[X] Doc Hopper
[X] Ed Dillinger
Seeing the fast food magnate responsible for introducing French fried frog legs into the American consciousness was… unusual. "Doc" Hopper hadn't been much of a public figure in the past few years, outside of the odd commercial or two that hawked his products in place of his usual spokesman. The Doc Hopper Food Group had flown under your radar pretty much since its inception, with no major points of controversy. They sold fast food, they made a lot of money, it was as simple as that. At one point curiosity got the better of you and you decided to give the place a try. It was good enough for what it was, nothing truly spectacular but nothing abominable either. A solid middle-of-the-road cuisine that had a decent presence in the fast food world.
The slightly portly man was making casual conversation with Owen Burnett, smiling merrily as he snacked on a plate of hors d'oeuvres and sipped from a martini. Mr. Burnett remained polite throughout the mostly one-sided conversation as Hopper prattled on and on.
The serendipity of a man actually named 'Hopper' selling frog legs barely even registered to you anymore. At DEI, it wouldn't even be worth a mention.
"...and considerin' how you already got a French chain that's earnin' you millions, maybe you'll be interested in expandin' your repertoire?" Hopper drawled.
"Mm." Owen commented neutrally. "Chef Skinner's Gourmet Delights has been tremendously profitable in recent months. Mr. Xanatos is pleasantly surprised at how receptive the public has been to widely available French cuisine."
"Of course they are! Why, I just knew that my old family recipe for French-fried frog legs would be loved by millions across the world, and you know what, I was right! I'm gettin' on in years, but I wanna see my operation grow well after I leave the business."
"It's certainly a possibility that I will present to Mr. Xanatos."
Diplomacy Check: Insert yourself into the conversation
DC 70
47+26+20+3-5=91
Success
"I take it you're looking for a buyer?" You ask, sensing an opportunity to cut into the action. You take a moment to nod to Mr. Burnett; you don't know the man personally, but it does not hurt to be courteous towards what is, if not an ally, at least a respectful peer.
Doc Hopper Learning Check: What is DEI like?
DC 95
84+15+15=114
Success
"Well, well. Good evening to you, Ms. Peña." he drawls politely. "It's nice to see some representation from DEI on a night like this. Now, I understand you got some fingers in the food industry already- takin' stuff like crickets and dino meat to a lot of new tables, I respect those who can shift palates- buuuuut I gotta say, I don't think DEI's all that great a fit for Doc Hopper's. Despite what some o' those people online say, we ain't evil. We're just a good old-fashioned restaurant tryin' to bring a little piece of our home to millions."
Mentally, you sigh. While the Doctor's insistence on being declared 'evil' has been seen as brilliant satire in many places, just as many have seen it as obnoxious if not outright annoying. Still, you doubted that you could change it at this point, the Doctor would most likely switch it back as soon as he was able.
Diplomacy Check: Convince Doc Hopper that DEI is a good fit
DC 100
23+26+20+3-5=67
Failure
Now you actually do frown. The whole 'evil' thing was a bit hard to just brush to the side considering it was literally in the company's name, and you could sense it would be difficult to change Hopper's mind on the matter. You offer a few vague and soothing platitudes to try and smooth things over, but you're fairly certain that it's going to require more work to really convince the man if you want to make the effort.
You glance over to see Lizzy and Owen in… conversation?
"I believe I remember you from the events of last Christmas?" Owen asks plainly.
"I do not recall you." Lizzy replies bluntly.
"Yes, I viewed it later on Mr. Xanatos' security footage. A rather… remarkable evening." Owen says unremarkably.
"Yes."
Marco and Mezmerella look at each other. "Yes, she's always like this."
Mezmerella pats Marco on the head.
Marco splutters in indignation. "What the hell was that for?!"
"This is a public venue" , Mezmerella titters. "Stay professional."
"You patted me on the head!"
"In a very professional way." Mezmerella pops one of the cocktail wieners into her mouth.
"Why are you still making me hold these?!?"
---
Doc Hopper's Buyout DC unchanged.
