I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse

Summer 2021, Week 4, Friday evening

Machelini's, Loyalist Bluffs

Sylvain Moresby

As evening was starting to approach, the young Moresby arrived by the restaurant a short while in advance of the agreed upon time, ensuring that everything was in order for the meeting and taking his place to wait for his guest. Once Peter would arrive, he'd be directed to a somewhat more remote spot, well in view of the central area but with enough space to comfortably have a private discussion. While the dress code made most men blend together, from a closer distance it could be seen that the man already sitting there was indeed Sylvain, absentmindedly browsing the menu.

Peter Clifford

Peters driving was exuberent as he entered the car park of the restaurant. The V8 roaring in anger. Engine and driver in sequence as the man stepped out face a picture.
He had dressed smartly in a light blue three piece. His wristwatch was expensive but a normal ma couldn't tell.
It was on show as he opened the door. Strolling in like he owned the place and walking straight up to the greeter who smiled as soon as he saw Peter. He had a thick Italian accent. "Ah, Signore Clifford? Yes? Come. He is waiting"
The greeter took Peter round to the side. The young man spotting Sylvain as soon as he came into view. The greeter slightly bowed as they walked up to the table. Then offering Peter a menu as he sat down. Going through the specials and other options.
Before sitting down Peter took og his jacket. He smiled awkwardly at his old acquaintance, before filing his arms together in front of him.

Sylvain Moresby

Considering how few people were moving in this part of the restaurant, Sylvain also noticed the newcomer right away. His accommodating smile was less awkward, though clearly there was much anticipation over how the discussion would go. "Peter. I'm glad you could make it." He began, standing up and offering to shake hands to start things off. The hand was still gloved. "I see you came alone, after all. Unless your friend is fashionably late."

Peter Clifford

He took the gloved hand and shook firmly. With a slight nod. "No one else. Just me. Did want you to be seen in public with anyone beneath you and ruin your reputation."

Sylvain Moresby

He gave a chuckle at the remark, responding with a similarly firm grip, though he appeared to twitch ever so slightly at the squeeze on his hand. "Your standards are high enough to save me from that concern. But maybe it's better for us to be alone, easier to reminisce without having to fill someone in." He motioned for the man to sit and did the same after removing his own jacket as well. "Are you familiar with the place from earlier?"

Peter Clifford

"I do not often eat out really. The salary that your Father offered me was not exactly what I am used to." His face remained stoic. And his voice monotone

Sylvain Moresby

"I suppose it takes some getting used to, especially with how much work you must've had. Can't say I've had much time for this myself lately, either." He responded, paying no mind to the lack of enthusiasm. As drinks were being offered, he allowed Peter to pick first. "How's the business been turning out?"

Peter Clifford

He fake smiled as best he could to pretend he cared about how busy Sylvain had been. In reality he cared little. For drinks Peter was driving so just ordered bottled water before turning back to his former colleague. "Straight to it then, hey? It's good. We have a few inventions ready for testing already. We move fast."

Sylvain Moresby

Whether he was oblivious to Sylvain's indifference or simply didn't comment on it, Sylvain didn't seem to mind. To keep things equal, he didn't opt for anything alcoholic either. "Fascinating. I should love to learn more some time, but I imagine we'll have to leave such specifics for another time. It would make for a more pleasant occasion if it were a result of a deal signed. Have there been enough investments to keep you afloat?"

Peter Clifford

Peter sighed. "You already know that fact I'm sure..."
Sylvain Moresby "It's still more polite to ask than to simply bring up facts you may have thought confidential, wouldn't you agree?" He said with a slightly amused look. "Besides, what your company needs the most isn't simply an objective calculation, it's what you decide to pursue."

Peter Clifford

"Well eplain further..."

Sylvain Moresby

"You have enough funds to 'keep you afloat', no doubt about that. The question is how much further you're willing to reach, how ambitious your projects are. Is it not frustrating when others think an idea is too risky or perhaps doesn't turn an immediate profit, or maybe it requires resources most can't procure? Whatever you may need, I have a good chance to procure it and the willingness to listen."

Peter Clifford

His face was unmoving while listening, bar the occasional darting of his eyes looking elsewhere. "The reasons you have listed are some of the reasons I have ventured out on my own. I hope you understand that I am..." He sighed "I am nervous on the prospect of others securing investments on my behalf. The truth is that these are myself and Andrews inventions. Our ideas. It is how we express ourselves. Creating things purely for the sake of income is not out goal. Nor is making items that we do not agree with for people we also do not agree with. Understand?"

Sylvain Moresby

He leaned forward in interest, sympathetic enough but not exactly hiding his eagerness to advance further with the subject. "I do understand it... In matters like these, compromise is necessary, yet we all consider some things too sacred for that. The aim is not to force your hand, but to cooperate in a way that matches both of our beliefs. As for myself..." His gaze flickered to the side as well. "Let's just say that I'm not the one speaking to you just because I know you and the company wants to work with you."

Peter Clifford

Peters face showed his confusion. His brow raised and his chin back slightly. "Really? I assumed you father put you up to this? Why else would you even speak to me?"

Sylvain Moresby

"You really think I would simply forget a friend like yourself?" He responded overly dramatically, then reassumed a more serious expression. "He essentially did assign the task to me, but it wasn't quite as much of a coincidence. I have my own interests to consider in this endeavor as well. Vital interests, I daresay."

Peter Clifford

Peter did his best not to scoff at the poor compliment. "Vital? Sounds serious to me..."

Sylvain Moresby

He slightly raises a hand as if urging Peter to say no more. "The matter is a rather sensitive one, so I'm afraid I can't say much more than that before I know you'll be cooperating. Irritating, I know, but I thought it would be fair to at least mention this before you make your choice. Suffice to say that I am serious." His expression seems to back up his words.

Peter Clifford

He nodded in understanding. Not really sure where to look. "Your demons are your demons. No need to say any more."

Sylvain Moresby

"...I appreciate the understanding. You should think of my own plans as something to consider on top of the rest, I doubt it'll interfere with your designs or the interests of both companies. Should you accept this cooperation, we will discuss the matter in more detail at a later date." While he remained serious, there was a hint of relief on his face. "Now then, did you other concerns in mind that need to be addressed before the agreement has a chance of getting through?"

Peter Clifford

"As long as you understand that it is myself and Andrews decision on what we wish to do then we are fine. As I said before, I'm not going to sit back and just take order anymore. I feel I've already done enough to make the world worse"

Sylvain Moresby

"Come now, when was the last time a Moresby did any harm?" He remarks, but quickly reassumes the more serious tone. "Understandable. I suppose we're ready for a tentative deal then, with case by case agreements on the specific projects. I should meet this Andrew as well... But anyway, is there anything in particular that you desire apart from a healthy mixture of funding and academic freedom?"

Peter Clifford

"Simple really. I want to know what was going on at your facility before the disaster. I've been there, Sylvain. I will not say what I saw in public... I need to know."

Sylvain Moresby

He thinks about the request for a moment. "The damage was quite extensive, and the chain reaction has made it difficult to even pinpoint the epicenter of the initial blast. Not only that, damage control has only left me so much time to pursue potential culprits." He pauses for a moment to measure Peter's intentions. "...Still, I am not entirely without leads or suspicions. I'll see that the results find their way to you when I've properly processed them."

Peter Clifford

He tried his best to hide his fustrarions but it was clear that he failed in this action. "You know, Sylvain. Even if you don't, get on the phone and ring daddy."

Sylvain Moresby

"Do you think I haven't spoken about this with him more than I'd care to? I'm not entirely sure what you think I should be asking him." He countered, but quickly eased up the situation again to keep it from escalating. "The investigation has been picking up speed as the crisis has been dissipated. It's only a question of time before the cause will be identified, don't you worry."

Peter Clifford

"Oh, I will worry. What I saw there still haunts me to this very day. If my suspicions are true... well I think you should have words with dear old dad."

Sylvain Moresby

"I have trouble deciding whether to urge you to speak your mind or to commend your discreetness. But if you have serious concerns, I trust you'll let me know sooner or later. You and I both want to get to the bottom of this, after all."

Peter Clifford

"Do we? Even if it leads to things you do not want to know? Secrets that I hope you do not know? Worrying acts that show humanity at its worst. Do you really want to solve it? Or cover it up I wonder?

Sylvain Moresby

"Knowledge is power, we should not shy away from it. What we do with it is another question. You can take your time with it if you don't trust me yet, but I'll have you know that I'm the best chance you or any outsider has to uncover the truth. The choice is yours." While his conviction could be heard in his words, there was no trace of any urgency to press the matter.

Type

Record, Historical

Medium

Digital Recording, Text