Tony said, "Good, now sit down and enjoy your pasta before it gets cold." he followed his own advice and seemed to enjoy the food.

Nyx sat and ate, without a word. It wasn't required of her after all. The food was good of course. She hadn't had all that many opportunities to eat that well after all. It was a bit spoiled by the fact she knew it was just part of the taming strategy, but… What could she do?

Tony finished eating, without a word. Then he washed the dishes and placed them in his bag. Next, he placed the apples in a nice bowl he brought with him. "In case you are hungry later." . He is preparing to leave, and would simply walk away unless Nyx initiates a conversation of any sort.

Before Tony could leave, Nyx asked "What's next?"

Tony replied dryly "Is there anything else that I can do for you?" his voice showed a hint of disappointment.

Nyx groaned, frustrated "What do you expect from me?? To roll over and take all that with a smile, dance a bit and kiss you? To be happy that my life, drek as it was, is no longer my own? If I were the kind of girl to say drek like 'I'd rather die than', I'd be dead already." She scoffed "Luckily, or not I don't know, it's not the case. But that doesn't mean I'm happy about it." Or that she'd try to find a way to get out of this drek, impossible as it seemed.

Tony gives Nyx a look that reveals no hint as to his expectations "Your previous life was not such a bargain, at least it did not seem like such a bargain to me. You did not lose your freedom because you never had freedom. I am not your jailer Nyx, I am the one that showed you the light. You were in the dark and I showed you your chains. You were on a bad path, not forming emotional attachments, always on the run, unguided and oblivious to the powers that controlled your future. That path does not end well for you, it ends up with you dead. If not today, then in a decade or two. Your luck would have run out eventually - or you would have made a mistake not even understanding the rules. "

He sighed "So yes, objectively you should be thankful for me for caring about your fate. I am an experienced drake, I lived for a very long time and watched as civilization evolved for more than a millennia. Don't waste our time resenting me, you will be used and it is better if you have someone to guide you. Someone that you can trust to have your best interest at heart. I have the same limitations as you do Nyx. Within these limitations, I act autonomously within the degree of freedom that I am allowed. Nobody is going to micromanage you. As long as you remain loyal which is easily said but not so easily done. You grew up as a human, not conditioned for loyalty and admiration of our cause. Yet, you will be given no discounts - you are a drake nevertheless and should adhere to the same requirements as other drakes. Out of all the drakes, I alone share a similar story to yours and I do not want you to endure the kind of punishments that I had to endure to straighten up.

pausing he said.
Nyx, your situation is improved. You will soon be running covert ops to fix the city. Neither of us can do anything to prevent it, this was the contribution chosen for you. I hope you would play along, I cannot force you to do so but I can help you accept your situation. At the end of the day, just because you have a dragon as your master does not mean that you do not get to do whatever you want. You do, but like all other beings, there are consequences... Then again, every decision has consequences.

For a rather long moment, Nyx didn't answer anything. Finally, she asked "Covert ops? All I can do is talk. I know which end of a gun to point at the guy I want to shoot but that's pretty much all. What good would I do in covert ops? One day I'll have to thank those people who chose for me." and from her tone, if she gifted them something it would probably be spit in the face. At best.

She considered pointing out that a slave had exactly the same kind of freedom. Able to do whatever she wanted...within rules. But what good would that do? Instead she asked "How are you planning to help?" she sounded tired, resigned. What else could she do but comply? Oh, she'd insult everyone of those fuckers every step of the way, but... It wouldn't change much anyway.

"Violence is overrated, the entire world revolves around personal relationships and social intrigues. Valentina runs a criminal syndicate with very little use of actual violence and only a small number of loyal soldiers. If she can do that, you can find out about a newly established building without guns. Let's not talk about work right now though, there is still some time. " Tony said quietly "You are sad, Nyx. Is there anything I can do to cheer you up? Don't be shy, what would make you feel better?"

Nyx snorted "But she has access to those soldiers and everyone both knows this and the fact that she's willing to use them. Me, I'm alone, working with assholes who'd burn their own mothers for a handful of nuyens." she sighed "You can't give me what I want. So let's get on with this. The sooner you teach me whatever I'm supposed to know, the sooner I'm ou of here."

He said calmly "but what is it that you want then? Because I already allowed you to leave this place and get on with your life. I asked you to stay a while longer because I understood the emotional state that you were in yesterday. I did not want you to suppress it or have to explain to your colleagues what was going on. You already possess all the capabilities that you were intended to have. "

He sighed "I can teach you many things, from dancing to how to properly hold a gun, to how to meditate and calm your thoughts. Strategy, science, history. Magical stuff, like how to use your powers or channel your QI properly. As for the freedom you describe, nobody asked me to teach you anything. Nobody asked me to lock you in here for a week, all I was asked is to make sure that you are willing to accept your first assignment. I did these things because I thought that they were needed, that perhaps it is best to start by showing the stick. Because you needed to understand how harsh drake punishments can be. I mean, look at yourself, you resent us and these are not good feelings to have. So I chose to tell you the truth, rather than hide behind money and have you bullied or pressured into doing the job if you initially refused.

I did you a favor Nyx... both of us actually. These things would have been less pleasant for both of us. I hoped that you'd be more appreciative of the effort I took to manage you without violence, blackmail or greed. I respected you with the truth, which is a closely guarded secret. I took a risk to make it easier for you in the longer run. I get that it is a lot to process and I do not expect you to thank me. Not for opening your eyes, and especially not for locking you in a room for a week.

Though, given your circumstances I think that you need someone to talk to, to be real with. Don't expect a dragon to understand that. Heck, I doubt that I can understand you that well. There are drawbacks to being old and powerful. It was a very long time before I felt as vulnerable as you must feel now. It has been many years before I accepted my situation and started feeling true conviction in what I do. Yet, if you do not want what I offer then nobody is forcing it on you. We can have a professional relationship and nothing more. About my task,
you already believe me and are ready for your first assignment. I doubt you'll refuse it, this is all that was required of me. "

"Then maybe in a century or two I won't resent you for it. Maybe be grateful in a millenia or so." Nyx's gaze lost its focus for a moment there. As an elf, she knew she'd live more than a century. Assuming she didn't end up in a ditch or sewer somewhere. But a millenia? More than that? It seemed impossible.

She considered telling him she'd have probably accepted the next job. But... The one after that? She'd already decided she'd stayed too long in Seattle, she probably would have left...or tried to... pretty soon. After a moment, she stood "Fine, we'll see all that other stuff later then. For now, I'm out of here. But if you think the only place we're going to "talk" is going to be a basement where you could lock me up on a whim..."

Tony laughed "The basement is actually for me, not for you. I kept you here out of all places so that I can visit you. My apartment is one floor down, there is a hidden door leading from my apartment to this place when I normally interrogate cheaters. Your room is kind of improvised actually.

While I can fool mortals easy enough and pass as a mundane, dragons and other immortals are not so easily fooled. If they catch a glimpse at my true self, they'll become extremely suspicious as to why I am here out of all places. Why pretend to be a made man and mundane - it would endanger much of my work. So for the meanwhile, I got Valentina to punish me and bind me to this basement. A place which is well protected from their gaze, I reached this decision once I understood that a magical interference of the magnitude we see in this city must mean that someone very powerful is involved. ... So, I cannot say that I like it, perhaps it makes me a bit lonely since Minnie left the nest. Having trained her to be that seductive has given me a soft spot for her.

So what can I say... I guess I have more patience than yourself. It has been a year now. Though, my own floor is not a Faraday cage - that would be a bit too harsh by my own standards. Besides, I need the matrix to do my job. To be blunt Nyx, as long as I choose to be hidden behind these powerful wards, you would have to take the risk if you want to talk to me. The matrix is not secure enough for this kind of communication."

"I don't really like the Matrix anyway." Nyx shrugged, then frowned. "So on top of everything, I'm bait?" Oddly enough, she seemed fine with it. Well, not really, but she much preferred that to being locked up in this room - any room really - to avoid being noticed. She shook her head "Well, it's not like I'm a powerful Mage - or a mage at all - so I won't be much of a blip on the radar I suppose. And you said yourself you're at least a millenia old, what's a year, eh? Plus it's something you chose. You could get out of here anytime you chose. That's quite the difference."

The young drake shook her head again. After a few seconds, she added "If you want me in that basement, you'll have to make it worth my while. I've never had anyone to talk to, so I won't miss it." It wasn't much. She hadn't said she would come after all. But... She had left the door open, which was something. Probably.

He replied "I'd use different words, but in essence, it is the same. While I am young compared to other immortals - I am beginning to be noticeable on their radar. Part of the reason why I was trusted with this mission is that I was less visible than my older brothers and sisters. Still, I decided to take caution - and as I now have you at my side - I may be able to stay hidden for a while longer."

He shrugged "It is still not easy, and I miss flying over the coastline as well as some of the other pleasures of life. Though, I am not actually missing everything - when I do these things again then I would appreciate them more. What I am saying is that while you have to work with me, you do not have to like me. I would not take offense or anything and would do my best for your success one way or the other. Afterall, we share the same goal and in truth, I find most of our kind to be... difficult. The longer one lives the harder it is to form new connections. Perhaps I can tell you more next week. Sunday at noon, if you come, be hungry. "

"Flying?" Nyx shook her head. She never did, both for fear of being seen and simply because she couldn't take that shape for too long. Two minutes was already stretching it. Three and she was sure to fall unconscious. "Anyway, we'll see. I won't promise anything."

Tony just smiles and walks toward the elevator.

Less than a minute later, Nyx followed and called the elevator to go to ground level and finally exit the building.

The casino was crowded, untypically crowded many foreigners. Tonight there is a live show, Ritalin... Vampire music, with the white facemasks and upside down, crosses, fake fangs and all the cliche... Wait she knows that band, she danced to them in a far cooler establishment. Perhaps Valentina finally found a good casino manager? The job was open for a long time now.
...
Then a thousand messages. Some from Trixie, asking if she was going back to work. There was a message from Ben Hunter, the cooperate negotiator she butchered the conversation. Asking her if she'll be at the Gates tonight.

There is are also two messages from Finestra, the first one asking to meet just a few hours after Nyx entered the Gates.
The second one - ">> As painful as it is to be ignored, just ping me to let me know that you are alright. No strings attached - but you are a magnet for troubles. If you do not form any contact then I would start digging until I find out what happened."

Before looking at her messages, Nyx went outside. She didn't care what time it was, not even what the weather was: she just wanted to be outside, with only the sky above her. For a second or two, she wondered what it would be like to be able to fly freely, but was quickly called back to reality by her 'link. She quickly answered to Trixie's, since she didn't need to think about it »Trixie [Nyx]: Probably soon, yes.«

She sat on a nearby bench as she read Finnestra's, wondering how she should answer. There was no way she could tell her the truth. And anything else but the truth... Finnestra wasn't stupid, she'd know there was more. For a few seconds, she considered not saying anything. It wasn't really an option though. Not a good one at any rate. So instead, she answered »Finnestra [Nyx]: And troubles did find me. I'm alright though, sorry I couldn't answer before, I did't have access to the Matrix.« Or anything else for that matter.

@Nyx
Trixie texts back >> Don't leave me hanging... you were gone for a week!
Finestra texts >> Not for the trix... Let's talk in the Cats apartment. Things do not add up.

»Trixie [Valerie]: Yeah well, that wasn't my choice. I'll have to check a few things, but it shouldn't be too difficult. I'm not exactly sure when though.«

She took a few seconds to answer Finnestra's message, considering. With a sigh, she started moving to get a taxi - thinking that maybe buying a car of her own or maybe a bike would be a good idea - and sent »Finnestra [Nyx]: Sure, I'm on my way.«

As Nyx exits the casino, Athos the troll in charge of security approaches her. "Need a ride?" He asks.

Aux hesitated for a second, but shrugged: even if Athos was working for the Assholes - and she'd have to fond them a better name - refusing wouldn't help her at all. They'd just find other ways to follow. And if it was a genuine offer to help... So she nodded "Sure, thanks." Not too trusting though, she didn't give the exact a dress, but somewhere a block or two away, from where she could go pretty much anywhere easily.

Athos grins and invites Nyx to his armored Jeep, the car feels very comfortable filled with amenities and clearly new. He does not initiate conversation, perhaps uncertain what to talk about. He'll drop Nyx where she asks.

On the way, Nyx left the window open, wanting to feel the wind on her face. After a while, she asked about the weeks news, wanting to catch up a bit. She also asked if the manager position had finally been filled in the casino.

Once he dropped her off a block or two, she took a bit of a roundabout way to go to where Finnestra's was waiting for her, trying to see if she had a tail. Once she had reached the right place, she rang.

Athos said "Yes, it was - An elf guy that calls himself Dreamer... He thinks he is all that hot but I don't get it. He brings plenty of people to the casino though even if he is only here for a few days. Its like he has his followers... "

(for finding a tail, roll perception).

"Dreamer, eh?" Nyx took a second to think about that, then nodded "Alright, thanks."

Perception (spot a tail): 13d6t5 3

Nyx arrives at the apartment without a hitch though Finestra is not yet there.

Nyx sat there to wait, idly playing with the earrings Finnestra's had gifted her, her thoughts going back to everything Tony had told her...wondering what she could say, if anything.

Finestra arrives about 20 minutes in delay, wearing a black biker jacket with a beautiful mockingbird on its back. She looks at Nyx but remains for a moment at the door. Then she slowly takes off her jacket in a seductive manner, but Nyx can observe that her eyes are wandering around the apartment rather than focusing on her. Taking off her jacket reveals her Ares Predator pistol which was concealed underneath. Next, she takes her heavy boots off, and a wig that reveals a freshly shaven head. Finally at ease, she rushes to embrace Nyx.

Nyx answered the hug with one of her own. After some time, she asks "What the hell have you done to your hair?"

The two just hold there, in silent for a long moment. She seems to know better than to ask, and most of the stuff is unsaid.
She shrugged "Gang dress-code - too much of a hassle to fake it. They have this artist that make incredible artwork. Did you like the earrings? They are handmade."

"Gang?" Nyx cocked an eyebrow, obviously surprised. Not really about the gang itself obviously, but certainly by Finnestra's joining one. She didn't really comment about it though - what could she have said? - and instead answered the question with a smile, raising a hand to her ear "I did. I do."

Finestra replies "Work stuff... just like my part of the Eggs! job. Can't talk about it though." Her eyes light up when Nyx said she liked the earrings and she responds with a gentle kiss. Shortly after she said "I did some diggings since you simply vanished. I figured out where you were, but none of the favors I am owned by the Mafia yielded any significant details. Whoever interrogated you there is someone immune to the kind of pressure my contacts could invoke. Valentina? Someone above her? This is the part that illuded me. She paused and then took a deep breath. So I know that something big happened, you do not have to confirm or deny or tell me anything about that week, but please do not lie to me. I deserve at least that and I am just happy that you are safe. However, if there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.