16886/DOOM: There has to be a beginning.

DOOM: There has to be a beginning.
Date of Scene:	12 January 2024
Location:	Penthouse - Latverian Embassy
Synopsis:	No DOOM to see here folks.
Cast of Characters:	Victor Von Doom, Zora Vukovic

---

Victor Von Doom has posed:
The Latverian Embassy was a buzz the past couple of days. Lord Von Doom had showed up with little fan fair and sequestered himself into his room. Only the most trusted of servants bringing their liege his food. Always being dismissed uncharastically from the room without a word. Say what you will about Von Doom, the thing you would never be able to say is that he didn't love his people. Obviously those who write history will likely spin his iron clad rule as a bad thing. But history can wait.

Off the main penthouse bedroom, which totally needs a redesc, is a small chamber that only one may enter without knocking. Zora. His most trusted. But even she knows to enter with eyes down and wait till he greets her.

The room is circular with mirrors all around. It's marble floors have designs of various mystic variety. It seemingly devoid of anything else besides a small stone pillar in the middle. Combo coat rack and mask holder. No natural lights and yet it is lit. Even with eyes down cast, waiting, it's easy to catch a glimpse of the man they call Dr. Doom. His body is athletic and looks more like he's in the prime of an athletics career then a man in his late 50s! "Hideous," comes the sharp mutter as he slowly places the mask upon his face and pulls on a simple robe, green, and glances towards Zora. "Zora." He greets his voice changing slightly because of the mask. "What do the lawyers say of the chances for this defamation suit?"

Zora Vukovic has posed:
Still fully armored in her uniform as Herald and Victorious, Zora entered the small mirrored room, eyes cast to the floor and standing at parade rest. For her lord and master, she has the patience of eternity, waiting in silence until addressed.

When he does speak, she lifts her chin even as she keeps her eyes averted, waiting for the flare of the robe to settle before finally turning her eyes towards him. She doesn't dare to argue with him, but it's clear she wants to. Not over the defamation suit, but over his comment before addressing her. Still, she addresses the point of contention first, "My lord. The suit is being filed as we speak, the papers will be ready to be served shortly. I can take a couple Doombots and escort the attorney to ensure delivery occurs. They have filed against the theatre, the company, and the actor. Our attorney's are quite confident that we will win the litigation."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
Barefooted on the marble, Victor moves towards Zora his head tilting. "The Actor?" He says with a curious note in his voice. "Have them pull that one. The actor did nothing wrong, but simply play a part." He sounds disappointed but doesn't press it. Striding past, he exits the chamber, the stone dais slowly descending into the floor and closing up. He doesn't look behind him to see if she is following or not, he knows she will.

"Drink?" Victor asks moving towards the opulent wet bar. Made of Brazilian Cherry Wood of the finest quality it's a center piece of his bedroom. "How are plans for meeting with the HELP! creators?" *make whatever you want up around this, just thought of it* "Such a silly little app, but the data behind it will be invaluable." Pouring himself a drink he doesn't even wait for Zora to reply before pouring himself one. "At the very list if not control, I want that data. Any means necessary."

Zora Vukovic has posed:
"Are you certain, Lord Doom? The actor's portrayal was largely considered 'overblown and hammy'. So while, yes, he was playing a part. He chose to make it a terrible portrayal. He could have treated the role with the appropriate gravitas and respect that you deserve," Zora isn't questioning him so much as attempting to ensure that he is fully aware of the circumstances and WHY the lawyers recommended filing suit against the actor.

When he moves, she's no more than three steps behind him, following him into the penthouse as he moves to pour a drink. The question has her considering, then giving a small nod, "Yes, please." Mention of the app has her looking towards him, "We are working through scheduling conflicts on the creator's end to set up the meeting. I should have a full report for you by next week's end." Because Zora is nothing if not efficient! "I already have a plan in place if they decline our offer. The data will be yours, my lord." And everyone knows, Victorious does not fail.

Victor Von Doom has posed:
"Zora," Victor warns, "How many hours of production did he go through? He was doing his job. Playing the role he was assigned. There are other ways to deal with him then a lawsuit." That is not an idle threat, being thrown out. "He must be made an example of, and do you think a lawsuit will teach him or ANY other actor for that matter a lesson?"

"I am disappointed in that, Zora." Victor says with a tilt of his head as he hands over the drink. He brings it to his mask and takes a drink without spilling. "Get the meeting scheduled sooner rather then later. I'd rather buy the company then steal the data. But we will see." He moves and takes up a seat on a large couch, motioning for her to sit. "And what are our dear friends the Richards doing these days? They look older from the last data sets I have seen."

Zora Vukovic has posed:
"My lord, I understand your wish to see him sanctioned. But you must think of your reputation, and that of Latveria. We cannot be seen being as violent as these Westerners, or it will hurt the strides we've made towards having Latveria recognized as a bastion of order and prosperity. Leave him in the suit, let them think we intend only to sue. Then hire some unscrupulous mercenary to do the dirty work for you, so that your hands remain clean of the affair." Zora offers her counsel carefully, quietly, following him with her eyes. There's a careful line to walk between counseling him to patience and overstepping her bounds.

Taking the offered drink, she gives a small shake of her head, "It is not on my end, my lord. I have left my schedule wide open for them. But if it suits, I will show up at their place of business in the morning and insist on meeting with them before they have a chance to become entrenched. I will make them an offer they cannot refuse.. and if they are so foolish as to refuse, well, I can always plant the virus on my way out that will steal the data we require."

Sipping from the glass, she gives a small nod and offers, "They are of an age where time catches up, though if I understand correctly, Reed Richards is seeking a way to 'de-age' them as we speak. So they will likely regain their youthful vigor soon." Zora looks to him, "Aside from that, they have been quiet. Grimm and the younger Storm have been performing heroics around the world, generally with teams put together for the situation. Little has been seen of the elder Storm of late, and Richards has been holed up in his laboratory. Their children have likewise been quiet, attending school, seeing friends, acting as normal young adults."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
"If it was any other person who spoke to me that way, they would be falling out the window right now." Victor says in a level tone. "I will let you continue with the suit. But be warned, we do not need to concern ourselves of what other people think or do. WE have built one of the strongest nations in the world, Zora. The world needs reminders of that fact some times." Apparently Doom is back onto his global domination track.

"As amusing as that sounds, Zora. Get that meeting. Buy it or steal the data. Get it done." There isn't anything else to add to that topic.

"Ah, so Richards is ignoring Sue again." He shakes his head obviously disappointed. "And Ben and Johhny are out galavanting." His head tilts looking at her. "Keep tabs on the youngers. See if we have any age appropriate agents to befriend them and become there class mates."

Zora Vukovic has posed:
"Yes, my lord," Zora presses a fist to the opposite shoulder and gives a sharp nod. What's impressive is that she does it without apilling her drink. "My apologies if I have overstepped, my liege." And just like that, her mindset shifts away from the track of diplomacy that he had been chasing down, and back towards domination.

"As you wish, Lord Doom," his Herald bows her head respectfully before taking a sip of her drink.

"So it would seem, my lord." She looks to him and offers, "Actually, my lord, they appear to be acting as the responsible heroes for now. It is the other two that seem to be only handling personal matters at this time." Pausing, Zora adds, "Though the younger Storm has been seen with a woman the past few days. So he may become distracted soon." Giving a nod, Zora offers, "I will reach out to a few potential candidates, though I believe if you wish to know Valeria's comings and goings, she would simply inform you. She still holds you in high regard, my lord."

Victor Von Doom has posed:
There isn't much more for Victor to say, except, "I'll send her an invite for dinner." He says with a nod. "But for now, I have work to do." What sort of work? If the ancient tomes on his black walnut desk indicates. It's magic. No literally, it's Magic work. Very complex and all that. Ignore the Magix for dummies book though, totally got that as a joke.