<> <> <> <> <> <> <> (Man, I hardly remember Amadeus. Been mired in stuff. ^^;) (Take your time, that's what intros are for.) * Amadeus has been seated calmly on one of the leather chairs, but after checking his watch for the second time, gets up and starts pacing the area, looking at the books on the shelves. He's in his late twenties or early thirties: a shorter (but not small) Asian man with a roundish face, and while he isn't fat, he is a bit chubby. He wears a button up shirt with dress slacks and shoes, and a pair of wire-rimmed glasses are perched on his nose. (My visual inspiration for this guy is totally Hiro. I can't help it; he was in my head the entire time I was trying to write descrip.) (I don't watch Heroes! So it's okay. Also, cut off at "his nos") (his nose.) * Mr_Charles hurries into the hotel lobby. He's an older gentleman wearing a white suit and holding a fedora to his head so it doesn't blow off, but he still manages to hold on to a mildly distinguished air. As he comes to a stop through the doors, he begins looking around, and his eyes light up as he spies Amadeus. With a brisk walk he strides over. "Dr. Cheung? A pleasure to finally meet you." He holds out his hand. * Amadeus turns from reading book titles and smiles, shaking the proferred hand and giving it a shake. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Charles." (-and giving it a shake) (Wow, I am out of it today.) * Mr_Charles grins. "Ah, but I'm nowhere near as famous, Dr. Cheung. Please, let's have a seat." He gestures toward two of the chairs in the lobby, and then signals for one of the wandering servers before turning back to Amadeus. "Would you like something? A coffee?" * Amadeus heads over to the chair Mr. Charles so graciously offered (not that it's his chair to offer, exactly) and does have a seat. "Coffee would be excellent, thank you." And I don't know about famous, really. My book's not even out yet. * Mr_Charles engages in a moment of ordering with the server, then sits down himself. He performs a few idiosyncratic eye maneuvers that you realize mark him as either psychotic or the owner of a headputer. Likely the latter. "But there's very few biologists in the solar system who haven't at least heard of you or your work. If that's not fame, what can mere salesmen like myself hope to strive for?" He smiles. * Mr_Charles continues - the question was clearly rhetorical. "I trust your evening here was pleasant?" * Amadeus shrugs easily; he has a headputer himself, so the eye movement doesn't bother him. "It was, yes." He grins. "Not exciting, but if I accept your offer, I think I'll have enough of that soon enough." Indeed you will, indeed you will. And of course, the offer is what we're here to discuss. I believe you're already aware of the basics of the agreement? * Amadeus flicks his eyes, accessing his headputer himself, then says, "The very bare basics, yes, though I think it'd help both of us if you went over them again." So we're on the same page, you understand. (I just realized that if he has a headputer, he wouldn't need a watch. Maybe he's just being weird.) Of course. You, and several other highly skilled and capable individuals, will endeavor to explore strange new worlds and bring back both data and physical samples. As per the corporations' agreement, much of this data needs to be provided to the Galactic Registry here on Mars. You will have quotas on expected samples and data, but anything over this quota you are free to sell to the highest bidder. Hm. What about concerning academic research and, past that, are we expected to agree on what to do with the data? My motives aren't mercenary at all, but from what I hear of chainjumpers, some of my colleagues-to-be might disagree. <> * Amadeus picks up the coffee and pours some for himself and Mr. Charles, then adds milk and sugar to his own. He tastes his mixture with a sip before leaning back. * Mr_Charles speaks as Amadeus pours. "The company would retain first rights to license practical applications arising out of research from samples or data delivered to the company, but we're not much interested in academic publications." He picks up his mug and sips it. "My, that's an excellent roast." Then he sighs. Unfortunately, Dr. Cheung, we've run into too many troubles trying to pre-negotiate agreements about the extra quantities of samples. It's hampered us in finding the best people for the job, and so such an agreement would be between you and your comrades. And of course I'll do my best to put a good word in. * Amadeus frowns slightly. "I see." Pause. "By 'not interested,' do you mean that you don't very much care if I publish or not?" I'm happy to help your company, but I am primarily here to do research. And there isn't much point if I can't publish my findings due to various corporations holding all of the rights on what we might find. We are of course interested in helping you further your career by allowing you access to data and samples later, if that's what you mean, but beyond that we're unlikely to fund or direct your efforts. * Mr_Charles takes a drink of his coffee. "The people I represent are more interested in the planets themselves and their potential suitability for colonization or commercialization than any underlying biological discovery." I see. So no interference and no initial NDA, then... That's good enough for me. * Amadeus sips his own coffee, since it's still rather hot. The Galactic Registry may be another matter, if they come to the conclusion that something in the data or samples handed over happens to have a widespread potential for endangering the populace. * Mr_Charles shrugs. "But there's nothing either of us can do about that." * Amadeus chuckles. "Yes, I imagine not. I don't have any desire to endanger anyone anyway, so you can be sure I'll abide by their rules." * Mr_Charles performs a few eyeflicks. "Hm. Unfortunately, time is moving far too fast for my comfort today... do you have any other questions for me?" Just a timetable for our first jump and any training, along with any information about the people I'm going to be working with. * Mr_Charles downs the last of his coffee - and yes, it's still quite hot. "These enterprises are rather ... fluid, Dr. Cheung. If you'll bear with me a little while longer, I can provide you with everything you ask for, but as of today I quite literally don't have it to give." He hands Amadeus a datachip. "This is my contact information, as well as the contract, if you wish to look it over before you sign." He stands up. * Amadeus takes the chip. "I will, thank you." He stands, leaving his cup on the table, and offers his hand with a smile. "Better get to that meeting." * Mr_Charles tips his hat. "Indeed." He offers his hand again. "Thank you, Dr. Cheung. I'm certain you'll find you've made the right decision." * Amadeus shakes that hand, because his hand was already sticking out. "I think I will." (... whoops. spaced.) * Mr_Charles strides out the door! (Pose if'n you like) * Amadeus wanders over to pick out one of those books, then sits down and starts reading as he sips his still hot coffee. <>