Rejection Selection

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Dave smiled at the client even though the consultation was not going well. Harleen gave him an 'I told you so' look. She was right. She'd warned him this potential client was going to be difficult. "I'm simply saying that your request is more difficult than it seems at first Mr Whittier."

Mr Whittier crossed his arms. "What's so difficult about it? It's a simple fusion! Just slap them together. They're from the same instance and series and best friends. I know how this works. That alone should ensure a high fusion rate!"

Dave smiled through his gritted teeth. There were few things as annoying as a someone who knew the basics trying to tell him how to do his job... but it happened. Dave was determined to be professional. "Yes but there are extenuating circumstances with these two particular characters. They are best friends and teammates and I agree a fusion rate has a high chance of success between them. But they're both very different. Their differences are what makes them close to one another. A successful fusion isn't the same thing as a "stable" fusion. This new character resulting from fusing a Teen Titans Raven and Starfire together has a high chance of exhibiting some rather unstable tendencies and will probably require a lot of monitoring and additional work to make "Ravenfire" work."

Mr Whittier narrowed his eyes. "I told you I want to call her Starraven! And don't try giving me the upsell! I'm not paying for "extras" just to line your pockets!"

Dave counted to five mentally. "No one is trying to do that, Mr Whittier. But that's a perfect example. Starfires name is Koriand'r. And'r is the royal family of Tamaran and means "Fire" in Tamaranian. Koriand'r is Starfire, Komand'r is Blackfire, their father and mother Myand'r and Luand'r and Ryand'r aka Wildfire their brother. Starraven would make her Kori Roth and we'll have to try to tune in a greater significance on Ravens story than Starfires which is doable but-"

"I told you I don't want that!" Mr Whittier said. "She should be a princess! I want to own a princess!"

Dave sighed. "Alright let's set that aside for now. Their basic personalities and the way their powers work are fundamentally different and opposed. Raven is all about control of her emotions and focus to keep her powers from running amok. Starfire is the opposite. Tamaranians are a very emotional people who are very intune with and feel things very intensely. Making their powers work effectively and safely will require a very long and specific training and adjustment period or installation of high grade inhibitors since they'll be going of all the time or a severe scalling back and depowering-"

"No! No! No!" Mr Whittier pounded Daves desk. "You're not listening! What's the point of buying superchicks and then powering them down! It's a fucking waste!" He started pointing his finger at Dave. "Look I'm getting sick of this run around! I'm the fucking customer! Just do what I pay you to do or else I-"

"No," Dave had hit his limit. "Good day, Mr Whittier."

Whittier blinked. "What do you mean "no"?"

Dave wasn't smiling anymore. "I mean "no", Mr Whittier. We haven't accepted you as a client yet and so haven't taken a commission yet either. Since this consultation has revealed that we have differing opinions regarding the safety and viability of your request we're not interested in taking your commission at this time. This consultation is now over. Please pay your bill or schedule said payment on the way out. Good day, Sir."

Whittier growled. "What do you mean you ain't taking the job? It's a simple job! You guys are supposed to be the best and I want the best! So slap them together and-"

"No," Dave said. "And that's the third time I have said it. After this I'll be **** to ask security to help you leave. Fusions aren't that simple and there's a fair few places that do them unlicensed or aren't qualified. We don't operate that way here. Your proposed fusion of a new character has significant problems and it's potential dangerous nature for both itself and others raises legitimate concerns. As we haven't yet taken a commission we're under no obligation to provide you with any services beyond this initial consultation which is now concluded... and if you touch my desk one more time or pound your fat fist on anything on this premises I'll throw you out myself and tack on a charge for the attempted destruction of private property."

Whittier sneered and extended one finger. "I'd like to see you try it, Stark! I'll kick your ass!" He lowered his finger and touched the desk.

Dave smiled and waved his hand. "Very well," he said as the glowing bands of crimson **** shot out and wrapped Whittier up nearly instantaneously.

Harleen shook her head looking down at the bound big mouth. "Well that was exceptionally stupid... and boring. Sorry for wasting your time."

Dave shrugged. "I'd have likely handled it differently in the past. I'm more mature now... maybe." He winked.

Harleen nodded grinning. It was true. In the past Dave's temper would have gotten them into trouble... but the security footage would back everything up including the overt threat and no one had been harmed... except for maybe Whittier's ego thanks to the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak. "Bit of free advice for you, Mr Whittier. In life you get what you pay for. Arguing with professional experts doesn't usually go well especially when you do it just because you don't like what they say. And finally if you want to experience bondage really quickly start trouble with RealDreams, Rein Corp or any character specialist business like ours." She smiled at Dave. "I'll go get the hand truck."

Dave shook his head rolling up his sleeves. "Nah... I got this. I said I'd do it myself and I will." He bent down and picked up Whittier's bound form easily. "Pepper could you please contact our local resident officers and appraise them of the situation please?"

(("With pleasure, Dave. An Officer Yui Narumi is enroute to be on hand if necessary."))

Harleen grinned. "Sweet! If she has to haul him into the station wanna bet on if he gets carsick or not?"

Dave chuckled. "Depends on the wager... but first lets go see Tink and settle the matter of Mr Whittier's bill, shall we?"

Harleen nodded. "Your next potential client looks much more promising. Some interestingly specific requests."

Dave smiled. "Well after the tedium of this one anything will be an improvement but if you say so I'll be looking forward to meeting Mr Wags."

[David Stark Pepper Tinker Bell Harley Quinn Melfina VSD02C Princess Hilda R. Dorothy Wayneright Lady Fingers and Daphne Greengrass

Will Return In

Sparkles in the Darkness

Coming Soon]