Exit, Stage Right

2

"Fancy seeing you here. You realize these guys are plotting to double-cross you and your gang, right?"

Felix stared at her then smiled, and Lura was, for once, thankful for how well Felix was at acting. If it were anyone else, they probably would've had their jaws dropped and blown her cover. The Piscatorian at the table was not as good as suppressing emotions, as they had attempted to (and horribly failed at, Lura noted,) mask a blend of confusion and irritation.

"Well this definitely isn't how I imagined our next meeting, but I won't say I'm exactly upset about it," Felix said casually as he completely ignored the Piscatorian who sat opposite him. Lura kept her expression neutral, despite the urge to just throw her knife at someone and run.

The Piscatorian at the table cleared their throat and Lura carefully turned her attention to them when they spoke in Lophian. "This is certainly... unexpected."

"Indeed, and I'm sorry for any inconveniences," Lura replied and hoped she was hiding her emotions well. "If this isn't a bad time, could I discuss things with Felix privately, as to get an overview of what I've missed?" She avoided glancing back over at Felix, but she could practically feel him smirking. The Piscatorian at the table exchanged a look with the concierge before standing up. "Very well," they said carefully. "Do try to keep things brief. We'd like to get through these negotiations as soon as possible."

"Of course." Lura nodded as both Piscatorians stepped out and shut the doors behind them. Felix leaned back in his chair a little before speaking in English. "Already getting us alone, I see." Lura rolled her eyes and went about checking the room. "Shut up." "There aren't any cameras or microphones hidden anywhere. Already checked before," Felix said.

Lura turned to face him again. "So what're you doing here?" "I could ask you the same thing," he shot back. She crossed her arms and he sighed dramatically. "Negotiating for some stuff. Supplies, special effects, props, and things of that nature."

"Dare I ask what the hidden motive is? Surely you guys are planning more than another performance."

"Sorry sugar. Can't hand you everything on a silver platter." Felix gestured at her. "Your turn. Looking for something or are you just desperate to see me again?" Lura tolled her eyes so far back she absentmindedly worried they might get stuck. "I see your ego is as big as ever. And fine, yes, I am looking for something. I have no idea how many times you've hit your head to think that something is you."

Felix feigned a look of offense. "You wound me. My confidence is shattered." "Enough nonsense. Give me the rundown on what I've missed before they come back and get wise," Lura snapped. "Still as aggressive as ever, I see. Very well then. We're getting into pricing right now. The value these people have for their items, honestly. So fickle about it.

I've been hitting a roadblock constantly because they refuse to show me any hidden fees that we might run into. Price of transportation, maintenance, replacement of anything damaged, nothing! Makes no sense as to why they're keeping it hidden, that just screams, 'Hey, we're scamming you,' in my opinion. So unprofessional." Felix scoffed. Lura paused for a moment. "What if you cancelled the negotiations?"

Her question was so unexpected that Felix broke his dramatics for a minute, staring at her in shock. "Cancelled? That is the complete opposite of my goal!" "I am aware, and it's also likely the opposite of theirs too. What if we simply used some reverse psychology and pretended to walk out on them? No offense, but they must be desperate to seal the deal if they've been putting up with your antics."

Felix frowned. "You say no offense, and then you say something very offensive. Setting aside my bruised ego for a moment-"

"Get to the point. We can't have much time left."

"Okay, okay! What I was about to say was that maybe you're right. That might actually work. I can't believe I didn't think of that!"

"Don't mess this up and we'll both get what we want," Lura said as she opened the door with a smile, signaling to the Piscatorians down the hall, switching back to Lophian. "We're done reviewing things and are ready to continue negotiations. Thank you so much for your patience." The two Piscatorians seemed to regain their composure from earlier and calmly walked back inside, sitting back down at the table.

Lura shut the door and sat down next to Felix, who spoke up. "Now, back to what I was saying earlier. I have to request once again for more details of any potential hidden fees." The Piscatorian negotiator frowned, clearly showing their distaste. "I have already explained this to you counselor. I do not have the clearance to give you such information. Such details are classified." Felix let out a dramatic sigh. "Disappointing. I'm afraid we might not be able to continue these negotiations."

"What?" The negotiator cried, before clearing their throat and calming themselves down again. "Apologies for the outburst, but you cannot be serious." Lura sighed. "I'm sorry to say that we are. Every single detail is crucial when it comes to negotiations, though I'm certain you know that. Of course, we aren't saying we don't trust you, we simply expect the same standards for all our partners. But we understand, if you don't have permission to share any details, we can leave you open to other negotiations. May the currents of life bring you fortune in the future."

Lura stood up and nodded to Felix, who did the same. She made her way to the door as Felix apologized again for any inconveniences.

Three steps away from the door.

Two.

One.

"Wait!" Just as Lura reached for the door handle, webbed claws grabbed her shoulder, frantically though not too forcefully. She turned around, pulling her shoulder away and was half tempted to warn them not to touch her again, but kept her mouth shut.

The negotiator took a deep breath. "If these details are so important to you, I will do what I can to get a list of them. Is that enough for you to stay?"

Lura pretended to think about it and glanced over at Felix. He smiled. "If that's not too much of a bother for you, yes. Thank you." The negotiator visibly relaxed and stepped around Lura, opening the door and quickly rushing off to find documents. The concierge gestured for the two of them to follow. "I will escort you to the lobby. Please, follow me." 

The pair followed their guide towards a reception area, before the concierge excused themself to assist the negotiator. Lura turned to Felix, who was looking down the hallway they had come from. He cocked his head towards a door with a familiar icon engraved above it. The file cabinet. The archives.

Felix grinned upon noticing Lura following his gaze. "Let's see what they're hiding in there."