DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
UCC (UMMA) Managers Forum
HTML https://umma.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Dragon's Den
*****************************************************
#Post#: 201--------------------------------------------------
Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: Dragons Den Date: August 23, 2014, 1:49 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Just felt like whipping up some background story stuff. I've
enjoyed what has come from the RSI stable and thought some of my
own contributions could be fun. In this one, Dragon comes across
a fighter he decides he HAS to have in the stable. It's current,
as I'm trying to sign this fighter now. Here's the RP version of
it. I have left the fighter nameless in the first part
deliberately for effect. Whether it works is another thing. From
part 2 I may reveal who it is we're after. I don't know. But in
part 3 she'll be involved so you'll know then at the latest.
I'll post all the parts in this thread. Thanks for reading!
Dragon jumped as the knock at his office door dragged him out of
the film he had been completely absorbed in. He lifted his head
above the screen and almost shouted at the door.
“Come in.”
The large mahogany double doors drifted open and in stepped
Dragon’s Den team leader, Sophia Bush.
“You wanted to see me, Boss?”
“Oh, hey Sophs, yeah, come check this out. And didn't I tell you
not to call me 'Boss'? It sounds so… serious.”
“Well, first, you’re supposed to be serious, and second, didn't
I tell you not to call me ‘Sophs’?”
Dragon dramatically swatted both comments away with his hand.
“Bah, nobody likes a serious manager.”
“Some fighters actually prefer it.”
“What? Like who?”
“Alyssa, for one.”
“Sh*t, don’t get me started on Milano. If it was up to her the
facility wouldn’t have a bar and there’d be no pants-off
Fridays.”
“You mean, like the other, successful stables?”
Dragon waved his arms about, as if displaying the entire
organisation in one movement.
“We’re not successful? We’ve got two titles!”
“Well, Caroline and Rachel have titles; titles, may I add, that
they had before they arrived here.”
“Well, they haven’t lost them here.”
Sophia stifled a giggle. “I guess that’s something.”
Eager to change the subject, Dragon beckoned Sophia to the other
side of his desk with one hand and pointed to his computer
screen with the other. “What do you think of this chick?”
Sophia’s eyes narrowed, sensing there was going to be more to
that question. She slid around Dragon’s desk and studied the
screen. The look on her face changed completely. She looked
excited.
“Oh my lord… I love her.”
“Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!”
“Wait, why are you watching a movie and not her fight video?”
“Um… two reasons.”
“Yeah?”
“Well, I’m slightly enamoured, so I’ve exhausted all the footage
I have, but mostly, I don’t have access to all the footage.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow cynically. “And why would you not have
access to all the footage?”
She knew the answer full well; she just wanted to hear it come
out of the mouth of her reckless manager.
“Um… she’s not exactly, a, uh… she’s not a free agent.”
“No sh*t.”
The two glanced back and forth between each other and the
computer screen. It felt like minutes before either spoke again.
Sophia couldn’t take it anymore.
“Damnit, what do you need me to do?”
“Ah, glad you asked,” Dragon smiled widely. “I want you to get
into Big Sports Inc. headquarters and have a chat to her. Get
her to come meet me about a contract.”
“And why can’t you talk to her yourself?”
“You kidding? They won’t let me anywhere near BSI.”
“You can’t make them an offer or something?”
Dragon looked like a kid caught red-handed at the cookie jar.
“Um… we don’t have the appropriate funds.”
“The Den is f@cking broke?”
“No, no, we’re not broke. But, I am waiting for you amateurs to
start notching some wins. We’re in serious need of some bonuses.
Signing McAdams wasn’t a cheap endeavour, you know.”
“You’ve lost the plot, you know that?”
“Yeah, that’s not a recent development.”
Sophia sighed defeatedly, knowing she really didn’t have much of
a choice.
“So what on Earth am I meant to tell her? ‘Hey, I think it’s a
good idea if you leave your paid gig for an unpaid gig with a
rookie stable that can’t string enough wins together to stay in
the red.’”
“I wouldn’t say that…”
“This really doesn’t seem viable. Besides, do we even know if
she can fight? I don’t know that signing a fighter because of a
schoolboy crush is such a strong strategy.”
“Okay, under no circumstances do you tell her we’re broke and
can’t pay her unless someone wins at this Maxim tournament next
week, and under absolutely no circumstances do you tell her
about the crush.”
“Wait, so you genuinely do? You know that was mostly a joke,
right?”
“Um… yeah, I was joking too. Ha –“
“Wow. This is really not a good idea.”
“Because I like the girl? Come on, there’s more to it than that.
I can sense an energy in her. Something that’s going to get the
job done.”
“The same energy that all the failing fighters around here have?
And it’s not just that. It’s because you do not ever mix
business and pleasure. You don’t see other stables doing it.”
“Well, you don’t know that. Maybe they’re discreet. Also, it
worked out fine between you and me.”
“Yeah, because you’ve seen what I can do in the cage and I
distinctly remember telling you if you flirted with me again
you’d wind up with a face like Rosamund Pike’s.”
Dragon let out a short but monstrous laugh. “I remember that
fight. I didn’t see her in front of a camera for a while after.”
“Precisely. And I’ll be passing on the same advice to your new
friend, should she be as batsh*t crazy as I am and actually end
up in your office.”
“I can only hope. So, you’ll do it?”
Sophia sighed loudly. “Of course. I’ll try. What’s in it for
me?”
“Um... the satisfaction of a stable-leader’s job well done?”
“I expect a raise.”
“We’ve just been through this…”
“You’re not paying me enough as it is. I’m the face of this
stable, I should be on a much better pay grade. Just put it into
effect when we actually start making money.”
“Oh great, and then I gotta give everyone a raise. I know how
this goes. You'll form one of those pesky unions or something.”
“I’m not doing it for nothing.”
“Fine. I’ll slip you something under the table.”
“What?! Eww!”
“Huh?” Dragon looked genuinely confused for a moment. “Oh what?
No! That’s not what I meant. Head out of the gutter, Sophia.
Cash. I’ll slip you cash money under the table.” He shook his
head in disbelief. “Sh*t, really.”
“Oh, thank God. I was about to remind you of the Rosamund Pike
threat.”
“Just go find this lass and see if you can’t convince her to
come have a chat with me. Be your charming self. Everything will
be fine.”
“Okay, I’ll report back shortly.” She smirked as she headed for
the doors. “Enjoy the movie, Boss.”
And with that, Sophia was gone, to leave Dragon waiting in
suspense until she should return.
... Stay tuned for part 2!
#Post#: 203--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: RampageSports Date: August 23, 2014, 4:53 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I'm tuned. :D
Looking forward to seeing who you have in mind, as well as
getting a look at Sophia's sales approach. :)
#Post#: 204--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: umma-manager Date: August 23, 2014, 8:58 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Great stuff....you guys are really making this place come alive.
I'll have to start posting RP from the Lingerie Girls!
#Post#: 208--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: Dragons Den Date: August 24, 2014, 10:37 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Many thanks to both of you! Yeah, Sophia's sales approach is
going to have to be good. But hey, she wasn't appointed team
leader for nothing.
Mr Manager, you most definitely should. We'd all love to see RP
from you and the ILF!
#Post#: 209--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: Dragons Den Date: August 24, 2014, 12:14 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Part 2!
That evening, Dragon was engrossed in another film when there
was a knock at his office door and Sophia Bush stepped in,
closing the doors behind her.
“Hey, Boss. I’m afraid to ask what you’re watching.”
“It’s uh… fight video.”
Sophia winked playfully. “Good to know you put as much effort
into your lies as you do into this place.”
“Well that’s not nice. You better have good news for me after
that one.”
“We got caught.”
“What? I said ‘good news’. How’d you get caught?”
“I’m not exactly unknown in those circles, Dragon. Management
recognised me.”
“You didn’t wear a disguise?”
“You don’t pay me enough to afford one.”
Dragon mumbled something indistinguishable.
Sophia continued. “There is some good news though.”
“Oh, and what is that?”
“She actually wants to talk to you.”
Dragon’s breath caught in his throat. “She what?”
“Don’t you dare look surprised; you knew when you sent me that I
was charming enough to pull this off.”
“Well, you have a solid point, but, still… what did you tell
her?”
“She asked why you didn’t go through her management. I said you
thought so highly of her, that in your strange little mind there
was no way her management would want to release her, so you
assumed it would have been futile to ask.”
“Well, I guess it isn’t a complete lie. She was happy with
that?”
“She loved it. She took it as a huge compliment. She actually
thinks you care.”
Dragon was practically grinning. “Well played, Sophia. I knew I
could count on you. When is she coming in?”
“I left her waiting in the lounge.”
Suddenly the grin was gone and both of Dragon’s eyebrows rose so
high they were almost part of his hairline. “She’s here now?
But, um…”
“Get it together, Romeo.”
“But she’s here, now, in this building.”
“Yeah, you asked me to bring her here, remember? You better get
a grip, she’s waiting for me to return.”
“Well go get her then. Don’t leave her waiting any longer.
Damn.”
Sophia started for the door but stopped as a thought crossed her
mind. “You know what you’re going to say?”
“Uh… I rehearsed a few things. I didn’t like any of it.”
“Maybe you should let me talk.”
“Sure, you can talk. You can start now, in fact. Tell me what
happened when you got busted.”
Sophia bit her bottom lip. She knew the boss wasn’t going to
like this next part. “We kind of had no choice but to tell him
what was up. He said you really should have gone to him first.
Sounds like he actually likes you. I can’t imagine why-“
Dragon crossed his arms and huffed. “Less jokes, more info. Come
on.”
“He’ll be calling you soon. You’ll want to be channelling some
of my charm.”
With a roll of his eyes, Dragon unfolded his arms and buried his
face in his hands. “I have to talk to him? Damnit, Sophia. What
do you expect me to tell him?”
“Like I said, channel my charm. Just be nice, I think he’ll want
to help.”
“I’ll do my best, but what makes you think that?”
“Just something your friend told me. Trust me, you’ll be fine.”
“Okay, fine. You better be right. Now go find our future
superstar. We’ve got some schmoozing to do.”
“Before we do, I want to talk to you about that under-the-table
deal.”
“I told you, no problem after one of you wins at that damn
tournament.”
“I want to helm a team for the stable.”
“For the Team Warfare stuff? I’m already putting together a
team.”
“As I understand it, I’m not in it. I want to run a second team.
And I want your new friend to help me.”
“I cannot imagine that ending well.”
“You don’t think we’re capable?”
“I think whatever second team I could possibly put together
would be far outgunned by the teams there now. Have you seen
them? I’m worried enough about the team I’m fielding now.”
“Just give us one shot. See if you’re happy.”
“I’m not putting you in just to take you out the next event.
That’s ludicrous.”
“Well, who’s leading the current team?”
“Probably Caroline.”
“I can’t argue with that.”
“You shouldn’t be arguing at all.”
Sophia smirked slightly, straightened up with her hands on her
hips and changed the angle of her argument. “What’s the point of
going to all this trouble for someone if you don’t think she’s
capable of helping me helm a second team?”
Dragon frowned. Sophia always did know how to get to him. “Look,
even if you two make good at your division positions, I have six
other slots to fill. We don’t have anyone ready for those, it’s
that simple.”
“Why don’t you let me take care of that? I suggested Hoopes to
you, and she’s been great so far.”
“She’s had one match, don’t get ahead of yourself. Why, is she
your hope for the Heavyweight slot?”
“Possibly. I’d have to check things out.”
“She’s mostly an unknown quantity. That’s pretty risky.”
“Are you going to let me do this or not?”
“I’m really not happy about it.”
“How about this: if I manage to talk your girlfriend into
signing today, you let me form a team. I think that’s a good
trade.”
“And I think you’re going to be the death of me.”
“Is that a yes?”
Dragon sighed. He was losing the argument quickly and needed a
change of subject. “Just fetch our mutual friend. I want to see
if you can really pull this off.”
So, off Sophia went to the lounge.
#Post#: 210--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: Dragons Den Date: August 25, 2014, 12:18 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Part 3!
Dragon sat at his desk waiting for Sophia to return. She had
been gone an unexpectedly long time. He couldn't fathom what on
Earth they might be doing. Then, Dragon’s office doors drifted
open and a bellow of smoke floated through the room. Dragon
looked confused, but didn’t shift from behind his desk. Then
Sophia Bush strode into the room carrying an old-school boom box
and with the press of a button, on blasted the tune ‘Low’ by Flo
Rida.
Sophia announced at the top of her lungs, “Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome, all the way from BSI headquarters, standing at
five feet, five inches and weighing in at one-hundred-and-twenty
pounds, the woman of the hour, BRIAAAANNNNAAAAAA
EVIGAAAAAAAN!!!”
Sophia grooved with the boom box as Briana Evigan
whole-heartedly danced her way into the office through the
clouds of smoke. Dragon’s jaw dropped.
After the best part of a minute, Sophia stopped the music and
closed the doors as Dragon sat bewildered by the extravaganza.
“Wow, that’s an entrance. I don’t even— where did you get a
smoke machine?”
Sophia shrugged. “Jaimie found one.”
“And the boom box? I mean, that thing is vintage.”
Briana raised her hand as if answering a question back at
school. “That’s mine. I don’t leave home without it.”
“Well, as freakingly cool as that was, I’m already very worried
about you two working together. That was… elaborate.”
The girls high-fived and took a seat beside each other opposite
Dragon. Briana spoke first. “So, Boss. Soph says you wanted to
talk to me about some videos you’ve been watching or something?”
Dragon instantly glared at Sophia. She replied with a wink.
“First, I get the feeling Soph has already-“
“Sophia. Soph to my friends,” Sophia interjected. She patted
Briana on the knee and they both smiled across at Dragon
innocently.
If looks could kill, Sophia was gone and buried. Dragon
continued, carefully.
“It’s great to see you and Sophia bonding and all, but please,
call me Dragon, not Boss. Also…” he gulped, “I have no idea what
videos Sophia is talking about. What I did want to discuss with
you was the possibility of you coming to the Den.”
“Yeah, Sophia filled me in on everything. Don’t sweat it, we’re
just playing. This is a lovely office by the way. What’s with
the doors? They’re massive. Are they the reason you’re broke?”
This time Sophia looked startled. That obviously wasn't part of
the gimmick.
Dragon gulped again. “Exactly how much has Sophia been telling
you?”
“Basically everything. Don’t blame her though, she had to for
your sake.”
“Oh I do blame Sophia,” Dragon said burning another hole
straight through his stable leader with his eyes.
“No, you mustn’t. You think I’d be here if I didn’t feel I could
trust her? I’m not silly. And nor is Sophia. She knew I’d
appreciate candidness. I haven’t had much of it in my career so
far. They couldn’t even tell me straight up that they were
letting me go at BSI.”
“They were what? I just got off the phone to them. He said he
could afford to let you go based on another direction he could
take, but it’d cost me a big favour down the track.”
“Well, he played you, a little. Anyway, that candidness I’m
getting from Sophia— I want exactly the same from you. If you
can be honest and candid with me, I’ll be all yours.”
Dragon blushed a little at that. Sophia notice, but managed to
stifle laugh.
“Sure, I can appreciate that.” He glanced at Sophia with
pleading eyes. She picked up on it instantly.
“Oh, right, I’m meant to be doing the talking, because Dragon is
really nervous. He has a colossal crush on you.”
Dragon’s jaw fell. She was not meant to say that.
Briana was grinning, not entirely out of joy; more like the cat
would upon noticing the helpless canary. “Oh, he does? Well
then, I suppose I should ask for millions and millions. Oh wait,
you don’t have that right now, huh?”
“He does have something he can give you.”
“Ew!”
“No! Not that.”
By now Dragon was epic-facepalming, just wishing he hadn’t let
Sophia in on this. They were hitting it off a little too well.
Briana reached out and grabbed his right hand, pulling it from
his face comfortingly. “It’s okay, I’m kidding. Stop stressing.
Although, there is something I want.”
Dragon looked almost ill. “I’m afraid to ask.”
“Do you want to sign me?”
“Now? I’m not so sure.”
Both girls laughed at that. Briana winked playfully. “Of course
you do. Ask me what I want.”
“Okay, what do you want?”
“I want to build a team with Sophia for Team Warfare.”
Dragon moaned and lifted his other hand to his forehead as if he
had a headache. He may well have.
Sophia was grinning. “I’m so glad you decided to sign Briana.”
Dragon was about groan again when he noticed Briana was still
holding his right hand. He wasn’t presumptuous enough to think
it meant anything, but it was certainly relaxing. He glanced
over the two fighters sitting before him. They looked like two
peas in a pod. They were acting like it too. Maybe, just maybe,
there would be a hope for their team if they could work together
this well. He gulped again and reluctantly pulled his hand from
Briana’s.
“Okay, fine. You two can put a team together. Based on weight
class restrictions, you may need a girl or two from outside the
stable. Let me know who you’re thinking and we’ll see what we
can do. Briana, does this mean you’re with us?”
Briana and Sophia looked at each other and grinned cheekily.
“Sure thing, Boss. Just one more stipulation.”
“Ah, shit. What?”
“Sophia and I want to be training partners.”
“No. You don’t mess with that set-up. Sophia is training with
McAdams. It works.”
“So who am I partnered with?”
“You’ve got Emmanuelle Chriqui. I felt the two of you would get
along.”
Sophia smiled at Briana. “She’s actually really awesome.”
Briana glanced between Sophia and Dragon. “I believe it, but,
Sophia and I get along really well too. You can’t put Em with
McAdams?”
“You could, you know," Sophia agreed. "Em is pretty wiley. She’s
higher in the rankings than Briana and me. And we’re next to
each other by the figures.”
“Yeah, I’m aware. I’ve got the appropriate paperwork, thank
you.”
“Em’s easy to get along with, and she’s focussed. I think Rachel
would be happy.”
“Oh, fine. Let me talk to them both, but for now, I agree I
think it can work. Just, don’t make me regret it. And Briana…”
“Yes, Dragon?”
Dragon smiled at that. “Welcome to the stable. It’s good to have
you here.”
“Thanks. And don’t worry, I won’t tell the other girls I’m your
favourite.”
She grinned that cheeky grin again and Dragon seriously
considered whether this was going to bite him in the ass. Still,
he had his fighter, and the beginnings of a second team, so it
would seem. Now, he just had to wait to see what kind of
liability of a team these two girls were going to assemble. And
he didn’t want to imagine the headache the kind of girls likely
to be on that team were going to give him.
#Post#: 211--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: RampageSports Date: August 25, 2014, 8:09 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Great stuff, Dragon! The interplay between Sophia and Briana
sort of reminds me of another duo I'm familiar with. And, oh
boy... are you in big trouble. :P
#Post#: 212--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: Raccoon Date: August 25, 2014, 8:43 am
---------------------------------------------------------
That was a fun read.
'pants-off Fridays'? Perhaps Raccoon could implement that as
well...and even combine it with the Topless Thursdays...
#Post#: 214--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: Dragons Den Date: August 25, 2014, 10:11 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks, Richelle! I kind of thought that after I'd done it. It's
fun, huh? And you're not wrong - I'm in ALL kinds of trouble!
Thanks, Raccoon! Oh, Topless Thursdays! Classic! I'm gonna mark
that on the calendar...
Thanks you two. :)
#Post#: 215--------------------------------------------------
Re: Dragon's odd approach to headhunting (Story/RP)
By: RampageSports Date: August 25, 2014, 10:33 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Pants-off Fridays? Topless Thursdays? I'm beginning to suspect
I've associated myself with a band of unrefined, uncultured
barbarians.
Why, whatever is a lady to do? ::)
*****************************************************
DIR Next Page