3994/Insert witty title here

Insert witty title here
Date of Scene:	01 November 2020
Location:	Queen Consolidated
Synopsis:	The CEO of Queen Consolidated and a representative of Stark Industries have a pleasant chat.
Cast of Characters:	Oliver Queen, Pepper Potts

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Oliver Queen has posed:
Queen Consolidated. The heart of the Queen family empire for the last few decades is now an imposing skyscraper which seems to oversee the rest of the city, perhaps only rivaled by Merlyn's industries. It was the place for their meeting which had only been accomplished after a lot of back and forth between Pepper and one of Ollie's personal assistants, Ellis. But eventually, after a strenuous epic battle the meeting was finally prepared to happen..

Oliver had made sure to appease Mother about the meeting already. That it certainly was no hostile takeover. They were good in finances afterall. Not that Mother was too convinced, always set in her ways and stubborn as was the adage of their family. Not that it hadn't made him curious about what the meeting would be about. Curious enough to have made sure to come meet Pepper down at the lobby when she announced her arrival.

Of course that trailing a bit to the side and behind him would be Ellis, not missing a chance to be present. Maybe he still hoped he'd be the one conducting the meeting. Why did Oliver need to meet up with a secretary anyway?! Honestly, the man is just too overly protective.

Pepper Potts has posed:
A sleek, black late-model sedan pulls up in front of Queen Consolidated, parking right in front. Those pedestrians on the street turn to look, but for the most part, continue on their way. After all, this is the 'business district', after a fashion, but it is a little strange to see the NY plates 'Stark-2' on the vehicle. A medium build, trending towards heavier man gets out of the drivers side, only to make his way to the rear passenger side door to open it.

From the backset emerges one Virginia "Pepper" Potts, known in the business world as Tony Stark's PA, though most also know that she can (and does) speak for him at several different venues. A force to be reckoned with, certainly. No wonder Moira Queen is worried!

Pepper is dressed in a conservative dark colored skirt suit, the skirt itself just at the knee, with a long-sleeved jacket covering a cream colored shirt, the light fabric only showing slightly above the top button. Her strawberry blond hair (red!) is loose and settled around her shoulders. Sensible pumps cover her feet, and in hand, a lightweight tablet and a clutch.

Words are exchanged softly, and as Pepper makes her way towards the door, the sedan pulls away from the curb slowly.

Entering the building, the lady-powerhouse in her own right *click*clicks* against the marbled, tiled floor, and when she spies Oliver, there's a warmness to her smile, reaching those green eyes. First indication for Ellis, perhaps, that this may not be too bad!

Approaching the QC CEO, Pepper reaches out her hand in greeting, to the man while giving a nod of acknowledgment to Ellis. Her words, however, are for Oliver,

"So good to see you again, Mr Queen." Formal! "Thank you for seeing me at such short notice, but I'm trying to get plans finalized and off my desk." It's not too long of a beated pause before she adds, "How's the family? I hope everyone is well."

Oliver Queen has posed:
Oliver is dressed in that blend of casual with formal. Being the CEO does give him some liberties where it comes to dress code, sporting an immaculate white button shirt, grey pants and jacket. Black business shoes. No tie though, those are the devil. The man is having a word with one of the security men at the desk, relaxed, grinning at something said. Almost as if he was one of the 'boys'.

A clearing of throat from Ellis does bring Oliver's attention to bear on the arriving lady-powerhouse though, blue eyes in assessment, studying her for a couple of seconds before he smiles in return. He dips his head in acknowledgement and greeting and then moves to 'intercept' her half-way.

"Ms. Potts. Welcome." He offers, hand extending for a shake, "And of course, it's always a pleasure to receive you." he gestures for her to walk with him when he begins to wander back to the elevators.

"It had been a while. Since the charity event if I am not mistaken? And family, well, as good as it could be." Oliver says. He gestures. "This is Ellis, he is one of my assistants. I believe you have spoken before." The man offers a hand for a shake, speaking in a tight voice. "A pleasure."

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper's delicate hand slips into Oliver's own and she finishes the greeting with that bit of 'formality', extending her hand, then, for Ellis when he's introduced. He, too, gains a smile and a nod again, "It's always nice to see the person behind the voice on the phone." Easier to know who she's dealing with, but she does sound as if she does mean it. Could be real, could simply be business acumen...

Once retrieving her hand, her head cants before she nods, "Too long. So," her tones sound a light, friendly lilt, "looks like I'll have to put on another charity event." Pepper walks easily with the men back to the elevators, falling into step.

"We've been watching the news coming out of Starling City," We? "And there are a couple of things I'd love to discuss with you while I have your attention, and an offer." Here it comes? It's only when they do step onto the elevators and they're on their way up, Pepper does make note, "We've noticed you are moving more towards the civic side of things, and you've definitely made the papers in New York." In a good way!

Oliver Queen has posed:
Pepper's diplomacy doesn't go unnoticed by the hardened Ellis who perhaps softens just a tiniest notch even if he still eyes her carefully. Wounded ego is hard to go past. In the end he *does* mean well, not wanting Oliver to bother himself with duties that could be handled by him or others. So he is still owling about, maybe looking for a way to suggest that the meeting should be handled by him. Yet as they begin talking about having formerly met before it doesn't bode good prospects for the PA. "It is." Ellis agrees, "You do look different from when I saw you on TV." Stark-expos are a thing.

Oliver keeps a steady pace, the elevator already open and waiting for them when they arrive. He steps in, dipping his head at Pepper's suggestion. "I agree." the CEO says pleasantly. "Maybe *this* time I will be able to win a piece out of Bruce."

The doors close and they begin ascending to that last floor where his office is. Eyes stay on Pepper on the way up. "Of course. I wasn't expecting your visit to be just a courtesy call." and he did like going down to business without much beating around the bush too. He listens and then nods his head slowly. "We have been branching off, that is true. Including a few interesting businesses we found in New York." he says, "But our focus has shifted in a way."

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper laughs lightly at the suggestion that she //does// look different in person than on television and turns dancing green eyes to the other PA. "I try very hard to //not// be seen on television." A light shrug is given, though not dismissive, and her words sound an air of bemusement, "It's almost impossible to avoid, however." Particularly when one Tony Stark is involved.

There isn't much of Pepper's life that //isn't// business, a trait perhaps Ellis may share. The position of Stark Industries is one of her main concerns, along with the public relations wrangling for her boss. That, and a host of other things that are directly relatable back to the Stark Industries image. Oliver's light-hearted spoken challenge regarding one of the other CEOs brings another laugh and she bobs her head in a quick nod, "I think that might be arranged. One of those 'other things' I wanted to speak with you about."

It's easy to keep her attention on Oliver; handsome, self-effacing, but a leader in his area as well. It's comfortable; she's not out to prove anything. There's something of a wistful air, however, regarding her visit //not// being more of a social meeting. "Sadly, with everything going on, I don't even get out to my parents for a 'courtesy call'." So, with her lack of time for much of anything else, not beating around the bush has been her mainstay for years.

Shifting her clutch and tablet, her hands are in front of her, hanging easily, her attention casual but keen. Pepper bobs her head in a quick nod, acknowledging Oliver's words, the potential branching into New York markets.

"We have noticed," and when the elevator chimes for the top floor, Pepper is adding, "and it's something that we may be interested in supporting, as well." Which means that's not quite what she's come here for.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"It is my job to make sure I see and handle what may be overseen by others." Ellis says, smiling faintly in that weird way of his. But in a way.., that was a lot the work of a PA, making sure to complement the CEO's own vision in what he might miss. And of course, he is *all* business, he lives for it. While Oliver has his ..., nightly activities.

"Good, I am always on the lookout on being able to one-up Bruce." but he says it in a good-naturedly manner. More than business CEOs they were also good friends in the League. It seems to be one of his traits, being friendly, or at least approachable. His years do make him experienced in this but in truth Pepper has always proved herself to be an excellent host and company so it makes it easier too. "Tony is a man that never stops. Sometimes I feel he could use with some timeout, but I understand how it isn't possible most of the times.." specially with the man being Iron Man. It meant even more responsibility for Pepper too.

The elevators finally land on the top floor, opening to give way to Oliver's office, the marvellous view of Starling City by night the first thing of note. "Thank you, Ellis. I believe we can take it from here." he smiles at his PA, placing one hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for arranging this." the man smiles politely up to Oliver, then to Pepper before retreating back a hallway.

Oliver gestures, "Something else is on your mind." he notes, in invitation for her to speak of it if she wishes.

Pepper Potts has posed:
"Tony is.." and her features take that briefly fond, if not a little exasperated reflection, her lips pressing into a smile before she exhales a soft breath of air, "a man on a mission." Iron Man. Which, in turn, does give her a little more street cred, as it were. Who wants to say 'no' to Iron Man's lovely assistant?

Stepping out of the elevator, the view from the office is remarkable; very much like the view from the Penthouse. Her own view from her office isn't quite so stunning- a view of more Stark Industries campusses. It's an appreciative look as she tries to identify a couple of landmarks from her vantage. Turning to look at Ellis while Oliver dismisses him, she inclines her head in a silent farewell before business begins once more.

"Well," Pepper says slowly, her feet carrying her towards one of the chairs that sits in front of his desk. "One, I'd like make sure the invitation for a spot in this upcoming Stark Expo makes it to your desk." There's a wry glance towards the retreated Ellis before she comes back with a smile. "We haven't yet come up with a theme. That's Tony's job." Because, let's face it, if Pepper thought of something, the chances are better than even that Tony would find it 'boring' and come up with something else. "At the Exhibition Center."

Oliver Queen has posed:
"We all are." Men on a mission, that is! "But if we want to see that mission brought to a successful conclusion we need to understand our limitations too." it was lesson hard-earned by Oliver. And one that he sometimes still skipped. He wasn't getting any younger afterall. Though for him to actually offer those words meant that he cared, both for Tony and Pepper. They fought the good fight, and he'd always respect it.

A faint smile later and he is making way to settle down at the desk, waiting for Pepper to sit first before doing the same, one leg folding over the other. Comfortably. An invitation to Stark Expo is always quite welcome. He quirks a brow, specially when she then speaks of the Exhibition Center. "You wish for Queen Consolidated to be part of the exhibit?" he hmmms. "We are perhaps not as groundbreaking as some of the genius minds that work with Tony." along with *his* own brilliant mind! "But I am certain we could bring about an interesting presentation." he does seem pleased.

"Moira will be pleased. She is probably ambling about the mansion worried this would be an attempt to buy us off." clearly he has no qualms about 'shaming' his Mother! At least in a playful way.

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper smooths her skirt as she sits down, the PA settling easy in the chair, legs crossed at the ankles as they set at an angle. She sits straight up in her seat, not leaning back to rest. She, too, is perfectly matched; a woman on a mission.

There's ready agreement with his echoed sentiment that there are limitations, and she says as much, offering her own concerns. "It's not something that is accepted easily," is countered. "It's hard when one's best friend is Captain America." There's something of that fond, affectionate smile that echoes in green eyes. She's not name dropping, just making a point that limitations are hard to accept when in such company. Keeping up with the Jonesses.

The offer for Stark Expo, and the placement, however? Pepper is obviously pleased that Oliver made that tacit understanding of what her words actually meant. She shakes her head, her tones remaining encouraging, "I'm certain you could. You've done some excellent work in Starling, made some inroads that some thought were virtually impossible. So, why not show it off?" Which gives Queen Consolidated a lot more of a public presence outside of its home territory, adding to its name, and therefore, its stock and bottom line. Every company wants a spot at the Exhibition Center and 95% are relegated to the outer buildings.

An honest, warm laugh sounds from Pepper and she nods her head knowingly. "I'm sorry I didn't call her to try and assure her that isn't even in our minds," but, truthfully, would Moira have believed her? Truly? "We're not that bad." Actually, Pepper does have that reputation for being a savvy negotiator, and more than a few companies have been bought up and pulled under as subsidiaries. Of course, those companies bottom lines have improved, even if the CEOs were replaced...

"One of the things near and dear to my heart, and you don't have to answer now.." Pepper takes a different tack on the next one, and she continues, "As you may know, I sit on the board for the Foundation," well, she's the de facto board president, sitting in for Tony. "And part of that is our support for the museums in the City. There is an advisory board position that is opening for the Museum of Modern Art, and I'd like to extend the invitation and permission to put forth a representative from Queen Consolidated for the seat."

Oliver Queen has posed:
Oliver lets out a sigh.. It's a sentiment he very well matched. How can one hang out with Superman and not .., just try to be more? Not that he speaks of it. His own identity was still pretty much a secret to many. Not one to divulge it as many Avengers had done. He could not afford to do so. "Our friends do have a way of having us want to surpass ourselves, true."

He lets that subject lie for now though, instead focusing on the Expo and the offer presented. He inclines his head in understanding about Stark Expo and the Exhibition Center. It was indeed a coveted place for any company. He smiles faintly. "It wouldn't had worked." calling her. "We have a trait in the Queen family that defines us, and that is being stubborn." he doesn't mention the dramatic. No need for that. "But being part of Stark Expo would certainly help in boosting Queen Consolidated, both in Starling and out there." he says in way of approval.

As for the second part he considers, tapping fingers to his chin. "It would appear, to the outside world, almost like an alliance. Is that what you'd be suggesting? There would be interest of course in having a representative from us in such a prestiged position. Do you have a name in mind?"

Pepper Potts has posed:
"And encouraging all to do and be better," Pepper adds. It's true; the Avengers have all but outed themselves. Tony did it on national television much to Pepper's chagrin. Thor, well, he's hard to mistake. Steve... and the others. "It can be pretty humbling, too."

The fact that a phone call wouldn't have worked gains an utterance, a soft 'oh' more exhaled than spoken. "Next time, then, I'll send something before I contact you?" Not sure if that'd be better or worse, really! But, the gesture is there.

It's the philanthropic portion, the bit that is truly near and dear to her heart, that she, too, turns. There's a tight-lipped but honest smile that plays upon her face, the humor evident in her tones. "It would appear, yes, that two major corporations are actually in communication." And each not trying to take over the other! She shakes her head ruefully, green eyes remaining on the man behind the desk. "I don't, which is why I'm asking you. Once you put a name forward, I'll have the Museum board reach out, and I'm sure that there will be an appointment offer made soon after."

Oliver Queen has posed:
"I am sure all can be solved with a dinner. We would be glad to have you dine at the mansion one of these days. You and Tony if you so wished." Oliver offers with a gesture of his hand, "It would certainly put Mother's heart to rest meeting you both in person." his hands return to rest upon his lap.

"If you find an opening in your schedule, of course. But could be a chance for you to see a bit more of Starling as well." The man polite as ever but also open and friendly. He's been long past is darker, broody self of the past. (Well, most of it)

Though as they then continue about the nomination of a person he dips his head. "I might have someone who would be the perfect face for Queen Consolidated up on the board." he muses, his eyes roaming to the window briefly as if in thought. Yes, he very much thought she'd be capable of this. His eyes return to Pepper, "I will speak with her, I am certain the person I am thinking of will welcome the opportunity."

Pepper Potts has posed:
There's a brightening of Pepper's face and the wider smile echoes the sentiment. "We would love it. It'd give Tony a chance to emerge from his lab for the evening, and a chance for Mrs. Queen and I to talk." To quell fears, that is! "Let me know when is good for you, and I'll make sure his schedule is clear for it." She is, after all, the keeper of the *schedule*. "If you have the time, a quick tour of Starling would be nice, too." So, it's sounding like they'll be spending the afternoon and evening, which is perfectly fine with her. Good company, time well spent.

Pepper does rise to her feet, her tones on the side of apologetic. It's a tone they //all// use when basic business is concluded, and now it's time to go back and start making things happen that had been discussed. "I should be getting back, now, though." The news that Oliver does accept the offer brings that pleased smile forward once more and she inclines her head in acknowledging his words. "Perfect. And if she has any questions, or you, please don't hesitate to call me." Ellis has her office number, but Pepper takes out a piece of paper and pen, writing a number down quickly. It's her personal cell number. Not everyone gets that number, just like not everone gets Tony's cell number. They're carefully guarded! "And I don't have normal business hours, so you can call me almost any time."

That said, then, Pepper produces her phone to send off a quick text, and she looks up, apologetic. She's sending a message for the car, and once done, puts her little phone back into her clutch. "I really do look forward to seeing what you come up with for the Expo, and having you and Tony sit down one evening," over dinner. "Events just get too large and sometimes it's hard to even hear yourself think."

Oliver Queen has posed:
Oliver gets up to his feet as well after Pepper does so, beaming a smile at her accepting the invitation. "I will look forward to it." It would indeed be time well spent, voice genuine. He has always liked the few times he has met with both. He understands well the needs of the agenda though, and that their meeting is coming to an end.

He puts the offered number down, nodding slowly. "I will make sure to do so if we have any. My guess is we might." a brief chuckle escaping his lips and he going around the table.

"It's all part of being a public figure." A resigned sigh. "Something I have had to learn to contend with for a time now. As I am sure you have too. I will welcome the chance to talk more quietly though."

He doesn't need to let her hear that she needs to go, those cues are good enough so he gestures to the elevators. "Come, I will escort you back downstairs. I was glad you were able to come meet me in person." and he does so. As for Ellis, he doesn't rear up his head for the rest of the night!