Tricks of the Trade

[Nocturne]

People looking for a very specific type of high quality merchandise would invariably find their way to Nocturne. Men, women or mutant, it didn't really matter. She had exactly what you were looking for. And for a reasonable price.

Today, she was attending to business personally in one of her shadowy little shops tucked out of the way in London. Security was fairly light. Anyone who made it to the door was already a trusted party for the most part.

And if they suddenly became untrustworthy, well...she had plenty of ways of dealing with bad customers.

[Heartbreaker]

"Hello, Nocturne." Heartbreaker said as a servant escorted her in.

[Nocturne]

"Oh, finally a customer with some class," Nocturne says with a lazy smile, "Hello, Heartbreaker. How have you been, dear?"

[Heartbreaker]

"I've been well, thank you" she replied "But I find myself in need of a new doll."

[Nocturne]

A muscular young man with a black collar around his neck came forward with a tray, offering Heartbreaker a drink.

"And would that happen to be for business or pleasure?" Nocturne asks.

[Heartbreaker]

"Pleasure." Heartbreaker said "Although she would need to be able to when I have important visitors."

[Nocturne]

"Of course," Nocturne says, "So, tell me exactly what kind of doll you would like..."

[Heartbreaker]

"I was thinking a blonde, this time." Heartbreaker said "Light complexion, blue eyes. Busty, if you can manage it."

[Nocturne]

"I think I might be able to manage," Nocturne says, one of the men in black collars handing her a PDA, "But if that is all you needed you could have found any number of trash on the streets that fits the bill."

"Let's get more specific," Nocturne says with a predatory smile, "Do you want it strong and stoic? Or perhaps an obedient little doll that will beg you to attend to it?"

"Or perhaps one that squirms and struggles against you?"

[Heartbreaker]

"As always, you are an artist." Heartbreaker said "Obedient, and intelligent enough to realize the benefits of being biddable, but with just a little spark of rebellion left inside of her."

[Nocturne]

"And you are a connoisseur, sweet girl," Nocturne says, "And do you want a flatscan or someone with a little power?"

[Heartbreaker]

"A flatscan, I think. Or perhaps an empath-low level, of course."

[Nocturne]

"Sadly, there are no empaths that quite fit your request," Nocturne says, "But I have a few flatscans you might enjoy."

"Take a seat while I fetch them."

[Heartbreaker]

Heartbreaker sat down, smiling in anticipation.

[Nocturne]

After a few minutes, Nocturne returned with four blonde women. All had black collars. Each one fulfilled Heartbreaker's request although there was some variation as far as the style of hair, height and general features.

Nocturne smiled at Heartbreaker, "I did find a low level empath, but it is not a blonde. Would you still like to give it a look as well?"

[Heartbreaker]

"Hair can always be dyed, I suppose." Heartbreaker said "Bring her in, if she's otherwise suitable."

[Nocturne]

"Of course," Nocturne said, leaving briefly and returning. Behind her trailed a young woman with bright rainbow colored hair.

"If you don't want this one I just might save her for my own....personal attention," Nocturne says, stepping back and looking her over.

[Heartbreaker]

Rachel touched the girl's mind briefly "She's certainly charming, but she's a little to pliant for my taste." she said, dismissively.

[Nocturne]

"Of course," Nocturne says, dismissing the girl with a wave of her hand.

"Any of the others to your satisfaction?" Nocturne asks.

[Heartbreaker]

"Hmmm." Rachel said "The third one has promise, do you have a trial room open?"

[Nocturne]

"Of course," Nocturne says, leading both of them into the back. She holds a door leading to one of her 'testing areas' open for Heartbreaker and her new doll.

"Let me know if you need anything."

[Heartbreaker]

"Does the room have the usual accoutrements?"

[Nocturne]

"Of course."

[Heartbreaker]

"Then I'll see you in a bit." Heartbreaker said as the girl followed her into the room, not entirely under her own power.

[Nocturne]

"Have fun," Nocturne said as the blonde girl followed Heartbreaker inside.

[Heartbreaker]

(sometime later)

Heartbreaker returned, the slave following behind her "Yes, she'll be quite satisfactory."

[Nocturne]

"I am to please, dear," Nocturne says, "I assume you'll be putting her on your tab?"

[Heartbreaker]

"Naturally." Heartbreaker said "The payment will be in the usual account."

[Nocturne]

"Of course," Nocturne says, "It has been a pleasure as always. And do come visit more often. You and that boy of yours are always welcome."

[Heartbreaker]

"I'm sure we'll by soon." Heartbreaker said, smiling.