information to the authorities. I do not seek any issues with the law - at least not openly. As I said, parts of my business opportunity here are beyond legal boundaries - something I heard you do not take too much offense with. And last of all…” When Claudio raised his third finger, his cold smirk grew all the more sinister. “I do, unfortunately, not speak Russian which greatly affects my powers from working. I need real backup and some real muscles to make my standpoint clear. Questions so far?”

[rocksteady-ginger]

Stephen had glanced around to take in the details of his surroundings, but had returned his focus to the man in front of him when he started to talk sbout details. He had many questions indeed. "Do you plan to meet in town?" he asked. Or any town? "And how many people do you expect to show up?" He frowned, considering things. "Authorities are no reason to worry. I have no interest to cooperate and they have nothing on me to make me. Close combat us usually no problem. I just might to have to turn into my natural form." He eyed Claudio closer as if it would help him to answer his next question already. "How does the fact that you don't speak Russian affects your skills exactly?"

[rocksteady-ginger]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

Stephen was in time. Five minutes before the agreed on time, he entered the building he new the Swiss businessman resided with his office. He had picked a tame outfit for the occasion. As much as he usually gave a shit, he would not let his mohawk or worn out army pants stand in the way of a good deal. He would never look like a member of Castagnoli’s, but he mused that the ability to blend in was not of big importance here or the Swiss would not have asked him to meet up in the first place. Stephen was not surprised when he was actually allowed entrance not just to the depths of the building, but to find the secretary - who of course eyed him up critically, tame outfit or not, and who he of course dissed in return with the widest grin he could muster - nevertheless seemed to have expected him when she finally told him to wait. Well, he was there. Negotiations could begin.

@c-castagnoli

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Claudio was watching the little clock on the bottom right of his screen. The agreed-upon hour drew nearer. Not that he was anxious or worried, more curious. Would someone with “such looks” and “such attitude” be on time? And NOT cause any turmoil to the Swiss’ office?

Exactly on time, he got a notification from his secretary via intercom. Benevolent, Claudio nodded to himself. Usually, he would let people wait at least a few more minutes, just to demonstrate that his time was far more important than theirs. But this was a different kind of deal, none that required the usual pompous demeanour. Or, well, at least not as much. Thus, he told the secretary to lead the other man in immediately.

As she did, Claudio’s facade was the one of stone. Inside, he was smirking. It was no tailored suit, but this was possibly the most “discrete” Stephen could be. He put in an effort, that was good. It showed interest in his deal. Getting up, he held out his hand to the man across his desk, gesturing to the visitor chair. Only when the secretary left and closed the door behind her, Claudio relaxed from his strict businessman posture and actually came around the massive desk to be more on one level with his visitor. “I am glad you took the opportunity to come”, he greeted Stephen more informal now, leaning against the edge of his desk.

[rocksteady-ginger]

At least when it came to handshakes, Stephen felt that they moved on a similar level. Good. It had turned out to be true that a handshake said much about the human behind it. There was not much that Stephen actually had to fear and yet he had no idea what Claudio's special talents might be like, so it did not hurt to stay on guard. He chose to not sit down, but nodded his appreciation to the offer. "You have a reputation of taking business very serious", he answered. "So do I. That makes things usually way easier than if the attitude towards business differs strongly between potential partners. I will need some more details though to see if I can actually provide what you're looking for."

[rocksteady-ginger]

Business./ Claudio - Stephen

Stephen was in time. Five minutes before the agreed on time, he entered the building he new the Swiss businessman resided with his office. He had picked a tame outfit for the occasion. As much as he usually gave a shit, he would not let his mohawk or worn out army pants stand in the way of a good deal. He would never look like a member of Castagnoli's, but he mused that the ability to blend in was not of big importance here or the Swiss would not have asked him to meet up in the first place. Stephen was not surprised when he was actually allowed entrance not just to the depths of the building, but to find the secretary - who of course eyed him up critically, tame outfit or not, and who he of course dissed in return with the widest grin he could muster - nevertheless seemed to have expected him when she finally told him to wait. Well, he was there. Negotiations could begin.

@c-castagnoli

[c-castagnoli-blog]

rocksteady-ginger:

It’s rather about the size - car, truck, like this. You can, you can.

Sports car or SUV. I have to get finals on the occasion still. I will await you.

[rocksteady-ginger]

See you tomorrow.

[c-castagnoli-blog]

@rocksteady-ginger

I might require your services.

[c-castagnoli-blog]

Be assured that I provide only the best vehicles. The remaining details can be discussed at my office. Can I expect you there at 8? Discrete?

[rocksteady-ginger]

It's rather about the size - car, truck, like this. You can, you can.

[c-castagnoli-blog]

@rocksteady-ginger

I might require your services.

[c-castagnoli-blog]

I would like that, yes. Do you feel fit for such a task? I wouldn’t want to waste my time if you are not interested.

[rocksteady-ginger]

It depends. On the kind of vehicle, on who is to be guarded where, when, for how long and under which circumstances. But I am certainly interested.

[c-castagnoli-blog]

@rocksteady-ginger

I might require your services.

[rocksteady-ginger]

You…. seriously?

[c-castagnoli-blog]

I don’t make jokes about business.

[rocksteady-ginger]

Me neither. So what do you need?

[c-castagnoli-blog]

It’s a two part job. I need a reliable driver and someone who can mimick a bodyguard.

[rocksteady-ginger]

Okay. Do you want to meet up to give me the details?

[c-castagnoli-blog]

@rocksteady-ginger

I might require your services.

[rocksteady-ginger]

You…. seriously?

[c-castagnoli-blog]

I don’t make jokes about business.

[rocksteady-ginger]

Me neither. So what do you need?

[c-castagnoli-blog]

@rocksteady-ginger

I might require your services.

[rocksteady-ginger]

You.... seriously?

[thestubennett]

rocksteady-ginger:

Stephen: How so?

Stuart: Wee tart working at a bar I frequent after work. She’s interested but pretending to be a good girl. I’m about to change that.

[rocksteady-ginger]

Stephen: Oh, you´re sweet-talking her? Don´t tell me you´re playing the accent card.