Rocket Interview Series: Tanya Dean [Zandrophin, Tanya]

Evening descended on Pyron City, and Jaruk was still waiting for the woman he was supposed to meet. Despite his employer's specific order to not overdo it, the young man toed that line very closely. To begin, there was his attire. On top of his suit, he'd donned a cape, a rather dated hat, and had a cane.


The next issue his employer would definitely take with him was that he was rather exposed, standing out under the dim light of one of the lamps that illuminated Pyron City. Finally, he was whistling. Now, in truth, since the streets had mostly been cleared, none of his choices were particularly dangerous, but should they become habits, Jaruk's service would come to an abrupt end should he be discovered.

After hours of waiting, Jaruk finally spotted the girl. Admittedly, her pink hair made her easy to spot on its own, but, being that she was the only one coming into Pyron, she could've been bald...not that Jaruk would want that...he rather liked her hair. It was exotic, and he liked exotic things. As the girl drew closer, Jaruk stepped out into the path, bowed dramatically, and said excitedly,

"Welcome, Miss Dean! We are so pleased you received our summons! Welcome to Pyron City and, if I may, I'd like to say you look lovely in this light! The red and orange from the flame, how it dazzles your golden eyes! Ah, and your hair! I absolutely adore it's color! It's so vibrant, particularly against this drab stonework! Absolutely stunning! Oh, but where are my manners?" With these words, he lightly smacked himself in the forehead before continuing, "My name is Jaruk, m'lady. I was told to meet you here and, as we can both see, I have completed that task quite admirably, haha! Unfortunately, as much as I would love to continue to admire your beauty, we have a pressing engagement we must attend to."

He extended a hooked arm for her to take.

"If you'll just follow me, I shall take you there. You need not fear anyone tonight," he shook his cane in his other hand, "for I shall defend you from any ruffians!"

---

Sir, Jaruk has encountered the girl.

Zandrophin simply nodded before addressing the people on the casino floor,

"Ladies and gentlemen. I'm sorry to inform you that the Luxroar is closing down for a short duration. VIPs may stay and continue to gamble, but the rest of you must leave. However, if you would like to purchase a VIP membership in order to stay, please do...but anyone without membership must leave. If you are caught without membership...I'll hope you'll land on a soft spot on the ground outside. Enjoy your evening."

Zandrophin watched the crowd depart. By the time they'd filtered out, there were only about 50 people still inside the building, including his staff.

Perfect.

Without missing a beat, Jaruk simply shrugged his shoulders, dropped his arm, and began walking bouncily towards their destination, twirling his cane as he did so. However, behind his carefree face, hidden so deep that even the most powerful Psychic types would have difficulty sensing it, was an anger most foul. How dare this girl treat him so carelessly! After all, he'd volunteered for this job; his boss could've sent far more unsavory characters, but he got picked, anyway. There was a certain pride involved with this for Jaruk...and he was furious that this girl did not understand that. Still, he knew his place. As quickly as the thoughts surfaced, he'd buried them again and went on smiling.

After a while, they came up to a building on a corner street, with a man sitting slumped up against the wall. To the average passer-by, he simply looked like a drunk who'd passed out. In truth, however, this man was the furthest from either. Underneath his broad cap, a pair of sharp, dark eyes scanned the surroundings and identified any who came close. When he saw Jaruk, he could only sigh internally.

Jaruk came up to this man, tapped him slightly on the foot with his cane, and said,

"My good man, must you always sit out in the street? That can't be good for your back."

The man growled his reply,

"Just get going, you caped clod...y'know how this works."

Jaruk let out a harrumph and opened the door for his charge. Once she entered, he lead her towards the back of the room and down a staircase which led to the Underground area of Pyron City. Upon entering this place, with it's marvelous lights, he turned back to her, gestured widely, and said,

"Welcome to the Underground, Miss Dean. Now, if you'll just follow me, we can meet with the man who summoned you...and you'll be rid of me. This way, please."

They entered into the Luxroar, it's gold, cyan and black lights shimmering. Jaruk led Tanya up the stairs to the office overlooking the casino floor, removed his hat, and rapped twice on the door with his cane before walking in. Upon reaching the middle of the room, Jaruk gave a showman's bow, and said,

"May I present Miss Dean, Sir."

Zandrophin, seated with his back to his agent, spoke in his usual smooth tone, a sickly-sweet sound,

"You're late, Jaruk...spent too long on the entr'acte again, did you? It must not've gone well, as the lady's aura screams displeasure. I take it your charms backfired?"

There was silence.

"....How many, Jaruk?"

"37 this time, Sir."

"Good...you're getting better. You may go."

Before he left, Jaruk turned his attention back to Tanya, bowing as he said,

"I thank you for your cooperation. Please, enjoy the remainder of your stay. I hope our paths will cross again."

As soon as Jaruk exited, Zandrophin sighed and stood, still facing away from his guest as he buttoned his suit jacket,

"That boy...you really should've played along with his antics; he'd have been totally harmless if you had. Still, I suppose nothing came of it, despite his displeasure with your behavior and his desire to act upon it, so no harm done."

It was at this point that Mentus made his presence known by appearing near Tanya and circling her a bit.

"I'll bet he complemented you on your eyes and your hair...am I correct, Miss? Jaruk does love unique things he's never seen before. It's too bad you shut him down...but you're also very lucky."

Zandrophin stretched out an arm,

"Mentus...let her alone. She's had a long journey. Please, Miss...have a seat, if you'd like."

Mentus returned to his spot draped across Zandrophin's shoulders. After a few moments pause, he continued, turning to face the woman now,

"Dean, Tanya. 19. Asemon-born. No family to speak of. It's good to finally meet you, Miss Dean. My name is Zandrophin, lead administrator of the organization you signed on with. I heard you were in the Underground when I established a power base here...so I wanted to make an effort to meet with you face-to-face. Would you care for anything to eat or drink?"