I took out my jacket and pulled off my backpack. I don't know what era it came from, but despite it's refrigeration capacities it was nearly silent even to my new levels of hearing. I took out two old school Dr Peppers, the glass bottle making a delightful ringing noise. I got the bottle opener from one of my survival kits and open one of the bottles for myself.
I don't know why, but I have always used all the little names for similar drinks interchangeably, Soda, pop, cola, and so on. I never had stuck with one label for long.
Two of the snack bars, chocolate over a medley of nuts, I had grabbed were extracted from my pockets. Their Mylar wrappers crinkling noisily. Sadly there were no cashews, which happened to be my favorite type of nut. I suppose I'll have to make due.
Look at me, being all self involved. Good thing I was mostly joking, or I might start getting pissed off at myself.
Sometimes you have to joke even if it is only with yourself.
The next few moments were spent in enjoying my snacks and beverage, while I pondered my actions. I had probably come on too strongly. I couldn't separate what I knew from how I treat her.
Perhaps, I went a little too hard on Rogue. I'd have to do better. I couldn't let her wrongdoing turn me into a dick. Maybe it was too late. This on top of my new found anger issues, was going to be a lot to manage.
Her moans focused my attention back on her. I really had worked her hard. She looked a lot younger, which only made me feel even shittier. Those damned caveman instincts, I guess.
She was coming out of her pleasure induced stupor. I opened the second bottle of Dr Pepper and placed it in front of her. See, I could be nice.
She groggily picked up the bottle and took a sip. Her eyes widened and her sip turned into a deep guzzling drink. Yup, Dr Pepper was awesome.
She placed the bottle, now half empty, back down on the coffee table. I politely ignored her soft belch. My own sip covering a smile.
"Haven't had anything like that, since I was a small child. Where did you find it?" She had almost as intense a look on her face as when she was lost in ecstasy. She was a very attractive woman. If really was a shame.
"I have a limited source, and it wouldn't do any good to explain it to you. Perhaps, I'll share more with you, someday." I went with a soft friendly smile. Never just refuse, be polite and suggest future benefits.
She looked away. Of course she did, this was the second round and she was already on the back foot. I could see her trying to gather her wits and plot out her next steps. She'd be more cautious now. I knew she was crafty, which was part of why I had thrown her for a loop.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
"You are a vicious negotiator." She frowned. Always nice to get a acknowledgement that the other party saw your scheme. Nicer still if they didn't shoot you for it.
"Honestly, I was just trying to be nice with the drink. Maybe, I was being a bit too aggressive with my ability before. I want you to understand what I can offer. That I have value that can't be bought, nor traded, nor taught." I smirked, "Before we go much further, you should look at yourself in a mirror, so you have the full picture." Provide some details, but not everything.
She stared at me flatly for almost a full minute, before she got up and opened one of the cabinets. It had a mirror on the inside of the door, and there was a sink in there too. Should have explored a bit, while she was senseless. Oh well.
"What?" She touched her face, "Is this some kind of trick?" She was stunned. Bullseye. She valued her appearance, and some part of her missed her youth. This had gone a long way in establishing my worth.
"Nope. You now look like you are about thirty, give or take. Given time and more effort, I could make you look even younger." I chuckled. A bit of bait for further deals.
My BTC shook. I received a notice about completing the Meet Rogue Quest. It even had a bonus for making a good impression. 15,000 Company Points in the bag. All in all a good haul, even if I got nothing more out of this.
Rogue turned, "What do you want?" I couldn't exactly read her expression, but it was certainly a fascinating sight. Somewhere between lust, envy and dismay.
"I'm pretty sure I've already told you that information." I frowned.
"It can't be that simple. With everything you can do, you could carve out your own kingdom. You don't need me, or the mercs in this club." She folded her arms and cocked one of her hips deep I thought. Probably looking for my hidden motives.
My chuckle caused her to focus on my face again, "Tried that. My 'Sponsors' didn't like how it turned out. Thus my disappearance, thus me being changed. To start over, and forge a different path this time." I shrugged, "At least they left me some of my money." I wished they had left me with my face. I missed it.
I let her mull things over. I leaned back in the recliner.
"What can I do to help you?" She asked gently. Ah, she had made her choice. Now if I could just convince her not to stab me in the back.
"I could use a secure Agent. An identity I could do business under. Directions to a decent place to stay. The name of some trust worthy folks to do business with. A dependable car for sale. That kind of thing." I leaned forward. Time to start setting up a new life.
"N-Nothing else? Just that?" She seemed to struggle with herself. I wondered what she was thinking?
"For now, until I get settled. Figure out my next steps." I had a long road ahead, and it would start with getting back my people.
She nodded.
A chime sounded, startling both of us.
Rogue pushed a button on the monitor. The image of her guard seemed exasperated.
"Faraday is here and he refuses to be rescheduled." He rolled his eyes. "He's making a scene as usual."
Rogue sighed.
"I'll be right down." She turned to me, "I have to take care of this. As to your request, I have a standard out of town guest package I can give you. It will let you move freely and conduct business. That will give me time to build you a solid identity. Okay?"
There was only one thing to say.
"Preem."