maskormenacelogs | The Old Boys Network

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The Old Boys Network

WHO: Francis and Charles
WHERE: His office at Starktech
WHEN: After this
WHAT: Politicking
WARNINGS: Unlikely.

Francis informed the receptionist of his appointment with Professor Xavier and waited to be acknowledged. He was smiling to himself, thoughts filled with the new project he'd been working on and the unique mix of individuals he'd flagged for participation. He had no idea how they'd mix, but the thought of guiding a group of individuals filled him with a kind of happiness that he'd felt being Whip and Prime Minister. And guiding them to missions across the world was the icing on the cake.

Bracing, isn't it? New opportunities and new horizons. You can feel the potential sparks about to fly like the moments before a firework display. When he was able to see Charles he smiled at him.

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[ Careful Francis, when you think that loudly, it's very difficult for a telepath to ignore.

Still, it was certainly an interesting flutter of thoughts that came his way, made more so by the sense of anticipation he could pick up behind them. Francis certainly had something eager on his mind.

Rolling forward, Charles smiled and automatically extended his hand. ]

Hello, Ambassador thank you for agreeing to meet here. I've had reception order in lunch, I hope sandwiches and salad will suffice?

[ As he spoke, he nodded to the receptionist, indicating that Urquhart was his visitor and he would be responsible for him from here. ]

[ Francis takes his hand in a shake. ]

Of course. [ He's certainly had once. ]

[ Greetings seen too, Charles turned the chair about and lead Francis down a hallway to an office.

It wasn't overly grand but it wasn't a hole in the wall either. Designed to accommodate Charles' chair, it also contained a drafting board (covered up at the moment) desk laden with papers, computer and a couple comfortable chairs; one of which was pulled up to a small round table.

The table held the food and of course, tea. ]

Please, have a seat. Would you like to eat first or shall we talk and eat?

[ Francis waited until Charles had taken up position by the table before he took a seat. ]

Well, I suppose it would seem more civilised if we were to eat first, wouldn't you agree?

I wasn't sure how eager you were to start in on things.

[ Charles said with a quick grin, though he reached to start pouring the tea. ]

Have you been keeping well, Francis? It's been awhile since we've seen each other in person.

[ He samples some of the food. ]

Quite well. We've had a few upsets, but they've been weathered all right as far as I'm concerned and you?

[ Charles followed his guest's lead, taking small samples of what was available, quick bites that could be eaten in between conversation. ]

While it will sound like the easy answer I have to say much the same. It's nice to have a break from being invaded, kidnapped or threatened for a bit.

The lack of other imPorts trying to blow things up, take over cities or otherwise causing mass hysteria has been a welcome respite as well.

Long may it last. [ He indicates with his sandwich Charles' covered desk. ] What are you working on? Or is it a trade secret? [ He's amused by the idea, not at all offended if the answer is to be yes. ]

Various projects. [ Charles answered easily enough, taking a bite of his salad and politely chewing and swallowing before he continued. ]

Specifically paperwork on some of the international initiatives we're trying to get traction on. Mostly setting up meetings with the right people and all the red tape that involves.

Well, I would certainly know about that. [ But he lets it lie there to allow Charles the option to elaborate or change the subject. ]

Did you hear the announcement Tony and I made a month or so ago?

[ It was a genuine question, Charles expected that Francis certainly had enough on his plate that keeping track of the network might not be a priority. ]

We've had excellent responses, always room for more of course but we've had enough to be able to start working to put some projects into motion.

Yes, although 'humanitarian' doesn't really narrow things down very much.

True, but that was rather the point. We didn't want to narrow it down, we didn't want people to feel they had to fit into a particular role.

[ Charles exclaimed, wiping off his fingers and reaching for his tea before he sat back. ]

Our intention was to help coordinate and provide support for those who wished to volunteer. A ... mechanism, if you will for imPorts to connect on a global scale. Now there are restrictions requested by the US government, regarding weapon or military capabilities but beyond that; it's been a wide range.

Communication on our part, reaching out. Infrastructure, both technology and construction, sustained resource development, health care, to name a few off the top of my head.

No, I understand that, of course.

I was talking about what was on your desk, rather than the initial inquiry.

Oh!

[ The question caused him to look back over his shoulder towards the piece of furniture in question. ]

Research on different countries, introduction letters to world leaders, permits or well the beginning stages of the paperwork that will be necessary for some of the proposed projects.

[ The sort of stuff Tony ran screaming from. ]

Very interesting. And how far have you gotten along?

Initial contact seems to be going well. [ Perhaps it would be nice to be moving faster but Charles was starting to learn patience in matters. Learn to see the positive and bolster it. ]

But you have doubts?

[ The question caused Charles to blink but then he smiled and shook his head. ]

Not in the least, Ambassador. I apologize if I gave that impression.

There will always be some objection to our overtures, I certainly don't expect each country to respond the same. But it is my sincere hope that lines of communication will, at least, remain open for continued discussion.

Something in your tone. And possibly something I can help with, that's all.

Oh? What do you have in mind, Ambassador?

This is my profession, Professor. I could do a lot.

I have no doubt, Francis. You already do a lot, I've seen it across the network and in action.

[ Charles sat forward and set his tea mug on the table, brows furrowed pensively. ]

This project is always open to assistance, with the ideal being for people to volunteer what they can and are willing to share with the time they have available.

Would you be interested in helping our diplomatic efforts? Or were you thinking along some other line?

I was thinking more along the lines of running my own group alongside yours. I've entered into discussions with the government, setting one up. Are you interested in that kind of involvement?

Your own group? [ This was news and Charles sat forward, genuinely curious. ]

What are you looking towards developing, Ambassador? If I may be allowed to ask?

A council to take on the diplomatic burden for the ImPorts. A natural fit for your operation, don't you think?

[ Charles was quiet for a moment, thoughtful. ]

I suppose it would depend upon what sort of diplomacy you're looking to achieve with your group?

[ He was curious and interesting in hearing more about what Francis had in mind. ]

Would it? Perhaps you should tell me your concerns.

[ Reaching to freshen his tea, Charles sat back when he had the mug back in his hands, his expression pensive. ]

The government has been supportive of this project but they were very clear about a couple of points. We are not allowed to offer any sort of aid or assistance that could be considered military.

And while we've been given the okay to go in and offer humanitarian aid, it is not from a specifically political position. We offer aid where there is a need, we're not there to negotiate any sort of political leverage.

[ He took a sip of his tea, tapping a finger at the edge of the mug. ]

You're speaking of specific diplomatic ideals, yes? More politically motivated?

Was that your intention? [ He raises an eyebrow. Charles didn't seem the warmongering type. ]

Yes, my field is politics. Naturally, I play to my strengths.

Not in the least. [ Charles clarified. ] Our intention is to help show the world that we're not weapons, that the destruction, which so often reaches the media outlets, is not the full picture.

Rather that we're people and we have an investment in the safety and prosperity of this world.

Eminently reasonable. [ He doesn't elaborate further, letting Charles come to him. ] And how do you think you're doing?

I like to think we're doing well. [ This was offered with a smile. ]

Perhaps not immediate results but I believe it was you who told me, during one of our first conversations, that these things take time.

So far we've been working with the US and allies. There has been some caution but also a genuinely receptive response to our initial overtures.

[ He smiles in response. ] I'm glad to hear it, indeed. I'm sure you've sufficient resources.

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The Old Boys Network

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