[ She arrives to a bar that's packed, and lively. Mostly dockworkers and laborers. Drinking and raucous, it's the kind of place where everyone knows everyone's name, and in equal parts there's both laughter and shouts. There are also plenty of dark corners, where the surly and the maligned hover β and Malkuth will definitely find it hard to miss at least one person who stands out.
I mean when one of your eyes glows, it's hard to miss.
A drink on the table in front of him, a smoldering cigar in an ashtray, the locals give this one a wide berth. There's not really an eye of fear, but more like... Respect. Every patron has a drink in hand today by his payment. They'll respect their privacy.
Silco doesn't lift his hand in greeting, but his chin inclined slightly. Augmented are hard to miss, so this much be her.
In contrast, Silco looks every bit like he hasn't corrupted at all. Except the eye, of course. ]
[ no notable scent, he'd said. the lack of change hails to it too (couldn't be arthropoda with its far too obvious wings and plating, maybe golem with its rough skin, spectral and its glamour could be a possibility too) and malkuth keeps the thoughts to herself as she crosses over to sit in the chair opposite of him with a bright smile. it's clear from the lack of looks their way that silco's paid them off in his own way, which is certainly a tactic she's taking for herself if nothing else today. ]
Thank you for taking the time to meet me, Mister Silco. I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long.
[ to see if he's direct or plays with pleasantries, gauging casually how she should progress. ]
[ It's hard not to feel... Stared at around Silco. His ever-open eye is a pitch pit of molten anger. Even neutral β with his other eye more relaxed, and half mast β it looks angry.
One ankle crossed over his knee, he looks relaxed, despite that. Constant contrast. ]
You didn't, no. You were right on time.
[ A beat, and then: ]
So? I hear you want to hire one of mine. I didn't realize he was that hard up for funding, that he needed to take on more work.
[ it reminds her of her second life, always watching her employees with an unblinking gaze. one eye, molten gold, "made with emotion" and "without soul". false, as she's learned, but it certainly makes her sympathize with the people who'd been under her. it's unnerving... but she wouldn't be a proper citizen from The City if she couldn't handle that much. ]
I don't know his exact trouble with finances, whether it's his own lack of responsibility [ because he hadn't needed to think of it before ] or a too-giving heart, but he was looking into a job at a maid cafe when he contacted me with an unrelated question. I was the one who asked what sort of work he did now, to see if I could direct him towards an industry that might better suit him, when he mentioned the type he did under you. Hence my interest, and he liked the offer enough to share in that interest. 3kon is full of people dear to him.
[ so it's no surprise he'd find it a nice thought. ]
However, I know as well as anyone born in a Nest that there's procedures to go through when drawing out contracts, borrowing workers, transferring of resources, so on and so forth... Which is why I wanted to speak to you before putting him on our payroll.
[ A maid cafe? What on earth...? (As if Silco has ever even given one a second glance.) ]
I see. Perhaps I need to find a way to teach him literacy in this realm, if it is being spent that rapidly. I do not exactly pay the lowest price possible.
[ Honestly? It almost rankles, that he isn't paying well enough for pure loyalty. (Because that is what he sees it as.) ]
Reaching out is wise. Where I am from, poaching generally is a prelude to an attempt at a hostile takeover, and I don't think either of us are interested in that.
There are concerns of mine. After all, I think one of your members [ takasugi ] seems to be under the impression that we are opposed to one another.
My talents tend towards capriciousness, so I wouldn't worry about that. They do what they think is most fun.
[ which is true at least, even if it might not be the reason one of them (takasugi) has an issue with him. malkuth laughs a little, ears laying to the side more sheepishly. ]
Actually, because of that, it makes it a little hard to tell at times when they're pulling my leg... [ her hoof taps the floor beneath them. ] If you don't mind settling a single concern of mine in return, I would be happy to see what I can do for any number of yours! Though I'm certain neither of them are anything serious enough to put further thought into as far as our current discussion goes.
[ A tip of his head, and he turns it only just slightly, leveling that eye on her. It's easy to see that Silco uses it in discussions and negotiations. Who can look into the Eye of Zaun directly, and come out unchanged?
Well, at least in a place where it's unusual.
Here, he's just another oddity. Eerie, but hardly as disconcerting. ]
A single concern of yours, was it? In exchange for any of mine?
[ Hands on the table, he gestures vaguely with them as he speaks, cigarsmoke trails with his right hand. ]
The way I see it, either you're a poor negotiator, or your concern carries a great deal of weight. I think I can guess what it is.
[ Takasugi is no fool, so someone who works for him much be just as crafty to keep up. ]
[ poor negotiator, huh. her ear flicks in irritation before she can catch it, but that's fine, too. he can think as he'd like. malkuth lays her hands over one another as she leans forward just a little, as if they were being eavesdropped on, and wonders if his eye is natural or a consequence of their current circumstance. nothing of her business, it just makes the fur on her tail puff just a little behind her. ]
I understand there was something of a verbal spar between yourself and my talent, or at least a disagreement which ended in a casual threat on his life. As his manager, I have to take such claims very seriously -- so I'd like to know first and foremost the validity of this incident, as well as weight of intention.
[ the truth of which her soul can at least detect, even if it might take all her willpower to ease it down from a straight out lie. this particular facet of ruminantia's soul is malkuth's trump card, unknown to the vaster part of the population due to their small numbers, and she intends to make full use of it. ]
I don't wish to put any of them at risk. They're valuable assets, so if it should be true then I'd like to know if it were simply something said in the heat of the moment -- they do have a talent for getting under others' skin -- or a far more serious threat to keep an eye on.
[ And then, blithely: ] Of course I did. He stumbled into a subject he has no business engaging with. I made certain to correct the error.
[ Threats were as easy as breathing. They come more readily than compliments to a man like Silco, whose entire life was a threat.
Then again, Takasugi had also touched up against one of those very few, very sensitive subjects. The kind that left him curling around it, protectively, like holding close over a wound. His left hand drifts, just so, to rest against his stomach. That subject, is far too sensitive for someone like Takasugi to bluster into.
His daughter, his killer, his entire world. He must hold that secret so, so carefully. ]
Now, as long as he does not touch on the subject again, he has nothing to fear.
In that case, I don't mind you threatened him. Both him and Rinne tend to say things they shouldn't for a rise... but don't hold it against him too much, since I'll ask he doesn't run against it again. And that you only wound him if he does anyway, since one can only learn by living past their mistake.
[ sorry takasugi but from what she understands beasts correct each other with snaps and this was valid. it does seem to put her at ease that he doesn't intend to strike takasugi down in sight though...
more importantly, it does seem that silco's a direct, honest man -- the latter at least in this case -- so that's good. it's easier to work with people like that than lying snakes. ]
That was my only concern. [ as far as 3kon went, anyway. ] And what others do you have with mine?
[ A pause. He promises nothing, but really... Was Malkuth surprised? He doesn't know if he could personally kill Takasugi anyway β but he'd certainly give it a go if necessary.
Or have it done by someone else's hand.
Clearly, not Sariel's, however. ]
My concerns have to do with the work I do, and your associate's potential interest in it.
If he works for you, I want assurance that our mutual acquaintance isn't put into the position of choosing who to be loyal to.
No questions about me, my business, or my associations. He's there for your work, not as a representative of mine.
[ she didn't expect any promises, but it is something she wanted made clear anyway. might appreciate him a bit more if he follows through on just injury. ]
I won't ask him anything, be it about your business or matters of loyalty -- those are things he can decide on himself, on the slim chance it becomes relevant, and that I can promise. When Sariel is working for me, if he is allowed to, the only thing he and I will be concerned about is the job at hand and nothing else. I'll ensure my associate knows this as well. All good?
[ Quite literally he won't have a choice. But he'll take credit for it anyway. ]
As long as your associates β all of them β are aware, then there will be no issue.
In fact, if he is having this much trouble, perhaps this will keep him afloat. I would much rather have him work somewhere that there is an understanding between us, than an unknown.
[ What's he doing that's so important? drugs don't worry about it ]
[ She Knows His Business thanks takasugi. it's not fine but time and place... ]
I compensate my help very well, so you won't have to worry about him looking for a third avenue either. Would you like me to draw up a contract? I'm quite versed thanks to my upbringing in these things.
[ what do you mean doesn't everyone fund revolutions with drug empires... ]
I thought the same, when I employed him. Perhaps between the two of us we can eliminate the Additional hours necessary to seek a third.
Why don't you draw it up? I'll review it for and potential issues. Not that I think you will, however... One never knows when something like this can be exploited if we aren't careful.
[ well............ they might have more in common than he thinks, frankly...... technically..... ]
I'd be happy to on both accounts, because you're certainly right. Contracts in The City, where I'm from, are taken very seriously, and tend to be pretty thorough as a result... so they can get pretty long too.
[ which is more lightly said, because she knows it sounds pretty nuts in the "is that really necessary" way that the city's extremes are viewed by others outside. truthfully, it isn't her favorite thing to do, but she was the front door of l corp for a reason. her quality control (heavy emphasis on control) was unmatched.
and
given malkuth's taking some folded papers out of her pocket alongside a pen, she'd obviously been hoping or expecting this to go as she wanted it? it isn't drawn up, she's simply gonna do it in front of him. ]
I'll try to keep it brief since it's a small matter for us both. What's your poison as far as drinks goes? My soul loves a good stout, so I've gotten pretty partial to them.
Hm. Just The City, is it? Well, I suppose I have no leg to stand on, given that I'm from simply the Undercity.
[ He watches her pull out the paper, and there's the slightest of nods. Another inhale. The barest mark of approval. Always be prepared to do business.]
I tend to prefer liquor, whiskey in general. [ He lifted a hand, indicating to the local that it was time for drinks. They'll come over and get her order, though it seems like Silco's is known. ]
Walk me through it. We don't normally have our own contracts where I am from β our legal structure is a bit... Loose.
[ oh, wonderful, she's actually gonna be able to tell takasugi she had a pleasant evening chat with silco? she huff a soft laugh at his own city name and gives her order with a smile, pinning his preference in mind. it's good to remember what business associates favor. ]
It doesn't matter if you were "blessed" to be born in the Nest of your District or damned to writhe in its Backstreets, if you break a contract you're more than likely losing something of equivalent value. There's a whole Office that specializes in ensuring the legality and consequence of each contract across the entire city, too -- they can and will track you down, no matter how well you think you've hidden yourself. And normally I'd put in a request to such an Office for the best security... but we're policing ourselves here.
First is formalities. The name and relevant business of each party, and what follows is our conditions of contract in the simplest, most direct wording to ensure a lack of sneaky loopholes. Lastly is the agreed upon consequence for the breach or break of contract, which can be the same between the parties or specific to each. For example, one might require the other to forfeit the fortune they amassed with the help of that contract and put them in a perilous position, and the other might bear the punishment of a bone broken for every line crossed. It's a deterrent. Or supposed to be. We don't need to follow through that far though, it's simply done because of the way The City has always worked.
[ dog eat dog, no matter how high you went. always someone ready to strike you down and pick at whatever remained. malkuth, manager of 3kon. silco... she taps her pen against the table, glancing up at him. thank goodness the city is so unusually thorough. ]
[ Zaun is a much more lawless place, and given that their laws are not theirs, it's understandable why it is like that. Even so, Silco's dream is that of nation-building, of making it into something more, and he notes down the small hints she gives about the place she is from. He has met a few from the City already, and each one talks about it differently. Most with some measure of...hesitance? Resentment? Fondness? All of it and more.
He files it away. Perhaps he'll ask about it later. After all, he intended to find a way back, anything he could gather here was of use. Even if it's ideas, methods, and concepts. Nobody has spoken at length to him about the structure, and he finds it all... fascinating. ]
Where I am from, violating an agreement normally ends in death. Unless you kill them first.
[ A thin smile. ] I don't make a habit of it. Contracts and agreements are useful, after all. How well you follow one speaks to your reliability as a negotiating partner or as a potential ally later on. Breaking them is a poor choice, unless one knows the right time to.
[ He watches her write it down, and then smiles. ]
I run a construction company. [ He really does. ] We haven't had much need for a clever name, I'm afraid. The license lists it as... oh, what did they say it was? S.Incorporated, I believe.
A construction company that employs a bodyguard, huh...? That's a first, even to me. You must work in some rather dangerous areas to need that kind of muscle.
[ silco, of s. incorporated then. she'll pen it down along with the brief, direct points of their agreement. no funny business here... it's very much word for word. ]
It sounds like we don't hail from too different of worlds though, our protocal aside. Karteria reminds me a lot of it too. [ a wiggle of her pen. ] The same kind of hopelessness.
Oh, I am never one to ignore the potential dangers. Especially here. Between Patho-Gen, the government, and of course our fellow augmented from time to time, there are plenty of hazards that one must be wary of.
[ His lips twitch into the barest tightening, that could almost be called a smile. Almost. ]
Quite so. It's something I noticed when I arrived. How... hopeless everything was. How dire. The people here want for more, and they hunger for it. [ Oh boy, Malkuth. You stumbled into it now. ] The impoverished and lower classes here are somewhat similar to me and mine where I am from. No hope, no power, and every time someone tries to attain even a shred of it from their betters...
[ He taps at the skin below his eye, though covered in makeup, it is still mottled and scarred. ] They are quick to remind us of our places, aren't they?
[ she is exactly where she wants to be no one help her ]
They are.
[ that she can agree on, finishing off the final touches and turning it around for silco's approval as she leans back with her drink. ]
I work to help them too, not so much in my spare time as... alongside my work with 3kon, nearly split despite the few hours a day offers. As performers, they give the people a moment of distraction from the often harsh reality of the world, and I decided to make use of that and their manpower in repairing the houses of those in need -- especially before winter really hit. The people there appreciate action over words, so when I showed up for them they showed up for me.
[ and that's with a soft smile, the first and probably only of the night that silco's seeing. ]
I'll continue doing that too in the longterm, since you can only build up with a sturdy foundation. [ a sigh. ] The city sure is big though, huh... with no shortage of "I want to help, but where do I start" from a handful of our fellows.
The problem is that many of them want to simply fix it.
[ he says it idly, before he picks up the paper, and starts reading it over. He's looking for pitfalls, tricks. The sorts of words that leave for ambiguity and the ability to side-step consequences, were one or the other to cause problems.
Things that would harm him, in the long run. ]
Charity. Altruism. None of that solves the problem. You fix it β the homes, the lack of food, the medical β but in the end, that is a salve. It is hardly the cure for the disease.
When one is in a position of powerlessness, what motivates them, more than anything, to claw their way out of the hole?
[ A few annotations, but not many. He pulls out his own pen, and points them out in tight script. Someone who writes and keeps books for a living. ]
The possibility of reversing that powerlessness. Their own sort of power.
Hand it to them, and they do not know how to ascend the next hurdle.
[ Turning it back over, for her to see what he has marked. ]
[ he's a shrewd one, alright. the contract office would be proud to have him... and she can appreciate the attention to detail besides. she adjusts what he points out and rewrites it on the sheet beneath it, turning it once more. there's certainly a fine balance in ensuring they're both secure on both sides. ]
I like to think of it this way: the less someone has to worry about losing, because they have others behind them to catch them if they fall, then the more they can focus on moving forward how they see fit. A lot of people ended up where they have in my city because they had no other choice -- you give them a second path, and they're likely to take it.
But I'd like to clarify that I'm only speaking of my own world. Karteria is different, and what works one place might not work elsewhere. [ silco's own thoughts included, but she isn't here to blow things up. ] There's no harm in trying lots of different things to see happens though, even if it might seem useless or just a salve from the outside. Right?
[ He takes his time to review it again carefully, his eyes scanning it. Another annotation here, or there. Much more minor.
Back and forth. ]
People are going to do what they wish to do. I certainly can't stop them.
[ Can't or won't. But he shakes his head. ]
I've seen what having that... buffer does to people. The moment they stop feeling what they lack, they begin to lose the fire necessary to change a fortune. Once they lose that, they become...compliant. It's easier to accept that which may otherwise be unacceptable.
And when that settles in, and that...comfort is established. It becomes much more difficult to push, and fight for what one is due. Especially when the barest of needs are met.
[ A tip of his head, a tightening of his lips. ] At least, where I am from, that is how it has so often gone.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I mean when one of your eyes glows, it's hard to miss.
A drink on the table in front of him, a smoldering cigar in an ashtray, the locals give this one a wide berth. There's not really an eye of fear, but more like... Respect. Every patron has a drink in hand today by his payment. They'll respect their privacy.
Silco doesn't lift his hand in greeting, but his chin inclined slightly. Augmented are hard to miss, so this much be her.
In contrast, Silco looks every bit like he hasn't corrupted at all. Except the eye, of course. ]
no subject
Thank you for taking the time to meet me, Mister Silco. I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long.
[ to see if he's direct or plays with pleasantries, gauging casually how she should progress. ]
no subject
One ankle crossed over his knee, he looks relaxed, despite that. Constant contrast. ]
You didn't, no. You were right on time.
[ A beat, and then: ]
So? I hear you want to hire one of mine. I didn't realize he was that hard up for funding, that he needed to take on more work.
no subject
I don't know his exact trouble with finances, whether it's his own lack of responsibility [ because he hadn't needed to think of it before ] or a too-giving heart, but he was looking into a job at a maid cafe when he contacted me with an unrelated question. I was the one who asked what sort of work he did now, to see if I could direct him towards an industry that might better suit him, when he mentioned the type he did under you. Hence my interest, and he liked the offer enough to share in that interest. 3kon is full of people dear to him.
[ so it's no surprise he'd find it a nice thought. ]
However, I know as well as anyone born in a Nest that there's procedures to go through when drawing out contracts, borrowing workers, transferring of resources, so on and so forth... Which is why I wanted to speak to you before putting him on our payroll.
no subject
I see. Perhaps I need to find a way to teach him literacy in this realm, if it is being spent that rapidly. I do not exactly pay the lowest price possible.
[ Honestly? It almost rankles, that he isn't paying well enough for pure loyalty. (Because that is what he sees it as.) ]
Reaching out is wise. Where I am from, poaching generally is a prelude to an attempt at a hostile takeover, and I don't think either of us are interested in that.
There are concerns of mine. After all, I think one of your members [ takasugi ] seems to be under the impression that we are opposed to one another.
Though I hardly know why that is.
[ because they're both assholes that's why ]
no subject
[ which is true at least, even if it might not be the reason one of them (takasugi) has an issue with him. malkuth laughs a little, ears laying to the side more sheepishly. ]
Actually, because of that, it makes it a little hard to tell at times when they're pulling my leg... [ her hoof taps the floor beneath them. ] If you don't mind settling a single concern of mine in return, I would be happy to see what I can do for any number of yours! Though I'm certain neither of them are anything serious enough to put further thought into as far as our current discussion goes.
no subject
Well, at least in a place where it's unusual.
Here, he's just another oddity. Eerie, but hardly as disconcerting. ]
A single concern of yours, was it? In exchange for any of mine?
[ Hands on the table, he gestures vaguely with them as he speaks, cigarsmoke trails with his right hand. ]
The way I see it, either you're a poor negotiator, or your concern carries a great deal of weight. I think I can guess what it is.
[ Takasugi is no fool, so someone who works for him much be just as crafty to keep up. ]
So tell me, what burdens you?
no subject
I understand there was something of a verbal spar between yourself and my talent, or at least a disagreement which ended in a casual threat on his life. As his manager, I have to take such claims very seriously -- so I'd like to know first and foremost the validity of this incident, as well as weight of intention.
[ the truth of which her soul can at least detect, even if it might take all her willpower to ease it down from a straight out lie. this particular facet of ruminantia's soul is malkuth's trump card, unknown to the vaster part of the population due to their small numbers, and she intends to make full use of it. ]
I don't wish to put any of them at risk. They're valuable assets, so if it should be true then I'd like to know if it were simply something said in the heat of the moment -- they do have a talent for getting under others' skin -- or a far more serious threat to keep an eye on.
no subject
[ And then, blithely: ] Of course I did. He stumbled into a subject he has no business engaging with. I made certain to correct the error.
[ Threats were as easy as breathing. They come more readily than compliments to a man like Silco, whose entire life was a threat.
Then again, Takasugi had also touched up against one of those very few, very sensitive subjects. The kind that left him curling around it, protectively, like holding close over a wound. His left hand drifts, just so, to rest against his stomach. That subject, is far too sensitive for someone like Takasugi to bluster into.
His daughter, his killer, his entire world. He must hold that secret so, so carefully. ]
Now, as long as he does not touch on the subject again, he has nothing to fear.
[ At the moment. ]
no subject
[ sorry takasugi but from what she understands beasts correct each other with snaps and this was valid. it does seem to put her at ease that he doesn't intend to strike takasugi down in sight though...
more importantly, it does seem that silco's a direct, honest man -- the latter at least in this case -- so that's good. it's easier to work with people like that than lying snakes. ]
That was my only concern. [ as far as 3kon went, anyway. ] And what others do you have with mine?
no subject
Or have it done by someone else's hand.
Clearly, not Sariel's, however. ]
My concerns have to do with the work I do, and your associate's potential interest in it.
If he works for you, I want assurance that our mutual acquaintance isn't put into the position of choosing who to be loyal to.
No questions about me, my business, or my associations. He's there for your work, not as a representative of mine.
no subject
I won't ask him anything, be it about your business or matters of loyalty -- those are things he can decide on himself, on the slim chance it becomes relevant, and that I can promise. When Sariel is working for me, if he is allowed to, the only thing he and I will be concerned about is the job at hand and nothing else. I'll ensure my associate knows this as well. All good?
no subject
As long as your associates β all of them β are aware, then there will be no issue.
In fact, if he is having this much trouble, perhaps this will keep him afloat. I would much rather have him work somewhere that there is an understanding between us, than an unknown.
[ What's he doing that's so important?
drugsdon't worry about it ]no subject
I compensate my help very well, so you won't have to worry about him looking for a third avenue either. Would you like me to draw up a contract? I'm quite versed thanks to my upbringing in these things.
no subject
I thought the same, when I employed him. Perhaps between the two of us we can eliminate the Additional hours necessary to seek a third.
Why don't you draw it up? I'll review it for and potential issues. Not that I think you will, however... One never knows when something like this can be exploited if we aren't careful.
no subject
I'd be happy to on both accounts, because you're certainly right. Contracts in The City, where I'm from, are taken very seriously, and tend to be pretty thorough as a result... so they can get pretty long too.
[ which is more lightly said, because she knows it sounds pretty nuts in the "is that really necessary" way that the city's extremes are viewed by others outside. truthfully, it isn't her favorite thing to do, but she was the front door of l corp for a reason. her quality control (heavy emphasis on control) was unmatched.
and
given malkuth's taking some folded papers out of her pocket alongside a pen, she'd obviously been hoping or expecting this to go as she wanted it? it isn't drawn up, she's simply gonna do it in front of him. ]
I'll try to keep it brief since it's a small matter for us both. What's your poison as far as drinks goes? My soul loves a good stout, so I've gotten pretty partial to them.
Malkuth is a girl after my own heart
[ He watches her pull out the paper, and there's the slightest of nods. Another inhale. The barest mark of approval. Always be prepared to do business.]
I tend to prefer liquor, whiskey in general. [ He lifted a hand, indicating to the local that it was time for drinks. They'll come over and get her order, though it seems like Silco's is known. ]
Walk me through it. We don't normally have our own contracts where I am from β our legal structure is a bit... Loose.
[ it's crime city ]
she loves a hearty pull off the tap
It doesn't matter if you were "blessed" to be born in the Nest of your District or damned to writhe in its Backstreets, if you break a contract you're more than likely losing something of equivalent value. There's a whole Office that specializes in ensuring the legality and consequence of each contract across the entire city, too -- they can and will track you down, no matter how well you think you've hidden yourself. And normally I'd put in a request to such an Office for the best security... but we're policing ourselves here.
First is formalities. The name and relevant business of each party, and what follows is our conditions of contract in the simplest, most direct wording to ensure a lack of sneaky loopholes. Lastly is the agreed upon consequence for the breach or break of contract, which can be the same between the parties or specific to each. For example, one might require the other to forfeit the fortune they amassed with the help of that contract and put them in a perilous position, and the other might bear the punishment of a bone broken for every line crossed. It's a deterrent. Or supposed to be. We don't need to follow through that far though, it's simply done because of the way The City has always worked.
[ dog eat dog, no matter how high you went. always someone ready to strike you down and pick at whatever remained. malkuth, manager of 3kon. silco... she taps her pen against the table, glancing up at him. thank goodness the city is so unusually thorough. ]
And what should I put down for you, Mister Silco?
π€
He files it away. Perhaps he'll ask about it later. After all, he intended to find a way back, anything he could gather here was of use. Even if it's ideas, methods, and concepts. Nobody has spoken at length to him about the structure, and he finds it all... fascinating. ]
Where I am from, violating an agreement normally ends in death. Unless you kill them first.
[ A thin smile. ] I don't make a habit of it. Contracts and agreements are useful, after all. How well you follow one speaks to your reliability as a negotiating partner or as a potential ally later on. Breaking them is a poor choice, unless one knows the right time to.
[ He watches her write it down, and then smiles. ]
I run a construction company. [ He really does. ] We haven't had much need for a clever name, I'm afraid. The license lists it as... oh, what did they say it was? S.Incorporated, I believe.
[ He hadn't pressed the issue. It's a front. ]
no subject
[ silco, of s. incorporated then. she'll pen it down along with the brief, direct points of their agreement. no funny business here... it's very much word for word. ]
It sounds like we don't hail from too different of worlds though, our protocal aside. Karteria reminds me a lot of it too. [ a wiggle of her pen. ] The same kind of hopelessness.
no subject
[ His lips twitch into the barest tightening, that could almost be called a smile. Almost. ]
Quite so. It's something I noticed when I arrived. How... hopeless everything was. How dire. The people here want for more, and they hunger for it. [ Oh boy, Malkuth. You stumbled into it now. ] The impoverished and lower classes here are somewhat similar to me and mine where I am from. No hope, no power, and every time someone tries to attain even a shred of it from their betters...
[ He taps at the skin below his eye, though covered in makeup, it is still mottled and scarred. ] They are quick to remind us of our places, aren't they?
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They are.
[ that she can agree on, finishing off the final touches and turning it around for silco's approval as she leans back with her drink. ]
I work to help them too, not so much in my spare time as... alongside my work with 3kon, nearly split despite the few hours a day offers. As performers, they give the people a moment of distraction from the often harsh reality of the world, and I decided to make use of that and their manpower in repairing the houses of those in need -- especially before winter really hit. The people there appreciate action over words, so when I showed up for them they showed up for me.
[ and that's with a soft smile, the first and probably only of the night that silco's seeing. ]
I'll continue doing that too in the longterm, since you can only build up with a sturdy foundation. [ a sigh. ] The city sure is big though, huh... with no shortage of "I want to help, but where do I start" from a handful of our fellows.
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[ he says it idly, before he picks up the paper, and starts reading it over. He's looking for pitfalls, tricks. The sorts of words that leave for ambiguity and the ability to side-step consequences, were one or the other to cause problems.
Things that would harm him, in the long run. ]
Charity. Altruism. None of that solves the problem. You fix it β the homes, the lack of food, the medical β but in the end, that is a salve. It is hardly the cure for the disease.
When one is in a position of powerlessness, what motivates them, more than anything, to claw their way out of the hole?
[ A few annotations, but not many. He pulls out his own pen, and points them out in tight script. Someone who writes and keeps books for a living. ]
The possibility of reversing that powerlessness. Their own sort of power.
Hand it to them, and they do not know how to ascend the next hurdle.
[ Turning it back over, for her to see what he has marked. ]
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I like to think of it this way: the less someone has to worry about losing, because they have others behind them to catch them if they fall, then the more they can focus on moving forward how they see fit. A lot of people ended up where they have in my city because they had no other choice -- you give them a second path, and they're likely to take it.
But I'd like to clarify that I'm only speaking of my own world. Karteria is different, and what works one place might not work elsewhere. [ silco's own thoughts included, but she isn't here to blow things up. ] There's no harm in trying lots of different things to see happens though, even if it might seem useless or just a salve from the outside. Right?
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Back and forth. ]
People are going to do what they wish to do. I certainly can't stop them.
[ Can't or won't. But he shakes his head. ]
I've seen what having that... buffer does to people. The moment they stop feeling what they lack, they begin to lose the fire necessary to change a fortune. Once they lose that, they become...compliant. It's easier to accept that which may otherwise be unacceptable.
And when that settles in, and that...comfort is established. It becomes much more difficult to push, and fight for what one is due. Especially when the barest of needs are met.
[ A tip of his head, a tightening of his lips. ] At least, where I am from, that is how it has so often gone.
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