Post by Xavier Darnai on Mar 11, 2014 10:49:35 GMT
Xavier Darnai: Recent developments had left him feeling like there were far more angles to keep watch over than he cared for, and unfortunately that meant Xavier was going to need to look for more help. As he parked the Bishop in a lot a little down the way from the diner, he made his way through the light rain without giving it much of a second thought. Brits generally gave little concern to the weather, especially any that spent a significant amount of time in an even colder climate than England. Stepping into the diner, he paused only long enough to give Natasha a nod at the hostess station and take the Daily Specials menu and ask the blonde for a requests pad. The ritual was straight forward enough, and without batting an eye the girl gave him the slip. On he went to the common eating area, taking a table in the section intended for those open to approach for Daily Special meetings. Sliding into the chair with his back to the corner, he rest his bandaged left on top of the menu and gave his jaw a stroke, looking over the various applicants whose offers had been written in code.
Kathova Daleth: Kat was restless. She'd been idle entirely too long and was looking for something to sink her teeth into. Whoever said that vacations were relaxing clearly did not take Kat into consideration. When she arrived at the diner, she stepped inside, the rainfall just one more kind of weather that she only paid heed to due to the effect it had on certain conditions. She wasn't the type to melt because her hair got wet. When she stepped inside, she paused at the door and glanced around, and then headed for a table as it seemed to be open seating. She shed her coat and laid it into the seat beside her. She was dressed warmly enough, for the weather at hand in a cowl neck sweater of a deep purple hue that nearly looked black, black pants and boots that came to her knees. The scarf was the only spot of color, really, and it was a mottled, metallic gold which she loosened up and cast aside, laying it atop her coat before she looked up as she was offered a menu. She smiled her thanks and flipped it open, a glance over the top of it to the man seated nearby, before her gaze went to the offerings on the menu.
Xavier Darnai: The diner itself was quite capable at food service and drinks. With a full bar just around the corner from the common eating area, and a well stocked kitchen manned by a very capable-- albeit stern --chef, they offered a wide variety of cuisine options for the three and a half star gourmet experience. Still, it was the Daily Specials that were most unique. Many in the black industry knew the diner to facilitate meetings, and even those that didn't know first hand could recognize the wording of the menu and read between the lines. They did a good job of covering their tracks, except for the people they wanted hunting. Regulars like Xavier had managed to turn it into a sort of public office as well. Besides, he liked their collection of Scotch. Lifting his right ankle to rest on the knee of his slacks, the man in the dark grey suit rest back in his seat, slowly looking over the available options before lifting his wholly bandaged left hand to flag down one of the passing waitresses. "The Auchentoshan if there's any've it left, and the befstroganov if you would be so kind."
Kathova Daleth: The pheasant was definitely not to her taste. She was more of a beef and potatoes kind of gal. She continued to browse however, not having made up her mind just yet. When the waitress swung by, she looked up and ordered a shot of Patron. As the girl started to step away, she lifted her hand, resting it on her arm. "Make it two and a glass of water, as well, please." She smiled, her hand slid from the girl's arm and then looked back to the menu.
Xavier Darnai: Typically noticing a walk-in wouldn't have been so secondary on his list of things to pay attention to, but the last few days had been particularly demanding. For a moment he lift his eyes from the table to examine the woman placing her order. There was a great deal that could be learned about a person from how they ordered their drink, and typically deciding second hand on the double meant either a rough period of time, or deciding to celebrate. Hard to say for sure which it was just yet, but sitting back in his chair he figured he would give it a moment to find out. Turning his attention to the window, he watched the surface of the glass as a way to detract from where he was really looking, keeping his eye just over her reflection's shoulder to study her mannerisms.
Kathova Daleth: With Kat it was a simple matter of expediency. In her mind it was simply more efficient. Her gaze lifted from the menu and looked about once more, her own eyes going to the window and lingering there, before she turned her focus to the man directly. She regarded him a long moment, then slid from the booth, coat and scarf plucked from the bench beside her and she looked over toward the waitress who had taken her request. She motioned to the man's table when she caught the girl's eye, and then headed for it. She settled opposite him, coat and scarf once more laid beside her as she leaned back, hands resting on her lap as one leg draped over the other, her frame open as he regarded him.
Xavier Darnai: Peripheral did plenty to warn him that she was approaching without having to track her specific movements, but as she sat down he did at least turn his attention to her in some vague sense of being polite. Taking a slow breath, he straightened himself out a bit, smoothing down the red tie he wore before undoing the buttons of his suit jacket. His right hand settled down on the table after, resting there for the time being while he slid his left into the pocket of his slacks. A light nod, a quarter of a smile, and a look that sort of played around the edge of asking for an introduction were offered. "Evening." There was no denying his accent was British, but it would be hard to wholly narrow down without being a proper linguist.
Kathova Daleth: Her own accent was faint. A good ear could pick up tones that couldn't quite be placed beneath the Midwestern inflection. She'd worked hard to remove herself of her accent. Most didn't notice it, but a rare few did detect, even if they didn't recognize, the undertones. "Good evening. My apologies for being brisk, but I don't believe in being coy. I'm afraid the pheasant on special doesn't appeal. Perhaps you could recommend something else?"
Xavier Darnai: Seeing as most of the specials were off menu, it was easy to catch when someone was interested in a wider variety. What had been a friendly and polite quarter smile graduated into a bit more of a knowledgeable smirk as he bobbed his head once or twice. "I could make a few suggestions, actually, depending on your dietary restrictions." No better way to see how well someone could swim than to throw them into the deep end of the double talk. As Xavier sat there though, he was quite sure that she would manage to keep up with minimal issue. "I hear they're preparing to put a few things on the list as we speak, actually."
Kathova Daleth: "I have something of a cast iron stomach." She smiled, then nodded as he mentioned the addition to the list of specials. "I'm glad to hear it." She looked to the waitress as her drinks were brought to the table, all conversation save a simple "Thank you," halted until the girl had stepped away from the table. She took up the first shot of Patron and knocked it back, then set the glass down and regarded the man across from her. "Have you heard anything in particular?"
Xavier Darnai: A moment after her own drinks were brought by, a tumbler with his Scotch was set down on the table and he nodded his thanks before carefully taking the glass in his bandaged left hand. "I have, actually. Looks as though they're about to put a spiced rack on the menu, African spices with an extended dry rub. Quite possibly one of the largest meals I'll've seen them serve, and definitely for the type interested in collecting a unique experience." True, Natasha did most of the code writing because that was what the Petranovics did, but having been a frequent guest, it wasn't hard to discern the end-result of overseeing collected hot goods from Northern Africa.
Kathova Daleth: "It sounds good. I enjoy cooking myself; whipping things up. But I can get creative as well. Cooking takes a good deal of thought. Sometimes it takes experimenting on the fly with different flavors to get things just right." One hand lifted, palm up, and then fell to lay flat on the table, her fingertips tracing over the table's surface.
Xavier Darnai: It was safe to say that Xavier could organize a shopping list, even plan a recipe, but he had gone from being an ingredient to being the executive chef; rarely did he do any of the cooking himself these days. Food metaphors aside, he offered a quiet scoff of laughter as he lift his glass for a quick sniff before tilting it back for a sip of the Scotch. "It's certainly going to be a mouthful, and I imagine it'll have staying power." So far she seemed to be capable of following along, but easing into the specific details always best approached at just the right moment.
Kathova Daleth: "Stamina has never been an issue and I rarely bite off more than I can chew.." She picked up that second shot and knock it back. And no, she didn't even blink. She could, and had, drink sailors under the table. Blame it on her origins. Her people drank booze that would make the harshest, strongest drink seem like afternoon tea. And yes, sometimes it was actually chunky. Don't ask.
Xavier Darnai: "Always makes for the best meals, that." With the plate of butter noodles, gravy, and marinated pepper steak set in front of him, he gave the waitress a nod and collected his fork to start stirring it through the pasta dish. Her understanding seemed solid enough, and so he decided to move into clearer waters. "So, miss..." He left the pause long enough to prompt a response for when he finished, but didn't wait before continuing. "You've come for more than just the meal on hand."
Kathova Daleth: "Daleth. Kathova Daleth. And yes. I have." She nodded, and then waved her glass at the waitress, and held up two more fingers. When the girl left, she took up her glass of water and drained a good portion of it before sitting the glass back down, keeping it in the curl of her hand, her thumb brushing the condensation off the side as her eyes went back to the man before her.
Xavier Darnai: "I've never been one to doubt a jack of all trades by any stretch." Her cast-iron stomach had given that away at the very least. "Though I've also never known one that wasn't a master in at least one trade or another." Spearing a bit of steak and several of the perfectly done casserole noodles, he carefully brought the bite up as he watched her. "Give me a few insights into yours, Ms. Daleth." Something in the tone made it seem like less of a direct question as much a statement that prompted a reasonable response. There was a militaristic quality to it, almost. As he took the bite and chewed away, he rest both elbows on the table, watching her with an inquisitive look from the rust red eyes. They looked weathered, and though he looked to be in his early forties, in this trade there was no doubt that every year of experience counted for four.
Kathova Daleth: "Infiltration, tracking, hand to hand combat. I have had extensive weapons training, both traditional and modern. I speak a few languages, other than English, I have enough Farsi to be polite, but not enough to find out where the market is." Her lips twitched upward a bit. She went quiet again as the waitress arrived with her shots and took the empty glasses away. She took one of those shots up and knocked it back, the glass handed off to the waitress before she could take a step away from the table. She then looked back at the the man making short work of his beef stroganoff.
Xavier Darnai: Infiltration and hand to hand spoke to close combat preference with weapons, but he knew not to be presumptuous. After all, tracking could have implied comfort at a distance as well. Still, her capabilities were always useful for boots on the ground, and her honesty with her skills in languages left him thinking she would be unlikely to put herself at risk with overconfidence. These days, that sort of training could come from a great deal of places, and though her name didn't ring any specific locational bells, that wouldn't stop him from looking into it. One could never be too careful when taking on new business associates. "Have you been freelancing long, or did you leave your last long term employer recently." It was a carefully crafted inquiry.
Kathova Daleth: "I've been on my own for about a year and a half now. The organization I was with previously seemed to stall and I decided it was a good time to branch out on my own." One shoulder rose and fell. It was what it was. Organizations rose and fell faster than some skirts. It could be mismanagement or simply bad timing. Kat simply rolled with the flow and moved on when the need arose.
Xavier Darnai: Nodding, he took another bite of the house specialty dish-- Yuri did something with the meat that just couldn't be recreated --before setting the fork on the side of the plate and washing it down with the amber liquor. "That'd be a reasonable course've action, all things equal." Lowering the glass to the table top, he rolled his right shoulder once before gesturing to her. "So, are you in it for the excitement, for the pay, or because you've no bloody idea what else to do with yourself."
Kathova Daleth: "I'm not the Suzy Homemaker type. The money is good. It's never dull. I was born to a long line of fighting men. Not that my father ever expected me to follow in his footsteps." Again she gave that one shouldered shrug. Men were men and women were expected to raise babies, where she was from. They didn't cross the line without suffering consequences.
Xavier Darnai: "I've got to imagine that most fathers don't. The few that do manage to beat the clock probably aren't hoping for a similar life for their little girl." Xavier had been a slight exception to that, perhaps. True, this life would never be one he left, but the idea of wishing a boring life on any progeny was not one he cared to have. "Imagine you've picked up your languages because you're comfortable with travel. Wouldn't imagine there are areas on the map that're outright black listed for you."
Kathova Daleth: "Haven't met a locale yet that I didn't at least tolerate." Her lips slipped upward in a smile once more. "I'm pretty flexible."
Xavier Darnai: Both his brows lift once as he sat back, smirking as he brought the glass up again. "Then I imagine there're a few things that I could point you towards." Watching her over the rim of his glass, he tilted it back for a quick sip, letting the lightly measurable burn pull at the corner of his mouth for a moment. "What's your price range for a meal like this."
Kathova Daleth: "Depends on how spicy the ingredients and the size of the meal. How much effort it's going to take to get it from the kitchen to the table. Lot's of variables there. If you want a flat rate, we can start with twenty per day, plus expenses."
Xavier Darnai: "Twenty per day's going to depend greatly on your power've magnitude, and just how long you expect the engagement to last. You'll excuse me if I avoid making an assumption of your worth that would insult both've us. Feel free to be explicit." When it came to the expectation of finances, it never hurt to be exact. There was the added benefit that in this place none of the staff walking by were going to be shocked about what they might have heard people were willing to do for money.
Kathova Daleth: "A simple brush pass would be ten, plus expenses. If there's wet work involved, it's going to be multiplied by ten, minimum. And full disclosure will be had before any wetwork is taken on, with the option to pass. As I said, variables." She took up the remaining shot and knocked it back. The glass was set down, and then she once more reached for the water, though she didn't pick it up just yet.
Xavier Darnai: "This'll be oversight and protection of collected materials prepared for international shipping, and if there's any wet work to be had it'll be in defense, not offense. As such, I don't think I could give you much more advance warning than to say these sorts've shipments tend to be valuable, and are therefore targets. But I imagine that comes with the territory." Tilting the glass back again, he took another sip of the Scotch before setting the glass down and spinning it around on the table top as he skewered another bite. "Travel arrangements'll be seen to, and expenses within reason. Hazard pay comes appropriately, and if things go smoothly I'll be open to a more long term offer."
Kathova Daleth: "Shipping of said collected materials is prearranged then I take it." She lifted her glass and took a drink of her water. "How large is the shipment and how far is it going, and what route?" Because all of that would factor into the logistics of protecting it.
Xavier Darnai: "For your leg've it there'll be about twenty thousand kilograms traveling from Khartoum to Marrakesh, straight line ground transport to avoid drawing attention. Once the trucks arrive, the cargo will be loaded onto a plane waiting to bring it here. You're welcome to come back with the flight, but that'll be the end've your work day, as it were." Slowly spinning the glass, he took another bite of the perfectly done meal, setting the fork down with a few remaining bites before pushing it towards the edge of the table to be collected on the next pass.
Kathova Daleth: "And these twenty thousand kilograms that the trucks will be transporting are comprised of ..." Knowing would allow her to be better prepared to defend. Someone looking to boost antiquities would likely be more subtle than someone looking to boost a shipment of weapons. And drugs were a whole new problem, logistically.
Xavier Darnai: "The spring harvest that'll've gone missing." Welcome to the whole new logistical problem. On the upside... "This means a hard push ignoring most borders, but the drivers've gotten the route already sorted. Air travel's not viable, the group that'll've lost the product've significant control over the airports, but a blind eye to surface transport."
Kathova Daleth: "Distance on route? Bypassing the borders, and I presume by and large avoiding most towns, will increase the time it takes. Unless you're talking a straight push across, in which case, we'll have to have our own fuel supplies in addition to those already needed."
Xavier Darnai: "Straight push across, give or take a few adjustments for check points, and somewhere in the neighborhood of four thousand kilometers. The truck'll be carrying fuel reserves to get you the distance you need, so there shouldn't be a need to stop for it along the way." Lifting the glass again, he gave it a slow stir, watching the way the liquor clung to the sides of the glass. "The drivers are coming cheap, and I'd prefer to insure my delivery. There may be another ride along with you, but that'd depend on how the acquisition itself goes and whether they'll be a liability for the trip or not."
Kathova Daleth: She was doing the math in her head, and debating. She leaned back, head canted slightly as she looked off into the distance out the window. She wasn't seeing the view, however, she was looking at what she was getting into. She looked back at him. "Fifty a day, for five days, plus expenses."
Xavier Darnai: "Thirty five with expenses. You're not the only person I've got to pay for this, and I'm taking you on without recommendation." Granted, the value of the goods was effectively doubled considering it was money coming out of a direct competitor's pocket, but the funds did have an intended purpose. "If you come through this clear, you're clearing one forty for watching a truck for five days. If you don't, you're still going to be bringing in hazard pay, and that'll be all the more reason for me to trust your skills the next time I've something on the menu. Which will not take long."
Kathova Daleth: She contemplated a long moment, then looked over for the waitress, hand lifting, two fingers given her for another round, and then she looked back at him. "Done."
Xavier Darnai: Tilting the glass back, he drained the last of the Scotch before setting it down on the table again and tapping the rim of it twice with his bandaged fingers before his right reached across the table. "I'm sure it'll be a pleasure working with you, Kathova. My name is Xavier Darnai."
Kathova Daleth: Taking his hand, she nodded. "I'm sure you're right, Xavier." She smiled, giving his hand a warm handshake, before she pulled hers back. The waitress arrived with her shots and she took the first in hand and lifted it as if in toast before knocking it back.
Xavier Darnai: With his own glass refilled before she could get to her second shot, he lift it up and gave the base a clink against the remaining glass. "Do poslednego vystrela." The Russian accent was spot on, and with a lift of salute, he tilted back his glass to take a long pull of the Scotch. "I leave the specifics of your arrival in Khartoum to you, though if you want to go in with the red team that can be arranged."
Kathova Daleth: "Do posledni vystrel," she nodded, and lifted that second after the clink and knocked it back as well. The glass hit the table solidly. "May as well hitch a ride. When are we wheels up?"
Xavier Darnai: With a bounce of his brow, he tilted the glass back and finished off the rest of it. "Flight's this Friday out've City Proper. If you're about during the week you can likely find me here and possibly meet with the pilot."
Kathova Daleth: The information was filed away in her head and she nodded. "I should be about. I'll swing in sometime during the week and maybe I can catch you both."
Xavier Darnai: Nodding again, he set the empty glass on the table rim down, sign enough that he was ready for the check which came shortly. Reaching into his suit, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and his lighter, a nickel plated flip top with a red star embossed on the side of it, along with his bill fold. Setting the pack and lighter down on the table, he counted out the cash for his meal and her drinks, slipping the payment into the leather folder. "Good. If there're any complications on your end, you can get a message to me here. We'll worry about more formal methods've communication once you're in the air." Returning his billfold, he picked up his cigarettes and took the lighter, standing as he fished one out and planted it between his lips. "Anything else you'd like to know, now'd be a decent time to ask it."
Kathova Daleth: "Know any good places to get a room around here?" If she didnt' find one, she'd be breaking into a foreclosure. She rose and picked up her coat, sliding into it, before she looped her scarf around her neck.
Xavier Darnai: "The White Rose, just a few blocks down Harbinger. Mention you're a regular at the Belyi Plastiny and they'll give you a workman's discount, always have a few rooms available." Snapping open the lighter, his bandaged thumb dragged against the wheel and he stared at the flame for a moment, taking the first long hit. Shaking it out and flipping it closed again, the lighter dropped into an inner pocket of his jacket followed shortly by his cigarettes. Exhaling the first hit, he buttoned up his coat and stepped away from the table. "Have a pleasant evening, Ms. Daleth, and I will be seeing you again soon."
Kathova Daleth: "Thanks, you too." She was working on her own coat as he walked away, and then she headed out to that tomato red, '69 GTX. Slipping in behind the wheel, she followed Xavier's directions to the White Rose.
Xavier Darnai: Passing by Natasha, he nodded briefly as he waved on the way through the doors. One position filled, several more to go, but at least things were about to get easier for him.
Kathova Daleth: Kat was restless. She'd been idle entirely too long and was looking for something to sink her teeth into. Whoever said that vacations were relaxing clearly did not take Kat into consideration. When she arrived at the diner, she stepped inside, the rainfall just one more kind of weather that she only paid heed to due to the effect it had on certain conditions. She wasn't the type to melt because her hair got wet. When she stepped inside, she paused at the door and glanced around, and then headed for a table as it seemed to be open seating. She shed her coat and laid it into the seat beside her. She was dressed warmly enough, for the weather at hand in a cowl neck sweater of a deep purple hue that nearly looked black, black pants and boots that came to her knees. The scarf was the only spot of color, really, and it was a mottled, metallic gold which she loosened up and cast aside, laying it atop her coat before she looked up as she was offered a menu. She smiled her thanks and flipped it open, a glance over the top of it to the man seated nearby, before her gaze went to the offerings on the menu.
Xavier Darnai: The diner itself was quite capable at food service and drinks. With a full bar just around the corner from the common eating area, and a well stocked kitchen manned by a very capable-- albeit stern --chef, they offered a wide variety of cuisine options for the three and a half star gourmet experience. Still, it was the Daily Specials that were most unique. Many in the black industry knew the diner to facilitate meetings, and even those that didn't know first hand could recognize the wording of the menu and read between the lines. They did a good job of covering their tracks, except for the people they wanted hunting. Regulars like Xavier had managed to turn it into a sort of public office as well. Besides, he liked their collection of Scotch. Lifting his right ankle to rest on the knee of his slacks, the man in the dark grey suit rest back in his seat, slowly looking over the available options before lifting his wholly bandaged left hand to flag down one of the passing waitresses. "The Auchentoshan if there's any've it left, and the befstroganov if you would be so kind."
Kathova Daleth: The pheasant was definitely not to her taste. She was more of a beef and potatoes kind of gal. She continued to browse however, not having made up her mind just yet. When the waitress swung by, she looked up and ordered a shot of Patron. As the girl started to step away, she lifted her hand, resting it on her arm. "Make it two and a glass of water, as well, please." She smiled, her hand slid from the girl's arm and then looked back to the menu.
Xavier Darnai: Typically noticing a walk-in wouldn't have been so secondary on his list of things to pay attention to, but the last few days had been particularly demanding. For a moment he lift his eyes from the table to examine the woman placing her order. There was a great deal that could be learned about a person from how they ordered their drink, and typically deciding second hand on the double meant either a rough period of time, or deciding to celebrate. Hard to say for sure which it was just yet, but sitting back in his chair he figured he would give it a moment to find out. Turning his attention to the window, he watched the surface of the glass as a way to detract from where he was really looking, keeping his eye just over her reflection's shoulder to study her mannerisms.
Kathova Daleth: With Kat it was a simple matter of expediency. In her mind it was simply more efficient. Her gaze lifted from the menu and looked about once more, her own eyes going to the window and lingering there, before she turned her focus to the man directly. She regarded him a long moment, then slid from the booth, coat and scarf plucked from the bench beside her and she looked over toward the waitress who had taken her request. She motioned to the man's table when she caught the girl's eye, and then headed for it. She settled opposite him, coat and scarf once more laid beside her as she leaned back, hands resting on her lap as one leg draped over the other, her frame open as he regarded him.
Xavier Darnai: Peripheral did plenty to warn him that she was approaching without having to track her specific movements, but as she sat down he did at least turn his attention to her in some vague sense of being polite. Taking a slow breath, he straightened himself out a bit, smoothing down the red tie he wore before undoing the buttons of his suit jacket. His right hand settled down on the table after, resting there for the time being while he slid his left into the pocket of his slacks. A light nod, a quarter of a smile, and a look that sort of played around the edge of asking for an introduction were offered. "Evening." There was no denying his accent was British, but it would be hard to wholly narrow down without being a proper linguist.
Kathova Daleth: Her own accent was faint. A good ear could pick up tones that couldn't quite be placed beneath the Midwestern inflection. She'd worked hard to remove herself of her accent. Most didn't notice it, but a rare few did detect, even if they didn't recognize, the undertones. "Good evening. My apologies for being brisk, but I don't believe in being coy. I'm afraid the pheasant on special doesn't appeal. Perhaps you could recommend something else?"
Xavier Darnai: Seeing as most of the specials were off menu, it was easy to catch when someone was interested in a wider variety. What had been a friendly and polite quarter smile graduated into a bit more of a knowledgeable smirk as he bobbed his head once or twice. "I could make a few suggestions, actually, depending on your dietary restrictions." No better way to see how well someone could swim than to throw them into the deep end of the double talk. As Xavier sat there though, he was quite sure that she would manage to keep up with minimal issue. "I hear they're preparing to put a few things on the list as we speak, actually."
Kathova Daleth: "I have something of a cast iron stomach." She smiled, then nodded as he mentioned the addition to the list of specials. "I'm glad to hear it." She looked to the waitress as her drinks were brought to the table, all conversation save a simple "Thank you," halted until the girl had stepped away from the table. She took up the first shot of Patron and knocked it back, then set the glass down and regarded the man across from her. "Have you heard anything in particular?"
Xavier Darnai: A moment after her own drinks were brought by, a tumbler with his Scotch was set down on the table and he nodded his thanks before carefully taking the glass in his bandaged left hand. "I have, actually. Looks as though they're about to put a spiced rack on the menu, African spices with an extended dry rub. Quite possibly one of the largest meals I'll've seen them serve, and definitely for the type interested in collecting a unique experience." True, Natasha did most of the code writing because that was what the Petranovics did, but having been a frequent guest, it wasn't hard to discern the end-result of overseeing collected hot goods from Northern Africa.
Kathova Daleth: "It sounds good. I enjoy cooking myself; whipping things up. But I can get creative as well. Cooking takes a good deal of thought. Sometimes it takes experimenting on the fly with different flavors to get things just right." One hand lifted, palm up, and then fell to lay flat on the table, her fingertips tracing over the table's surface.
Xavier Darnai: It was safe to say that Xavier could organize a shopping list, even plan a recipe, but he had gone from being an ingredient to being the executive chef; rarely did he do any of the cooking himself these days. Food metaphors aside, he offered a quiet scoff of laughter as he lift his glass for a quick sniff before tilting it back for a sip of the Scotch. "It's certainly going to be a mouthful, and I imagine it'll have staying power." So far she seemed to be capable of following along, but easing into the specific details always best approached at just the right moment.
Kathova Daleth: "Stamina has never been an issue and I rarely bite off more than I can chew.." She picked up that second shot and knock it back. And no, she didn't even blink. She could, and had, drink sailors under the table. Blame it on her origins. Her people drank booze that would make the harshest, strongest drink seem like afternoon tea. And yes, sometimes it was actually chunky. Don't ask.
Xavier Darnai: "Always makes for the best meals, that." With the plate of butter noodles, gravy, and marinated pepper steak set in front of him, he gave the waitress a nod and collected his fork to start stirring it through the pasta dish. Her understanding seemed solid enough, and so he decided to move into clearer waters. "So, miss..." He left the pause long enough to prompt a response for when he finished, but didn't wait before continuing. "You've come for more than just the meal on hand."
Kathova Daleth: "Daleth. Kathova Daleth. And yes. I have." She nodded, and then waved her glass at the waitress, and held up two more fingers. When the girl left, she took up her glass of water and drained a good portion of it before sitting the glass back down, keeping it in the curl of her hand, her thumb brushing the condensation off the side as her eyes went back to the man before her.
Xavier Darnai: "I've never been one to doubt a jack of all trades by any stretch." Her cast-iron stomach had given that away at the very least. "Though I've also never known one that wasn't a master in at least one trade or another." Spearing a bit of steak and several of the perfectly done casserole noodles, he carefully brought the bite up as he watched her. "Give me a few insights into yours, Ms. Daleth." Something in the tone made it seem like less of a direct question as much a statement that prompted a reasonable response. There was a militaristic quality to it, almost. As he took the bite and chewed away, he rest both elbows on the table, watching her with an inquisitive look from the rust red eyes. They looked weathered, and though he looked to be in his early forties, in this trade there was no doubt that every year of experience counted for four.
Kathova Daleth: "Infiltration, tracking, hand to hand combat. I have had extensive weapons training, both traditional and modern. I speak a few languages, other than English, I have enough Farsi to be polite, but not enough to find out where the market is." Her lips twitched upward a bit. She went quiet again as the waitress arrived with her shots and took the empty glasses away. She took one of those shots up and knocked it back, the glass handed off to the waitress before she could take a step away from the table. She then looked back at the the man making short work of his beef stroganoff.
Xavier Darnai: Infiltration and hand to hand spoke to close combat preference with weapons, but he knew not to be presumptuous. After all, tracking could have implied comfort at a distance as well. Still, her capabilities were always useful for boots on the ground, and her honesty with her skills in languages left him thinking she would be unlikely to put herself at risk with overconfidence. These days, that sort of training could come from a great deal of places, and though her name didn't ring any specific locational bells, that wouldn't stop him from looking into it. One could never be too careful when taking on new business associates. "Have you been freelancing long, or did you leave your last long term employer recently." It was a carefully crafted inquiry.
Kathova Daleth: "I've been on my own for about a year and a half now. The organization I was with previously seemed to stall and I decided it was a good time to branch out on my own." One shoulder rose and fell. It was what it was. Organizations rose and fell faster than some skirts. It could be mismanagement or simply bad timing. Kat simply rolled with the flow and moved on when the need arose.
Xavier Darnai: Nodding, he took another bite of the house specialty dish-- Yuri did something with the meat that just couldn't be recreated --before setting the fork on the side of the plate and washing it down with the amber liquor. "That'd be a reasonable course've action, all things equal." Lowering the glass to the table top, he rolled his right shoulder once before gesturing to her. "So, are you in it for the excitement, for the pay, or because you've no bloody idea what else to do with yourself."
Kathova Daleth: "I'm not the Suzy Homemaker type. The money is good. It's never dull. I was born to a long line of fighting men. Not that my father ever expected me to follow in his footsteps." Again she gave that one shouldered shrug. Men were men and women were expected to raise babies, where she was from. They didn't cross the line without suffering consequences.
Xavier Darnai: "I've got to imagine that most fathers don't. The few that do manage to beat the clock probably aren't hoping for a similar life for their little girl." Xavier had been a slight exception to that, perhaps. True, this life would never be one he left, but the idea of wishing a boring life on any progeny was not one he cared to have. "Imagine you've picked up your languages because you're comfortable with travel. Wouldn't imagine there are areas on the map that're outright black listed for you."
Kathova Daleth: "Haven't met a locale yet that I didn't at least tolerate." Her lips slipped upward in a smile once more. "I'm pretty flexible."
Xavier Darnai: Both his brows lift once as he sat back, smirking as he brought the glass up again. "Then I imagine there're a few things that I could point you towards." Watching her over the rim of his glass, he tilted it back for a quick sip, letting the lightly measurable burn pull at the corner of his mouth for a moment. "What's your price range for a meal like this."
Kathova Daleth: "Depends on how spicy the ingredients and the size of the meal. How much effort it's going to take to get it from the kitchen to the table. Lot's of variables there. If you want a flat rate, we can start with twenty per day, plus expenses."
Xavier Darnai: "Twenty per day's going to depend greatly on your power've magnitude, and just how long you expect the engagement to last. You'll excuse me if I avoid making an assumption of your worth that would insult both've us. Feel free to be explicit." When it came to the expectation of finances, it never hurt to be exact. There was the added benefit that in this place none of the staff walking by were going to be shocked about what they might have heard people were willing to do for money.
Kathova Daleth: "A simple brush pass would be ten, plus expenses. If there's wet work involved, it's going to be multiplied by ten, minimum. And full disclosure will be had before any wetwork is taken on, with the option to pass. As I said, variables." She took up the remaining shot and knocked it back. The glass was set down, and then she once more reached for the water, though she didn't pick it up just yet.
Xavier Darnai: "This'll be oversight and protection of collected materials prepared for international shipping, and if there's any wet work to be had it'll be in defense, not offense. As such, I don't think I could give you much more advance warning than to say these sorts've shipments tend to be valuable, and are therefore targets. But I imagine that comes with the territory." Tilting the glass back again, he took another sip of the Scotch before setting the glass down and spinning it around on the table top as he skewered another bite. "Travel arrangements'll be seen to, and expenses within reason. Hazard pay comes appropriately, and if things go smoothly I'll be open to a more long term offer."
Kathova Daleth: "Shipping of said collected materials is prearranged then I take it." She lifted her glass and took a drink of her water. "How large is the shipment and how far is it going, and what route?" Because all of that would factor into the logistics of protecting it.
Xavier Darnai: "For your leg've it there'll be about twenty thousand kilograms traveling from Khartoum to Marrakesh, straight line ground transport to avoid drawing attention. Once the trucks arrive, the cargo will be loaded onto a plane waiting to bring it here. You're welcome to come back with the flight, but that'll be the end've your work day, as it were." Slowly spinning the glass, he took another bite of the perfectly done meal, setting the fork down with a few remaining bites before pushing it towards the edge of the table to be collected on the next pass.
Kathova Daleth: "And these twenty thousand kilograms that the trucks will be transporting are comprised of ..." Knowing would allow her to be better prepared to defend. Someone looking to boost antiquities would likely be more subtle than someone looking to boost a shipment of weapons. And drugs were a whole new problem, logistically.
Xavier Darnai: "The spring harvest that'll've gone missing." Welcome to the whole new logistical problem. On the upside... "This means a hard push ignoring most borders, but the drivers've gotten the route already sorted. Air travel's not viable, the group that'll've lost the product've significant control over the airports, but a blind eye to surface transport."
Kathova Daleth: "Distance on route? Bypassing the borders, and I presume by and large avoiding most towns, will increase the time it takes. Unless you're talking a straight push across, in which case, we'll have to have our own fuel supplies in addition to those already needed."
Xavier Darnai: "Straight push across, give or take a few adjustments for check points, and somewhere in the neighborhood of four thousand kilometers. The truck'll be carrying fuel reserves to get you the distance you need, so there shouldn't be a need to stop for it along the way." Lifting the glass again, he gave it a slow stir, watching the way the liquor clung to the sides of the glass. "The drivers are coming cheap, and I'd prefer to insure my delivery. There may be another ride along with you, but that'd depend on how the acquisition itself goes and whether they'll be a liability for the trip or not."
Kathova Daleth: She was doing the math in her head, and debating. She leaned back, head canted slightly as she looked off into the distance out the window. She wasn't seeing the view, however, she was looking at what she was getting into. She looked back at him. "Fifty a day, for five days, plus expenses."
Xavier Darnai: "Thirty five with expenses. You're not the only person I've got to pay for this, and I'm taking you on without recommendation." Granted, the value of the goods was effectively doubled considering it was money coming out of a direct competitor's pocket, but the funds did have an intended purpose. "If you come through this clear, you're clearing one forty for watching a truck for five days. If you don't, you're still going to be bringing in hazard pay, and that'll be all the more reason for me to trust your skills the next time I've something on the menu. Which will not take long."
Kathova Daleth: She contemplated a long moment, then looked over for the waitress, hand lifting, two fingers given her for another round, and then she looked back at him. "Done."
Xavier Darnai: Tilting the glass back, he drained the last of the Scotch before setting it down on the table again and tapping the rim of it twice with his bandaged fingers before his right reached across the table. "I'm sure it'll be a pleasure working with you, Kathova. My name is Xavier Darnai."
Kathova Daleth: Taking his hand, she nodded. "I'm sure you're right, Xavier." She smiled, giving his hand a warm handshake, before she pulled hers back. The waitress arrived with her shots and she took the first in hand and lifted it as if in toast before knocking it back.
Xavier Darnai: With his own glass refilled before she could get to her second shot, he lift it up and gave the base a clink against the remaining glass. "Do poslednego vystrela." The Russian accent was spot on, and with a lift of salute, he tilted back his glass to take a long pull of the Scotch. "I leave the specifics of your arrival in Khartoum to you, though if you want to go in with the red team that can be arranged."
Kathova Daleth: "Do posledni vystrel," she nodded, and lifted that second after the clink and knocked it back as well. The glass hit the table solidly. "May as well hitch a ride. When are we wheels up?"
Xavier Darnai: With a bounce of his brow, he tilted the glass back and finished off the rest of it. "Flight's this Friday out've City Proper. If you're about during the week you can likely find me here and possibly meet with the pilot."
Kathova Daleth: The information was filed away in her head and she nodded. "I should be about. I'll swing in sometime during the week and maybe I can catch you both."
Xavier Darnai: Nodding again, he set the empty glass on the table rim down, sign enough that he was ready for the check which came shortly. Reaching into his suit, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and his lighter, a nickel plated flip top with a red star embossed on the side of it, along with his bill fold. Setting the pack and lighter down on the table, he counted out the cash for his meal and her drinks, slipping the payment into the leather folder. "Good. If there're any complications on your end, you can get a message to me here. We'll worry about more formal methods've communication once you're in the air." Returning his billfold, he picked up his cigarettes and took the lighter, standing as he fished one out and planted it between his lips. "Anything else you'd like to know, now'd be a decent time to ask it."
Kathova Daleth: "Know any good places to get a room around here?" If she didnt' find one, she'd be breaking into a foreclosure. She rose and picked up her coat, sliding into it, before she looped her scarf around her neck.
Xavier Darnai: "The White Rose, just a few blocks down Harbinger. Mention you're a regular at the Belyi Plastiny and they'll give you a workman's discount, always have a few rooms available." Snapping open the lighter, his bandaged thumb dragged against the wheel and he stared at the flame for a moment, taking the first long hit. Shaking it out and flipping it closed again, the lighter dropped into an inner pocket of his jacket followed shortly by his cigarettes. Exhaling the first hit, he buttoned up his coat and stepped away from the table. "Have a pleasant evening, Ms. Daleth, and I will be seeing you again soon."
Kathova Daleth: "Thanks, you too." She was working on her own coat as he walked away, and then she headed out to that tomato red, '69 GTX. Slipping in behind the wheel, she followed Xavier's directions to the White Rose.
Xavier Darnai: Passing by Natasha, he nodded briefly as he waved on the way through the doors. One position filled, several more to go, but at least things were about to get easier for him.
