1705/One Evening at the Hellfire

One Evening at the Hellfire
Date of Scene:	16 May 2020
Location:	VIP Lounge - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	Two infamous personalities from the shadows meet at the Hellfire Club for the first time. Reputations precede them. Pleasantries are exchanged. Potential business opportunities are discovered, and a friendly match is agreed to. It's a grand thing when High Society meets Martial Arts.
Cast of Characters:	Shen Kuei, Elektra Natchios

---

Shen Kuei has posed:
Mister Kuei presently occupies one of the small couches in the lounge area of the eleventh floor. He is dressed for first impressions wearing a tailored suit made from cashmere & silk, which would fetch a pretty penny but be well within the price range of most of the elite members of this particular establishment.

In his hand, he possesses a half-filled tumbler of some amber with a large ice sphere clinking around. He offers a pleasant smile as an attendant delivers a Dim Sum basket, placing it upon the table adjacent to him. The attendant lifts the top, and a variety of pleasant aromas fill the air indicating quality Chinese cuisine.

He draws a small roll from within his blazer pocket and unfurls it to reveal a pair of personal metal chopsticks. He nods to the woman and then places a small morsel upon a serving plate. He quietly nibbles, enjoying a moment of peace, though his thoughts wander somewhere to inspire a furrow of his brow.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
Elektra is no stranger to the Hellfire Club. She has been here on occasion, and it always amused her how so much murder could happen here. The social kind of murder, that is. So as to have one night away from what would be traditional murder. But then again there were those rumors that she wasn't exactly in that business anymore. Though did an assassin ever retire? Perhaps when they found themselves six feet under.

She comes striding into the room, having chosen a long dress of black silk. Sleeveless, showing her back. The ends of it trailing down to the ground. Expensive high heels and jewelry to match. As for her hair, it was pinned up into a bun, a couple of chopsticks through it, keeping it in place. Yes, the former Ambassador's daughter knew how to dress. It was an important skill she had found, to be able to meander these circles.

Those dark eyes of hers take a quick assessment of the room, a few faces she recognizes..., others don't. But they eventually come to rest upon Shen Kuei. Recognition? But then she is walking towards the man, her shadow upon him. "Good evening."

Shen Kuei has posed:
Shen places his morsel upon his plate and fetches a napkin to clean his fingers before he rises to greet Elektra. He would recognize the name, but not the face. He offers a reversed smile and inclines his head. There is a brief sweep across her dress in quick assessment. Some appreciation in the choice of fabric and the chopsticks for hairsticks, he offers his hand.

"Shen Kuei. I do not believe I have had the pleasure." He states the obvious. His name possesses a degree of legend to it for those of the underworld. A famed agent of the Ministry of State Security having gone freelance. His legend has only grown since he began controlling his own destiny. "And, I would be honored if you'd join me. The lounge has been lacking in company this evening, but you seem to be a fine remedy."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
"Shen Kuei." Elektra echoes that name. Was there recognition there? Whatever doubts are confirmed when she introduces herself. "Elektra Natchios." as if this is indeed -the- long-time assassin of the Hand then she most likely has heard of that name. Something does seem to peak her interest about the man though because her smile, while not exactly warm, doesn't seem cold and distant.

And as is proper in high society the woman lifts her hand towards Shen's waiting hand. To be shaken or given the traditional kiss-in-hand that seems to be left to the man's discretion. As to the offer she seems to accept with a brief nod of her head. "Of course, I thank you for your invitation."

And then she steps to the chair to ease herself down, elegant. "I am glad I was able to be surprised this evening. A man of your reputation is not someone one finds often."

Shen Kuei has posed:
Shen decides to lean forward and place a traditional kiss upon her knuckle. The atmosphere seemed appropriate for it and so he took advantage of the opening Elektra provided. His eyebrow raises and his mouth curls into an amused smirk before he settles back upon his couch. "I must admit similar surprise, Miss Natchios. A few years ago, I would be reporting your presence immediately to one of my handlers. You are not without your own infamy."

His gaze sweeps once more across her form, though this time he's searching for weapons and taking note of the woman's reach. This was a famed assassin after all. "I'll admit that I'm glad to meet you in a lounge instead of some dark shadow. May I say I feel fortunate that my enemies haven't dined to acquire your skills?" He chuckles.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
The mention of infamy brings an amused chuckle out of Elektra, just as she finishes settling down on her chair, bringing one leg over the other. "We all have our pasts. You seem to have chosen to take a step away from yours." she perhaps having heard those rumors. Of course that one should never fully trust rumors but...! "Or is it all part of the cover?"

It is without surprise that one could find Elektra's own gaze going over Shen's form, seeking, searching, perhaps looking for those same weapons. Out of habit mostly, as this was the Hellfire Club. Hallowed ground in some ways. And while there weren't -many- places where weapons could be hidden there was the glint of a small blade on a thigh when she crossed her legs. Those chopsticks that could certainly prove deadly in the right hands. As for more, they weren't immediately visible. "We have no reason for quarrel, Mr. Kuei. Unless you believe there should be." she smiling faintly towards the man but then she finally places a question.

"Years ago you would had reported me you say. What will you in the present day?" She is curious.

Shen Kuei has posed:
"I assure you, it is no cover. I have finally chafed at the yoke of my masters and chosen to be my own. No longer will I play lap dog to the bureaucrats of the party, and risk my well-being for their fortunes." He raises his tumbler to her in a toast. "Now, I operate for my fortune and select missions myself. Exquisite freedom that I have no intention of relinquishing."

He takes note of the small blade though decides the long leg attached to it is likely just as lethal. He shakes his head in the negative, "No, I do not believe we do, unless the M.S.S. has lost face and hired outside help to deal with it's... problem."

He offers another amused chuckle, "Today, I will enjoy your company and speak of opportunities. I have been putting myself at the disposal of this fine club's members for a fee. You would be no exception, and, if you do not require my skills, then I might proposition you some time to meet for a friendly match. It's a short-list of those I'd consider worthy."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
"Is one ever free of all the shackles of the past? Your old employers most likely haven't taken well to your departure." As noone ever did in the sordid business that they were into. Elektra knew it well, trying to find a way to escape such entrapments herself. Her eyes did seem interested though. "For you to be here in the VIP club.., means you have been having some measure of success. So in that at least I commend you." from one assassin to another! Surviving was always the top goal afterall.

"You are assuming I'd be outside help." Again that amused little smirk creeping up to the corner of her lips. The Hand did enjoy having their ties in many places! "And I can be discreet on my associations. But you are right, we are free to enjoy dinner. As for the tomorrow though, I always like to leave it open." a certain edge to her words, but maybe to be expected.

The proposition then seems to merit some thought out of Elektra. "One would have to be a fool to not consider the kind of skills you have to offer." then a small laughter at the challenge for a fight. "I only fight the best. Are you one of those?" eyes intent on what the answer will be.

Shen Kuei has posed:
"The commendation of worthy people is always appreciated." He offers a quaint nod and then shrugs, "Discretion is the essential tool we have at our disposal. Neither of us can trust the other, and yet we will make careful calculus of risk versus reward."

He pauses for a moment then nods to her point. "It would not surprise me to find another root of corruption in the already dishonorable and corrupt party. If tomorrow leads us to conflict, I cannot promise mercy. I prefer not to kill, but you are not the sort of adversary one leaves on the field."

As for her final question, he offers a simple 'Yes' as his answer. He is one of the greatest martial arts on the planet. He knows this fact. He's proven it by fighting Shang-chi to a standstill. There is no hesitance in his answer, and the confidence displayed borders on hubris.

"Let me break a terrible rule of etiquette by claiming we are both 'old' for this game, which means we have survived.. and I have survived a few more years than you." He winks and then sips from his glass.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
As finally some champagne arrives for Elektra she lifts the glass up in a toast of sorts. The type only assassins can make. "To no mercy then. I would expect no less. You did not strike me as the kind of man that prefers not to kill." some brief surprise there on her eyes. "Is this part of why you left your old employers?" she questions. And again that curious tone to hers. She is not the type to hold back on the questions too it seems.

"On the field mercy is a luxury that very few of us can have though. And survive to tell the tale. It has always been a good lesson." And she takes a brief sip out of her flute, continuing elegantly poised upon her seat, eyes never leaving Shen's. When the man answers with that kind of confidence it seems to be what she was waiting for. Her smile deepens. "Good. Then we shall have our match. I trust you have been staying around New York?"

But then she can't help herself, she laughs again, a low-toned thing but amused nonetheless. "So you are calling yourself more experienced. Or is it old? Yet I find someone with such confidence to be a .., breath of fresh air. Often people can be so .., coy about what they are and what they can do." she tsks, as if it was quite the capital sin.

Shen Kuei has posed:
He matches her raised glass with his own and then continues the conversation. "While it is true that my missions sometimes required me to eliminate targets. I believe my true mastery has always been in the art of infiltration and extraction. My greatest accomplishments..." A wry grin pulls at his pleasant features. "Noone knows about. This is a fact that brings me great satisfaction. A death often thwarts that sense of accomplishment. Though don't consider me soft, it's only been a day since my last."

"I look forward to it, and yes, I'm staying around New York." That was adequately stated, his residents involved a variety of self-established safe houses. He was -around- New York.

"More experienced and older... at least by only a few years. Consider our reputations, I can only assume you have were groomed as a child... much like myself." He nods in agreement with her. "I find that coyness irritable as well. Modesty and skill are a terrible mix. Just like beautiful people who pretend to be homely. Who exactly is anyone fooling?"

Elektra Natchios has posed:
"There are many ways to make noone know about a death too." A scary prospect! But Elektra seems to be enjoying this back and forth with the former operative, one hand folding about her waist, under her arm, her other hand holding up the flute. Her other hand -does- disappear from sight for a time though, under that arm. Hopefully not reaching for a weapon. When the man mentions to have killed recently she only smiles. "You have keeping yourself busy. I am not surprised. Maybe it is you that need my services, mmm?"

"Provide a number and I will make sure to send an adequate place and time for us to meet then. Or would you prefer to be the one providing the grounds? While I choose the rules?" she asks. As for what their growing up she shrugs. It's not exactly the topic she goes much into. At least with the non-blind lawyer types!

"It often makes the world a boring place. With but a few smaller rays of sunshine ..., a pity." she allowing a faint sigh to escape her lips.

Shen Kuei has posed:
"That's true, but usually someone misses the deceased, otherwise there probably wouldn't be any point to it." His eyes do follow the path of her hand, but he demonstrates no visible response to the possibility. He inclines his head at the 'busy' comment. "Actually, that may be a possibility. I have an... obstacle that I may need to clear. I believe I can handle it myself, but I may consider acquiring your services."

He draws a business card from within his blazer, a simple affair with the silhouette of a cat upon it. There is a phone number and an email address. "Now that is a touch decision... I will decide the location, only because I'm intrigued by what kind of limitations you may put on the match."

He finishes his glass and then rises, adjusting the button on his blazer. "Agreed. Best to be your complete and true self, and present that self to other unless you are intentionally trying to deceive. One does not need to be modest to respect the skills and wisdom of others."

He bows his head briefly, "Please excuse, Miss Natchios. I look to our next meeting with great anticipation." He then turns to depart.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
Reaching out Elektra takes the card that is offered... With that hand which had disappeared... No weapon! She makes it disappear somewhere in her dress. Quite the feat! Because it's not exactly an easy one to get those hidden in. But well, ninja assassins... The agreement that she will be the one setting the rules makes a rather deadly smile come to her expression. "My. You are quite confident." as if letting her choose would put the advantage fully on her. A nod of some respect is given at that.

And then she gets up to her feet when the man does. "Have the rest of a good night, Mr. Kuei. I will look forward to our next meeting." and then she is back to enjoying her champagne. Yes, it had been an interesting enough night.