Post by Gelus on Sept 10, 2023 9:31:51 GMT -5
Today was the day. When he did this, war would truly begin between Arctic Ice Inc and Arcose Ice Services. War, however, was inevitable the day that he let slip that their presence on Earth was completely non-existent, emboldening the rival company to ask for more in exchange for access to the Planet Earth ice market through the purchase of their company. The young Arcosian couldn’t quite remember what the representatives of Arctic Ice Inc had asked for, but it didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. His father would not have accepted it. The deal fell through, leaving Arcose Ice Services to lay the groundwork for their entry into Earth’s ice market on their own… so lay it they shall.
On the ruins of their rival company. Still, Gelus believed in honor and civility among gentlemen. Specifically, among those with vast wealth. He respected their domination of Earth in the ice market and the vast quantities of Zeni they had made while doing it. It was genuinely impressive. However, they could not be allowed to stand in the way of his father’s business Empire, which would one day be his own business Empire. He could not allow any threat to his birthright to exist. That was why he was going to give them a warning. A simple, solitary warning. He would inform them of his company’s plans to expand into Earth, and that they should step up their efforts if they do not wish to be consumed by the wave of progress.
Of course, he would also put a well-placed reminder in the conversation that his previous offer to buy out Arctic Ice Inc was still on the table. They would not accept it. The Arcosian businessman was under no delusions of this actually bearing results in that particular way. No, it’s main purpose was to insult them. Spur them into action before they are ready while he bides his time and builds his strength. By the time they realized they were finished, it would already be too late. Chuckling to himself, Gelus stepped in front of the mirror to his capsule villa’s master bedroom and prepared to get dressed for the day. “Servants 3 and 4, awaken!” At that command, two spherical robots opened their eyes and floated from their charging pedestal, floating through the room and towards their master.
“The usual fit, but make the shirt white and the tie blue, to represent the Earth.” No sooner did the commands leave his mouth, the robots set to work, opening the Arcosian’s wardrobe and retrieving his requested outfit. Dressing him in short order, Servant 4 approached him, holding a lapel pin. Normally, this would be his pin for Arcose Ice Services, which depicted Arcose and its moons with an Arcose Imperial cruiser flying around the planet, leaving a silver trail. Instead, it seemed that the new pins were ready, since this one said “Earth Ice Services.” The pin was very similar, but instead depicted Planet Earth in addition to the company name change. “Ah, excellent. I am glad these arrived in time. Quite fitting for me to wear this when I go to declare war on our enemies.”
Securing the pin to the lapel of his black suit jacket, the President of Arcose Ice Services waved the servants away, the little robots floating over to the edge of the room and sitting back down on their charging stations. Making sure every detail of his appearance was perfect, Gelus smirked in satisfaction before exiting his temporary home, where a limousine was waiting for him, driven by an older Earthling. The Ais Clan heir recognized this one. He had worked for his father since before Gelus was born. In his old age, his father must have given him this cushy job as a reward for his loyalty. Hurrying to the passenger door, the Earthling opened the door for Gelus and bowed politely.
“I just received a call from Mr. Froz’s assistant. She says he is eager to meet you, and he awaits your arrival in the lobby.” Gelus casually sauntered over to the limo and sat in his seat, looking over to notice a glass of chardonnay waiting for him. Picking up the gold-rimmed glass, he took a sip.
“Take the long way there. I wish to have a look at the flowers.” Looking surprised for a moment, the man slowly began to have a look of understanding cross his face. He had seen this from Gelus’s father enough to know what this was about.
“As you wish, sir.” Closing Gelus’s door, the driver entered the limo and began to drive to the Arctic Ice Inc headquarters, taking the long way there of course. After a long, scenic drive, the limo was parked at the front doors, the Arcosian’s driver hurrying around to the other side of the car to let him out.Stepping out of the limo and taking in the building for the first time, Gelus shrugged. ‘Hmph, unimpressive.’ In reality, the building was quite impressive by any metric. It was a large, multi-story skyscraper in the metropolitan heart of Central City, the upper 20 floors completely covered by a massive, ostentatious neon sign depicting the company’s name along with its logo; a polar bear climbing an igloo.
In truth, the Arcosian was quite envious. It mattered not, however. It would all be his soon enough. Stepping through the glass doors, they parted for him automatically and the Arcosian was led into the lobby by two nameless employees. Well, Gelus figured that they had names. He was even sure they both introduced themselves when he entered. It appeared that he had already forgotten them, if he ever even listened to begin with. Barely acknowledging their presence, the Arcosian businessman walked through the lobby until he spotted the 29 year-old CEO of Arctic Ice Inc, Mr. Froz, leaning against the entryway to what appeared to be some kind of restaurant. He was wearing a white jacket and slacks with white shoes.
His dress shirt and tie, however, were silk and colored a silver white. Almost the color of platinum. Approaching the man, Gelus greeted him in his usual way; with a thinly veiled insult. “A restaurant in your corporate headquarters? How quaint.” The man smiled broadly at Gelus, standing straight before approaching the Arcosian and getting down on one knee to extend his hand for a handshake.
“Now, is that any way to greet an old friend? Good to see you again, Gelus. I presume you’re here about how our last meeting about the acquisition went? I know a lot of things were said that perhaps were not meant exactly how they were interpreted by both parties involved. Ah, i’m getting lost in the weeds here. It’s all water under the bridge, man.” He said that, but Gelus noticed the very subtle insult in his otherwise friendly greeting. The Arcosian was quite short in this form, but not so short that the 5’11” Mr. Froz would have to kneel down to properly shake hands with him. Still, the Arcosian shook his hand anyway.
“I thought we were speaking privately.” Gelus allowed a slight amount of annoyance to tinge his voice.
“I cleared out the restaurant. It’s just you and me. Ya hungry? I’m making Chateaubriand. It’s good. It’s basically just like–”
“Yes, sliced steak, I know. Don’t tell me you’re cooking?” Gelus exaggerated his disgust, trying to insult the easygoing CEO.
“Well, ya know that the ice business was just a means to an end for me.” He gestured for Gelus to go inside, which the Arcosian businessman obliged. Mr. Froz followed him as he continued his story. “I really wanted to be a gourmet chef, you see. Funny, isn’t it? City boy from Earth’s capital, whose father was a shoe maker, wants to be a gourmet chef. Well, my pops believed in me when no one else did.” Leading Gelus to a seat at the bar, Mr. Froz walked through the nearby opening in the counter to take his station at the grill. He spoke to the Arcosian as he prepared his station and began cooking their dinner. “Took on a second job. He was already working 12 hour days as a shoe maker, and he took on a part time job in the criminal underworld. My dad was a big guy, you see. Had a hell of a temper. Especially when he drank.”
Setting the steaks gently on the grill with a satisfying sizzle, the man continued. “Served him well in that line of work though. By day he made shoes, by night he cracked skulls for some local crime lord. He rose through the ranks until he became the boss’s personal bodyguard.” Mr. Froz laughed. “Bodyguard. Singular. The guy was insanely paranoid. No one had seen him in person for 30 years before he promoted my dad during the gang war with this other faction in the city at the time. He was convinced an assassin was coming for him, so he needed someone loyal who had been there for a while, before the whole business with the other gang started. My dad fit the bill. He made some decent money, but school is expensive you see. So when their rivals offered 20 million Zeni for his boss’s head, my dad took it. Quite literally. After school, I used that money to open this ice business.”
Flipping his spatula over to use the meat cleaver side, he deftly sliced the steaks into many thin slices. carefully plating it all on two beds of parsley. “Why ice, you ask?” Gelus didn’t ask, but he knew that Mr. Froz was going to tell him regardless. “Well, ice is something the world always needs, and it's something I know how to get. The money generated from his company is building my own chain of restaurants and launching product lines all over the galaxy. I’m telling you this because i’m hoping you’ll understand why I simply cannot sell. This company is far too important to me. It represents everything my family has sacrificed. Everything my father has sacrificed. It’s our legacy.“ Finishing off the dish, the young CEO offered Gelus a plate.
“Bon appetit. Careful, it’s still hot. This pairs wonderfully with Margaux. I’ll grab us a bottle.” Gelus had listened to this whole story out of sheer politeness, but couldn’t help but roll his eyes as Mr. Froz turned his back to retrieve the wine. Joining the Arcosian at the bar with the bottle in his hand and two crystal wine glasses, he poured the two a hearty glass, passing one to Gelus. “You haven’t said a word, Gelus. Is something the matter?” Gelus had been silent on purpose. Beyond mere civility, he always had his ears open for any information he could use.
“Mr. Froz, i’m afraid that’s false. You were perfectly willing to sell, just not for the price we wanted.” This response made the white-clad Earthling’s face match his clothes, his face twitching as he processed how Gelus had called him out, then proceeded to calmly eat his meal. Recovering from the initial shock, Mr. Froz soon followed,
“The counter offer we gave you was more than fair if you consider the company’s sentimental value, Gelus.” The man sipped his wine as he chewed a tender mouthful of grilled steak.
“When you first approached us, hearing about how we were looking to expand into Planet Earth’s ice markets, you were ready to sell for 150 million. Now you’re asking for twice that amount, and this only changed after you knew we lacked any kind of groundwork or infrastructure. We of Clan Ais appreciate your ruthless desire to gain wealth, but one must be careful to not bite the hand that feeds.” Gelus clenched his fist, crushing his fork in his hand unwittingly.
“It seems that you need us far more than we need you. That’s simply the long and short of it. That offer is what I believe the company to be worth. I apologize if you’re angry, but you cannot blame me for your company’s shortcomings.”
“Heh. Our shortcomings. You are a fool, Froz. Those who do not work with us work for us. You are not the first one to try and deny me something I want… and like every time before, I will get it. We have already begun laying the groundwork for our Earth-based subsidiary. Your days are numbered, Froz. Your days, and those of your company.” Standing from his spot, he finished his wine and dabbed his mouth with a velvet napkin. “Thank you for the dinner. It was delicious.”
“YOU’RE the fool, Gelus. You and your whole damn family! Bring it on. We’re not afraid of a little competition.” Gelus ignored the man’s bleetings and exited the restaurant, the Arcosian’s driver opening his door for him and ushering him into the limo before setting off for his capsule villa. And just like that, it was done. Down the gauntlet had been lain, and Mr. Froz picked it up with enthusiasm. The game was afoot. Now the real work began. Gelus chuckled to himself as his limousine drove the scenic route back home.
‘This is going to be fun…’
TWC: 2258
On the ruins of their rival company. Still, Gelus believed in honor and civility among gentlemen. Specifically, among those with vast wealth. He respected their domination of Earth in the ice market and the vast quantities of Zeni they had made while doing it. It was genuinely impressive. However, they could not be allowed to stand in the way of his father’s business Empire, which would one day be his own business Empire. He could not allow any threat to his birthright to exist. That was why he was going to give them a warning. A simple, solitary warning. He would inform them of his company’s plans to expand into Earth, and that they should step up their efforts if they do not wish to be consumed by the wave of progress.
Of course, he would also put a well-placed reminder in the conversation that his previous offer to buy out Arctic Ice Inc was still on the table. They would not accept it. The Arcosian businessman was under no delusions of this actually bearing results in that particular way. No, it’s main purpose was to insult them. Spur them into action before they are ready while he bides his time and builds his strength. By the time they realized they were finished, it would already be too late. Chuckling to himself, Gelus stepped in front of the mirror to his capsule villa’s master bedroom and prepared to get dressed for the day. “Servants 3 and 4, awaken!” At that command, two spherical robots opened their eyes and floated from their charging pedestal, floating through the room and towards their master.
“The usual fit, but make the shirt white and the tie blue, to represent the Earth.” No sooner did the commands leave his mouth, the robots set to work, opening the Arcosian’s wardrobe and retrieving his requested outfit. Dressing him in short order, Servant 4 approached him, holding a lapel pin. Normally, this would be his pin for Arcose Ice Services, which depicted Arcose and its moons with an Arcose Imperial cruiser flying around the planet, leaving a silver trail. Instead, it seemed that the new pins were ready, since this one said “Earth Ice Services.” The pin was very similar, but instead depicted Planet Earth in addition to the company name change. “Ah, excellent. I am glad these arrived in time. Quite fitting for me to wear this when I go to declare war on our enemies.”
Securing the pin to the lapel of his black suit jacket, the President of Arcose Ice Services waved the servants away, the little robots floating over to the edge of the room and sitting back down on their charging stations. Making sure every detail of his appearance was perfect, Gelus smirked in satisfaction before exiting his temporary home, where a limousine was waiting for him, driven by an older Earthling. The Ais Clan heir recognized this one. He had worked for his father since before Gelus was born. In his old age, his father must have given him this cushy job as a reward for his loyalty. Hurrying to the passenger door, the Earthling opened the door for Gelus and bowed politely.
“I just received a call from Mr. Froz’s assistant. She says he is eager to meet you, and he awaits your arrival in the lobby.” Gelus casually sauntered over to the limo and sat in his seat, looking over to notice a glass of chardonnay waiting for him. Picking up the gold-rimmed glass, he took a sip.
“Take the long way there. I wish to have a look at the flowers.” Looking surprised for a moment, the man slowly began to have a look of understanding cross his face. He had seen this from Gelus’s father enough to know what this was about.
“As you wish, sir.” Closing Gelus’s door, the driver entered the limo and began to drive to the Arctic Ice Inc headquarters, taking the long way there of course. After a long, scenic drive, the limo was parked at the front doors, the Arcosian’s driver hurrying around to the other side of the car to let him out.Stepping out of the limo and taking in the building for the first time, Gelus shrugged. ‘Hmph, unimpressive.’ In reality, the building was quite impressive by any metric. It was a large, multi-story skyscraper in the metropolitan heart of Central City, the upper 20 floors completely covered by a massive, ostentatious neon sign depicting the company’s name along with its logo; a polar bear climbing an igloo.
In truth, the Arcosian was quite envious. It mattered not, however. It would all be his soon enough. Stepping through the glass doors, they parted for him automatically and the Arcosian was led into the lobby by two nameless employees. Well, Gelus figured that they had names. He was even sure they both introduced themselves when he entered. It appeared that he had already forgotten them, if he ever even listened to begin with. Barely acknowledging their presence, the Arcosian businessman walked through the lobby until he spotted the 29 year-old CEO of Arctic Ice Inc, Mr. Froz, leaning against the entryway to what appeared to be some kind of restaurant. He was wearing a white jacket and slacks with white shoes.
His dress shirt and tie, however, were silk and colored a silver white. Almost the color of platinum. Approaching the man, Gelus greeted him in his usual way; with a thinly veiled insult. “A restaurant in your corporate headquarters? How quaint.” The man smiled broadly at Gelus, standing straight before approaching the Arcosian and getting down on one knee to extend his hand for a handshake.
“Now, is that any way to greet an old friend? Good to see you again, Gelus. I presume you’re here about how our last meeting about the acquisition went? I know a lot of things were said that perhaps were not meant exactly how they were interpreted by both parties involved. Ah, i’m getting lost in the weeds here. It’s all water under the bridge, man.” He said that, but Gelus noticed the very subtle insult in his otherwise friendly greeting. The Arcosian was quite short in this form, but not so short that the 5’11” Mr. Froz would have to kneel down to properly shake hands with him. Still, the Arcosian shook his hand anyway.
“I thought we were speaking privately.” Gelus allowed a slight amount of annoyance to tinge his voice.
“I cleared out the restaurant. It’s just you and me. Ya hungry? I’m making Chateaubriand. It’s good. It’s basically just like–”
“Yes, sliced steak, I know. Don’t tell me you’re cooking?” Gelus exaggerated his disgust, trying to insult the easygoing CEO.
“Well, ya know that the ice business was just a means to an end for me.” He gestured for Gelus to go inside, which the Arcosian businessman obliged. Mr. Froz followed him as he continued his story. “I really wanted to be a gourmet chef, you see. Funny, isn’t it? City boy from Earth’s capital, whose father was a shoe maker, wants to be a gourmet chef. Well, my pops believed in me when no one else did.” Leading Gelus to a seat at the bar, Mr. Froz walked through the nearby opening in the counter to take his station at the grill. He spoke to the Arcosian as he prepared his station and began cooking their dinner. “Took on a second job. He was already working 12 hour days as a shoe maker, and he took on a part time job in the criminal underworld. My dad was a big guy, you see. Had a hell of a temper. Especially when he drank.”
Setting the steaks gently on the grill with a satisfying sizzle, the man continued. “Served him well in that line of work though. By day he made shoes, by night he cracked skulls for some local crime lord. He rose through the ranks until he became the boss’s personal bodyguard.” Mr. Froz laughed. “Bodyguard. Singular. The guy was insanely paranoid. No one had seen him in person for 30 years before he promoted my dad during the gang war with this other faction in the city at the time. He was convinced an assassin was coming for him, so he needed someone loyal who had been there for a while, before the whole business with the other gang started. My dad fit the bill. He made some decent money, but school is expensive you see. So when their rivals offered 20 million Zeni for his boss’s head, my dad took it. Quite literally. After school, I used that money to open this ice business.”
Flipping his spatula over to use the meat cleaver side, he deftly sliced the steaks into many thin slices. carefully plating it all on two beds of parsley. “Why ice, you ask?” Gelus didn’t ask, but he knew that Mr. Froz was going to tell him regardless. “Well, ice is something the world always needs, and it's something I know how to get. The money generated from his company is building my own chain of restaurants and launching product lines all over the galaxy. I’m telling you this because i’m hoping you’ll understand why I simply cannot sell. This company is far too important to me. It represents everything my family has sacrificed. Everything my father has sacrificed. It’s our legacy.“ Finishing off the dish, the young CEO offered Gelus a plate.
“Bon appetit. Careful, it’s still hot. This pairs wonderfully with Margaux. I’ll grab us a bottle.” Gelus had listened to this whole story out of sheer politeness, but couldn’t help but roll his eyes as Mr. Froz turned his back to retrieve the wine. Joining the Arcosian at the bar with the bottle in his hand and two crystal wine glasses, he poured the two a hearty glass, passing one to Gelus. “You haven’t said a word, Gelus. Is something the matter?” Gelus had been silent on purpose. Beyond mere civility, he always had his ears open for any information he could use.
“Mr. Froz, i’m afraid that’s false. You were perfectly willing to sell, just not for the price we wanted.” This response made the white-clad Earthling’s face match his clothes, his face twitching as he processed how Gelus had called him out, then proceeded to calmly eat his meal. Recovering from the initial shock, Mr. Froz soon followed,
“The counter offer we gave you was more than fair if you consider the company’s sentimental value, Gelus.” The man sipped his wine as he chewed a tender mouthful of grilled steak.
“When you first approached us, hearing about how we were looking to expand into Planet Earth’s ice markets, you were ready to sell for 150 million. Now you’re asking for twice that amount, and this only changed after you knew we lacked any kind of groundwork or infrastructure. We of Clan Ais appreciate your ruthless desire to gain wealth, but one must be careful to not bite the hand that feeds.” Gelus clenched his fist, crushing his fork in his hand unwittingly.
“It seems that you need us far more than we need you. That’s simply the long and short of it. That offer is what I believe the company to be worth. I apologize if you’re angry, but you cannot blame me for your company’s shortcomings.”
“Heh. Our shortcomings. You are a fool, Froz. Those who do not work with us work for us. You are not the first one to try and deny me something I want… and like every time before, I will get it. We have already begun laying the groundwork for our Earth-based subsidiary. Your days are numbered, Froz. Your days, and those of your company.” Standing from his spot, he finished his wine and dabbed his mouth with a velvet napkin. “Thank you for the dinner. It was delicious.”
“YOU’RE the fool, Gelus. You and your whole damn family! Bring it on. We’re not afraid of a little competition.” Gelus ignored the man’s bleetings and exited the restaurant, the Arcosian’s driver opening his door for him and ushering him into the limo before setting off for his capsule villa. And just like that, it was done. Down the gauntlet had been lain, and Mr. Froz picked it up with enthusiasm. The game was afoot. Now the real work began. Gelus chuckled to himself as his limousine drove the scenic route back home.
‘This is going to be fun…’
TWC: 2258