For The Sake Of Tomorrow [Alastair, Arlette..?]

Oh, he was certainly being forward, wasn't he? Claudia found that entertaining enough, certainly, and if it weren't for the gravity of the situation, she might even have grinned at just how confident he seemed to be. Well, she did like to see a little dog grow up a bit.

"I understand. I could certainly offer you plenty of tools in the Duvalier Group catalogue, but you need something more for a threat of this caliber. I know that much quite well. Given our history, I would be willing to give you a bit more than that."

Handing over a plain manila file, Claudia simply waited patiently for what he would think. Within was a collection of equipment currently being tested by Section 12, the hidden and unrecorded lab where all of her most bleeding edge technology was developed. Such developments as the sekkiseki alloys used in her bodyguards' body armor and ammunition were among them, but there was far more than that. Spiritual condensers, firearms and vehicles designed to modernize combat in a spiritual world.

"Please, consider this a gift."

Even seeing such things, after all, was something most would have been killed for. Claudia's voice may have been kind, but there was still that faint menace within it.

"It is not simply a matter of cost, I'm afraid. Much of this technology is predicated on our developments in sekkiseki alloy and refinement. I imagine the Vandenreich is unaware, but the Gotei has completely ceased export of sekkiseki."

Claudia snapped her fingers, and the car began to move, taking them off to whatever the destination might have been. She certainly wasn't giving anything away on that front, and her typically amused expression had grown more serious.

"I can realistically offer you no more than 10 cases of 9mm ammunition. Less if you desire 5.56x45 or 7.62x39, less still for something larger. I won't waste your time with firearms. They aren't particularly specialized, at least not to a degree that it would be worth your attention in this matter. If you would prefer melee weaponry, or body armor, that can be arranged, as well, but I cannot part with much of this precious resource. You understand, of course."

But, naturally, she hadn't spoken of price until now. After all, that wasn't good business. But her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and she now spoke almost piercingly, her voice carrying just the faintest touch of the malice she always contained.

"If I may ask, Mr. Eisfluch. When did you last speak with Arlette?"

Claudia was taking notes mentally, of course, on what it was that Alastair was asking of her. His metrics were solid, and he was quite correct that ammunition was temporary. A shame, really, but this was already such a delicate deal that she wouldn't press the matter. Besides, the question of Arlette was far more pressing for her.

"I suppose I ought have expected as much, though I might have hoped she would be careless enough to contact you. I will cut to the point, seeing as she has served as our go-between for some time now."

The intensity in her voice grew still more oppressive, more cutting, even as the tone of voice didn't seem to change at all. Claudia was perfectly willing to be pleasant during business dealings, but this? This was personal.

"Arlette has disappeared without a word. She has taken her equipment, and has moved all of her funds attached to the Duvalier Group into outside locations. You could call it corporate espionage of the highest caliber."

He was clever. That, or simply so good natured as to genuinely believe what he was saying. Claudia wasn't certain which it might be, but she supposed that, in itself said something about the man before her. Quite fascinating, really, and yet she didn't like it. The intensity of her gaze lessened even so, however, lightening the atmosphere a bit. She didn't need further pressure on him now.

"A kidnapping is something that we have been prepared for. We have numerous precautions in place specifically for such an event, many of them known only to us. And yet all of them have been neutralized."

Either Arlette had done it herself, or the Duvalier Group had seen it done. And Claudia, personally, had no interest in losing an asset such as her. Not when she knew so much.

"Your efforts are, however, greatly appreciated. I will do what I am able to assist in those efforts, naturally."

She wouldn't openly state it, of course, but she imagined he was smart enough to understand that her coffers would be just a bit more open if he assisted her in this matter.

"Then I am glad to know that you and I see eye to eye on this matter."

Claudia would say no more on that particular issue, however. After all, she knew quite well that it would only make her seem more desperate if she were to elaborate any further. This was simply a matter of significant potential corporate espionage, nothing more and nothing less. She would not let an outsider know the degree to which everything she had built was currently in danger of crumbling.

After all, if it reached that point, she would be all too willing to tear it down herself.

"I have already had it sent ahead what you will be interested in testing. I've had the appropriate accomodations made, and will naturally join you in the testing rooms to discuss specifics of the deal with you."

It was good that the windows of their vehicle were blacked out, else she might have had to go through far more difficulties making certain that her guest didn't know where they were going. But, as it stood, the car could move toward Section 12 in peace.