Post by gvb on May 18, 2020 12:48:58 GMT -6
Elsa McCarthy:
Thank you for coming here.
The scene opens inside Elsa’s office in the MWE Headquarters in Chicago, IL. The identity of her guest is still concealed, we can only see him from behind. Long black hair falling on his broad shoulders are apparent, even in a three piece black and white suit. The cast on his broken left hand is a dead give away on who this is though. What’s clear is that his mere presence seems to intimidate the young General Manager, who’s nervously tapping her fingernails on the desk and glancing at the door, almost as if she’s waiting for someone. Unlike the youngster, the grizzled veteran of Seth Iser, has an element of calm to him as he’s entering the room just trying to get a read. While this goes on, a buzzing phone goes off on Elsa’s desk. McCarthy picks it up, whispering an apology to her guest as she checks the phone. Her face assumes a curious expression as she realizes it’s a text from her colleague, Vincent Moretti, the man she was waiting for.
‘Hey kid, sorry I can’t make this one in person. Miss van Beek has me on a different assignment right now considering what Duke pulled and it’s taking much longer than I thought. I’ll keep a brief rundown on what you need to do here: don’t show that you’re intimidated with this one. He feasts on that type of thing. And whatever you plan to sell him with, present it as if it is a challenge. Bonus points if it is something he is chasing anyway.’
Elsa looks at her screen, slightly disappointed. But she quickly hides it, putting her phone down on the desk and hiding her concerns behind a wide smile.
Elsa McCarthy:
That was your agent, mister Iser. Apparently, he can’t make it to this meeting, miss van Beek required his presence elsewhere.
There’s a calm, almost emotionless expression as if Iser is trying to get a full blown read on the young woman here. The news he was just told seems like something he already knew was going to happen.
Seth Iser:
So...you’re the kid Vincent’s been grooming.
Almost the complete opposite of Moretti’s usually friendly demeanor, a blunt honest tone is projected out. Not particularly friendly, even a little guarded before his face lightens slightly though a frown is still on his face.
Seth Iser:
Seth is fine by the way. I’ve never been much for formality even when working in Japan. But I just got off of a plane that came from Australia. I take it somebody in the company between you, Grace, or Vincent must’ve had an idea for something involving me. Enough of one to have me fly in personally, after all.
Elsa nods, reaching inside a drawer in her desk and taking out a folder.
Elsa McCarthy:
That’s right, Mis.. Seth.
She quickly corrects herself, trying to keep her composure despite the clear nervousness. He feasts on that type of thing Vincent’s advice repeating in a loop in her mind.
Elsa McCarthy:
I was talking with Vincent a few weeks ago, and we realized the agreement you signed with my predecessor, I think it was Gian? … Regardless, that contract provides for another match here in MWE.
Seth seems aware of the fact, but Elsa shows him the contract anyway. Seth just skims it through his eyes as a brief reminder but again no real change with his facial expression and he’s back to making eye contact with Elsa.
Seth Iser:
Three matches. The one with Shawn and the two with Tiffany already on the books. The Japan shows I worked for free as a favor to not take away from said contract. That means one contracted appearance left.
Elsa McCarthy:
Indeed. I’ve been thinking a lot in the past weeks about this, trying to find a worthy opponent… Someone who could represent a challenge for a superstar like you…
Flattery goes a long way, they say. And that seems to be the route the young General Manager is taking with the veteran.
Seth Iser:
Who and when?
Iser’s voice asks with that level of authority. He’s interested in the opponent but not so much the flattery. Elsa realizes it and cuts to the point.
Elsa McCarthy:
And while I was able to pinpoint a few profiles that I believe could fit the role… I came up with a different idea. A sudden inspiration, if you will. And that’s why I asked you to come here today.
Iser raises his left eyebrow at the word different.
Seth Iser:
A little different? I’m a businessman obviously, I’m listening.
Elsa McCarthy:
I’m sure you’re aware of the Battle For The Briefcase tournament that just started this past saturday. Sixteen of the best competitors in MWE battling in a single elimination tournament, each round having a different stipulation. The likes of Melissa Reeves, winner of the past edition, BROOKFORD, Neal Durden, Gavin Grimes, Devin Hearst just to name a few.. I reserved a spot for you.
At this Seth’s icy disposition melts a little bit further as there is a little bit of shock at that particular offer. And then a nod as he’s processing it all.
Seth Iser:
...Looks like you’ve read up on me a little.
His voice still maintains that calm but it’s a little more friendly then it was just moments before.
Seth Iser:
The one thing that’s eluded me is a tournament victory. The very one thing I’ve been chasing...for a long time. We’ll work out the little details after the fact I’m sure but if you’re reserving that spot for me...I’ll take it. I’d be a fool not to. Just...who would I draw first in theory?
Just a simple question but now it seems like Elsa is getting the desired result she’d want. He’s invested now.
Elsa McCarthy:
The longest reigning MWE World Champion, Melissa Reeves.
At this you can see his face curl into a smirk. The same devious one that often spells doom for many opponents.
Seth Iser:
She was on my bucket list anyway. Consider it a deal, obviously.
With that the veteran does stand up knowing the business is about to conclude, and that he’s probably tired of all the sitting considering he was just on a plane before this. The smirk vanishes for a moment as he eyeballs her briefly but no longer with the eye of studying. It’s more of the demeanor of a stern teacher with his arms crossed. With that matter addressed, it seems Seth is about to inform her of a couple of things outside of that little piece of business.
Seth Iser:
You had to suspect Vincent did this on purpose, right?
Elsa smiles at Seth.
Elsa McCarthy:
I knew with certainty when he sent me the text. I’m still miss van Beek’s personal assistant, is he really had a meeting with her, I would have scheduled it. But I didn’t.
Seth does briefly let out a chuckle. Standing up from her chair, she offers a handshake to the veteran.
Elsa McCarthy:
It was a pleasure doing business with you, Seth.
Seth Iser:
Vincent is a good friend but a shit liar. But I have one more thing to mention.
Seth does shake her hand at this point, a firm handshake from this mountain of a man.
Seth Iser:
Tell Grace I’ll renew.
With that he releases the handshake and does turn on his heel to leave. He has one more flight left before going on that 90 minute drive home after all.
Elsa McCarthy:
She’ll be happy to hear it. Safe travels, and see you Wednesday night.
Before he leaves the office he turns his head briefly.
Seth Iser:
You know that if I have to pick a brand I’d be on yours right? The whole conflict of interest would cloud anything I would or wouldn’t earn on Riot after all and both Vincent and I know that. Grace probably knows that as well. I’d take it we’ll get along just fine if that’s the case. Just don’t be so damned nervous about these meetings with wrestlers next time.
He pauses for a moment with a half smile.
Seth Iser:
That last sentence is a message from Vincent by the way. See you on Wednesday indeed.
And with that he fully exits the room.