663/Hellfire Curious.

Hellfire Curious.
Date of Scene:	21 March 2020
Location:	The Hellfire Club, Manhattan
Synopsis:	Alexander gets the skinny on the HFC from the man himself.
Cast of Characters:	Sebastian Shaw, Tessa, Alexander Aaron

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Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw waits in one of the private rooms of the Hellfire Club's VIP lounge. The mini-fridge is stocked with a variety of beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, but otherwise there's not a great deal of need for many other alterations. There's a thin folder sitting on the conference table, and Sebastian Shaw sitting at the head of the table. For these few minutes, his ever-faithful right hand Tessa is absent, mostly because she went downstairs to meet one Alexander Aaron and bring him here. Shaw is a patient man, generally, and not prone to fidgeting, but with the absence of anyone else around, a hand knocks on the surface of the table in a rapid rhythm. Just a little bit of extra charge beyond what he normally builds up for himself upon waking. He doesn't expect trouble, but given what he suspects about the boy's parentage, it might not hurt to have a little extra insurance, just in case.

Tessa has posed:
    By the time Alexander shows up, Tessa is already waiting in the lobby, staring at the door as it opens, her eyes fixed on Alexander seemingly before he even entered the room. She's dressed much the same as before - much the same as always, to most people's perception - though her outfit is, as ever, color coordinated to Sebastian Shaw's choice of attire for they day.
    Tessa presses her arm horizontally across the middle of her body as she gives a formal bow, greeting, "Thank you for coming, Mr. Aaron. We've been expecting you. I've been instructed to bring you to Mr. Shaw as soon as possible, if it pleases you."
    She makes it sound like it's his call, but she doesn't offer much room for protest before she says "If you'll follow me, please."
    Within a minute or so there is a gentle knock on the door to Sebastian's private room before Tessa opens it, stepping in and standing aside; turning her profile to both men, keeping her eyes on Shaw, and an outstretched arm reaching out towards Alexander to both indicate him, and welcome him in. "Mr. Alexander Aaron is here to see you, Mr. Shaw." She says with, perhaps, a modicum more reverence in her otherwise controlled even voice than usual.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    As for Alexander, he is not dressed as she likely saw him before. Gone are the loose clothes, the casual manner, the slight slouch. Gone are the Chuck Taylors, the jeans, the backpack. Instead when he darkens the doorway to the Hellfire Club he passes through and seems to be wearing black leather shoes, a pair of finely tailored black dress pants, and a white buttoned down shirt perfectly pressed. The look's completed with a black leather belt and a tie of the same color that is knotted tightly. Though no jacket, for whatever reason. It's enough to at least not stand out too terribly much.
    Then those hazel eyes meet Tessa's and he gives a nod as well as a small bow from the neck upon her greeting. "Ms. Fox. Thank you."
    Then when she turns he falls into step with her, not offering to engage in small talk unless offered first. He keeps his eyes ahead of him and his features carefully composed until they reach that door. Then through it as introductions are made.
    "Sir," Alexnder says with a nod and if the approach is open he'll extend a hand in greeting.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Shaw ceases his knocking on the table and rises smoothly to his feet, smiling graciously as he extends his own hand to meet Alexander's, giving it a firm shake, "Mr. Aaron, I'm pleased you accepted my invitation. My name is Sebastian Shaw, and I am the Chairman of the Board for this particular club, among a few other jobs and titles. You've already met Tessa, of course." He gestures to the seat opposite where he was seated (it's crossways, not longways, so the distance isn't awkward). "Please, have a seat. Would you care for any particular refreshment?" Shaw moves to reclaim his own seat, "And if I might ask, would you prefer Alexander, Alex, or Mr. Aaron?"

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa offers no small talk; you'd probably struggle to torture it out of her if it weren't somehow a requirement or an order. After Alexander enters the room, Tessa walks past the two men as they shake hands, silently taking her place beside the table between where the two would sit, closer to the mini fridge than either of them; watching them both in anticipation of fetching something for either of them to fulfill Shaw's offer.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Yes, sir." Alexander offers in rejoinder, accepting the offer of a chair and moving over to it, taking a seat as instructed. His blond hair is pushed back from his eyes for once and those hazel irises consider the room with a calm demeanor. For an instant he quirks an eyebrow at Tessa before his consideration returns to Mr. Shaw.
    Hands resting on the arms of the chair his gaze returns to Sebastian and there's a calm way he seems to be measuring the moment, though perhaps simply just how the youth carries himself. "I'll join with whatever you both would care to drink, sir."
    A beat, then he lifts his chin slightly, "I'm most comfortable with, Alexander."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Alexander it is, then." Sebastian notes, "And Sebastian is fine for myself." He glances to Tessa, "I'm fine, but if you care for anything, Tessa, feel free." He turns his blue eyes back to Alexander and slides the folder across the table to him, "The information on the benefits available to you as a member of the club are summarized here. You can peruse it at your leisure. It's a bit on the dry side but explains it all well enough. That said, I would imagine you have some questions, and as to the likely first: I did not know your father well. I believe the last time he visited here my own father was still Chairman. I did meet him once in passing, but it's quite possible he wouldn't remember. He seemed to have other things on his mind at the time."

Shaw pauses a moment before continuing, "That said...your father held one of the oldest memberships on record. Held by your family since the 1500's in London. So when we became aware of you, it seemed only proper we extend our Legacy Member benefits to you."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa gives a brief gracious bow of her head. "Very good, Mr. Shaw." she says softly, and proceeds to walk... away from the mini-fridge, apparently requiring nothing. She opts, instead, to stand one step behind Sebastian near his right side, and puts her arms behind her back, clasping her wrist in one hand as she looks forward. Not quite staring at Alexander. More... vaguely staring just over his shoulder?
    She tries not to unnerve people.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Thank you," Alexander says as he reaches forward and accepts the folder of information, though he does not look at it for now. Time enough to read the intelligence later, best to make use of what time he has available with the individuals here. So he sets the folder beside him on the end table near, then lifts his eyes across the way toward Sebastian.
    "That is a kind thing, I appreciate it. I would like to know your point of view about the club in your own words, sir. If that's not too much trouble."
    He straightens up a little, features calm but Tessa likely can read some small aspects of curiousity evident, tinged with wariness. "My father never spoke of such, I'd also like to know if you're aware of his nature." A point blank question, curiously asked so directly.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"You're most welcome." Shaw replies, canting his head and listening intently when Alexander speaks. He smiles a bit at Alexander's first question, and then nods at his second, "Fair questions, Alexander. I will answer them in order. The Hellfire Club is a very old organization, with a proud tradition of catering to the cream of society...the wealthy, the powerful, the famous and infamous. A place where they could mingle away from prying eyes, and enjoy the company of their peers. It originally started in London, then Hong Kong, and finally New York City, though our Hong Kong branch relocated to the Island of Madripoor after the handover." Shaw clears his throat, "While many of those fundamentals remain the same, we've taken on a bit more egalitarian view in the last generation or two, opening most of the Club for any to enjoy, but reserving the best perks for our VIP members. We endeavour to be many things to many people. For some we are simply a refuge for relaxation and recreation. For others an opportunity to network in a less official fashion. For our Legacy Members such as yourself it is sometimes a glimpse into the world of their parents. But the bottom line is that the Club can largely be whatever you choose to make of it."

Shaw leans back in his chair, not looking at all uncomfortable, "As to the latter question, I cannot say I am directly aware of anything for certain, but I can say that I strongly suspect that at a minimum, your father was more than human, and quite likely much, much more. And yes, I freely admit that possibility is a large factor in why I felt compelled to reach out to you. Our club enjoys several...gifted...individuals among our VIPs, and there is evidence that might lead one to suspect this has been the case for many generations, if you know where to dig, and thankfully for me Tessa has an exceptional gift for digging up all sorts of interesting morsels of knowledge and speculation."

He quirks a bit of a mischievous grin, "Does wonders for my stock portfolio, as well."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa seems well inured to the topic of... exceptional people, and you don't to have a computer-like brain to figure out she is well past the point of being surprised by such things. Upon hearing Sebastian's praise, Tessa simply adjusts her glasses and says, "I aim to please, sir." With that same level tone. The lady earns her pay.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    At the mention of Tessa, Alexander's eyes slip towards her, contemplative. Perhaps as gauging as they were moments before. Then he looks back to Sebastian Shaw and nods slowly. "I still have a path before me I need to walk, and have a good amount of time before I could be a strongly contributing member. I do intend to speak to my father about his experiences here and find his thoughts."
    It's all said very clearly, methodically, as if offering details to cover his actions so there are no surprises. "I could not volunteer time nor effort until I've finished my obligation to my father regarding my education." Which he is due to start next semester after all.
    His head tilts to the side a little, "Would this be an adverse situation? I can withold my inquiries as to membership until after my graduation if that is the case."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Oh, your membership is already active, but we don't require anything of you, personally. We largely exist to serve you, not the other way around." Sebastian notes, "You are free to leave today and never return if you choose, or to pay us a visit whenever you like, however long or short an interval may lie between now and that day." Shaw smiles, "Now, the membership will expire when you turn twenty-one years of age, unless you or your father pay the full VIP member dues, or a Board member sponsors you for membership. Or conversely the membership can be cancelled by your father prior to that time. Those are the only restriction or limitation that I recall." He glances to Tessa, "Did I miss anything on that?"

Sebastian does note, "We have several Legacy Members roughly of an age with yourself. There are occasional events specially tailored to them. If you choose to allow us to contact you, you can receive notice of when those events are being held. Of course that doesn't stop you from visiting outside of those events, and while I can imagine that for a man of your age there may not be a great appeal in some of what I'm talking about yet, you never know who you might meet today that might end up important for you in the future. Particularly on these premises."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa looks to Sebastian when spoken to, and says, "No, Mr. Shaw; your explanation was thorough, and very clear."
    Again, no obvious change in demeanor. She's either the world's least engaged ass-kisser, or... this is some kind of Thing.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    The youth finally smiles and when he does it lights up those hazel eyes, an open thing as he straightens and he murmurs, "You're welcome to contact me, yes. And if needs be I'll avail myself of your services. I'm..." He tilts his head slightly one way, then the other as he considers them. "Most curious about my father's past and what occurred here. Or what role he may have played. And indeed, I am aware how important it is to meet people for the future."
    Which, naturally, someone of his age would be thinking about. Though perhaps in subtly different ways.
    "I should mention that I do come from a gifted family, though my father and I are not Homo Superior." He spares a glance for Tessa and tilts his head back toward Sebastian. "I should also mention I am not particularly ascribed to any specific moral outlook, though I do have a preference for acceptance amongst some who hold such a strong point of view."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Shaw chuckles softly, "Well, we can try to puzzle that out together, or you can simply ask your father, but either way I'll be happy to provide what little I know, and share whatever Tessa might uncover." Shaw grins, "We have all types in the VIP lounge at any given time. Idealists, Cynics, Men and women of selflessness and boundless compassion and men and women of deepest avarice and ruthlessness. We welcome diversity of viewpoints here, so long as any ensuing debates never turn physically violent...at least on the grounds...or disturb our other guests, particularly our VIPs." Shaw adds, "Our gifted guests span a wide array of origins, some of whom are more discreet about their gifts and who knows about them than others. We do respect our members privacy on such matters, and discretion is one of our most closely-held values, for both the Board and the staff here."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "It's not imperative, Sebastian." The name is given a hint of a pause, but not overly long. But it's there as if getting adjusted to using it. "I am curious about things and I do like to meet people, speak to them."
    There's a pause as he frowns for a moment, then he looks up. "I should mention, however, that if you are to extend this membership to me and bring me within your ranks there is an existential danger connected to myself and my family. It is an inherent risk that goes beyond the norm even for normally gifted members."
    He straightens up and then tilts his head toward Tessa, a glance before he looks back toward Sebastian. "I have an uncle who wishes to cause injury to those around me. I would be remiss to enter into a relationship with you and yours without mentioning it."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Your caution and disclosure is noted and admirable. That said, the members of the Fantastic Four are among our VIP list, and thus far we have avoided Victor Von Doom's wrath for it. As I said, your involvement here can be as much or as little as your own discretion calls for. And if you think we might assist in some manner, though it sounds as if you believe the scope of the problem may be...beyond us...do not hesitate to ask. There are considerable resources and knowledge available among our membership...both mundane and not-so-mundane." Sebastian replies, "In any case, we won't hold the actions of your estranged family against you or your father. We understand that not all beings endeavor to settle things in as...civilized a manner as we strive to. Though so long as such behavior does not come from our members while on the grounds...it's simply a matter of the world we find ourselves living in."

Sebastian grins, entirely wryly, "Besides, we're insured."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa's demeanor shifts slightly at the mention of a threat, her hands going from behind her back to the front after a brief adjustment of her glasse. Possibility noted. It goes in a file like everything else. Following Shaw's lead, though, in the interest or reassuring Alexander and maybe giving some hint of the well-earned confidence of the organization, she adds, "If he does arrive, Mr. Aaron, endeavor to lead him to the older furniture first, until security arrives. We replace them fairly often anyway."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Glancing at Tessa, Alex says with a slight twist to his smile, "Noted, Ms. Fox." But then he tilts his gaze back toward Sebastian.
    For a time Alexander seems to mull those words over, and to be fair there is a touch of reluctance there, perhaps connected to the entire idea... or perhaps the idea of endangering those there. But the point is made and made well. They are no strangers to dealing with danger.
    Gaining his feet then, Alexander steps forward the one step needed and extends a hand toward him. "Then I will accept your offer, Sebastian." He gives a single nod. "And when I reach the age of majority we can have the follow up conversation, if that is acceptable?"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Those terms are entirely agreeable." Sebastian rises smoothly to his own feet and again shakes Alexander's hand firmly, "Welcome to the Hellfire Club, Alexander. We're glad to have you."