ioduanlogs | [open] It's good to be king

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[open] It's good to be king

Characters: Handsome Jack and you!
Date: Mid-April, around the time he gets in
Location: Streets of Aifaran
Situation: Commerce 5. Jack just got to the island, and right away, he gets into a business deal with a young, fresh entrepreneur by the name of Don. The beginnings of the Hyperion company is now in motion. Feel free to bother him! He just left the meeting.
Warnings/Rating: Mentions of death and mild gore from memories, but it's not the focus of the log

Jack had always prided himself as a smooth-talker. There was no other outcome from this meeting other than yes, and what do you know, that was exactly what he got!

Don was about a decade younger than him. Less handsome, too. He looked like the type that wanted to leave the nest and fly with his own wings, and he was ready to fall in love with the best pitch he could sink his teeth into. Jack happened to be rather seductive, as far as business meetings went. Listen, kiddo, it's been tried and tested in my dimension. Why go with potential duds when you could side with the CEO of the most powerful company in my universe? It was hard to say no to. Don had this hopeful look in his eyes, like he'd been blessed by the universe. Okay, Handsome Jack. We'll go with your plan. Jack gave him the schematics of a security bot prototype. Don told him they'll start with the production soon.

The company name? Don wanted to go with Cool Tech or something, but Jack gave him an even flashier one: Hyperion, capslock, bright yellow background. Yellow, Jack? It just pops better.

Jack should expect his first paycheck in the mail by next week, Don said. Fine by him! Jack bounded down the steps of the building, well-dressed, cocksure, and ready to burn through his measly stipend. Welfare wasn't any way for someone like him to live, anyway, and the universe must've known that. He just needed a pretty girl around his arm, and he'd be golden for the day.

In the back of his mind, he could remember the Assassin's katana cutting through his flesh. His Angel, face down on the ground, skin pale and life gone from her baby blue eyes. Nisha's ECHOcomm, turning off permanently. He was alive, wasn't he? He'd get them back, even if he had to claw up from the pit he'd been thrown into. A fresh start is just a new place to take over and control, and the challenge was half the fun.

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Leo was there, existing and minding his own business when some guy with way too bright of an aura and way too much confidence nearly ran into him and his bibiru. Leo yelped, backing up suddenly, and holding up his hands.

"Hey, woah! You really should watch where you're going-I almost got run over!" AND his camera was nearly knocked out of his hands, which was the worst thing.

Normally, Jack didn't like entertaining random children, but he was in a chatty mood today, the kind where he felt like he could talk someone's head off. He stopped right in his tracks and placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling, but in a way that looked condescending.

"See, kiddo... that's not my fault. That's your fault. I'm feeling generous today, so I'm going to give you a life lesson and I hope it's one you remember because it's important. There are two kinds of people in the world -- people who run others over and people who get run over. You see what I mean here? I, Handsome Jack, almost ran you over. Why? Because I take over spaces. And do you know what happens when I assert myself like that? I just got here, and I already have a totally sweet business deal. I didn't even have to stay with the small kid they wanted me to room with. S'crazy." He laughed. "Remember that. Maybe you'll turn out great. Not as great as me, but better than the other guys here for sure."

Edited 2018-04-15 12:07 (UTC)

Leo had to take several moments to process just what this guy was saying to him. For some reason, he reminded Leo of Zapp, which was absolutely the most horrible thing. But there was kind of one thing that stood out more.

"Wait, did you-did you just call yourself Handsome Jack?"

...Was this kid dropped in the head as an embryo?

"Yes, kiddo." He gestured at the general state of his face. "Is this not self-explanatory enough?"

He was being...completely serious, wasn't he? This guy was not sarcastic at all. Leo fought to keep the smile off his face, but he broke out into laughter at once. (And rude, he only headbutts people if they deserve it.)

"Oh my god, you're serious. You're actually calling yourself Handsome Jack. Oh my god I'm fucking dying."

Jack gritted his teeth. Back in his universe, if someone even so much as disrespected him, he'd shoot them on the spot. Jack was sorely tempted to, but not yet. Take over Khu Ioduan, then shoot the kid.

"You..." He raised a finger, wagging it a little. "Haha, alright, laugh all you want, kiddo. Remember this moment. I don't imagine it'll make you feel better when I wrap my fingers around your neck and make you experience the full agonizing depths of pain, the likes of which you'll never forget again, right when you least expect it... but hey, at least you're laughing now, right?"

Jack shrugged and started to leave. Oh, he'd remember his face, alright.

Well okay, he definitely hit a sensitive nerve there. And now Leo was being threatened to be strangled to death. Also great. Leo held his bibiru-free hand up in the air in defense. "I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry for laughing at you! That was kind of rude, even if that's a wierd name. Please don't kill me in my sleep!"

Groveling! Now that was what he wanted to hear! Jack turned around, a hand on his hip.

"Oh, there we go, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

Leo really didn't want to apologize to this asshole, but he also didn't want to die in his sleep or drag his friends into his own issues again. He glared at Jack-as much as one could with closed eyes-and shifted to put Steven into his makeshift backpack he'd cobbled together, the little rabbit head sticking out the top.

"Yeah, yeah, okay. Are you new here to Aifaran or something? I've never seen you around before."

Jack could see him attempting to glare at him, so he waggled his eyebrows at him smugly.

"Just got here a couple days ago. Weird, isn't it? Do people ever stay in Breakwater long? I can't imagine why. The food is, quite frankly, inedible horse crap."

Edited 2018-04-16 03:01 (UTC)

"Well unlike you, I'm used to very little money so I have low standards. Besides, it's nice they try to help out people instead of letting them become homeless," Leo said, though he doubted if he was right about this man, he cared that much. "You can find lodging pretty much anywhere tho. I'm staying right now with my boss-well, my friend for now."

"You people are so... content. You really like living like this, huh? Just standing around, hoping for the next thing to come to you?" Jack stretched his arms and started to walk away. "Listen, I gotta go. Good luck with your... lemme guess, newspaper delivery job? Babysitting?" He laughed and waved him off.

"I'm a photographer, dickhead. A good one." And flipped the guy off as he was walking away. God, he hated smug rich people so much, even if they were very charismatic. At least...despite the death threat, the guy looked perfectly human, which honestly made him feel better.

The sight of the man bounding down the steps of one of the investment buildings, drew less attention than the fact that he seemed to be fairly new to the city. His confidence in himself bordered on cocky, she could tell that from a glance. Her years of experience with men had always lent itself well to her ability to judge, even without her empathetic abilities.

"Someone seems to have had a successful meeting," she commented, one brow arched in some sort of amusement.

Oh wow. At the sight of her, Jack's steps slowed as he openly checked her out. If she stepped on him, he'd probably say thank you. Can he get two wins in one day? Well, he was about to try.

"That's right, babe. Lucrative partnership deal, big paycheck coming in next week, it's all going great. Why don't I treat you to dinner then, hmm?"

Roving eyes weren't uncommon back on her world, the 'babe' comment wasn't uncommon either though both seemed to be far more rare in Aifaran. A woman with her pride and abilities should have been, and was, offended, but only a smile would form on her fair face, lighting up emerald green eyes. As unappreciated as the attention and nickname were, Valdis knew an opportunity for entertainment when she saw one, no matter who might disapprove of her more chaotic tendencies.

"I never could resist a man with money," she replied, "But I'm still not that easy."

"Of course you're not! A woman like you? You probably know all the tricks men pull. You probably hear them every day, even. So lemme revise my strategy now that I know I'm not dealing with an amateur..." Jack placed a hand on his hips, flashing her an easy smile. He offered a handshake. "The name's Handsome Jack, former CEO of Hyperion. 'Former', largely because I got transported here, but negotiations to start it back up here is going great. We deal largely with tech and arms manufacturing. What about you?"

This Jack was definitely a charmer, just the kind of man she'd have worked herself into the good graces of back home, at least for a time. Money, power, what he looked like didn't matter, though it wasn't as if the man was ugly. Valdis held out her hand, as if she expected him to kiss it instead of shaking it.

"Lady Valdis," she replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Handsome Jack. I'd offer my titles, but I'm afraid they aren't nearly as impressive as yours."

Jack got the cue. He took her fingers delicately into his own and pressed a kiss to it, eyes paying close attention to her reactions.

"Lady Valdis," he repeated fondly. "I could've guessed you were a lady a mile away. You hold yourself with such elegance, it's hard not to notice. How long have you been here, my dear? Is it treating you well?"

"You're shameless."

Valdis knew better than to fall for such flattery, but it didn't mean she couldn't enjoy it. Though she maintained composure as he kissed her hand, her eyes sparkled more brightly with the compliments.

"I've been in Aifaran for a few months," she replied, not in any hurry to withdraw her hand from his. "It's going well enough, though it's been somewhat boring lately."

"I prefer the term bold, sweetheart." His lips quirked into a smile as he watched her eyes react to him. She gave her fingers a firm squeeze, lingering before he pulled his hand back. "Stick with me. I'm never boring. But that begs the question -- what do you find fun, Lady Valdis? Anything someone like me can afford, hmm?"

Years of deception, of acting, both out of enjoyment and necessity, meant that, despite her smile and the brightness of her eyes, Valdis was in perfect control. She withdrew her hand when he released it, letting it fall to her side as she held his gaze with confidence.

"I've met many men like you," she replied, her smile turning sly, "They are always after something particular and they think jewels, compliments, and money will buy it. You'll need to do better than that."

"You've never met a man like me," Jack said, snorting. "Oh, I know. That's why I'm asking. If I sent you generic romance gifts to your door, well, you'd think I was a dumbass, wouldn't you? You have specific tastes. I wanna know what it is, and see if we have anything in common."

Edited 2018-04-19 05:39 (UTC)

The ego belonging to this man had passed from amusing to offensive fairly quickly. It was much like her own in a way, except she could back hers up with fact, and she could admit when she was wrong without sacrificing her pride. She turned her head slightly, tipping her chin down as if checking her surroundings.

"I have many interests," she said, "But long term relationships aren't one of them."

It was in no way a lie, being immortal made such things rather difficult.

"So I don't really see commonality to be of great importance, but you are correct, I do have very specific tastes." Her voice lowered, no trace of her dislike of Handsome Jack to be found in her tone or body language, "I find men who will do anything for me to be quite attractive, up to and including the removal of my enemies."

Long term? Jack was lonely and horny, but not that much. Truth be told, he hadn't decided if he liked her as a person yet. In his heart, he was still hoping that the same magic that revived him could bring back his Nisha too. If there was anyone that could cheat death, it would be her. Jack flashed her a sly smile.

"I'm not planning for the long term, babe. I just want to light a spark and see if it catches on fire." Jack leaned in, body language casual even at the request. "I won't move heaven and earth for you, but that, my dear, is something I can do."

Valdis would definitely need to keep an eye on this one, it had been far too easy to convince him to kill for her. If she could do it, others could as well, even if they weren't as pretty. Handsome Jack seemed like the kind of man who would do pretty much anything in order to get what he wanted, and, right now, his mind was on one thing.

"I don't generally ask the impossible," she replied, placing her hand on his chest now that he had leaned closer. It was suggestive of many things, but it probably held a different meaning for him than it did to her. "What kind of spark do you wish to light?"

Whatever that gesture was, Jack clearly understood it as sexual. His eyes were bright with interest.

"How about we get some drinks and talk about it, hm?"

"I can do drinks," Valdis said, not yet removing her hand, though her gaze dropped to his chest, as if considering. "Though I'll admit, I'm a bit of a lightweight."

Then she laughed, her other hand rising to tug lightly at his collar, "At least you look strong enough to carry me home."

"No need to push yourself to the limits with that when we can do that with other things, sweetheart." Jack grinned. "I can do that well enough, yes."

Sweetheart. It took no small effort to keep her eyes from rolling in amused irritation. Instead, she sidled up next to him and looped her arm around his, keeping her body close as if enticed by that idea.

"I know a nice little place," she replied, "just follow my lead."

She led Jack to a nice bar, one of the nicer ones that she knew Sentry officers didn't frequent. It wouldn't do for them to run into her right now.

Jack walked into the bar with a confident swagger, nodding at and greeting some of the bar patrons. He led them to the bar, right at the end of the table and out of view.

"Whiskey for me," he told the bartender. He looked at Valdis. "Pick your poison."

Valdis took a seat next to him, unconcerned by the spot he had chosen.

"Vodka martini for me," she smiled, resting her chin on her palm and placing her gaze back on Jack, "Tell me about this...money that you are coming into?"

Jack smirked at her, taking a sip when his drink came.

"It's a signing bonus for now, but I get about sixty-five of the profits if it takes off. With our current pre-orders, it should be around six digits." ...Oh. Right. The currency wasn't the same. "Like a big bag of those shiny coins. Anyway, it'll be awesome. Maybe I'll buy a yacht."

He downed half of his drink in one go. Aw, yeah, that was the stuff. "But that's getting me thinking. You know, it's gonna be big. You got any special talents I can hire you for? I mean, not the sexy kind, I don't do that stuff -- but yanno, tech, entertainment, maybe combat?" He looked at her expectantly.

Valdis smiled pleasantly back at him, pretending to be intrigued by his words.

"How refreshing to have a man like you be interested in my activities outside of the bedroom," she said first, pausing to take a drink of her martini as it arrived. "I know some self defense and one of my exes taught me how to use a gun. I took fencing at one point too."

She sighed, "As for entertainment, aside from certain tricks you might enjoy, I do like dancing."

Jack laughed. "I'm a little more complex than money and a perfectly chiseled jaw, sweetheart. Underestimating a woman's the last thing I'm gonna do. Some of the most competent people I know are women. Even you -- that's a lot of skills, especially for a lady... but... ehh, hard pass on those for now unless you got a specialization yourself."

He finished up his whiskey. Good stuff. He ordered another drink, squinting and wagging his finger. "...Tell me about those tricks I might enjoy, though."

Valdis arched a brow, hiding her amusement by taking another drink of her martini. The mentioned skills were greatly underplayed and not even the beginning of what she was capable of. As it turned out, one could be both a lady and a skilled warrior, not to mention one of the deadliest creatures to walk her home world.

She gave him a wink, "If I told you, then it would remove the surprise."

Man, these elegant lady types were hard nuts to crack. They were pretty and all, but he's starting to wonder if he has to do a whole thing to impress her. Still, that thing with the tricks... he'll give it a little more time. She seemed to like it patient and proper, but she doesn't seem to be a complete virgin, so that's good.

"Fine. I love surprise. Well, good ones, at least." He picked up his new drink and took a long gulp. "You know, we're both adults here. You shouldn't be so coy! How long has it been for you? Sure you got people lining up, but have you found a good lover yet? A real man? You know, when it comes to endowments, I don't think you'd find anything wanting with mine."

Valdis smiled, a few more drinks, and the man would probably be a little too out of it for her to have to find a good excuse to go back on her insinuations.

"Believe it or not, it's been a few years," she said truthfully, "I guess I just haven't found a 'real' man."

She had never understood the male need to express how large they were, it was as if they believed that size mattered when it came to pleasure, but she could at least pretend to be intrigued.

"I'm sure I won't." She took two more drinks of her martini and then signaled to the bartender to bring Jack yet another drink. "Do you have a place in the city yet?"

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[open] It's good to be king

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skip to bar?

Sure

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