Feb 01 03:45:55 108 PA

From Chronicles

Feb 01 03:45:55 108 PA.

SAGE ALTERNATIVES SPA

There's a sound of opening door, blowing wind, and closing door in the front room, the sounds of boots being knocked together on the front carpet area designed for absorbing slush. A man, average height, perhaps taller than average, but not by much, approaches the counter, smiling at whomever might be there. His clothes are casual, but well-kept, and his hair combed, though blown around in the wind. When he speaks, it's confident, but not arrogant. A business card emerges from a chest pocket. "My name is Tobias Drift." He sets the card on the counter-top. "I'm looking for a woman - Sage. No surname given, apparently." His eyes light up a bright glowing red when he talks, but otherwise, he seems very much like your average businessman.

With an unexpected arrival, it doesn't take long for Sage to drift in to investigate the matter. She smiles softly to the assistante she's recently hired as she takes the business card, before she looks to the man. "I would be Sage." She replies with a slight smile, "It is nice to meet you, Tobias." She offers her hand in case the man cares for a handshake.

Tobias happily accepts the pleasant formality, shaking Sage's hand firmly and businesslike. "Sage, I represent Desmond's Jeweler's, and I understand that you're looking to wrangle up a discount on some of our wares, is that correct?" The man speaks very formally, but his tone is quite congenial. No arrogance or forcing his views. Just checking details. Still, every time he hits a hard consonant, his eyes light up, almost like he's shining Morse code across the counter. He comments rather idly, "Nice place."

Sage returns the handshake in kind before she lets the others hand go afterward, before smiling faintly to the man's comment. "Well, I may choose different words, but yes, you have the gist of my proposal." She replies, "I am thinking we could be mutually beneficial." She continues, before nodding gently to the man's compliment. "Thank you." She replies, "I believe this place could act as a health and well-being program for your employees... and, I may also be able to offer a private dining area should you need to woo potential suppliers or clients." She adds, gesturing in the direction the private dining room could be found.

The man chuckles, his eyes lighting up with each one. "We appreciate the offer, ma'am, but your spa really has very little interest for us. We rarely require this kind of health and well-being, though I'm sure that it's quite good. Mr. Desmond has his own private dining areas already. Still, perhaps in the future, it would be something for us to seriously consider." He clears out his throat with a heavy cough. "Ah. Pardon me. It's the weather. I prefer Spring, myself." He turns around to sneeze, then comes back with a smile. "I hate that. Anyway, I'm authorized to offer you a potential discount. Instead of your spa's services, Mr. Desmond believes that your certain psychic talents could be beneficial to us. We have a prospecting mission heading out, and we'd like you to go along. Shouldn't be difficult, just prospecting. Keep an eye out for us, everyone comes back, and depending on conditions, I'm authorized to tell you that we'll cut you in for two- to three-percent, depending. There may be more in the future, but I'm not at liberty to discuss that at this time." He turns his head as if to ask, "Interested?"

When the man explains that they have little interest in her spa, Sage simply nods her head faintly. "Of course." She replies, "Mr. Desmond does run a fine business, after all." She wasn't sure what to expect from the offer, but the result isn't too surprising to be considered to be much of a disappointment. She raises a brow faintly as a discount is brought up in spite of the rejection, and quietly makes a mental note to clean her hands after this meeting. When the man continues, she purses her lips as she considers the counter offer being made. "You have my attention." She replies, "Would I be allowed to bring people that I think could help out on this venture?" She asks simply.

Tobias considers for a short while, bouncing his eyes off the ceiling and waggling his entire body. "Sure. But they don't get anything out of it. You get the discount. Just you. No buying from us at a discount, then selling or even freely donating them to anyone. Bad for business, right?" He raises a hand to make his point. "Of course, with this in mind, you'd have to hire on anyone else with your own money. But with those two caveats?" Tobias holds up two indicative fingers. "Sure."

Sage is patient enough to consider the options before pursing her lips when he does respond, "Well, I was mainly wondering whether keeping an eye out involved some protection." She comments, "Safety in numbers, that is." She nods faintly, "Of course, I understand this is just between myself and Desmond Jewels." She replies, "May I ask when the first venture will be taking place?"

Tobias considers. "Oh, next few weeks would be fine. We're working on hiring the man we want. Looks like we have a Mining Borg on the line, up from New Mexico. Long trip east, but if you want the discount, it's worth it. Plus, like I said, potential for more in the future." He then shrugs. "But if you have friends, they're welcome to come. But like you said - it's between you and Desmond, and no one else."

Sage hms and nods to the man's response, "Alright. It sounds like an interesting offer, for sure." She replies, "I'll have to do some figuring if it'll be a lengthy trip as I'm likely not quite as established as Mr. Desmond, but I will be in touch." She offers, before nodding faintly once more. "Yes, that's fine. I wasn't planning on sneaking others in on the offer." She smiles softly to the man, before glancing to the business card to make sure the necessary information is there. "Shall I contact you directly?"

Tobias Drift gives a polite nod of his head. "I'll be going then, Sage. Nice place, really. Perhaps Mr. Desmond will come by - but not for business." He looks over at the card. "Yes, please contact me. Mr. Desmond is very busy. He has three of us go-betweens to keep business running. You're my assignment. You have any further questions, don't hesitate to call the number of stop by. Though if you want to stop by, you'll probably best to make an appointment." He looks out the window. "Chilly. Brrr!" Then back to Sage. "Anything further? Do you want me to contact you when we have our prospector, or would you prefer that I just leave you alone?"

Sage nods faintly to Tobias' response, "Good enough for me." She assures before putting the card away for safe keeping. "And, you can drop me a quick line when you have the prospector if you like." She replies, "And take care of yourself, Tobias."

"Thanks ma'am, I'll be in touch. Call me." He smiles, wraps his coat tight around himself, and disappears out the door of the spa.