A Rather Important Meeting (Katrina)

Finn is in need of an upgrade. The R-10T armor did its job but was still extremely sluggish. Keeping up with acrobats and ninjas was tough for the armor, and the metahuman assassins were just too much! So he went to the home of Osiris Labs' head for some help. The head was an alright person. A politician that helped those in need. And he was in need. You see, Finn had had his eye on a new material that was called Harbenite and was produced by Osiris Labs. Apparently, they were a small corporation making metals more durable and lighter than what he currently used. He had contacted a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend, and here he was at the Russel Manor ready to get to talking. Well, he wasn't there yet.

       He was waiting at the docks for a boat to take him to their private island. He muttered "I need a private island..." before looking down at his apparel. He liked his own style. He had on a slick black blazer over a black dress shirt with an open collar. He ditched the tie in case someone tried to strangle him. Finn wore dark jeans along with a pair of black sneakers for his lowers. His black designer sunglasses shimmered in the sun as he looked over to the island in the distance. He whipped out his phone to make sure that these were the right docks. He scrolls through his phone, checking some emails while he waits for the boat to pick him up. Finn checked to make sure the magnetic lock on the suitcase remained engaged.

She had heard many things about the illusive millionaire known as Finn Tarche. The American has made a name for himself in recent years, his money and business drawing the attention of very powerful men. The rumors were he was involved with the American government, and they helped him develop some sort of secret weapon. Katrina didn’t believe it, but you never know. Her family hid it’s secrets well, you could never tell, particularly with Americans. A duplicitous bunch, all of them. Still, as the small boat appeared from out the mid-morning fog like the ghost of Charon’s ship, she could see he was, at least, punctual. And that was a trait she had come to doubt existed in the American psyche. Her dealings with most Americans was … spotty, at best, and none of it was good.

She stepped off the boat, the water lapping at the hull, with the grace and elegance that can only come from nobility. And indeed, before her father was Prime Minister, they held the title of Lord, dating back centuries. And now that she set to become the leader of this country, she held onto that inherent dignity. Her dress was simple and understated, the common black blouse and skirt hugging tightly to the short woman's body. The heels gave her a sharp look, but the long hair worn freely softened her face. It was quite a dichotomy. Even in the heels, however, she managed to walk without making a sound. She approached the man, her blue eyes staring at him like a hawk would eye a mouse.

”You’re Mister Tarche?”

She had to say, she wasn’t impressed. From the stories, she was expecting someone almost bigger than life, the most attractive man in existence, yadda yadda. But he was … pretty normal, actually. Attractive, but she didn’t feel the need to throw herself at him. She stared at him a second more before turning away, scoffing under her breath.

”... let’s go, I suppose.”

She stepped back onto the boat, unconsciously balancing on the rocking on the boat effortlessly.

"Call me Finn."

Finn would gently step onto the rocking boat, waiting for further directions. He takes in the beautiful woman before him. Her stunning blue eyes pierce through his soul, but he doesn't show signs of discomfort.

"So you're Ms. Russel. I've heard of your success as a politician. Though I haven't heard much else."

He looks to Katrina and adjusts his watch. He sets the R-10T to be ready for deployment, just in case. He looks over in the distance at the island just off the mainland. Not small in any sense of the word, but his mansion back in America was potentially larger. He needed to be closer to see for sure. Probably shouldn't mention it because that would mess up the entire deal. Well, gotta try not to be totally incompetent.

"So, I was wondering about the new material you manufacture in Osiris labs. I believe it was called Harbenite. I have some other things to offer in exchange for it. I expect you would want to make the deal in the comfort of your home, rather than on the sea."

”I will do such thing, Mr. Tarche.”

Katrina was, above all else, a particularly picky individual. She got a good feeling from Finn, he was a fellow philanthropist, he understood the problems facing people of their kind. Doesn’t mean she had to like him. He certainly carried himself with confidence, then so did Katrina. But the girl earned hers through a decade of hard work and training. Where, she had to wonder, did Mr. Tarche get his? But she didn’t have time to focus on that, because his next question had her rolling her eyes.

”Yes, you are quite correct. So let’s wait until we get to the comfort of my home, Mr. Tarche, before we start to talk about business.”

Her voice was testy; she didn’t like boat, not really. But there was no other option; she had enough money to buy a bridge, for sure, but that would destroy any amount of secrecy she had, lead to people asking for money or help or even worse people trying to live on her land- no, it was much better for everyone else if it was this way. It helped her campaign, anyway; it was an usual paparrazo who braved the waters of the English Channel just for a paycheck. And even if they did, they would be intercepted; a private army guarded these walls, boasting boats, tanks, and even a submarine too., All hush hush. The English government wouldn't’ be too happy knowing the likely candidate for head of the government was so militarized. Even since that debacle overseas, you had to be extremely careful in saying the word ‘war’ around politicians.

Katrina remained in silence until the boat touched ground, ten minutes later, and the second it did she stepped off. She couldn’t fully hide her joy at being back on land, but she did her best with the brisk walk up the marble path. Slippery in normal conditions, but another invention of Osiris Labs; friction gel. Creates just enough coating on slippery services to easily walk on, will never wear off, more importantly it’s completely invisible. Truly a modern miracle, and used solely by the Russel family. Up the cobblestone they walked, cresting a large hill; an easy walk for the fit duo. Through a veil of trees, carefully trimmed and grown to form a natural arch and then into the Russel Manor.

The courtyard certainly held to legend; gold tipped flagstones lazily trialed up the quiet courtyard, coming to a rest at the cherrywood door. The faint polish held a knocker in the shape of a flaming bird; a phoenix, the symbol of the Russel family. Trees, immacutely grown and of an immense size, formed a natural wall, bordering against the ancient looking but nonetheless sturdy stone walls around the property. Gardens dotted the property, meticulously sustained by gardeners. Nearby, a group of guards wearing state-of-the-art armor walked by, eyeing him with a friendly smile. Less friendly was the nasty looking weaponry on their hip. A trained eye would spot the security camera’s, laser grids, electrical grids, and other defensive measures unknown to this world.

This was, obviously, a place you must tread lightly.

Inside the manor, a large entrance hall greeted them. The painted image of a phoenix was emblazoned upon the floor, covering a majority of the hall so that it was impossible to not be touching some part of it. A circular staircase curved to the left, and a wondrous smell of food crept from a swinging door to the right. But Katrina led him down a different hall, two different pathways until they entered a sitting room of a sort. Decorative weaponry hung on the wall, alcohol older than some countries decorated an oaken bar, and leather couches took up the majority of the floor space, both comfortable and stern looking.

It was here that Katrina finally turned to him, her arms crossed over her chest. She didn’t sit; no, at her height, it would only take her advantage. She did, however, gesture for Mr. Tarche to sit. It was only polite.

”Now …” With a snap of her fingers, a butler entered and quickly poured a glass of bourbon, sliding the iced drink in front of him. ”Shall we begin negotiations?”

Finn would enjoy the boat ride. The soothing method of travel on a coasting vehicle. Amazing. But he couldn't help but notice his soon to be business partner leaping off the boat as soon as they reached land. This was quite peculiar. She either has aquaphobia or sea sickness? No, couldn't be sea sickness. She's on an island, she'd have to leave by helicopter or boat all the time. He mulls over this on their short journey up a hill to the manor. He wasn't all to surprised that the mansion was radiating wealth. I mean, nobody could show off more.

"Nice place."

He noticed the marble he stepped upon being more grippy than he was used to. Must be the new shoes he bought. Finn grinned back at a guard who smiled at the pair. The armor they were wearing was near the levels of the R-10T. He gazes around at the cameras mounted on certain points of the manor's exterior, giving the guards a full view of every inch of the mansion. Nobody could hide in here. The weapons here would kill a man instantly. They must have some powerful enemies. As they entered the manor's interior, he was met with the GLORIOUS smell of different foods. He had his own bar and kitchen in his own house, but this was a whole new level of food. He would be led down some halls in the building, studying the ancient weapons and alcohols. His photographic memory reminded him of the phoenixes he had seen throughout the mansion. They must be very prominent in the Russel family.

"Now this is what us Americans call a cushy lifestyle."

When he was given the gesture to take a seat, he happily obliged. Didn't want to anger the homeowner in their Fortress. He lifted his suitcase and placed it onto his lap.

"Yes, our negotiations."

He cleared his throat and continued.

"I'm in the 'advanced aircraft' business and have been looking for something better than graphene and tungsten carbide. The tungsten can be quite heavy, making my vehicles more sluggish. At the same time, I need protection of that caliber to ensure what I'm transporting isn't somehow stolen or the craft itself isn't snatched. Now, as a fellow billionaire, I know that money isn't worth anything anymore. Some of my sources have alerted me to your company Osiris Labs and their progress in that area. Harbenite I believe it was called. Quite durable while being light. And as someone who can be taken out from a rooftop, I need something that will protect me personally. Omnium, the woven body armor that Osiris also creates. I might need a complete redesign of my aircraft with what Osiris is putting out. As a fellow billionaire, I know that money has barely any meaning at our current state. But connections are power. You have connections and large amounts of influence over England. I have connections with the United States military. I can share those connections with you. The world is on the brink of collapse with the vigilantism and major heroes and villains destroying cities. Osiris could profit majorly from that. Selling to the governments outside Europe would bring in more money than you could think of. Imagine all the power you'd have over the world. Controlling the people like puppets. One armageddon and Osiris gains possibly trillions by helping rebuild. The governments of the world in debt to you. All this power coming from some connections overseas. I am that connection. Sure, you have influence overseas, but I can expand it. Connections with our American allies in Canada, Mexico, Germany, and France just to name a few. Sure you could get those connections when you eventually become head of this company. But why wait? And all I want in return is a bit of tech from your company."

He smiles after the micro speech he had just made for her. Thank goodness for that photographic memory. He had remembered everything he wrote had typed earlier. But what was in the briefcase was going to knock it out of the ballpark.

”Profits …”

She had listened raptly, attentive, leaning against the eaves to the window with a kind of cool, detached grace that only came with confidence. Blue eyes narrowed, but otherwise face entirely expressionless. It was a result of her training that she didn’t let her dissatisfaction show through. Profits, money, connections … fancy ways to let the common people down. Slowly she let herself get off the window sill. The blinds opened and she stared at it; compared to the city, the air here was as clear as crystal. London was corrupt, and polluted and loud and lazy … but it was still her city, the people were her people. Profits were nice, money was a good way to help people, but she’d be damned if her technology fell into the wrong hands. Finn would have to try harder than that to convince her he was worth it.

”Profits, money, connections … is that all that matter to you?” She said these words in barely more than a whisper, facing the window, but then she turned, facing her guest again. And now her blue eyes burned with an intensity that spoke of a deep-seated desire to do … something, a burning drive to achieve her goals. ”But where, I wonder, is your drive to do good?” She sighed then, running a painted hand over her hair, capturing what few stray hairs escaped and forcing them back. ”Osiris Labs does what it does not for profits, Mr. Tarche, but to better the world. Clean energy, metals that don’t corrode, materials that improve the lives of the impoverished. We provide it, we create it, and we sell it for as low of a cost as we can maintain. I fund it through my own money, I spent countless hours pouring over research, experimenting, because I’ve seen the horrors of the world. I owe the world, and I plan on repaying it.”

A snap of her fingers later and a suitcase was brought in, large, the kind classified and dangerous materials were transported in. ”But I cannot afford to be picky on whom I sell too. I do have to pay my employees after all, and lab space and materials costs money. However, let this be a warning to you; if evil is done with my materials, or if it is used to take advantage, I swear upon all the gods that exist I will visit unholy wrath upon you the likes that have not been seen since Moses part the Red Sea. Are we perfectly clear, Mr. Tarche?” There was no sign she was joking, the sudden sharpness of her features, intensity of her gaze and battle-ready stance hinting at the kind of training one could only achieve through years of experience. If he said no, they would be having an entirely different kind of experience.

"I have no intention to use it against civilians. The military won't use it in urban assault scenarios. Only special operations. Against terrorists and major super villains, of course. But yes, we are graphene clear."

He would look to the suitcase. He was in the same room as one of the greatest aircraft materials ever. Of course, he would be use it for good means, but he wasn't being exactly truthful. He would be using it for the R-11T and its chassis would be constructed without faults. Maybe Osiris can help him with his Space Program.

"Thank you for everything, Ms. Russel. You've done great things for the American government. And the citizens of the world will not be disappointed with what happens next."

A somewhat sardonic smile twisted Katrina’s features. ”Don’t thank me just yet, Mr. Tarche. You have no idea what I have to offer.” And with that she opened the case. It folded out, forming three different sections. One half had a sheet of what looked like golden webs, the other had two plates of metal; one rust red, the other dark grey. And in the center, surrounded by layers of padding, a glass ball surrounded by golden veins, and inside a swirling vortex of energy purple and red. She started with the golden skirt. When she picked it up, it fell around her like silk, and yet it had the distinctive sheen of metal, the many folds shimmering with color. It was beautiful, and yet almost magical. The metal wasn’t linked, nor were there any obvious signs of welding. It looked simply like metal cloth, like the ancient tale of Rapunzel and woven gold.

”This, as I’m sure you aware Mr. Tarche, is Omnium.” An assistant walked swiftly into the room then, taking the golden skirt from her master and hanging it on a bust. And then with a wave of Katrina’s hand, he brought a sword, hastily drawn from a scabbard at his waist, across the golden material. A single note, high and pure, rang out, dancing in the air in an almost unnatural way, but when the assistant stepped to the side, the Omnium skirt was completely undamaged. In fact, if he looked, it was the blade that was damaged, the sharp blade dented and damaged from the force employed by the assistant. Katrina nodded at the assistant, who beamed briefly before pulling the skirt off the bust and handing it back to Katrina with a bow.

”Omnium is three times harder than the hardest steel …” And at this she offered it to him, her blue eyes sparkling with pride at her accomplishment. ”... and yet as light as silk. It can handle a point blank bullet to the chest and barely strain. It is unique in that it can be woven like silk into any form you can imagine, and it’s lightweight nature makes it perfect for any work requiring stealth or assassination … something a man like you would have no interest, I’m sure.” There was an almost knowing look in her eyes. [color=goldenrod]”Regardless, the uses of Omnium are many and varied, as I’m sure anybody with even the barest sliver of imagination can dictate.” Of course she was leaving out it’s weaknesses, primarily that of extreme heat and cold, but you don’t lead a sell by describing weaknesses. At that she folded the skirt up, taking it back from Finn if necessary, before moving onto the dark grey metal.

”And this is Duranium.” Her voice was soft. This was one of her pride and joys, work of countless hours in the labs. ”Hardest, non-enhanced material on the planet. Duranium can withstand forces that would cripple typical materials, and as such is perfect for armor, particularly to reinforce Omnium. It cannot hold an edge, quite unfortunately, and that is a weakness we are working on fixing … but Duranium materials will far outlast any human, and even many countries. For a typical user, a Duranium item will last nearly 10,000 years of use. Impressive? Yes.”

She put the hammer down, and this time she pulled out a small dagger; the red slip of metal visible earlier. ”And now we come to Harbenite.” She flipped the knife in her hand; the way the small girl easily handled the knife would be one hint to the special qualities of that particular metal. ”My personal favorite. Harbenite is three times harder than diamond … and yet weighs as much as cork. Currently, the British Military has employed it’s usage in marine and submarine vehicles … but it has many uses outside of military uses. It is, perhaps, one of the more useful metals in our armory.”

She handed him the knife, holding it by the blade, offering the light blade to him. It had a note of finality to it, ignoring the small sphere in the center … she wanted him to ask, of course, as that particular device required a little bit more … room.

Finn put his hand on his chin, scratching it, contemplating within. There impossibly durable materials. Each could help the R-10T in his quest to perfecting it for the US military. Imagine that. As light as cork. Harder than diamond. Idea! Duranium as the primary material used for the armor's chassis. Some harbenite thrown in along with the duranium. Finally, the omnium could go well used in the joints. With some Kevlar and servos, the armor could have nicely moving joints while still being able to accomplish great feats of strength. This was all perfect. Too perfect.

But before he says yes to anything, he must know if there's more.

"This is truly amazing. These materials are revolutionary. But not only am I looking for extreme durability. I'd like men to be able to touch the edge of the universe. And for that, I'd require some type of power source. Do you have anything that functions like this?"

”Patience, Mr. Tarche,” Katrina admonished him like a gently scolding mother. ”I have one last metal to show you, and then we shall move to more … esoteric materials.”

Back to the suitcase she went, now empty of materials save for the singular glowing ball. As they had been used, she laid them in order next to the case; the golden Omnium, the red Harbenite, the dark grey Duranium, like some kind of alternative universe version of a rainbow. At first, it appeared as if she may finally unravel pull the small, slightly rotating ball from it’s place of honor in the center of the suitcase, but no; her slim fingers instead reached next to it, pulling a sheet of metal from behind the lining of the suitcase. It was obvious why she placed it there; had it been out, it would have outshone the entire set. Quite literally, actually. As the thin sheet of metal was pulled free, a lustrous glow poured from it, the sparkling silver material glistening with the light of a thousand stars. Se handled it carefully, like it was heavy. On cue, her assistant placed a stand on the table; made of wood, it was nothing more than a small wooden platform with thin wooden extensions to hold the metal sheet.

”What you are about to see is the result of thousands of hours of hard work for a result that was, until recently, completely theoretical.”

Now her assistant brought another device, a small handheld machine with a single button in the center. Katrina gestured for the visitor to watch. With a bit of a flourish, the assistant placed a single lily in the middle of the platform. The way he handled it, cupping it in his hands, seemingly shielding it from even the light, it was obvious it was delicate. Katrina laid the silvery metal to the side, instead placing a slim slip of wood over the stand, the flower just under it. The metallic device was placed on top and, with all the care of someone arming a nuclear device, the button was pressed. A small sound emitted from it, one beep, two, and then suddenly an invisible force absolutely crushed the flower, flattening it into a paste in a nanosecond. Light warped around it from the gravitational pressure, a kaleidoscope of colors filling the room. It lasted precisely three seconds before, with a loud click, the button depressed and the effect stopped.

”How fortuitous you should mention touching the edge of the universe. Mr. Tarche …”

The assistant removed the stand, shortly replacing it with a different one of equal design. This time, the flower was placed under the silvery sheet of metal and when the button was depressed … nothing happened. The light flickered and twisted around the device, but the wood, and by extension the extremely delicate flower, were left completely unharmed, somehow unaffected by the extreme gravitational changes. The device shut off and the assistant quickly grabbed it, sliding it into an inner pocket again. Katrina, for her part, placed the silver sheet next to the others, the shining silver metal far outstripping it’s brothers in beauty alone.

’Because this metal may just allow you to do that. It is called Cavorite, and in theory is perhaps the most useful for ‘touching the universe.” She sketched air quotes around the words, a soft smile on his face. ”Lofty goals indeed. But thankfully, I admire that. Cavorite should, in theory, create pockets of artificial gravity, protecting anybody within its bounds from any extreme changes of gravity, such as gravitational storms or the void of space. A ship made of this would require no other device to appropriately travel the stars.”

At that, she snapped the briefcase shut, locking the tiny little ball inside it.

”Two more things I wish to show you, Mr. Tarche, barring any questions. Then, we will talk price. You can be excited now. These are why you came.”

He watches in confusion as the assistant places the lily. Finn came to have a high tech show put on. Not view some 'Pretty' flowers. He begins starting off into space as the new exhibit is being set up, but suddenly jolts back to see the flower crushed.

"Tarche Technologies has been working on artificial gravity for years! We've used nanomachines, rotational gravity devices, and a whole lot more. This could revolutionize space travel! No need for questions while I'm speechless!"

He sits, watching more intently, now. He'd seen 3 perfect combative metals. Now space travel! He hated to say it, but this seems like magic! Or something of the sort.