Viper
One Thousand Club
When Carter told him to relax, Tae did not even flinch. He was not this man’s friend, in fact, Tae considered this man his enemy now. No longer was he just a stranger and possible threat, by placing his hand on Phoenix he had turned into a piece of trash that Tae wanted to dispose of quickly and efficiently.
But he couldn't. Not only was this man a source of information and possibly money, but Phoenix was here and she had commanded him to back down. In order to keep up the ruse and respect his mistress, he would do so immediately. As soon as the words escaped her lips, Tae opened his hand and moved his foot off of the lesser PET. Tae even stepped back a bit, but he was on edge still so was not returning to his position behind Phoenix. His position before caused this to happen, so he would stay planted in the center of this interaction so that Carter would have to get through him if he even wanted to get close to Phoenix again. In moment's like these he was glad to have been built so tall.
When Carter once again mentioned Dorian, Tae once again got an odd sensation in his mind. One that made him want to stand taller in defense of his master and/or mistress. Tae was quickly coming to accept that Dorian was indeed his creator, after all, it made sense. Hearing that he was part of Dorian’s security detail made sense, far too much sense considering all of his fighting techniques and that he looked human enough to be out in public. Honestly, at this point, Tae was still working security detail only now for a different person. And he’d do his job well or be destroyed trying.
Or there was the third option, he could be sold. It made sense to do so, which was why he mentioned it so many times in the past. Carter, being an impressive and influential CEO, could certainly give Phoenix enough money to set her up for a long time, if not forever. All of this being said, the offer was not a surprise and neither was Phoenix’s answer. It was sweet that she would say no even in the face of a fortune, but Tae did wish that she would at least consider it. Whether he wanted to go or not, which he didn't, really didn't matter in the face of Phoenix’s wishes.
Of course, in this kind of situation, Tae also had to wonder what Carter’s wishes were. Phoenix apparently thought the same, so Tae would get his answer even if it was a rather plain and vague answer. Evening the playing field, huh? Clearly that meant evening the field with Dorian. But who was Aiki? Based on the way the sentences were phrased, it seemed to suggest that this Aiki was also a PET or at least suspected of being one. Logically, there had to be more than just Tae in the world. He was too advanced to be a first draft but also too advanced to not be replicated. Dorian also had the means and brain to make more Taes. This man must not have been smart enough to create his own human PETs, so he was trying to steal or trade for one.
It was hard not to wonder what his other plans were. Violence was most certainly an option, killing was likely, but the way he spoke made it sound like more. Experimentation? Manipulation? War? Anything was possible, so naturally he was curious. After all, Tae would be doing those things for him if Phoenix agreed to the deal… which admittedly seemed unlikely since she wasn't even toying with the idea.
Tae took note of the number that was sent to him, and even though he hated this man, he saved it. It was simply the smartest thing to do since information, even information you don’t like, is worthwhile. It could be useful in the future even if they decided not to sell.
Perhaps to placate Phoenix or make himself look better, Carter then did something unexpected. Gave them an invite into what appeared to be a bot fighting ring of some quality. At this point they had participated in a ring with no visual, only verbal promotion, then one with a symbol, and now there was this one. With the referral, Tae was able to get into an unlisted website that seemed professional. There were even different tabs where you could look up the champions, the rankings, and certain fighter’s wins and losses. But of course, on the main page, there was a promotion for the event tonight. When, where, and to prove that this was a high class establishment, the front page also promoted what the menu, music, and theme would be for the night.
It certainly looked like the place where money could be made and, as far as Tae could tell, there was no entry or betting fee for the competitors. It seemed like the rich pricks just gave money to the one they found most entertaining. They could indeed make a lot of money here, assuming that Tae could put on a good show and defeat his opponents who, for once, were actually humanoid although far from human looking. They were boxes and bolts, walking on two legs but with heads lacking eyes, mouths, and a normal skull shape. But Tae was used to fighting humans, most of his fighting skills were designed for human foes, so this could turn out to be easier for Tae depending on the alterations of the humanoid PETs.
Tae was still considering this new venue when Phoenix started to leave, and Tae stayed right on her heels as she did so, but his eyes and head remained focused on Carter and his PET. He didn't trust them not to backstab them, literally, since he did not get his way.
All in all, it was a relief to be in the car with Rhys who immediately began to interrogate them. “We should move the car before talking. I don’t want him to get our license or see you, Rhys, if he has not already gotten that information.” This was just a suggestion, but he hoped they would heed his advice before Carter left the building too.
Once parked in a new location, or his idea shut down, the topic continued as if it was not halted in the first place. And of course, the topic of money came up immediately. Rhys seemed shocked that Phoenix said no, and even though Tae was not shocked but flattered, he still took no offence. “No offense taken, Rhys. I too have suggested she sell me a few times already. I know we have talked about this before, Phoenix, and although I do not want to leave you, I beg you to at least consider Carter’s offer. You don’t have to accept it, but I ask you to seriously think about it and give it some honest time.” Asking Phoenix to just think about the offer was all he could do, and honestly, it was as far as he was willing to push the matter since it had come up a few times already.
“Yes, Rhys, Dorian Douglas of D.O. PET Corporation. Based on this interaction and his assets, it seems likely that Mr. Douglas was my creator and master before Phoenix found me,” Tae reported before nodding. “Yes, I can start from the top. I did record the interaction, so you are welcome to view that at a later date, but for now I will give you the synopsis.”
“Carter Harrington was waiting for us upon our arrival, alone as far as I could tell besides his PET Carmella, a Komodo dragon that looked to be rather expensive. He knew based on our fighting in bot rings that money is our main goal, and he quickly honed in on that. He was talkative though, and was offering information in the attempt to get Phoenix to share information as well. He had apparently seen me long before witnessing the videos of me fighting in bot rings, although he did not know I was a PET until he saw the videos. Before, I was a personal guard of Mr. Douglas for several years along with what I suspect to be another human PET named Aiki. I am In order to maintain our cover, Phoenix told Carter that I was given to her, and Carter made the assumption that Phoenix was intimate with Mr. Douglas.”
Suddenly glaring, Tae made a side comment. “It is here that he dared lay a hand on Phoenix in some pitiful attempt at intimidation. I was going to break his hand, but Phoenix told me to stop, so I did in order to maintain our cover.” Continuing on without missing a beat and in his normal tone, Tae said, “Then he offered to buy me, Phoenix said no repeatedly, and Carter gave us his personal contact information should we change our mind. He also gave us a pass to get into a high-end fighting ring,” At this moment, Tae projected an image of the bot ring’s main page.
“I don’t trust Carter, but this new place seems to be real from what I can tell and very popular among the wealthy. Besides, as I said, I have a recording of this interaction, so if need be we can try to blackmail him with it since he was clearly trying to make this deal quietly. I imagine he is scared of Mr. Douglas as well as the chance that there are other human PETs out there, so leaking the footage online would possibly serve our desires if Carter decides to push this matter. Although, this footage may not be enough to be effective blackmail, but I can tamper with it should we come to that point.”
Tae was just trying to be preventative and think forward, but this blackmail plan was a major what if, so it was not something worth lingering on.
Similarly, Tae was thinking about the more immediate future. “We should go shopping!” Tae said with a perky smile and voice and no prompting. He noticed how heavy the conversation was getting and had been for a while, so this was the least he could do to bring the mood back up. Besides, outside of that reason, Tae thought that it would be a good idea. “Based on Carter’s attendance there and the standard of quality that this ring is offering when it comes to their venue and menu, I imagine that this place is only for the wealthy and their competitors. If we go there wearing what we normally wear, we are going to stand out and likely look like riff-raff that stumbled inside or armatures. " Tae knew that he was amazing for anyone with interest in PETs, but he could not rely on that alone to sell himself and his skills. His master also had to look the part.
Sitting up straight and openly smiling still, Tae proclaimed his suggestion again. “We need to get Phoenix a nice dress and a suit for Rhys. I’m going to be fighting, so I don’t need a suit, but something a bit nice wouldn't hurt either if we have cash to spare.” Tae was suddenly glad that he had snuck out and got some spare cash. That would make this little shopping suggestion actually not affect their money plan. But obviously Tae could not say that, so instead he nodded his head like he had been thinking. “Going to such a high end place was unexpected, so based on my new calculations, we are going to make a high profit even if we spend a few hundred dollars on clothing tonight. What do you two think? Most places are going to be closing in only a handful of hours, so we need to make a pick fast. I have a list of places that are still open and should carry the goods that we need.”
“Personally, I suggest Hermz Boutique! They have a large selection, and from what I can find online, they carry many darker color dresses which I know are Phoenix’s preference. Their male section is minimal, but that should not matter. We have time to go to another place if we don’t find what we are looking for at an affordable rate. I also have some dress selections that would make Phoenix more beautiful and alluring than she already is!"
But he couldn't. Not only was this man a source of information and possibly money, but Phoenix was here and she had commanded him to back down. In order to keep up the ruse and respect his mistress, he would do so immediately. As soon as the words escaped her lips, Tae opened his hand and moved his foot off of the lesser PET. Tae even stepped back a bit, but he was on edge still so was not returning to his position behind Phoenix. His position before caused this to happen, so he would stay planted in the center of this interaction so that Carter would have to get through him if he even wanted to get close to Phoenix again. In moment's like these he was glad to have been built so tall.
When Carter once again mentioned Dorian, Tae once again got an odd sensation in his mind. One that made him want to stand taller in defense of his master and/or mistress. Tae was quickly coming to accept that Dorian was indeed his creator, after all, it made sense. Hearing that he was part of Dorian’s security detail made sense, far too much sense considering all of his fighting techniques and that he looked human enough to be out in public. Honestly, at this point, Tae was still working security detail only now for a different person. And he’d do his job well or be destroyed trying.
Or there was the third option, he could be sold. It made sense to do so, which was why he mentioned it so many times in the past. Carter, being an impressive and influential CEO, could certainly give Phoenix enough money to set her up for a long time, if not forever. All of this being said, the offer was not a surprise and neither was Phoenix’s answer. It was sweet that she would say no even in the face of a fortune, but Tae did wish that she would at least consider it. Whether he wanted to go or not, which he didn't, really didn't matter in the face of Phoenix’s wishes.
Of course, in this kind of situation, Tae also had to wonder what Carter’s wishes were. Phoenix apparently thought the same, so Tae would get his answer even if it was a rather plain and vague answer. Evening the playing field, huh? Clearly that meant evening the field with Dorian. But who was Aiki? Based on the way the sentences were phrased, it seemed to suggest that this Aiki was also a PET or at least suspected of being one. Logically, there had to be more than just Tae in the world. He was too advanced to be a first draft but also too advanced to not be replicated. Dorian also had the means and brain to make more Taes. This man must not have been smart enough to create his own human PETs, so he was trying to steal or trade for one.
It was hard not to wonder what his other plans were. Violence was most certainly an option, killing was likely, but the way he spoke made it sound like more. Experimentation? Manipulation? War? Anything was possible, so naturally he was curious. After all, Tae would be doing those things for him if Phoenix agreed to the deal… which admittedly seemed unlikely since she wasn't even toying with the idea.
Tae took note of the number that was sent to him, and even though he hated this man, he saved it. It was simply the smartest thing to do since information, even information you don’t like, is worthwhile. It could be useful in the future even if they decided not to sell.
Perhaps to placate Phoenix or make himself look better, Carter then did something unexpected. Gave them an invite into what appeared to be a bot fighting ring of some quality. At this point they had participated in a ring with no visual, only verbal promotion, then one with a symbol, and now there was this one. With the referral, Tae was able to get into an unlisted website that seemed professional. There were even different tabs where you could look up the champions, the rankings, and certain fighter’s wins and losses. But of course, on the main page, there was a promotion for the event tonight. When, where, and to prove that this was a high class establishment, the front page also promoted what the menu, music, and theme would be for the night.
It certainly looked like the place where money could be made and, as far as Tae could tell, there was no entry or betting fee for the competitors. It seemed like the rich pricks just gave money to the one they found most entertaining. They could indeed make a lot of money here, assuming that Tae could put on a good show and defeat his opponents who, for once, were actually humanoid although far from human looking. They were boxes and bolts, walking on two legs but with heads lacking eyes, mouths, and a normal skull shape. But Tae was used to fighting humans, most of his fighting skills were designed for human foes, so this could turn out to be easier for Tae depending on the alterations of the humanoid PETs.
Tae was still considering this new venue when Phoenix started to leave, and Tae stayed right on her heels as she did so, but his eyes and head remained focused on Carter and his PET. He didn't trust them not to backstab them, literally, since he did not get his way.
All in all, it was a relief to be in the car with Rhys who immediately began to interrogate them. “We should move the car before talking. I don’t want him to get our license or see you, Rhys, if he has not already gotten that information.” This was just a suggestion, but he hoped they would heed his advice before Carter left the building too.
Once parked in a new location, or his idea shut down, the topic continued as if it was not halted in the first place. And of course, the topic of money came up immediately. Rhys seemed shocked that Phoenix said no, and even though Tae was not shocked but flattered, he still took no offence. “No offense taken, Rhys. I too have suggested she sell me a few times already. I know we have talked about this before, Phoenix, and although I do not want to leave you, I beg you to at least consider Carter’s offer. You don’t have to accept it, but I ask you to seriously think about it and give it some honest time.” Asking Phoenix to just think about the offer was all he could do, and honestly, it was as far as he was willing to push the matter since it had come up a few times already.
“Yes, Rhys, Dorian Douglas of D.O. PET Corporation. Based on this interaction and his assets, it seems likely that Mr. Douglas was my creator and master before Phoenix found me,” Tae reported before nodding. “Yes, I can start from the top. I did record the interaction, so you are welcome to view that at a later date, but for now I will give you the synopsis.”
“Carter Harrington was waiting for us upon our arrival, alone as far as I could tell besides his PET Carmella, a Komodo dragon that looked to be rather expensive. He knew based on our fighting in bot rings that money is our main goal, and he quickly honed in on that. He was talkative though, and was offering information in the attempt to get Phoenix to share information as well. He had apparently seen me long before witnessing the videos of me fighting in bot rings, although he did not know I was a PET until he saw the videos. Before, I was a personal guard of Mr. Douglas for several years along with what I suspect to be another human PET named Aiki. I am In order to maintain our cover, Phoenix told Carter that I was given to her, and Carter made the assumption that Phoenix was intimate with Mr. Douglas.”
Suddenly glaring, Tae made a side comment. “It is here that he dared lay a hand on Phoenix in some pitiful attempt at intimidation. I was going to break his hand, but Phoenix told me to stop, so I did in order to maintain our cover.” Continuing on without missing a beat and in his normal tone, Tae said, “Then he offered to buy me, Phoenix said no repeatedly, and Carter gave us his personal contact information should we change our mind. He also gave us a pass to get into a high-end fighting ring,” At this moment, Tae projected an image of the bot ring’s main page.
“I don’t trust Carter, but this new place seems to be real from what I can tell and very popular among the wealthy. Besides, as I said, I have a recording of this interaction, so if need be we can try to blackmail him with it since he was clearly trying to make this deal quietly. I imagine he is scared of Mr. Douglas as well as the chance that there are other human PETs out there, so leaking the footage online would possibly serve our desires if Carter decides to push this matter. Although, this footage may not be enough to be effective blackmail, but I can tamper with it should we come to that point.”
Tae was just trying to be preventative and think forward, but this blackmail plan was a major what if, so it was not something worth lingering on.
Similarly, Tae was thinking about the more immediate future. “We should go shopping!” Tae said with a perky smile and voice and no prompting. He noticed how heavy the conversation was getting and had been for a while, so this was the least he could do to bring the mood back up. Besides, outside of that reason, Tae thought that it would be a good idea. “Based on Carter’s attendance there and the standard of quality that this ring is offering when it comes to their venue and menu, I imagine that this place is only for the wealthy and their competitors. If we go there wearing what we normally wear, we are going to stand out and likely look like riff-raff that stumbled inside or armatures. " Tae knew that he was amazing for anyone with interest in PETs, but he could not rely on that alone to sell himself and his skills. His master also had to look the part.
Sitting up straight and openly smiling still, Tae proclaimed his suggestion again. “We need to get Phoenix a nice dress and a suit for Rhys. I’m going to be fighting, so I don’t need a suit, but something a bit nice wouldn't hurt either if we have cash to spare.” Tae was suddenly glad that he had snuck out and got some spare cash. That would make this little shopping suggestion actually not affect their money plan. But obviously Tae could not say that, so instead he nodded his head like he had been thinking. “Going to such a high end place was unexpected, so based on my new calculations, we are going to make a high profit even if we spend a few hundred dollars on clothing tonight. What do you two think? Most places are going to be closing in only a handful of hours, so we need to make a pick fast. I have a list of places that are still open and should carry the goods that we need.”
“Personally, I suggest Hermz Boutique! They have a large selection, and from what I can find online, they carry many darker color dresses which I know are Phoenix’s preference. Their male section is minimal, but that should not matter. We have time to go to another place if we don’t find what we are looking for at an affordable rate. I also have some dress selections that would make Phoenix more beautiful and alluring than she already is!"
”
