ORIGINALLY WRITTEN: June 2022
NOTES: This is a commission for Tumblr user kourumi focusing on the concept of Chairman Rockwell and Administrator Ludovico from The Outer Worlds meeting! I was given a lot of leeway with this plot so I went with the first thing that came to mind ^_^
It had been quite some time since the administrator found himself strolling the gilded streets of Halcyon’s jeweled capital. Business with Rizzo’s had taken a rather peculiar turn, though not an unwelcome one. It took a turn in which had him scheduled to visit the tourist colony of Eridanos to oversee the launch of Spectrum Brown, a fresh addition to the corporation’s fruitful Spectrum Vodka. He had just returned from his initial visit to the tourist destination, having scouted ahead to gain insight into the structure of the Grande Colonial Hotel and its security measures. Part of this visit had innocent intentions. Wasn’t anything new to the seasoned security professional. His job was simple: gather details to ensure the protection of the product and its shining promoter, Halcyon Helen. He had been around the ring enough times, and in far more dangerous places. Years later, and he could still hardly believe someone had successfully convinced them to allow her to film on Monarch. Monarch! There was nothing redeemable about that planet nor its colonies. They had lost an entire settlement to the vicious beasts, and it was a miracle something even survived… lest to the public’s knowledge, of course. However, part of this visit had far more sinister intentions. Had been to ensure the secretive project surrounding the product was meeting expectations. After all, there was little time to prepare now.
Especially as Ludovico sat within the Acropolis District, patiently waiting for the meeting he had scheduled with Byzantium’s own scientific council to present Rizzo’s updated findings. When he first sat, time seemed to creep by at an impossibly slow pace. Yet as soon as his mind wandered, he haphazardly glanced at his wristwatch and nearly jumped out of his skin. There was such little time that there were approximately ten minutes for Ludovico to find his way through the Halcyon Holdings Corporation Building and to the meeting room. At least five minutes were spent at the security checkpoint biting tongues and impatiently tapping his foot. He spent studying the layout of the building, checking and rechecking engraved plates to find the correct floor number. And finally, two were spent in the elevator attempting to refocus his attention to the content of his presentation. It was a miracle that the presentation had gone smoothly as it had, considering the circumstances of his arrival, but Halcyon’s scientists seemed pleased by the results of the pet project. So much so, in fact, that they’d given the final go ahead.
The product launch date was set in stone. Everything would, theoretically, go without a hitch.
Ludovico swelled with pride as he left the boardroom, mind off in the distance as he stepped into the elevator once more. The elevator’s other occupant glanced the administrator over, brow piqued. Just as he opened his mouth to begin conversation, the elevator shook to a stop, chamber lights flickering before dulling.
“You can’t be fucking serious.”
“Excuse me?—”
The outburst and sudden stop caught Ludovico’s attention, head turning to find that the elevator’s prior occupant was the Chairman himself. And that they were, in fact, currently stuck between floors. What began as a sneer toward the other quickly faltered into the harsh clearing of his throat.
“Ah… Chairman Rockwell. A pleasure to meet you, albeit under less than fortunate circumstances.”
Rockwell peered over his shoulder, having spent the few moments since the halt prodding at the elevator’s lever mechanism and intercom system. When he realized the attempts to solve their problem were futile, his shoulders slumped, and he stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest. A few moments of silence lingered between the duo before the Chairman composed his temper enough to finally return the greeting, offering the other a mildly bemused look.
“And you are?”
“Quinton Ludovico, sir.” He hesitated before tucking his files beneath his arm, reaching out to offer a hand. “Representative employer of Halcyon Helen, though I much prefer to consider my position as Odeon Pictures' security administrator.”
The Chairman looked between the administrator’s face and hand, letting an inaudible sigh slip from his lips as he gave a firm shake. Perturbed by the touch as he was, there was curiosity in those deep eyes of his.
“Is that so? I heard something about that... The adjutant seemed rather interested in your research.” He withdrew his hand, fingers flexing as he resisted the urge to wipe his palm clean on his pants. Best not to insult the poor man any more than their situation had. “She offers her condolences for not attending your meeting.”
“Oh.” A subtle cough to conceal his surprise. “I am sure there will be another time for such pleasantries.” Should all go well with the product launch, that was. With Eridanos as the test planet, it was possible that success could mean operations across Halcyon.
A few more moments of silence followed the wishful statement, accompanied by the subtle shifting of fabric as the pair sat in another awkward silence. Ludovico opted to set his files on the ground by his feet, not entirely worried that the Chairman of Halcyon would swoop down to steal his research. Rockwell simply stood there, glancing around aimlessly. For a moment, one could swear he was counting the number of bolts holding the chassis together. And perhaps he was, for after a few passes, he shook his head and uttered under his breath. Then a few more moments of silence passed. And a few more..
“... So what is it you’re up to, exactly?”
“Pardon?” Ludovico glimpsed toward the Chairman.
“This whole research thing. It must be impressive if half of Halcyon’s scientific board is tripping over their lab coats.” Rockwell snickered. The comment warranted an earnest laugh from the administrator.
“I would hardly call it tripping.” He shook his head a bit. “Though I suppose it’s turned more than a few heads.”
“Then let it turn mine. Unless you’ve suddenly got cold feet?”
Ludovico gave the proposition some thought, glancing around as if looking for a sign. Part of him had hoped the elevator would groan to life once again, giving him an excuse to save his own propositions for another time. Fear lingered within him, and not for his audience. Quite the contrary. Ludovico was afraid of who may have been listening that he could not see. The circumstances of Rizzo Brown’s release were delicate, and he had a sneaking suspicion that someone was already on his tail. Yet a part of him felt relief as there were no signs of their circumstances changing anytime soon. For one of the most traveled buildings on Halcyon’s capitol planet, maintenance was dreadfully slow. He nodded to himself and crouched to grab his presentation notes, then stood with newfound confidence.
“Very well. Have a seat—Well, if you wish. Who knows how clean the floor is? Might be best to remain standing.” This time it was Rockwell who chuckled, and who shook his head at the statement.
“I’d rather take my chances with a sore back.” He gestured vaguely with his hand. “Go on, then.”
And just like that, dragging minutes seemed to pass with a startling quickness. The more Ludovico came to reveal to the Chairman, the more Rockwell realized that there were solutions to Halcyon’s problems. If the contentedness of workers was increased by—what was it, tenfold?—then there was the possibility that Halcyon wouldn’t collapse in on itself even with the freezing of most of its occupants. Rather than hope those remaining thawed out on Byzantium’s streets could solve their hunger issues, it was a surefire guarantee. Unstoppable productivity meant more time. More time meant more favorable odds. He could see why Sophia had brought it to his attention. Unfortunately for the duo, who had eagerly exchanged questions and curiosities, a low, mechanical whirring cut into their conversation. Lights flickered, and suddenly there was movement beneath their feet.
The elevator came to a halt on the ground floor, where Rockwell was now the one to extend his hand to the administrator.
“We’ll be continuing this conversation soon, I hope.”
Ludovico paused in stepping out of the chassis, once more tucking his findings beneath his arm and giving a firm handshake.
“Most certainly, Chairman. I look forward to it.”