Alexandra let her head drop into her hands as soon as the door closed. This was girl number ... uhmm, twenty something? And she'd only found two who made it to the photo shoot. At least she was happy that the launch of Kettler Cosmetics was nearing. She had all the approvals she needed, the cosmetics were being produced, negotiations with famous shops were going just fine. All she really needed now were the faces for the different types of cosmetics her company produced.

There were many who had applied when she'd published the job offer, of course, some already famous in the industry, others who were looking for that fame. She'd seen so many faces and personalities today that Alexandra felt that were enough for a lifetime. Unfortunately, there were at least ten girls waiting outside her office to be interviewed. She was aware that thirty more girls were scheduled for tomorrow and who knew just how many had applied.

Pushing herself out of her chair, she stretched, yawning slightly. Alexandra walked over to the coffee machine. Usually, Ann, her secretary, brought her coffee. But with so many girls outside the office, Alexandra considered the woman was busy enough. After pouring herself a cup, she leaned against the counter, stretching her legs while enjoying the bittersweet taste of the coffee. Well, at least she'd picked a comfortable outfit for the day. Well, much more comfortable that the usual ones. Sighing, Alexandra headed back to her desk, placing the coffee to her side and picked the next folder from the pile.

While the folder was being opened, she pushed a button on the phone and spoke to her secretary. "Okay Ann. Send in the next girl." Half paying attention to the door, half to the folder, Alexandra enjoyed one last sip of coffee before the interview began.

Riley wasn’t nervous. What was there to be nervous about? She was either going to get the job, or someone else was. That’s the way the industry went, and that’s what some of the little girls in this room needed to learn. Modeling was not for the faint of heart and some of these girls looked about ready to do just that. Faint. Part of her wanted to tell them that they shouldn’t sweat it so much. Let them know that there were plenty of jobs out there for girls like them. That part of her wanted to do it, not because she’d be doing them a favor, but because she’d so desperately hoped someone would tell her those things when she was in the same position.

She kept her mouth shut. This was competition. The type that Riley usually lost. Real modeling gigs didn’t usually dig her, she wasn’t tall enough, she wasn’t flat-chested enough, her hips were too big. All the things that made her great at what she actually did made her horrible for the job she’d really wanted. It wasn’t her fault, but it was her lot in life. Some of the girls sitting in the room with her would figure it out soon enough. Or they’d be like her and find out way too late.

Her name was called and Riley stood, portfolio clutched in her hands. There was swagger in the way she walked, and not a hint of nervousness showed around the edges. She’d dressed prettily, but not even the slightest big skimpy. Her skirt was fashionably tight in the hips with a narrow pencil skirt. Her white shirt was tucked-in, with just a small v of polka dotted camisole peeking out from the top two buttons. Her heels clicked on the tiled floor as she walked through the doors to the interview….and found herself faced with someone who had to be at least five years her junior.

Riley smiled beatifically, attempting to hide the instant bitterness that flooded her. What kind of world was it that a kid could have a company like this while people like Riley struggled just to pay rent every month? She pushed it aside, there was no time for anything like that. She needed the money, and the connections. Legit work was legit work, no matter how old the patron was.

”Hello.” Riley said, approaching the desk and tucking her portfolio under her left arm as she held out her right to shake.

”I’m Riley Sommers.” she said simply. If pin-up modeling had taught Riley anything…it was that sometimes less…was a whole lot more.

The door opened and Alexandra's attention was now focused on the woman who'd entered. She could tell by her walking that she wasn't nervous. It wasn't the first one who walked inside with confidence today but she was one of the few. It certainly was a nice break from the shaking and lip biting she'd seen most of the time. Alexandra looked at the file in front of her - the Curriculum Vitae she'd asked the applicants to send in to be scheduled for an interview. Eyes shifted from her name - Riley Sommers - and briefly scanned the modeling jobs she'd done before. She wasn't new to the business and that was visible.

Alexandra looked at Riley, analyzing. She had a pretty face. Expressive eyes. And she looked like a real woman, not like she was starving herself to death. In Alexandra's eyes, it was a plus.

”Hello. I’m Riley Sommers.”

Alexandra nodded in response. "Hello." Her hand moved up to greet the woman's and shook it briefly. "Alexandra Kettler." Drawing her hand back and placing it on the desk where it met the other, Alexandra gestured toward one of the chairs in front of the desk. "Take a seat, please." Allowing herself to feel comfortable into her chair, Alexandra waited for Riley to take a seat before speaking again. "Before I look at your portfolio, I'll ask you a few questions."

Alexandra smirked for a moment, quite curious how this one would handle her first question. "Tell me Riley. What's your opinion on mutants?" She'd seen many reactions to this first question, from a look of utter shock to nervous laughing. And while it was hard to believe, she wasn't discriminating. Yes, she usually liked to see some humans squashed under her shoe like roaches but for most, indifference was her attitude of choice. She was familiar with the fact that humans could be better than humans when it came to doing a job - a fact demonstrated by the fact that most of her employees were humans. But the last thing she really wanted was an employee that hated mutants. Not when indifference was good enough for her.

Riley simply looked back as the younger woman across the desk gave her a once-over. This was all business, and it was comfortable. Riley was used to people looking at her. She was also used to interviews, she’d done plenty.

The girl invited her to take a seat and Riley did, crossing her legs at the ankles and turning to the side so she still faced her potential employer. Questions were to be first. That was no surprise, this was an interview, after all. . It was all expected. The question, however, was not.

She simply rose an eyebrow for a moment, then chuckled, shaking her head. ”That depends.” she said, leaning back a little in the seat, ”How do you feel about adapteds?”

She paused for a moment to see if the girl knew the term. Just in case she didn’t, Riley shrugged and smiled, there was no point in trying to hide what she was. The girl would find out sooner or later, and better to be honest. ”I’m assuming you’re asking because you’re a mutant. Can you use your power right now?” The girl was probably going to freak out. Riley was probably going to lose this job opportunity…but, at least Riley would get to see the look on the girl’s face.

”That depends. How do you feel about adapteds? I’m assuming you’re asking because you’re a mutant. Can you use your power right now?"

That, Alexandra did not expect. She wasn't familiar with the term 'adapteds' (it made her chuckle mentally a bit, really), with the concept, however... For the sake of trying, Alexandra tried to visualize the molecules of oxygen somewhere behind Riley's head. It didn't work. This one, it seemed, nullified her powers completely, unlike Lenna who weakened them. She wasn't surprised though - as she remembered the other adapted she'd met speaking about stronger auras back in the Romanian hotel room.

The bit of surprise she'd felt, Alexandra hid. Her eyebrow arched, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Honest. And bold. I like." She leaned back into her chair, letting her hands fall into her lap. She'd lie if she said she was entirely comfortable around adapteds, but, after the Romanian camps, she'd become less dependent on her powers. And she could see past the cover of the book now. Alexandra locked eyes with Riley. She liked her so far, but there was one lesson she needed to learn. "However. I am the one asking the questions, for now." In her company, employees did what she said. Never the other way around.

Riley had to give the other woman credit, she’d taken the whole “adapted” thing in stride and haddn’t even freaked out when she’d realized her mutant powers were under wraps for the time being. The fact that she was in fact a mutant, Riley made mental note of. It was useful information to know about your employer, it gave ‘occupational hazard’ an entirely different meaning. Riley thought about that for a moment and met Circe’s gaze. At least the interviewer didn’t need her powers to breathe or anything.

The next comment almost ended the interview. Riley wasn’t a fan of anyone who took that tone with her, no matter how much money they had or how many job offers she’d be shoving back down their throat. Who the hell did she think she was? The older woman opened her mouth to say just that, and then closed it with a snap. She took a deep breath instead and gripped the portfolio a little more tightly between her hands. Rent was rent, and work in the more legit sectors of the industry was rare enough that even Riley knew when to shut her mouth and nod her head.

She shut her mouth, she nodded her head. She even smiled a little to show what a good little employee she could be. ”I’d be more than happy to tell you anything you need to know.” she answered.

Alexandra watched Riley's rebellion trying to surface with interest. She always liked people who stood up for themselves. But she liked people who knew what was best for them even better. When the rebellious attitude faded away and Riley managed to smile, Alexandra offered a smile of her own.

What Riley probably didn't understand was that she wasn't the only mutant in this company. That, if she got the job, she would be around other mutants, not just her. Alexandra nodded in approval, as Riley had proved herself capable of controlling herself. "Well, you can start by answering my previous question." She paused for a second, before repeating the said question. "What's your opinion on mutants?"

The other woman still wanted to know how Riley felt about mutants. She couldn’t help but sigh a little bit and raise a hand to pat her hair. Running her fingers through it wouldn’t do. It was a derisive sigh, or an impatient sigh, it was simply a chance for Riley to gather her thoughts before speaking. When she did speak, she looked the other woman in her blue eyes.

”I don’t have a problem with anyone as long as they mind their manners and don’t try to act like they’re above me. “ she paused here, not entirely sure whether or not she should go on.

”Mostly, mutants are really uncomfortable around me. Lots of glares, and muttering, and..’oh my god you made me blind…’ when it’s really not my fault. “ Riley shrugged, ”Either that, or they look at me like they want to take me apart and figure out how I work.”

She was still looking the other woman in the eyes, and what she said was the truth. If it ruined the interview….well, there had been several wanted ads in the paper that morning.

Alexandra quietly nodded at Riley. Yes, she could perfectly understand what the other woman was saying. It was a brief and yet a very fitting description of her world, as well. Alexandra simply smirked. “ I am familiar with the feeling. ” She commented, pushing herself up from the chair to pick up her coffee. She let the few seconds she needed to sip and enjoy her coffee to become a much needed pause. No matter whom the person in front of her was, the situation was always tense after that first question.

Placing the cup back, Alexandra straightened her back and rested her forearms on the desk, her eyes shifting back to Riley. “Okay. Next question, Riley.” Alexandra relaxed and painted a casual smile on her face. “Tell me three of your personality traits, and the effect they have on your work.”