[forum]
(ambrose cavanaugh)
Word travels in the science community, within the pharmaceutical world. And when a notable arrives (in skill, in ability, in the trail of work which has built reputation to dizzying heights - point in case: this.), then its not long before the information surfaces.
Ambrose Cavanaugh would not be where he is if he did not know the best. If he was not the best in leading a research team; in leading the research. The executive (taint) leadership has seldom shaken that stance from him - and when he hears Danya Tretiak is in town - he is immediately on the phone.
"Mr Tretiak. Ambrose Cavanaugh from Devlin Biotech Inc calling. I heard you had arrived in town and would be very interested in meeting you. I'm confident it would be to our mutual benefit and you will be very pleased to hear what I have to say. Could you be interested in lunch, say, next week?"
Contact details are left.
Its not any secret - this research subsidiary company of Merck & Co is very much fixated (and has been, for some time) in poaching the skills of one certain research scientist. Perhaps there had been previous attempts by Merck; perhaps they had been unsuccessful in the past - the dips of toes to test the water. This time - the temperature is perfect.
(danya)
Gossip spreads like wildfire; even in the reputedly conservative communities of the scientific world. For within the sheltered halls of laboratory mazes and chemical shelf caverns sharp ears are always receptive to the newest distraction provided indulgent mind during the long hours of monotonous tests, correlations, and validations. Successive renditions of mere commentary turn to tantalizing poison spilled from mercilessly bored lips.
All excused by the guise of corporate competition in the name of socially beneficial progress.
It is no secret the aggressive pursuits of Merck & Co.'s subsidiary throughout the years. It is no secret the ambitious accomplishments of a young chemist caught in the snare of entry-level bureaucracy that grants no favor or quarter. This is why suprise does not enter Danya's features for the duration of the voicemail playback or within the return call. Instead, there is something of a completely different nature filtering into the precise and definitive phrases that never once rise above soft-spoken. Intent.
"Of course." The phrase only suggests it may have formed behind a genial smile. Cavanaugh is not a name unfamiliar. "Which day is your preference..."
Conversation flows through the motions of appointment scheduling and confirmed contacts. The day is chosen. The time is reserved.
All that remains is finding out how hot to make the water.
-----------------
(ambrose)
After the initial offer was put forward by Ms Illésházy for Tretiak’s consideration, he had not much longer to wait before a lunch meeting was arranged for its discussion. The following week, time was put aside for the next stage of the relatively straight forward game of poaching (We want you. How much?), and it is not even a week that the proposal is allowed digestion, before the call was made. It had been Ambrose's secretary who had arranged it, her voice on the edge of sharp (yet intriguingly pleasant nonetheless) as Cavanaugh's instructions had been relayed - in the form of an invite.
Politely worded. Respectful. Obsequious? Not quite. But certainly filled with offered accommodation to schedule, to time – as long as the date was set. Secretarial spin on executive demand.
The restaurant was quite impressive, as would be expected. Or that is, at least impressive to one of Danya’s position – where perhaps this layer of society would be ever elusive (assumptions) on the salary of a junior analytical chemist. Indeed, it was chosen for suitability as to the head hunted's point in life: his career, his age, and what could possibly be predicted as his tastes - if ever Ambrose were to attempt to try, or at least generalise. That the venue was also a favourite of the executive’s for fine dining... naturally attributed to the final decision. And one would wonder at the care, the meticulous detail that Ambrose would bring to even this: not a thought. Mere instinct.
Flushed in panels of subdued chrome (a taste, a tint) and white, there was a sample of the austere in the interior design, simple lines and elegant, betraying the feel of affluence, without the gaudy style. With discreetly placed tables, lighting which could be mood at night betrayed by the filtering rays of sun without, and a wine carte extensive to match the menu (and requisite sommeliers) – there is the sense of a lifestyle within grasp. A door opened, by sheer association. The light chatter and laughter, the clink of glasses and clatter of cutlery against china, seem in perfect (discordant) harmony with the strains of modernity that would filter through noise to form background. Not classical, not jazz or blues – as inspiring as they may be – but the lulling symphony of electronica (strain your ears and tell the difference) induced as perfect replacement.
And those who inhabit the tables? Young. Professional. The promise of things to come.
Cavanaugh is seated at one rounded, glass and chrome affair – the sheen of the surface reflecting like a mirror, darker images skittering across its contained length. Beyond the interesting crafting of small sculpture (in place of flowers, candle, salt and pepper shakers), there is nothing else before him. An arm rests impassive, relaxed, along the padded rest of the chair – the entirety of his frame a study in wait, and ease.
By the phone in his other hand, the dark brown of his eyes drawn to its illuminated screen, he may have just finished speaking with someone by the time of Danya’s approach.
(danya)
Chrome. Silver. Glass. Marble sculpture.
How apropos.
The levity of the matter rests on Danya's features in the form of a slight smile. He is not so mobily ambitious a youth that he misses an appreciation for the finer subtleties of an executive's ruthless game. However bloody the battles may be of his cousins on the proverbial field, there are, too, the more calculating and precarious accounts which take place either in the boardroom or a deliberately chosen eatery.
Timing is everything.
By the time Cavanaugh's eyes lift from the gentle illumination of a full colored screen, Danya is draping his light coat across the back of what is to become his chair. Full extent of his six foot four frame throwing oblique shadow across the mirrored reflection of the table. While the recent scale of junior salaries has not afforded him a variety of credits to choose from, Tretiak chooses quite wisely the budgetary spendature of his pay. Nothing less than the choice trends that compliment his ambitions in hues of midnight pewter and black highlighted by the appropriate blush of crimson in an otherwise darkly shadowed tie.
"Mr. Cavanaugh." Dulcet the salutory phrases murmured from his lips. Tones carefully excised to carry just above the induction of electronica woven through the background. His head tilts. Dark green eyes slanting closed in absolution's feral pleasure found in the whispering notes carried to his ears.
Lulling. Inspiring. Affective.
Electric: his gaze when it returns. What is the symbolism of fire that is green....
"I trust I have not kept you waiting long?" Of course he hasn't. It's all a matter of timing and first impressions.
(ambrose)
Electronica masquerading as the true and real thing: as if each sound were really played as an instrument by a musician, raw and unaided and a coax of different shape and sight and sound: and not merely all rolled into one. The music is chill, enigmatic with subtle pervasion: an imprint on the mood before the mind could think to react. An imprint on that coveted atmosphere and the mimicry of modern classical; spiced with the sultry tones of a woman’s voice. French.
It would be a metaphor for the man who rises from that seat, almost even height with Tretiak and skin sun-warmed in contrast to the other’s pallor. Scientist, in an executive’s skin. [Sheep. Wolf. Wolf. Sheep.] The suit that sits snug along the breadth of his shoulders is unsurprisingly a sombre shade, the material sliding even when it is tugged across and along shoulder-blade and upper arm with the raise of his hand and the commitment of formality. Beginnings.
“Not at all.”
Smooth response, in low and even tones, it is not followed by the sweep of his gaze, to measure and judge (first impressions) the chemist’s appearance. Instead, it rests quite easily on his eyes, the deep coffee hue: as rich and intense as the brew itself, showing polite and calm interest and the slivers of friendliness, with little else. This is a meeting and this is business – and as affable a presentation Ambrose Cavanaugh would initially put forth: his eyes were shutters behind the mask of that ease.
“I trust you had no trouble finding the restaurant?” Cue: light chatter: and the time to see if those initial impressions were on the money. Or not.
A naturally athletic frame beneath the elegant styling of the suit, the Armani cut wears him well – lacking in the severity and ill-fit which could often be associated – and resting with ease along his limbs, to conform but not conflict. The charcoal tones bear congruous contrast with the pale ultramarine of the cotton-blend shirt, the silver-indigo tie, the burnished taint to his skin – and the effect overall is meticulous. To the black and even waves of closely styled hair, to the positioning of steel watch on wrist: glimpsed beneath sleeve at the outstretch of his hand.
After the shake, firm but not brisk, the possible trajectory of withdrawal is ignored, as hand indicates the seat opposite, waiting for Danya to move, before resuming his own.
(danya)
"Not at all."
His very punctuality would explain apparent resourcefulness in either following the directions given, or discovering alternate routes to such quarry. For the one thing that is obvious is Danya has not previously attended such an establishment as the very one within which they both sit. And sit he does. Following the firm yet not brisk shake, the expensive lines of his attire fold in the appropriate places to facilitate form traversing from stand to comfortable sit.
Trust.
The very conception of the cued chatter.
Both perhaps disregarding the integrity of the word shared. Or, in a completely opposite direction, using it for the whipsharp edge it can provide for the hapless to trip on.
It's as sharp and confident as his smile. Expression wrapped wholly in the faint glean of ghostly apparitions across his features yet giving away nothing beyond the whimsical thesad. It may be the music that affects him. The trifling symphony of eclectic electric tones warped into the semblance of modern classique. Within it, there is noveau inspiration that tailors itself to the very statistical trends so popular with today's affluent youth. Easy juxtaposition of basic tenets born and bred in a long lineage of Lords quantifying themselves in the shadows of glorious power and reign.
Therein, quite possibly, lays the intrinsic question of how righteous such means are justified.
For now, it matters not. Now, the reflection of Ambrose's shark-hungry features swims in the lagoon-tide green of Danya's eyes. Now, between that and his own visage caught in pools of deep coffee, begins the elegant game of corporate cat and mouse.
"So indulge me, Ambrose." Formalities harpooned away before the storm boiling on the horizon. "What's on your mind."
I know you want me. How much are you willing to spend.
(ambrose)
Cut to the chase – and one corner of his mouth dares to tilt a fraction in the semblance of a (blink, and you’ll miss it) smile. The light chatter would have gone on for a couple of minutes at least, perhaps more: as each man circled (in this corporate jungle) to gauge the contemplate the guise of the other, to penetrate and see what was really going on in that head. Danya’s assertion to avoid that ritual could be taken to mean three things: focus, eagerness or the lack of such social skills. Perhaps, maybe, a combination. In truth, Ambrose’s opinion of the man was not affected by any of those conclusions: though some would be more favourable than others.
“I trust Ms Illésházy went through our offer with you. The terms are quite generous, as I’m sure you realise, but that said, we are still quite prepared to negotiate in a manner more accommodating to your expectations.” It is not often that the cards are laid out on the table: the terms of the proposal had been generous, salary and benefit package substantial in comparison to what his current earnings would be, with the clear intention of a promotion after satisfactory probationary period (stated two months, or less if the executive saw fit). The promotion would have its other perks, to be negotiated once more: but from what Danya may have seen or heard, Devlin Biotech Inc was known for its generosity – and if Tretiak had a set goal in mind: chances are should he prove capable, Ambrose would be willing to oblige with it.
A waiter stills at the table: menus metal trimmed and black handed out and drink order taken. The question of wine – to which Ambrose politely defers to Danya’s opinion. Whichever drinks arranged, they would arrive later, then some entrée – to carve of the bite of the belly while they talk, and while menus perused for the ordering of mains. Mere beginnings: and although negotiations were known to carve into appetite – this one showed exceptional promise.
(danya)
Focus. Eagerness. The lack of social grace.
Or perhaps nothing more than the sudden volley to push the ball back into Cavanaugh's court sooner than he expected in a test of symbolic agility - slowly begins the election of whom shall master their game. For a moment, Danya seems to playfully contemplate the reflection of Ambrose's exposed focus of intent. It is a luxury in the fast-pace of competitive science. Serenity of a novel's worth of meditation condensed into a second flitting past as dark lashes tangle to blink.
"Such is the art of corporate bartering." Mused with the ease of shadowed smile that sheds nothing on the meaning behind conversational tactics, the kinsman simply follows the pace which the executive's topical choice defined. Their births followed generations of the greatest wolves, yet his composure seems so regally feline beneath the monolithic consequences awaiting throughout this negotiative journey.
Music may indeed be what sooths the beast.
The waiter disappears to excavate their claimed bottle from the restaraunt's catacomb cellar before soft tones direct themselves across the table once again. "Ms Illeshazy proved more than thorough in her presentation of the folio and explanation of its assets." There is no assurance of his interest or intrigue - without either they know he would not be sitting at this very table. They have both taken what bait the other cast onto the water's surface. "I appreciate the time she spent reviewing your terms and future goals in relation to the position you offer. However what I did not notice anything included nor outlined within the text regarding termination statutes at the initial project's completion. Do you intend to act upon the probationary success promotion or did you have something else in mind should the product exceed expectations."
Appetizers whet their savage hunger. Entrees arrive and bath their features in fragrant steam. Somewhere within the parade of finely prepared food, Danya pauses to wave a fork in absent dismissal to further enhance casual mitigations. "I wouldn't want any misconceptions...." Another pause laced with the flavors of what glaze stylizes a bite of meat. Faint - Coy - smile only reappears in premonitions which further seeming muse. "I'm curious to just what you have planned for me."
(ambrose)
“The project is your probation, or at least, your probation is the planned beginning of that project.” Ambrose seems half-amused by the question, and perhaps half-surprised. Maybe he should not be, and have believed Danya Tretiak a more modest man than expectation. Or perhaps it was the other way around: that being head hunted by men of the calibre of Ambrose Cavanaugh was a regular occurrence, and that the young chemist was used to it, and therefore would seek any flaws in any contract – and niggle at them quite profusely thinking they would poach him merely to let him go. For the fact of the matter was, Ambrose did not look at it quite that way at all. Past probationary period: you. are. ours. That fucking simple.
“Let me be frank.” Pause, for a succulent morsel to enter, be thoughtfully chewed, than swallowed. The rest of the meal will follow much the same, through those intermittent moments where he may need weight in punctuating silence, or when Danya would choose to take over the conversation before redirecting it again, to him. “I tend to play for keeps, Mr Tretiak. If you prove unacceptable, only then will you be moving on at the behest of the company. Project end, or otherwise. If you prove all you are promised to be: accept your contract in permanent renewal, and more.” Until you’d prove it otherwise.
Another bite, another delightfully tender mouthful, then he goes on. “There is much work, and less people of your calibre.” The fork and knife is placed along the plate, napkin taken to smear quick at his mouth, before replaced, hidden from sight, across lap. The middle of his forearms balance on the edge of the table as he leans forward, the earthiness of his eyes a study in focus. “I do not chase people lightly, Mr Tretiak. My schedule is busy enough without taking time to find additional employees when the human resources can do that job for me.” But this is different. “But I want you to head a team. And if you prove better than just capable, I want you to head a bigger one. The contract is a legal matter. If you wish to twist the terms, then I must discuss that first with Ms Illeshazy and see what is possible. Some things,” Twist of the lips into wry humour. “are of course, non-negotiable. But I think you will find that most terms are. And I think you will also find,” Pause. Implacable. “That my word would tell you more than mere writing on the paper.”
Was that a suggestion that Danya should go by merely that? No. If the chemist would, he would be a fool: and Ambrose surely knows it. It is no trick to lure him into some contract not of his crafting, his input: it is merely assurance. They want him, they’ll pay for him. Although the promise of renewal in the contract would still be a sketchy area (it would rely on their discretion in the meaning of ‘capable’, it always did) there is truth which runs steady in the pitch of the executive’s voice. Danya knew people. Danya would know that.
(danya)
Modest. Perhaps.
Cautious. Perhaps.
He hides his intentions well.
Attention directs itself to following the course of Cavanaugh's further extrapolations on the matter. On each cue, Danya takes the conversational reins which allow the other to consume delectable meal, politely shifting balance only when assured Ambrose is ready to begin speaking once again. His questions so far are light, little more than strategic input which affirms his continued participation and interest through the challenge of communication while their mouths are otherwise occupied.
As flatware lays in etiquette's dictated spanse across empty plates - the meeting finally continues in earnest.
"The contract is merely red tape." Significance and understanding thereof dismissed in the motion of his hand which takes napkin from its task of cleaning fingers to neutral wait upon his thigh. Perhaps he does maintain a firm grasp on the nuances of cut-throat business negotiations, after all. "Reasonable necessity, of course, considering your word on future plans." Moment's thoughtful consideration pursing, so slightly, the draw of faintly blushed lips. "As far as the parameters of the position and project are concerned, there is very little I would consider adjusting within your very generous terms. My primary interest lay in clarifying the security of placement and probable advancement as continued time and efforts dictate." Do not worry, my hungry executive, you will soon witness the extent of my talent's ability reaching far beyond your expectations as proof of investment's value. "As I am sure you would not waste your time if I were a frivolous pursuit, you are sure, as well, I would not commit myself to a contract that did not align itself with my life and career goals."
The project itself presents nothing beyond reasonable challenge for a chemist secure in his abilities. That, already, Danya readily accepted and has established several courses of developmental action. What lay beyond the proposal's measures became the object of his curiosities and desires.
What is your worth to me.
The subtle strains of electronic symphony take over their attentions as the waiter appears to clear their wares. Focus drifts to audial inspection of such enjoyable sounds, allowing some translation of the soothing mood to appear in the structure of his expression. Dark green eyes narrowing at the edges to connote distant pleasures. The curve of faint smile widening for moment's ebb ephemeral tide. Dessert declined in favor of what is left of their wine. A refill of Ambrose's glass offered before he feels the need to continue.
"As far as Ms. Illeshazy's continued involvement with adjusting the set proposal, the only area that required some attention is the currently vague policy outlining my participation, control and access regarding personnel, equipment, and other pertinent resources."
(ambrose)
At some point during Danya’s analysis (playback) of Ambrose’s position on the contract, and then the chemist’s addition of something more, the napkins are put aside, the plates taken away, the interruption minimal as it is the interviewee’s hand which renews the flow of the wine. And for that time, Cavanaugh’s face would change little – and in the extent of allowed observation over the course of this lunch, a couple of conclusions may be made. The executive is like stone, despite the surface of superficial expression that may filter into his face. Stone carved into features strongly wrought, rugged masculinity tamed by the expense of these surroundings, these designer clothes he wears. Tamed by corporate nature, and the sterility of the office or the lab.
He sits in that seat across from Tretiak, the display of lazy relaxation along the length of broad suited shoulders, in the flex of his arms at the edge of the table, and the occasion when he would lean forward, to display more than mere modicum of interest. His face is stone, his eyes are fire – but even in this contrived occasion, they are tempered into embers – with only the most perceptive or closest watch picking up the fragments of heat or passion or personality which may lid deep within.
He does not fidget. He has no discernable habits or breaks beyond what is contained efficiency. The intelligence in his eyes is one of acute focus, and zeroed entirely in on the man before him. And he wears the mantle like a skin – there is nothing about him that indicates games he is not capable of playing at. So with the questions, they are expected as they ferret their way out of Danya’s mouth. One by one, and with smooth proficiency, answered. This, with the faint curve of that sensually crafted flesh: never soft.
“The probationary period is clearly formulated. It will be a team of four of which you are to head, with one jnr assistant and two other scientists. The scientists have been with us for some time, and are more than capable in their positions – yet not the leadership material I am hoping you will make. The jnr assistant will be a position opened to the local university and I will expect you to take active participation in the recruitment of that individual. I expect a decision agreeable to you and myself, or should I prove unavailable, Janice Metland, our human resources officer.”
He pauses here, the smile is blade-swift, a momentary exposure on the tanned planes of his features. More said, perhaps, in the suddenness of that tug of facial muscle, than the contribution of that information. Call it a first test should Danya choose to accept the position. A first test of that leadership he so well coveted – and whether he had the judgment to choose the team under him, let alone lead.
“The two scientists you will be working with have already been on this project for some time. If you take this position, you will be introduced to them as the new project head, and they in turn will bring you up to date on their progress. It is expect you will be with this team for one or two months, longer, if you decide you wish to see it through, or shorter if it reaches its set goals. The decision past the probationary stage will ultimately be yours. Be assured that whatever it chooses, unless necessity ultimately dictates otherwise, we will be willing to wait if you decide to see the project through.” Another pause, perhaps a gauge for reaction, but it is not long before Ambrose continues. “As to the end of that period or project, whichever comes first, the next you will be given will consist of a team primarily of your choosing, but of my approval. You will be told what you need to do, what we are trying to determine, and as to personnel numbers or other resources, that will be a determination pending our discussion.” Tight, amused smile to emphasise the sum-up.
“You tell me what you need, and I let you know what I can do.”
Next step: and something about the way he says it suggests, quite openly, that in the future, autonomy in these matters can almost be assured. Call it reins loosed until the advent of the unreasonable.
(danya)
"Excellent." Breath skimming across the bloody surface of the wine contained in the goblet balanced lightly on the cup of fingers. Surely it is an act of Ambrose's expensive imagination that Danya veritably purred the response in some semblance of eagerly coveted leadership. Most likely, the recognition of tonal pleasure is merely what flushed the acknowledgement of expressly defined strategy that suited - very much - the chemist's own ideals.
"Provide a list of candidates for interview and I will assure an acceptable choice made concurrent with the schedule of summary conferences to circumvent the need for repetitive briefings or expense of wasted time." How easily he lounges beneath the blade-swift smile and acute focus: inviting pressure's increase to judge how fine that point will become, and how deeply its capable of cutting. Hypothesizing already the extent of future challenges that will come from first the position, and second the management. Ambition's courage. Ability's confidence. Power's temptation. Shadow Lord's hunger.
Masochist's lust.
"You tell me what I need to do, and I will tell you what I need to accomplish it. With such things in mind...." Phrase fading into casually strategic swallow of deep burgundy staining his tongue; anticipation wrought on the well-timed choice of indulged appetite and breath. ".... I forsee little else that could act as hinderances on a business relationship built on such open communication and mutual efforts."
[in play in email]
Posted by danya at April 03, 2004 12:00 AM