Interview with the Puppet [Dionisia]

[Deleted]

"Some men just want to watch the world burn."

Not to long ago the butler Alfred had used that phrase to describe the Joker. This same quote could be used to depict this incarnation of the Ventriloquist. An inhuman creature with another personality that was perhaps born with a trait that enjoyed cruelty.

But intervention of various heroes and individuals had thwarted It's plans time and time again. Names like Nightwing Bat-girl, Poison Ivy, Force, Nina Stenet to name a few. Back in town and back in the city, the Ventriloquist sat in an office waiting room.

The office waiting room was decorated nicely with plush leather coaches, a exotic glass coffee table, feng-shui friendly mini fountain and a receptionist desk made of quality oak. The man known as Arnold Wesker sat nervously on the plush leather coach awaiting an appointment with a Ms. Aria Lloyd.

An up and coming politician and corporate CEO of a company that actually produced and manufactured goods. A rarity for the American Economy in this modern day and age. Dressed in a tweed suit with matching tan pants, the Ventrioquist drummed It's fingers and bit It's nails.

"Ye'll g'e fine dummy. Just let me do the talking." It heard the voice say.

At the criminal's side was a large silver briefcase that held the mannequin known as Scarface. The boss. The capo de capo of their former empire. The brains behind the operation. They had used the last of their major funds to bribe the security within this high rise to get the suitcase this far.

"Y--yes I know. But this whole process is still nerve racking."

The Ventriloquist had used the front of "Hank White." to get this far. They were supposed to be an inventor from New Jersey with a new dental product that would be able to assist dogs with brushing their teeth. It had been difficult to develop a disguise, so the Ventriloquist had banked on It's bland and generic look to get them this far.

So far it had worked OR Miss Aria Lloyd knows who They are and had willingly let them schedule a meeting with her with the intent of listening to what a criminal would have to offer her.

Either way worked. Just as long as they received Their interview.

The secretary looked Their way. "Miss Lloyd will see you now."

The Ventriloquist got up from the couch, straightened It's bow tie and began to walk through the large oak double doors which led into the Aria Lloyd's office.

[Deleted]

Does Aria know who is visiting with her today? Yes. Though it isn't her fault that's the case - asking Pascal to probe into the past of pretty much everyone in her appointment book is standard procedure. And if he weren't very, very good at it, she'd have found someone else a long time ago. It can frequently be well worth the time and effort to dig into someone's life, after all, especially with the internet making that so much easier these days than it used to be - there's always the possibility that you'll find something to exploit, after all.

So Arnold Wesker is here strictly by her permission. In fact she would have told security to let him past freely except that she has her own tracks to keep covered - if the media got wind of her willingly meeting with a Gotham rogue, her reputation would be ruined perhaps forever. No, instead she's made sure that it's been properly documented that she's supposed to be meeting with a Mr. White, so that if anyone hears with this she can claim to have been fooled and even have a security guard that will confess to being bribed if questioned. If she later has to claim that it was all an innocent mistake on the part of her and her staff, they have 'proof'.

And why would she willingly meet with him? Simple curiosity, mostly. The summary that Pascal gave her after discovering the true nature of the man who had asked for an appointment with her indicates that the reason he's meeting with her could be either quite favorable or not, depending on what he wants. And given her own confidence in her ability to handle it should he cause trouble, why not find out?

She's not often in this office lately, as she's been delegating most of her work as CEO so that she can spend more time focusing on her political career, but it's quite nice. Two of the walls of the large room are exterior and made entirely out of glass, taking advantage of the height of this floor to grant the occupants a wide view of downtown Gotham. There are curtains that could be pulled down, but it's rare for privacy to be a problem when you're this high up. The two interior walls, however, are solid and covered in elaborate wood paneling as if to remind anyone visiting that the person who uses this office can afford such finery.

As does the large, walnut desk she's sitting at when the man enters. She stands and smiles at him in a friendly as he walks in. "Welcome, Mr. White! Please, do come in!" she says, before glancing at her secretary and ordering, "Please hold my calls until we're finished?" Her secretary, knowing that's also a request for privacy and not merely an instruction about how to handle calls, nods and closes the door behind the man, leaving the two alone in the room.

Or, to be more accurate as Aria is already aware, the three of them. The moment that the door is closed, Aria's smile disappears and she sits back into her large, executive-style chair. "I assume that Scarface wishes to speak with me?" she asks expectantly, the friendliness suddenly replaced with more of a neutral seriousness. She sees no need to pretend like he's fooled her about his identity now that they're safe from even the eavesdroppers that are on her payroll.

[Deleted]

"T--think you're smart eh?"

The Ventriloquist emitted a light growl at Aria Lloyd before opening the silver case to bring out Scarface. The Mannequin was dressed in a black suit with white pinstripes. It was also wearing a matching white fedora with a black streak in the center. Wesker had just carved out a new representation of the crime lord a few months ago, so the wood on Scarface was almost fresh.

Scarface stretched out. Before studying the woman. There was no change in expression as the mannequin simply looked at her. There were a few moments of mere silence between the trio. Scarface turned over and whispered something in the puppet master's ear.

Whatever Scarface whispered brought a sadistic smile on the face of the Ventriloquist.

"Not 'gad Miss Lloyd in figuring out the who 'We' were. Shows that the Dummy and I aren't dealing with an idiot."

The Ventriloquist and Scarface take a seat in the chair directly across from Aria Lloyd without being invited. It was a large rolling chair that was extremely comfortable. The Ventriloquist lounged back and rudely placed It's feet on the CEO's large personal desk white Scarface sat on It's lap.

"A Neva High End. Very nice toots." Scarface commented on her piece of furniture. "Say, ye got anything to drink around here?"

The Ventriloquist let out a high pitched giggle.."Heeeeee."

[Deleted]

The man's question doesn't get a reply, but the smug smile that drifts briefly across Aria's face indicates that yes, she does think that she's smart. And is rather pleased with herself about it too, actually. But the expression fades quickly as she leans back a little in her chair, crossing her legs and looking almost relaxed as she watches the man pull out the expected puppet. Yep, he's definitely just as insane as Pascal's summary indicated. Though apparently the obvious insanity doesn't necessarily mean that she shouldn't care about whatever it is that he wants.

Observing him quietly until Scarface speaks, his first statement causes a short return of the smile before she comments, "Excellent! I hate being mistaken for one - a frequent occurrence when one has inherited most of their money, unfortunately. Though it's usually only those who are more deserving of the title themselves that make that mistake." Her tone is mild as if indicating that while she's willing to participate in exchanging pleasantries, she's not particularly interested in what's being said. Which is completely true.

She doesn't so much bat an eyelash as he seats himself and proceeds to put his feet on her desk. She really doesn't care about that, honestly. Or if she does, she's certainly not going to let him know about it. "I wouldn't know - it came with the office," she replies about her desk, shrugging at the compliment, "And I'm not exactly used to entertaining in here, but I think I have some bourbon, if you'd like some." She won't move from her comfortable position unless and until he indicates that he wants some.

Aria isn't much of a drinker. Which is to say, she doesn't drink very frequently. But when she does drink, it's almost always in a situation where she wants to just forget about the rest of the world and all the terrible things in it for awhile. Hence, when she drinks it's serious business, and bourbon is a very efficient way to get drunk. Especially for a woman of her petite proportions.

"And to what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Scarface?" she asks now, hoping to encourage him to get to the point of his visit sooner rather than later.

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The Ventriloquist dwells into It's natural perversions the moment Lloyd begins to cross her legs and reclines in her chair. She had a natural beauty to her. Not the kind that would make you turn your head right away like Poison Ivy or even Harley Quinn minus the clown costume. Lloyd's attractiveness is the type that if you were to spend a few moments in a room with, you would begin to appreciate it more and more. Like a fine painting, you must take time to truly appreciate it.

Still, this opinion of her did not prevent the Ventriloquist to tense up a bit and growl despite having It's legs reclined on her desk. That move was meant to annoy and un-nerve the woman. While the Ventriloquist continued to growl, Scarface played it non-cool.

"A 'gourgon would be great."

"Don't you mean a bourbon?"

"That's what I said!"

"Ye--Yes. Sorry Mister Scarface....." the Ventriloquist replied, after a second.."I would like a drink to."


"ONE 'gourgon please." Scarface requested of the CEO, ignoring his partner.

When Lloyd gets up to obtain the drink, that is when Scarface states the reason why They are here.

"It is pretty o'gvious that you are rising star in Gotham. And an upcoming politician such as yerself would 'genefit in having certain partnerships within da underworld of da city. They can do this for many reasons, such as protection, extortion, 'glackmail, and the list goes on and on. Ah'm willing to offer ye Our services in this matter. We help you with certain projects, and ye help us with some financial 'gacking. Of course, this partnership will 'ge strictly under da tables. Heh."


"Heeeee."

[Deleted]

Does Aria know that she's attractive? Yes. Her features aren't necessarily the most beautiful but they're hardly ugly, and the constant renewal of her body means that her skin is flawless, her hair is healthy, and she's otherwise free of any glaring imperfections. And is she aware that the Ventriloquist would notice? Yes. Will she use that to her advantage? Probably.

Though if he'd hoped to bother her by his growl, the incredulous raise of an eyebrow it prompts may be disappointing. She's not an easy woman to unsettle. Irritating her, on the other hand, is not that difficult, though for the moment she chalks up his behavior as a natural side effect of his mental health. She can be forgiving about that... to a degree, anyway. If one can't tolerate quirks in one's associates, one deprives themselves of useful connections. On the other hand, she's a woman who really, really enjoys taking her anger out on people.

When he indicates that he does want the drink, Aria doesn't need to get up in order to get it for him. No, she merely has to lean slightly to pull a bottle out of one of the bottom drawers in her desk, along with a shot glass. She places both of them on her desk, reaching across it to put them within easy reach of the Ventriloquist.

That done, she leans back in her chair again, a thoughtful expression on her face as she listens to Scarface speak. When he finishes, the first thing she says is, "You presume that I don't already have a sufficient network of individuals to do that sort of thing for me." But the momentary pause once she's said that is thoughtful, hinting that she's not finished. "However, it's possible that there may be a few gaps..." she adds, indicating that he has her interest but she still is uncertain of the idea.

And it only takes a few moments more before she's explaining her concerns, "As you are no doubt aware, politics is a very cut-throat business. It's not sufficient for me to ensure that there is no proof that I've ever done anything illegal. I need to ensure that there is nothing that even looks bad - I may not go to prison, but it could end my political career," she comments lightly, "And from what I've heard, your recent success rate has been rather low. All in all, your offer would seem to be an extremely risky one to take." But the expectant expression on her face after she's said that indicates she's not saying no yet, just giving him a chance to explain why her worries are unfounded.

[Deleted]

There was a minor game of poker going on. She was encouraging Them to throw some money into the pot by calling her bluff. Was she already connected to members of the Gotham Underworld? Would the current majors in the city play ball with her? The Joker, no? Penguin, perhaps? Scarecrow, there was a possibility. The Riddler, on hiatus. But those men were not accostumed to being a team player and working for someone.

However the Ventriloquist was. That is what They had to offer. The fact that they would be apart of the team, take a lesser role to a greater power.


The Ventriloquist reached over the table and poured two glasses of alcohol for the both of the them. The psychopath helped Scarface grab his cup and proceeded to direct Scarface to drink from the glass. Bourbon trickled down the lips of the crime boss as he was unable to consume the liquid because of the structure he was created out of resulting in bourbon splashing all over the floor.

"Hey! Watch it!" Scarface yelled.


"Heee. Sorry Mister Scarface. Heee. Sorry."


Scarface shook his head as the Ventriloquist wiped the drink from the chin of the mannequin. In the process alcohol had splashed on the carpet and the desk of Miss Lloyd.


"Gah! Well, to answer yer question Ms. Lloyd. Despite our recent failures, we hold more clout then yer average mook. Sure we might not 'ge da Penguin, Scarecrow, or da Joker, g'ut most of de regular criminals would work for us IF we had the finances to pay them. That is what we are lacking. Ye help us with da cash, we'll work for ye and 'ge loyal."


Her game in politics was a rather new one at least that is what the Ventriloquist and Scarface believed. It was good to guess that most of the politians in the city had some type of tie to criminal activities and had been corrupt in some manner. Her being affliated with a Gotham City rogue would not be ground breaking news.

"We would act as seperate entities Miss Lloyd. We would not 'ge meeting much and would never meet in pu'glinc. Yer right a'gout our success rate being low, that is why Ah' propose ye give us a task. A simple one, anything, and may'ge would could accomplish it for ye! Whadusay? Whadusay?"

[Deleted]

As Aria watches the Ventriloquist stupidly try to give his puppet a drink, her expression is quite passive. Because, on the one hand, she finds it to be mildly amusing. Yet on the other hand, it's also a complete waste of perfectly good bourbon. Ah well, she can afford more. And to get her carpet cleaned - she's never been one to worry herself about hording money. Unlike certain other individuals - Cobblepot, for example - she does not see her bottom line as the point of what she does. It's a factor, certainly, but pinching every penny is not one of her hobbies and therefore to a point she's less finicky about 'wasted' money.

She seems thoughtful as he speaks, but otherwise doesn't show any hint of how she feels about his answer to her concerns until he's finished. "A simple task?" she asks, pursing her lips slightly, "I suppose that's a possibility... Let me think..." As she'd stated, employing this man is risky. But on the other hand, she also knows that his reputation is in tatters and he's probably fairly desperate to find someone willing to offer him a chance. The fact that he came to her is a sign of that, actually, as she doubts that he knew when he arrived that she would have any inclination to take him up on his offer. She is, after all, merely a wealthy businesswoman - it's very possible that she'd have morals. Then again, the fact that she's been involving herself in politics in Gotham (or politics in general) could be taken as a sign by many that she does not. But if he manages to make a comeback thanks to her help, she probably has everything to gain from it.

"I can think of one thing..." she says finally, straightening up in her seat. "There's a man by the name of Dr. Isaac Jones, a forensic psychologist who has been poking his nose into matters which do not concern him. It would be very convenient to me if he was unable to work for awhile - not permanently, as that would attract too much attention to the situation. But if he, for example, ended up in the hospital then it would make it much easier for me to ensure that he never finds what he's looking for."

[Deleted]

The Ventriloquist shot the woman a sadistic smile. It was happy, ecstatic, and very pleased to hear the nature of this job. Not a robbery or a theft. it had been tasked with harming someone!

"This old man, he played one,He played knick knack with his thumb,
With a
Knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling home."


"Heh"

Scarface provided her with a smile as well.

"Something we're more then happy to do Miss. Something right up our alley."

The Ventriloquist reached over the desk and greedily to drink the rest of the bourbon. Cupping the drink in two hands as if the cup was a golden chalice, a few droplets of the alcohol trickled down It's throat, finishing off the expensive liquid.

"Hee..

This old man, he played two,
He played knick knack with my shoe,
With a
Knick, knack, paddy whack,
Give the dog a bone;
This old man came rolling HOME!"

The woman was taking a gamble but putting the Ventriloquist to the test. With each failure and humiliation the creature lost more and more of It's humanity. This would be a simple task, one that should not go wrong. Injuring a so-called successful man or woman. Someone who had an opportunity to go to college, get an education, indulge in love from parents and a significant other. The Ventriloquist would take this away from them. Take it all away.

In order to drink the bourbon, the Ventriloquist had to place Scarface on the chair. While on the chair, the large wooden eyes of the mannequin continued to stare at Dionisia.

"Ye made a smart choice. As long as Ah'm in charge, this operation will go smoothly. The key will 'ge making sure that I remain the 'grains of this operation. Dr. Issac Jones, considered them out of the game!"

[Deleted]

The Ventriloquist's rhyming causes Aria to raise an eyebrow slightly, but eventually decides that it's just what he does when he's happy. How odd... Scarface's reaction to her request is far more conventional, and she finds herself momentarily noting just how strange it is to be talking to a puppet who seems far more sane than the man holding it. Yes... she'll certainly want to make sure that most of her further business with him is delegated out to one of her underlings. She could use it as a punishment, even.

Pushing her mind away from that thought for the time being, she nods to Scarface and nods, "I will leave the details to you then - I don't care so long as it's done. And I'm prepared to offer you five thousand dollars in advance - it should be more than enough to supply you for the job. I'll double it when the it's done. If I'm particularly pleased, I will likely offer you another job as well, though either way you'd then have plenty of money to start working on your own projects if you wish." She certainly doesn't want to give him the idea that she'd disapprove of him turning to sources beyond her for income, after all - that would likely lead to a messy end. For him, not for her.

Thinking of messy ends, for him, she can't help but add, "Of course, if you fail, you may keep the money but I expect to never see you again. Cast suspicion upon me, and there will be consequences. Confirm suspicion upon me, and the consequences will be severe." There's a certain hard edge to her voice as she says that, indicating that she's being very serious in saying that, though of course he may not take that seriously. He probably supposes that a rogue like him has nothing to fear from a businesswoman and politician like her, but she knows the truth and it's only fair to warn him.

[Deleted]

"Ten Gees eh? Ye have yerself a deal toots." Scarface sat still, motionless, and placid upon responding to the offer 'Miss Lloyd' had provided Them. Five thousand dollars was a lot to a two-bit crook like the Ventriloquist. At the present moment They were living out of a efficiency in Gotham's East side. A ten-thousand addition to their bankroll would increase the size of Their living arrangement plus a possible relocation.

The women had dealt with them fairly. She had offered a generous amount for a fairly reasonable job and enough money up front to hire some muscle to help accomplish the task. This would also give them the resources to purchase tools and weapons to get everything done. Lloyd had played it smart with minimal risk, and that was the angle Scarface was hoping she would take.

The Ventriloquist merely curled It's lip at her, already thinking of sadistic ways to deal with Dr. Issac Jones.

"Daffy Down Dilly Has come to town In a yellow petticoat And a green gown. Heee!" It simply chimed.

Suddenly the infliction to the women's tone of voice becomes stern and serious as she adds. "Of course, if you fail, you may keep the money but I expect to never see you again. Cast suspicion upon me, and there will be consequences. Confirm suspicion upon me, and the consequences will be severe."

This statement snapped the Ventriloquist out of the demented thinking. "Who the hell do you think YOU are? Consequences? We've dealt with politicians before and their barks are always much bigger then their bites. Heeee." It replied with narrow eyes and a web of saliva forming between open lips.

Politicians, government crooks did not usually make ultimatums to members of the Gotham City Rogue gallery without some type of response to let them know who really was in charge and who really held the position of power. If she continued to take this tone with Them, Scarface would take the money up front, take care of Issac Jones and then begin to target HER projects.

[Deleted]

Yeah, she thought that he wouldn't like hearing her warning, though when Aria notes that it's the man and not the puppet who reacted, first she smirks and then she lightly laughs. "Who do I think I am?" she repeats back, shaking her head as she reaches for something tucked into the inner pocket of her blazer, "That's the wrong question. Better question: Who do you think I am and just how wrong are you?"

From her inner pocket she pulls out a small, sheathed dagger. The elaborate design of the hilt seems to indicate both age and expense, though the fact that it's clean, polished, and handled with great ease hints that it's not merely a decorative item. She sets it on the desk directly in front of her, not worried that the Ventriloquist will grab it because he'd have to reach all the way across and she'd easily take it back before he tried. It hits the desk with a tap hard enough to suggest that it's heavier than it looks. "I'm no ordinary woman," she comments, reaching into her blazer again and pulling out a second dagger - a twin of the first - and placing it too on the desk. "I'm no ordinary politician, for that matter," she adds idly.

For a third time she reaches into her blazer, but switches to the other side. And this time she pulls out something quite different: a semi-automatic pistol. But she pointedly keeps the business end of it turned to the side because, though of course she could turn it toward him in an instant, she's not going to do so unless he does something to deserve it. No, for now it simply suits her purposes for him to know that she has it, and has had it this entire conversation, but not directly threaten him with it. "I know that we only just met, so some skepticism is only warranted. But I can assure you that my bite is much worse than my bark..." she finishes, idly running a finger along the barrel of the weapon.

A weapon that she holds with the perfect ease of familiarity. She's held it many times, after all. And pulled the trigger. And even killed with it. Of course the man in front of her wouldn't know all of that. But now he does know that the lady politician he's been talking to just so happens to be armed to the teeth for this little conversation. Though not because he's here - carrying these things around with her, wherever it's legal for her to do so, is her normal practice.