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latverianregent ([info]latverianregent) wrote in [info]marvel_legends,
@ 2011-05-30 19:14:00


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Entry tags:bob grayson, doom, kristoff

Before the one you serve
Kristoff was being kept pretty busy by the current projects, and by his fears. Suddenly, he noticed a call coming in on the private line. He pulls it up and bows.

"Sir."


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[info]i_am_doom
2011-05-31 12:51 am UTC (link)
"How fares the efforts to upgrade the power grid?" Doom asks, dispensing with the pleasantries.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-05-31 01:17 am UTC (link)
"Nearly complete. Complications have been avoided with Symkaria over the final aspects of the setup, and there are several other new developments to report. Relations with the various foundations soliciting us have resulted in some international construction projects. I am funding part of our initial investment with resources from the Atlas Foundation. Woo's operatives have been fascinating to negotiate with, once the more insolent one was put into place." He pauses to let Doom comment before he continues.

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[info]i_am_doom
2011-05-31 02:02 am UTC (link)
"The Atlas Foundation. Interesting." Doom says. "What other organizations have solicited us? And did you speak with the Silver Sable or a representative from Symkaria?" Doom asks.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-05-31 02:23 am UTC (link)
"I spoke with Silver Sable herself; it seemed best. As for the other contacts, one claims to be a minor research foundation, but I believe them to be a front for an offshoot of AIM trying to obtain new weapon supplies. I have not fulfilled their requests. The others of relevance are the NGOs driving the rebuilding the dyke and drainage systems of several European cities. I have found it convenient to hire out certain parts of the design components. To Stark. He will of course not be granted any access to any of our own technology or information in the process."

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[info]i_am_doom
2011-05-31 03:22 am UTC (link)
"See that he does not, Kristoff. Stark is too canny a foe to allow any manner of access to our technology." Doom says.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-05-31 11:26 am UTC (link)
He nods. "Yes, Sir."

A breath. "Sire, I must admit I am...very concerned by Malik Jericho." Because it is inappropriate admit to being frightened. "He is clearly very powerful; who knows how much hand he may have had in the current news -- however couched -- about compulsory conscription of mutants in Ghudaza. And whatever his claims of not being interested working at cross-purposes, I find it difficult to accept the word of what is likely a demon."

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[info]i_am_doom
2011-06-01 01:22 am UTC (link)
"Malik Jericho is a demon, Kristoff, and a formidable one. It is best to keep him where I can see him, rather than allow him to operate out of sight. You will not take any meetings with President Dhamir Ndroso, no matter his entreaties." Doom commands.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-01 01:40 am UTC (link)
Kristoff nods formally, but Doom will be able to tell his son's relief at the reassurance that the Master has things well in hand. "I will not, Sire." He'll be happy to snub the man, all things considered. "Is there any other way I may be of service?"

He's glossing over a few things, some he's proud of, some less so, but there's Real Business to do.

...he hopes he'll have a chance to tell Doom about his new 'hobby', though.

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[info]i_am_doom
2011-06-01 03:59 am UTC (link)
"The reports I hear in the news praise your leadership and courage. You do well as Regent, Kristoff. Continue as you see fit.

What other projects are you working upon at this time?" Doom asks.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-01 10:42 am UTC (link)
"Thank you, Sire." Kristoff nods gratefully and smiles.

"Princess Namora of the Atlas Foundation sent a token of appreciation for not harming a particularly insolent agent. An inactive Mark 21 unit of their own Menacer series. Inferior in some respects to their infamous M11, but of the same elegant craftsmanship. When I can spare a moment, I have been working on restoring it." Kristoff talks about fixing a killer robot the way most boys might tell Dad about the vintage car they're working on. This should surprise... no one.

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[info]i_am_doom
2011-06-02 03:17 am UTC (link)
"I wish to see the specifications of this robot." Doom says, mildly intrigued at the manner of robot that would grab Kristoff's attention.

"Are /you/ faring well, Kristoff?" Doom asks.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-02 11:18 am UTC (link)
"I can send you my technical analysis," Kristoff says happily reaching for the appropriate buttons to do so. "I'm going to need to overhaul the neural net -- which is just as well. I wouldn't want to have to trust Golden Claws previous programs to have made it safe. -- and several internal connections. None of the enchantments that M11 is reputed to have -- unsurprising; I doubt they would have made a present of it if it had -- but the alloys are impressively durable, and the joint connections are fascinating."

He smiles up at Doom at the question. "I am rather well, thank you. I miss you, Sir," he adds sincerely. Not simply Doom's leadership or protection or resources. Just him.

"I hope your work goes well?"

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[info]i_am_doom
2011-06-03 03:48 am UTC (link)
"It goes. I am close to my goal of rebuilding our infrastructure in one movement. Be prepared. We shall soon have what we need to operate at the level we are accustomed to. Richards and his allies folly shall be our triumph." Doom says.

He does not need to tell Kristoff that he misses his company. Doom is not one for lengthy chats or displays of emotion in quiet times, yet he has contacted his son more in the last two weeks than he would have previously.

"Have you had any contact with Richards and ilk?" Doom asks.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-03 04:02 am UTC (link)
"I will do my best to do what is needed when the time comes."

Kristoff hadn't expected a verbal response in kind; he just had to admit such things occasionally. When one is pretty much the only person around who loves Doom more than he fears him, one feels occasional compulsions to voice something.

"I spoke to him some time ago when he called, assuring him that there was nothing of which I could inform him as to your whereabouts or the details of your endeavor. The only other member of the New York 'heroic' community I have spoken with was in hiring Stark... who initially insinuated this might be some nefarious scheme of yours," the boy adds drily. "But no matter."

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[info]i_am_doom
2011-06-03 04:06 am UTC (link)
"Every waking thought of a small man is occupied with that of a great man, Kristoff. Never forget this. These men seek you out because they want to know your 'agenda' every bit as much as they wish to know mine.

This is how we can know we are great men; they constantly engage us when our plans involve them only in the periphery." Doom says.

"Continue your work, Kristoff. I will make contact again soon." he says.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-03 04:15 am UTC (link)
Kristoff nods. "Thank you, Sire. Let me know if there is any other way I may help."

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-04 06:27 pm UTC (link)
As soon as his transmission with the greatest Master of Latveria and best father ever was finished, Kristoff sat in thought for a while, and then opened a call to the Atlas Foundation.

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[info]7thplanetman
2011-06-04 06:34 pm UTC (link)
"Atlas Industries, this is Bob Grayson."

The inspections that Jimmy had ordered weren't going to start for another week or so. Why would Dr. Vernard be calling?

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-04 06:41 pm UTC (link)
"Agent Grayson, this is Dr. Vernard. I have a message I would like conveyed, strictly as a matter of honor and with no desire to ever discuss it again. The source of my information and concern is a private family matter and not Atlas's concern."

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[info]7thplanetman
2011-06-04 06:45 pm UTC (link)
Well, with that Bob is definitely going to bring Jimmy into the loop for this.

"Go ahead, Dr. Vernard. I have Woo Yen Jet in the loop. Go ahead and say your message."

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-04 06:57 pm UTC (link)
"I have no intention of trying to tell Woo Yen Jet how to run his affairs, or make assumptions about what he is or is not already doing. But some of the scant sources available indicate that the Khanate has traditional interests in Wakanda, and if the Foundation stands by such old ties, I think it would be very much in the Foundation's interest to maintain an eye on the Ghudazan/Wakandan border, because there are threatening forces in Ghudaza far beyond their presidents current ravings. If they are within the repertoire of Atlas's operatives, certain magical wardings might not be entirely amiss, considering the current state of Wakandan national defenses."

He feels terrible talking about family business to an outsider when Doom says he has the matter in hand. ...But Kristoff remembers all the power sources Doom thought he had in hand. And after... everything, the people of Wakanda deserved some meager protection from the demon.

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[info]7thplanetman
2011-06-04 07:18 pm UTC (link)
Bob takes in this information, knowing just what Wakanda has gone through recently. He had befriended Derek Khanata in his travels with Jimmy when they had been reunited as a team, so Bob thinks long and hard while Kristoff is talking.

"This information has been passed on. I can guarantee that this will be appreciated and brought into consideration."

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-04 07:24 pm UTC (link)
"Thank you, Agent Grayson," Kristoff says a little stiffly. "I certainly hope that such concerns are utterly unnecessary, but... it did not seem best to take that risk, and yet of course it is impossible for Latveria to interfere in the matter." And completely inappropriate for Kristoff to be discussing it without permission, but better the guilt than the lapse in Standards of letting so many innocent people suffer further.

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-04 07:09 pm UTC (link)
Continuing business, Kristoff calls Stark. The designs for the project in Budapest, Prague, Stelsau, and Podgorica should be about ready.

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[info]anthonyestark
2011-06-05 07:05 pm UTC (link)
Stark had been working on the designs almost non-stop since his first conversation with Kristoff, but he had taken some time to do some of his own work, as well as a bit of research.

He'd discovered the link between Latveria and the Atlas Foundation. It was clear to Tony, after the digging he'd done, that something was going on between them, but he didn't know precisely what. While he'd never fancy himself a detective of any sort, Tony felt strongly that if the Latverian monarchy were involved in something shady, it would be best for someone - in this case, him - to be right in the thick of it.

Hopefully, he'd be able to uncover their secrets before any damage could be done.

When Kristoff's call came in, Tony was just looking over the finished products in holographic form, studying them so intently, he didn't hear his cell phone ring right away. Answering halfway through his Ozzy Osbourne ringtone, a glance at the display showed him the name and international number of just the person he'd been meaning to call.

"Kristoff!" Stark greeted casually. "How's it hanging?"

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-05 07:12 pm UTC (link)
"I am fairly well, thank you, and hope you are as well." Kristoff can't believe he's actually dealing with anyone who opens up a business conversation like that.

"I was hoping to hear about the designs."

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[info]anthonyestark
2011-06-05 08:29 pm UTC (link)
"They're done and ready to send," Tony said, opening up all the files so that the different designs spilled out around him. "I think you'll be very pleased.

"All structures are completely automated with a thoroughly integrated, holographic computer system that regulates every aspect, including the flow of energy, in and out. I've adapted StarkTech solar converters to be used on a much larger scale so that no central utility stations will be needed - you'll be able to operate independent of power grids, etcetera.

"Sunlight will be the primary source of illumination, with fiber-optic tubes acting as dimmers to prevent rooms from getting too bright, as per preference. At night, these same tubes will beam a single light source throughout to maintain luminescence.

"Water will be collected from the atmosphere and stored in a closed system, where it will be purified and recirculated, so that no outside water sources will be needed. Two key features of the architecture will be glass and integrated plant life. Each structure will need to have a mostly open, yet tint-able facade to enable the absorption of solar energy, and to maximize the benefits of said option, atriums filled with oxygen-rich plant-life will be included to increase the health value of personal airspace."

He saved the best for last. "As for field irrigation, we'll be implementing a drip-irrigation system, which will reduce energy and water consumption, deter plant disease, and prevent sediment erosion. Sensors will allow the user to monitor the water storage capacity, temperature, and other soil variables below the surface of the ground. Crop burning will significantly reduce, since water will be evenly distributed into the ground instead of collecting on the leaves. Evaporation of excess water into the atmosphere will be held at a minimum, reducing the overall volume of water that is required to be pumped.

"You'll be saving nearly $400 per five acres of field, not to mention thirty-eight man hours of labor, and 4,640 kWh of power."

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-05 08:44 pm UTC (link)
Kristoff both listens and examines the files intently. He gets tempted to critique here and there, having been overhauling the Latverian power system so recently himself, but always pauses to take into account how the things Stark has done differently than he would have may indeed work better in larger cities than Kristoff is accustomed. Being a very clever boy, it doesn't take him long to see how some of those things come into play. Practically reverse pollution, in some respects. So he just slowly nods at the different aspects outlined.

"...And you are certain floods like last years' in Budapest, Strelsau, and Podgorica will not overwhelm such systems?"

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[info]anthonyestark
2011-06-05 11:06 pm UTC (link)
Kristoff can't see it, but Tony's smile is smug. "Positive. I've had the numbers run for the entire region, and then tripled capacity, just in case. We'd have to start with a baseline amount of water anyway, but there will never be too much water to flood the system itself, and as for working harder, the filtration and purification systems have already been calibrated so as not to put stress on the machinery.

"Additionally, we've seen to further flooding threats by including in the design the construction of a reservoir, with not channels, but 'meander belts', which will be broad riparian zones, uninterrupted by urban construction in the perennially flooded areas, allowing rivers of floodwater to wander without causing damage. By doing this, we can create several hundred acres of marshland, tidal terraces and riverine forest, further enhancing opportunities for wildlife and fish.

"I'm also proposing that around the urban landscape we grass down unused portions of the arable land to prevent run-off, nutrient loss in the soil, and increase absorption. Also suggested is afforestation to slow flood waves in sloped down areas of the terrain."

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-05 11:18 pm UTC (link)
Oh, Kristoff can hear the smug, but this is no time to be resentful. This is good stuff.

"Very appealing," he says. "I believe all the client cities will be willing to try these techniques."

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[info]anthonyestark
2011-06-06 12:04 am UTC (link)
"I've got everything ready, and will have my assistant courier them to you right away," Tony said, not bothering to agree. He was proud - he knew the work was good, even though this was an area relatively new to him.

He had thoroughly enjoyed crafting these designs, running scenarios to troubleshoot areas he might have missed, and then returning to the drawing board to perfect his little cities.

It was like the ultimate version of the old game Sim City, only without Godzilla.

"You should be able to look them over yourself within forty-eight hours."

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-06 03:01 am UTC (link)
"Excellent. I'm looking forward to seeing them and doing our part. When the time comes, we'll be begin with Strelsau first. It is... enjoyable to try some new things, is it not, Mr. Stark. A good idea, as well, of course. 'If you will not perish, then grow' and all."

Kristoff reviewed his notes. "The next installment of your payment should finish processing shortly."

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[info]anthonyestark
2011-06-08 05:17 am UTC (link)
"A lot of it is self-assembly. I designed it to do most of the work for you - you'll just need to set it up."

Tony waved off the talk of payment. Important to others, it was the last thing on his mind. "Sure, sure. When can I schedule a time to make a personal inspection?"

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[info]latverianregent
2011-06-08 05:23 am UTC (link)
"We can match up the appropriate part on the calendars as we send the files back and forth."

A breath. "Well, thank you very much, Mr. Stark. I shall see you in Strelsau."

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[info]anthonyestark
2011-06-08 05:27 am UTC (link)
"Sounds great. Strelsau it is, then. Happy building!"

Stark disconnected with a grin. Now, off to do some more research on the Atlas Foundation.

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