[THREAD]

[manofdust]

Who: Adam Keaton and Jack Hauk.
Where: Outer Heaven, Terra
When: 5th of January, at 10 pm.
Summary: Just your average business meeting between a government spy and a retired terrorist leader.
Rating: PG, most likely.
Other:N/A

Comments

[magna_nimity]

There were a lot of things Big Boss couldn't stand. Among them: definitely nosy reporters and their interviews. He had initially not wanted to agree to a meeting, but he had a certain reputation to uphold and free advertising for the club was always a good enough excuse. Although lately, it felt like Outer Heaven was getting more attention than it should, especially from people that really shouldn't be frequenting his club as much as they did.

He could already guess who the reporter guy was when he entered the club; watching the entrance from the lounge area. Strangely enough, he had some sort of familiar air about him, and Big Boss scratched the skin under his eyepatch in thought.

Probably nothing.

He stood up and waved the young man over.

[magna_nimity]

Big Boss wasn't overly impressed with the man's -- or rather, kid's -- attitude. He couldn't possibly be older than twenty. Editor-in-chief at that age already? Hm. It probably wasn't unusual, but something about the whole thing still rubbed him the wrong way.

To show that, he opened the drawer of his desk and produced a bottle of Jack Daniels and two glasses.

"True. I won't argue on that one. Though I doubt somebody who works in the line of journalism would be much of a gunslinger."

He poured himself a glass, and then the other, without even asking if any was wanted.

"And you tell me. The way I see it, I'd say you're trying to press me for personal information."

[manofdust]

"I do have a life outside of work, as foreign as the concept might seem."

Adam watched his movements with feigned interest. He was sharp, no doubt about it, but the young spy wasn't about to blow his cover if he could help it. A potential background check wouldn't provide him with much information - the Alpha had seen to that - and his assumed identity was close to perfect. No need to worry.

"Purely business, I assure you. Our readers have little interest in any information regarding the man behind the scene."

[magna_nimity]

So this guys favorite pastime was playing the part of a gun-toting journalist. Interesting.

"Don't we all."

Big Boss rhytmically swayed his glass and then raised it in a Cheers gesture before downing its contents in one swig. Aah. He'd needed that.

"Fine then. If that's the case, please excuse me prying and carry on, will you?"

[manofdust]

Taking his time Adam took a moderate sip of the bourbon. He needed to keep his head clear and even if his alcohol tolerance was as good as anyone else's there was no need to go overboard.

Besides, if the old man got a glass or two in him he might be prone to letting more slip than he intended.

"Very well. How would you describe your average regular customer? Even though anyone is welcome this type of establishment usually attracts a certain type of clientele, especially if you can offer specialized services."

[magna_nimity]

"That's a good question. I actually don't pay that much attention, although; I tend to see a lot of young men in their 20s and 30s frequent the club. Actually, looking at you -- you could be one of my regulars. You should give it a try, maybe you'll like it," he said, more provocative than he had initially intended.

He certainly looked the type. Actually, given how familiar the man seemed, it really did surprise him that he had never seen in his establishment before.

And he couldn't stop thinking about the damn gun. Something was definitely wrong with it, and not the fact that he had been bringing one with him in the first place.

[manofdust]

"Maybe I will."

Part of the job of course - what else would it be? - and getting a direct invitation from the owner certainly made any future visits a lot easier. This would have to do for now, he had caught the mans attention and that was acceptable for a first meeting.

"Just one last thing and I'll leave you to your work. J-"

John.

He faltered for the fraction of a moment but corrected himself quick enough. Where did that name come from? It fit in somehow, the name, the voice, his appearance, even the smell of cigars.

"-Mr Hauk. Any last words to our readers?"

[magna_nimity]

"Oh, we're done already?", he said, acting surprised as he was just about to pour himself another glass. Oh well. He set the bottle down on the table again. He was used to longer interviews.

No final showdown?

"Alright. You should really try our Neo Genesis Pizza, it's delicious. And you won't find it anywhere else, that I can guarantee. As for you, Mr. Keaton --"

A meaningful pause and look.

"Try to be a little more subtle next time."

[manofdust]

"Disappointed? I figured with your tight schedule a light interview might be more appropriate, we're not after your life story after all."

Not that you know of.

He turned off the tape recorder and returned it to his pocket. Had he slipped up? Impossible, the old man was just paranoid. Nothing worth paying attention to. Doing his best to remain calm and composed, Adam got to his feet.

"I will send you a mock-up of the article before it goes official. Wouldn't want any inaccuracies, would we?"

With a fake smile he offered his hand in a handshake.

"Until we meet again, Mr Hauk."

[magna_nimity]

He stood up, taking his hand, smiling in the same way. However, he didn't let go for a moment, squeezing his hand a bit more and looking into his eyes.

"I don't think the Makarov is the right model for you," Big Boss said. He really didn't know how he could say it like that, but...maybe he had just an eye for it.

Then he let go, not sure what to make of this or this man.

"I assume you'll find the exit yourself?"

[manofdust]

He kept eye contact for a moment, meeting the older man with a look of defiance. What did he know about which weapon that was best suited for him?

Adam couldn't help but be intrigued. Even if the rumors turned out to be just that - unlikely - he would definitely do some digging into this mans past for more... personal reasons. Something wasn't right.

He turned to leave but stopped himself in the doorway, glancing back at Jack over his shoulder.

"It's an admirable thing you're doing here."

[magna_nimity]

Big Boss remained in his spot, just leaning against his desk, almost sitting on it as he watched the other man leave, deep in thought. He never liked the feeling a deja-vu brought with it, and now he knew he'd have to dig up some information about 'Adam Keaton' to satisfy his own curiousity or it'd haunt him for weeks and months to pass.

Still watching him, he thought, he moves like a cat. Huh.

"Admirable?", he repeated when Adam spoke up, genuinely surprised.

[manofdust]

So he caught the bait. Turning half-way towards Jack with an expression that could only be described as ambiguous he replied, not missing a single beat.

"Creating a haven for equal treatment, regardless of background and social standing. I'd say that's pretty admirable, especially in this society."

[magna_nimity]

Oh?

"Not a whole lot of people would say that," Jack responded. "At least not coming from Elysium."

...If this man turned out to be an enemy of the system, this could definitely prove to be interesting, in the long run.

[manofdust]

He couldn't help but laugh at that. Ironic, really. It didn't matter how good your intentions were, everyone had a prejudice against something.

"What's this? Are you judging my political views based on my place of residence? It wouldn't look too good if something like that came out in the open."

[magna_nimity]

Big Boss narrowed his eye folding, his hands and replied, maybe a tad too indignant, "That's not what I said. I said it's unusual for someone like you, not that I'm judging you. In any case, we did not come here to discuss our political views. We both don't intend to get into trouble, do we."