The Viper's Pit

I have had many names. Though Madame Hydra has always been my favorite. I am the head of Hydra. My Hydra is much bigger and stronger than anything Von Strucker, Zemo, and the Skull had ever imagined. This is a blog associated with Marvel Essential RP. Face Claim: Eva Green

[maximumelectro]

He smiled again, pushing his hand over the top of his head sorting out his hair. “Y-yes. I suppose they are.”

His eyes followed hers back to the floor plan and he listened intently to her questions. “Uh, sort of. A lot of it is digitally and electrically based yes. But there are back ups of everything. And the big bosses all have access to everything anyway. There’s a system that’s outside of Oscorp they can use to access things if they aren’t in the building.”

[theviper-ophelia]

"Ah... I see. It seems like a lot to keep up with." She said, looking back to him. "But that's why they have someone like you." She said, giving him a smile and patting his shoulder.

"And do you work here every day? I will be here on occasion to do business with the younger Osborn, and it would be nice to see a familiar face around. Perhaps we can meet up again. You are very knowledgeable about this place."

[maximumelectro]

He shook his head. “Big bosses at the top. Mr Osborn’s personal quarters. There are a few big board rooms up there as well. Administration is only on ground floor because it’s closer to the archives,” he said it all with confidence in his knowledge of the building. He blushed a little as she spoke. “Not really ma’am. I’m just…good at my job.”

[theviper-ophelia]

"Ah. Okay. I see the reasoning behind that." She said, nodding. She smiled at his humbleness. If she was a normal woman, she'd probably have felt sorry for taking advantage of him. "Well, either way, Oscorp is very lucky to have you working for them."

She looked back at the floor plan, and studied it for a minute before turning to look at him. "So, I take it that everything is stored electronically. Which I guess doubles the importance of your job with the electricity. Since things can get lost in power surges and stuff..."

[maximumelectro]

"It sure would be great though." He smiled in a dreamy state. He continued down the hall until they came to the main elevator section of the floor. He nodded at the fellow employees as they walked past but they all hurried on without a second glance. He cleared his throat as they came to the floor plan on the wall. Each floor had one, mostly for visitor use, so they knew where in the massive complex they were to head. "So this is the building. Each floor has their own power source. Security is all on this floor," he pointed, "so if as you said, the power were to go on that floor, or the backup for the main security room, all the cameras would be out. But they usually have me linger around that floor in case anything does happen." he smiled enthusiastically. "Ground floor up to floor 4 are all on the same, because that’s mostly admin…" he continued on, pointing out each floors electrical plans, happy that someone was taking the time to ask him about it.

[theviper-ophelia]

She followed him through the halls, taking note of how the others people reacted and how everyone seemed to want to mind their own business. Not much communication it seemed... She grinned mentally. That was perfect. She stopped when he did and looked over the floor plan. That was convenient. She listened intently as he explained the floors. This would be easy if she could time things right. "Interesting... I thought most of the administration would be up on the top floor. Or maybe that's just the big wigs, huh?" She asked, smiling. "You must have an amazing memory."

[maximumelectro]

"If I could be everywhere at the same time it would be a miracle. But nobody can do that." He thought for a second. "It would be helpful though. Incredibly helpful. But I couldn’t handle all that responsibility of being in multiple places at once. Too much power for one man and all." He smiled. "When you’ve worked for for a certain amount of time you get used to it. There’s a lot to remember but it’s easy enough." Max started off towards the elevator, hoping she would follow, so he could give her an idea of the floor plan.

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper smiled. "Having that kind of power would be an asset definitely. But I can see how it would be rough to handle. Only a few can handle that kind of power." She frowned a bit, but followed him. She quickly smiled though. "Where are we going? Have I annoyed you?"  She made sure to sound sad at the idea that he was trying to get her to leave him alone.

[maximumelectro]

"I know right!" His eyes were wide with excitement. "It’s huge, both in scale and idea wise, but it’s a perfect system! And I…I get to be a…a part of that." He continued to grin and mumbled excitedly, only just catching the end of her talking. "Nope, no worry of being overworked. I mean sometimes we get multiple problems on various floors." He stopped and looked down embarrassed. She thought he kept things running nicely. "I do ma’am. I do." He looked up again and looked to the walls. There was usually a floor plan on the walls of each floor…perhaps by the elevator. At least if he could show her then he may be able to explain it all a bit better.

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper chuckled a little at his excitement. Obviously the guy liked being needed and wanted to be important. It was really easy to pinpoint exactly what needed to be said. "Ah. I see. Well, it happens sometimes. You can't really be everywhere at the same time, right?" She said, smiling. "But how do you remember where everything is? There are a lot of floors to this building and there must be a lot to remember."

[maximumelectro]

He continued to nod, unsure of whether he’d actually stopped. “Interesting indeed but it’s true.” She seemed so understanding. And interested. This was great. He checked his watch briefly. This had to be the record for holding a conversation in general, let alone something work related. “No ma’am. Certain floors have certain powerpoints. The security cameras are linked to the main security floor. That way if security were to go down the people in there would know instantly. It’s mostly a floor by floor system. If power is out on one floor or in one room, it won’t effect the whole building.” He smiled over enthusiastically. “Isn’t that great?”

[theviper-ophelia]

"That's... actually really genius." She said, smiling. "No wonder Oscorp is hardly ever shut down." That was a problem. If each floor had it's own power source, there wasn't a conceivable  way to black out every floor. Because doing it one by one would give them plenty of time to fix one floor and it would be suspicious if several floors went out one after the other... "I guess that means you don't have to worry about getting over worked. It seems to me you keep this building running nicely." But if the security cameras were in the same place, it wouldn't be hard to dismantle those.

[maximumelectro]

"Yes. Yes it is." He looked up in awe, almost as if it were the first time he’d seen the building. "It’s almost like it’s own person…like an entity all to itself." He smiled back at her, adjusting his glasses once again. "Sure. I mean, there are things that are, you know, highly classified, but what is it you wanted to know? I mean I can help as best I can…especially as Mr Osborn isn’t in his office."

[theviper-ophelia]

"Really? That's a very interesting analogy." She said, following his gaze. She looked back him and smiled. "Oh, I understand the classified information. No worries on that!" She really just needed a starting point. "So, is everything run from a central place? Like where the security cameras are?"

[maximumelectro]

"Excitement is good!" He grinned "not a lot of people share the same sort of passion I do for this place. Not that it’s a passion for the place, more the things I do for the place…the way it works is quite…amazing." He nodded at her comment about Mr Osborn being proud of everything he had. Max cleared his throat and took his serious voice again "Of course. All part of my job. Nobody else has my skill level…well…probably doesn’t. I don’t know for sure."

[theviper-ophelia]

"Oh. Well, I can imagine. The elder Osborn was quite smart. And this building is supposed to be very advanced and high tech..." She said, smiling. She tilted her head a bit as his voice became serious. There was that odd change again. "I would love to hear more about it, if you have the time to tell me. I like technology myself and it is rare that I meet anyone with as high a skill set with it as you."

[maximumelectro]

"Literally keep it running." He smiled widely. Nobody ever showed this much appreciation. Ever. Nobody ever had such a genuine interest. He had completely forgotten what it was he was supposed to be doing, just to keep the conversation going.

"If there is ever a black out I have the means to fix it yes." He was smiling ridiculously now. "No ma’am, not annoying at all. And Mr Osborn said that?"

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper mentally chuckled. This man was obviously never handed compliments. And she knew just what she needed to do to keep this up.

"Oh. Oh, good. I am glad. I get a bit excited sometimes that's all." She said, smiling sweetly. "Ah, yes. He did. He did love to brag about his building and his work." She said, making sure she looked interested and impressed. "I see that he had a right to do so. Especially of you're able to fix a problem without ever entering a room you're not allowed in." 

[maximumelectro]

Max was still taken a back by the interest this woman he had only just met was expressing in his job; in his work. It was strange, but he wasn’t going to complain. Any interaction with someone was better than no interaction.

"Yes, really." Her closeness began to unsettle him a bit, but he continued anyway, his voice only stuttering for a moment. "I know enough about most floors. Obviously there are some my employee status doesn’t allow me to access. It’s only the higher up officials that can get there. But I can still fix the electricity problems from elsewhere so it’s not all bad."

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper felt that she had really found a better way in with this. Perhaps she could get into whatever Norman Osborn had been working on. He had always been secretive about his 'experiments'. "Oh, wow. So you really are the man who keeps this place running!" She said, looking impressed.

"So, if there's a sudden blackout or something, you're the man to call." She nodded at that statement and smiled. "Well, I'm really glad to have met you now! I hope I'm not being annoying. I just like knowing more about the places my colleagues work. The elder Osborn was always saying his building was well kept, but never elaborated."

[maximumelectro]

Max turned away, straightening his collar and clearing his throat. Almost had a moment there Max. Reign it in. He pushed his hair back into place and turned back to Miss Drew and smiled.

"No. Well he could. But I…I guess someone with experience is always helpful." He nodded proudly. "I know the building inside out. What links to what, and where, and how. I’m the man." He smiled. Someone actually showing an interest in what he did was an unusual feeling.

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper wondered if he was aware of the change of moods he had. His actions just then seemed to indicate he was embarrassed. As she heard him explain he did indeed have plenty of knowledge of the building, she chuckled mentally. Definitely useful.

"Really?" She wondered how much she could get out of him. Perhaps a little flirting could be warranted. "So, impress me." She said, enthusiastically. "How much do you know about what is on each floor?" She leaned closer to him, smiling. 

[maximumelectro]

"Lovely to meet you too Miss Drew." He nodded again, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I’m the uh, electrical engineer. You know with places like this, that run on that kind of power you, haha, need someone like me." His voice went from a nervous giggle almost, into something more serious. "Because they do need me."

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper raised an eyebrow at his sudden change in attitude. That was an interesting change. She made a mental note to watch this one closer. He could be of some use. She quickly smiled.

"I should think so. I cannot imagine the young new Osborn would be able to keep the electric in the building running." She said, chuckling a bit. "Which means you must know this building better than he does."

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper sighed, perhaps she needed to thin her accent. She cleared her throat. “I am looking for a person. A, Harry Osborn, he was supposed to have been in his office today. I presume you must be here to see him as well? Or do you have a regular job at Oscorp?”

[maximumelectro]

Max nodded, followed by quickly shaking his head. “Mr Osborn? No I, I haven’t seen him today ma’am.” He smiled at the woman weakly. “No I uh, work here.” He outstetched his hand. “Max. Max Dillon.W

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper shook his hand. "Meriem Drew. Nice to meet you, Mr. Dillon. So... what do you do here?" she asked, looking him over. He seemed rather nervous and unsure of himself.

[maximumelectro]

Okay…I don’t understand what you’re saying…start again but go a little…a little slower…please?

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper sighed, perhaps she needed to thin her accent. She cleared her throat. "I am looking for a person. A, Harry Osborn, he was supposed to have been in his office today. I presume you must be here to see him as well? Or do you have a regular job at Oscorp?"

[theviper-ophelia]

If you want something done right...

[hank-pym-giant-man]

"You’re one to talk about keeping your word…  but I don’t trust you at all.  Until I can talk to my wife and see her in front of me, I’m not going to give you those notes.  This is non negotiable.  Furthermore~"

He was surprised to hear his phone ring, now of all times.  Slowly, without loosing eye contact with Viper, he reached for his belt and took his phone out.  He looked at the number and only the corner of his lips twitched imperceptibly.  He turned his attention back to Viper as he pressed the ‘answer’ button.  ”Hey.  Can I call you back in a minute?  I’m kind of in the middle of something here…”  

He managed to keep his face neutral as the smooth voice on the other end of the line answered him, and he turned off his phone, putting it back in his belt.  He then turned his attention back on Viper, and in a fraction of a second, he had grown to twenty feet, reaching out and whacking her against the wall, his oversized hand holding her in place, bits of bricks crumbling around her.  

"You threaten my wife again, Viper, and you’ll have to deal with me.  As for those notes, consider them destroyed."   

[theviper-ophelia]

Viper frowned a bit as he answered his phone. She had noticed that quirk of his lips. She was close enough to barely hear the voice on the other end. It was a female's voice... 'Damn it. I did not count on her calling him!' She saw his muscles twitch as he put his phone away and only had enough time to brace herself for the impact before he had slammed her against the wall.

She groaned lightly and glared at him. "You have not won. I will get what I want... and you are going to help me. And do you know why...?" She asked, spitting out a little bit blood as she shifted her feet slightly. "Because one wife has already died at the hands of a Hungarian assassin... and I have no problems with giving the other the same death. If I do not get what I want..." 

She kicked her heels against the wall, opening a hidden compartment that let out a dark cloud of poison gas. She managed to wiggle out of his hold when it loosened from surprise and quickly began searching through his uniform. It was one of her weaker poisons but then, she designed it as more of a smoke screen and a way of slowing her opponents down. She cursed in Hungarian when she didn't find what she wanted.

She quickly backed away and used the remaining smoke to get out of the club. She paused at the doorway however and looked at him as the poison began to dissipate. "Mark my words, Ant-Man... your little Wasp will die the same way your little Maria did... a bullet to the head, if I don't get what I want. So I would suggest you look at those notes and figure out how they work." Before anything else could happen, she twisted the ring on her finger and disappeared from sight.

[theviper-ophelia]

If you want something done right...

[hank-pym-giant-man]

Hank tried to keep his expression neutral.  ”The notes are hidden somewhere safe.  They’re hidden not because of their actual content, but only because of their potential one.  I don’t know what’s in them.  Nobody does.  They’re probably worthless anyway.”

He took one step closer to her, determined not to let her have the upper hand in the conversation.  ”I’m telling you the truth.  Whatever you hope to accomplish, those notes won’t help you.”

He was getting tired of the verbal game they were playing.  None of them would budge from their position, but Viper had the bargaining chip in Jan.  And Hank was starting to feel an almost physical strain from the worry over her safety.

"Give me back my wife, and I’ll give you the notes."

[theviper-ophelia]

"So you keep saying, but potential is potential. And I know that they are valuable. Libraries are wonderful places to dig up the past. I read the newspapers from the time of the accident. I know those notes hold promise." She said, sweetly. 

"Give me the notes and I will give you your wife. Or... is it that you intend to betray your word and not give the notes? Because if..." She trailed off  as his phone started going off.

[theviper-ophelia]

If you want something done right...

[hank-pym-giant-man]

Hank looked at Viper with contempt and shook his head.  ”Do you really think I’m that naive?  There won’t be any notes, not until you release my wife.”

He had no idea at this point what she would do once she found out he didn’t have the notes with him, but for now only Jan’s safety occupied his thoughts.  

"And why do you want these notes anyway?  You would gain nothing from them.  They’re incomplete.  Dr. Van Dyne’s lab was destroyed, only a few irrelevant notes were retrieved."

He could very well be telling her the exact truth.  He hadn’t dared to peek at the notes.  For all they knew, they were worthless.  

Hm.  A new plan was slowly forming in his mind.  She wanted notes…  maybe he could give her what she wanted after all.

[theviper-ophelia]

"Do you believe I am that naive? I do not know that you brought the notes with you at all. So tell me, why exactly would I give my bargaining chip up first? That is not how this works, Ant-Man." She said, smirking.

"Why would I tell you that? Besides, if there really was not anything there... you would not have hidden them." Really, the only one who could be trusted to keep his word was the Captain and since he wasn't there... Viper wasn't inclined to trust this Avenger. "If you do indeed have the notes with you, show them to me and hand them over, and I shall give you the location of your wife."