The large man crossed the distance unnaturally fast and was now standing at arm''s length from Alexander, yet his tie was perfectly straight, no wrinkles in the jacket or pants as far as I could tell and the whole piece fit far to well to be anything other than a custom job; there was no telling what properties it has, after all in this world uniform design for xenos is a very unique business.


    “Mr.Evercrest an Mr.Lamont madam Belaya is very excited to see you. If you follow me we can see her now.”  walking around the cab I joined Alexander, both of us standing before the brick wall of a man and without wasting time he turned beginning his return to the double doors, his two associates falling in behind me and Alexander silently forcing us forward.


    “She will be seeing you in the dining hall, so do not forget your manors. Madam Belaya is a stickler for manors."He was fast each step seeming to move him twice the distance as ours with unusual grace.


    Once through the doors we entered the manor, its modern design and architecture proving to be quite stunning, its open marble floors in alternating black and white and massive picture windows making full use of natural lighting and the beautiful scene outside.


    “Right this way.”  Before I had time to really admire the scene we were ushered into an elevator and heading to a much lower floor.


    The elevator chimed then opened up into a massive dining room with a query large table the picture window that span the rightmost wall allowing the off white texas marble and red mahogany complementing the black inlays.


    And there at the end of the table sitting in one of two twin throne like chairs at the head was our prospective investor her blazing skin, eyes and hair changed shade and brightness as tho unable to remain satisfied with its current condition, and it was then I realized who alexander had brought me to see.


    “Oh alex, you''ve grown so much since the last time I saw you.” said Nova queen of radiation


    Her slick black dress glowed and shimmered as it expelled excess heat and radiation that was quickly dispersed either by her or possibly the dress itself  “Come now dear have a seat and introduce your friend, I’ll have Boris bring us some rozen torta, you do still love it don''t you.”


    As Miss Nova spoke we were guided to a set of chairs on the left side keeping a respectable distance from her seat at the wide table but not too far to make her feel distant from the conversation.


    “So Alex, are you going to introduce your friend?”     If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Her movements and voice were clearly intentional, she sat upright her body language neither inviting or discouraging like that of royalty.


    “Absolutely, This is Alastor …”


    Surely he didn''t forget, He literally just heard me say it.


    “Lamont.”


    “Lamont; please excuse me, I believe I have heard of you but I cannot seem to recall where.”


    “It is not a problem at all Miss Belaya and it is a pleasure not only to meet you but to hear I have gained some recognition in the higher circles of society, even if it was just in passing.”


    She had the courtesy to look abashed but the way her glowing eyes reminded me of a single constant glow with no room for change told me exactly what I was dealing with.


    A pair of pivot doors that blended nearly seamlessly into the wall across from me swung open; as the wall in a white suite walked in carrying a single silver platter covered in what must be rozen torta.


    The room was silent as he set the tray before everyone then plated a piece for each of us serving it with the utmost care.


    The dish looked to have some kind of hardened orange glaze and thin flakey layers of bread or cake along with a rich custard like filling; Alexander was ofcourse already tearing his apart with utter abandon and yet still trying to look mature; like a child pretending to be a rich snob using his fork European style while scarfing down a treat.


    “I''m glad to see you still enjoy it so alex.” nova was smiling at Alexander and not in the way I would have, there was no pechulants or sarcasm to it, it was a small smile but one that reached her eyes, like a mothers smile.


    “Yes ma’am, and I have to say my compliments to the chief. It''s hard to find it this good here in the states.”


    “Oh you''re too kind dear, I''ll make sure she knows you still think so highly of her cooking.”


    Alexander''s hand shot over his mouth “Hhhkk Hhck”


    “My goodness are you alright alex.” Miss Belaya’s hand shifted then the wall known as Boris was behind alexander setting a glass of water before him and watching his face closely.


    Alexander''s hand moved from his mouth, rasping out something about the wrong pipe as he lifted the glass.


    “Well I''m glad to hear it, you scared me for a moment.”


    Alexander attempted to say something but if I could barely hear it Miss Belaya nodding at his wrasps must have been done out of poliness with the assumption he was actually speaking.


    “So, Mr. Lamont is the rozen torta not to your liking, if not I can have something else brought out for you.”


    In truth I would have loved to try such a dish but the lack of organs was once again an issue


    “No it''s not that, I am merely incapable of enjoying it due to the mutation.”


    “I see, my apologies Mr.lamont I should have asked - my husband finds it quite agitating when we go out and our server assumes he can enjoy fine food or drink.”


    Husband?


    “I was unaware that you had a spouse, much less one with a condition like mine Mrs. Belya .”


    Her gaze shifted then her focus became the rozen torta as she lifted a small fork. “Most people are unaware, it helps keep his work from following him home; as he is yet to change carrieres as I have.”


    “But enough with the pleasantries, let us begin this presentation Alex spoke of, if all parties are ready of course.”


    “Absolutely I am prepared to present if my partner has finished with his rozen torta.”


    Looking over I caught a flash of movement at Alexander who had clearly finished at least two pieces and was looking guilty. “Yeah I''m all set.”


    “Ok then, let us begin.”