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Insight 2.6
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Thursday, April 14, 2011.
"What are we going to do now?" Amy asked.
Amy was the best thing that happened to me in years. I was going to help and protect her. The first step in doing that was to get my hands on a lot more money than what I stole from the Merchants. "I have to meet with the PRT."
"You need to be careful with them," Amy said.
"What do you mean?"
"Their counterparts in the Protectorate are generally pretty good guys and the PRT as a whole does a good job," the healer said, "but they are still a bureaucracy that follow rules given by politicians or their PR people. I don't really know just how much of it is true, but I've heard about what capes in general and Tinkers in particular have to deal with. Generally, the more dangerous a cape is, the more restrictions they have to deal with. They'll try to chain you in restrictions if they can, even if they can't get you into the Wards."
"And I suppose that they'll try to make the spider-silk trade as advantageous for them as they can," I said.
"That goes without saying."
"So, I suppose I need a lawyer," I sighed. "After all, we wouldn't want to give the PRT exclusive rights to my products at a fraction of the price."
"Yes," Panacea said. "I think I know of a good lawyer," the girl bit her lip in nervousness, "but they won't like that you hired him."
"That's fine with me," I grinned. "I'm still a long way from getting over what Shadow Stalker was allowed to do. Irritating them would be a bonus."
"His name is Quinn Calle," the healer said. "I've met him in the aftermath of a cape fight. A lot of time, he's kind of a lawyer for Villains, though he takes plenty of cases from Rogues and independent Heroes. The PRT and the protectorate really dislike him, because he's one of the best."
"Is he trustworthy?" I wasn't too keen of allowing a lawyer who was close to Villains to know too many things about me.
"I felt that he is very dedicated to his job," Amy said thoughtfully. "I kind of thought that he was a lot like me - that he takes his rules and ethics very seriously."
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When we arrived at the PRT headquarters, I only felt a slight wariness from the PRT personnel - probably because I had Panacea with me. The civilians looked at us in interest, but they kept their distance.
I walked to the reception desk with Amy at my side. "I have a meeting with Miss Militia," I said with my swarm voice.
The receptionist - an innocent looking woman in her late twenties shivered at my voice but she kept her placid, welcoming expression on her face. "Of course, Skitter, I presume?" she asked.
"Yes."
The woman pressed a button and two PRT officers approached and nodded at me. "If you would follow us, we'll take you up to the meeting room."
"Very well." I turned to the receptionist. "My lawyer should arrive soon. Please send him up as well."
"Of course."
As the lift doors closed, I heard the receptionist with my swarm. "She's here, but she said that her lawyer will be here soon."
The woman listened to what was being said in the phone. Unfortunately, my bugs were unable to hear it.
"Understood," the receptionist said and ended the conversation.
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My senses were searching the PRT building for something that would help me in the following session. Unfortunately, using the swarm's hearing was much harder than the other senses my bugs had, except vision of course - which was at this stage - was impossible for me to use.
I found Armsmaster, and tried to listen to him, but unfortunately, there was nothing to hear. He met with another female - a big one and a female cape - Miss Militia.
We were taken to a small room with the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever sat on. Was this some sort of psychological warfare?
It didn't even take a minute and the door opened. A fat, unhealthy looking woman with a severe face entered, followed by Armsmaster and Miss Militia.
"Skitter, Panacea," the female cape nodded at me and my friend. "This is Director Piggot," she introduced the severe looking woman, "and you've already met Armsmaster."
"Greetings," I said, still with my swarm voice. "I am Skitter and of course you know my friend - Panacea."
Piggot took a seat, along with Miss Militia, but Armsmaster decided to stand behind the two women after he put a briefcase on the desk.
"I understand you are a new cape," Miss Militia started. "Given your appearance and the way you talk, can we assume you are a Case 53?"
"Such information is irrelevant to any potential trade deal. Private as well," I answered. I wondered what conclusions they will draw from my answers. I had decided that I wouldn't even try to lie. It was better to play the reclusive, private cape, than get caught in a lie. Or at least I was going to lie in such a way that they were going to draw a conclusion advantageous for me. I'd try to go with half-truths as much as I could. I had no intention of being considered a class S threat the likes of Nilbog. At least not yet. In time, my reputation as a Hero and useful cape will, hopefully, shield me from a kill order.
"I see," Miss Militia said, "that's understandable. However, the PRT and the Protectorate would see it as a sign of good faith if you were more forthcoming of things that would not put in jeopardy your civilian identity."
"Things like the nature of your voice or your general powers and capabilities," Director Piggot added. "Whether you are underage; whether you have legal parents or guardians."
"Or whether or not you are a Case 53," Miss Militia added. "If you are, we have certain programs that would help you deal with your current situation or training to improve and get your powers under control."
"Thank you, but that is not necessary," I said. " The need for you to know such private information may be reevaluated, if we build sufficient trust. In time, perhaps a closer relationship will be desired, but at this time I have no need for any close ties to any organization."
"Someone like you," Armsmaster suddenly said, "would be a high value target for any villain organization. Your ability to produce your silk would massively increase the power of any non-capes in a gang and also significantly improve the abilities of most capes. Going alone would be dangerous. Joining a organization that can protect, train and offer materials would help you significantly and ensure your long term safety."
"I thank you for your concern, but it is neither required nor desired," I replied. They'd really want me to get me into the Wards, but I'd rather get locked into The Locker than be in the same team as Sophia Hess.
"I see," Piggot said. "Perhaps in the future, your position will change. But in the meantime, we would be willing to buy the silk you produce." The Director opened the case and gave me a huge sheet stack of papers. "This is a standard contract. I do not think you will find it disadvantageous. If you sign this, you will be able to trade with us, as well as get a very high start up bonus." Piggot pointed at a number. "Two hundred thousand dollars to help you until you have a constant revenue from the silk trade."
Two hundred thousand! That was a big number. A part of me was tempted to just sign the contract here and now. However, my lawyer warned me about it. I'd decided to let him join us after I met with the PRT, mostly because I was curious to see what would happen. I had to see how they would behave, perhaps foolishly hoping like an abuse victim that things would somehow turn differently this time... or perhaps I wanted them to validate my distrust of authority. I'd wait for my lawyer and see if behind the big number, were a few hidden clauses.
After a quick glance at the contract, I moved it away and to the side, carefully watching Piggot. "I'll have my lawyer look at it," I said.
A muscle in the Director's jaw spasmed and her eyes tightened for a moment. "You do not think that a fifth of a million dollars is enough?"
"My lawyer advised me not to sign anything before he and I read it."
"Then perhaps we should take a break and wait for him to arrive," Miss Militia said. "Would you like any refreshments?"
"No thank you, Miss Militia," I said. "As the rest of Dallons may attest, I do not think most people would find my nourishment method too pleasant."
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My bugs were observing the three PRT and Protectorate people, who had retired to a neighboring office but unfortunately, they weren't talking. After a few minutes of waiting, Armsmaster stepped outside and greeted a suited man. It was my lawyer, who only greeted the hero and asked for a few minutes before we would continue the meeting.
A few moments later, a good looking Latino man entered the room. The uncommon thing my eyes were drawn to was his facial scarring.
"Panacea, I was surprised to get a call from you." The man offered his hand to my companion and then to me. "And I presume you are Skitter. I am your lawyer, Quinn Calle."
We shook his hand and took a seat at our table. "Mr. Calle," my swarm replied. "Good to meet you."
"My apologies for my lateness," he said, completely ignoring the strangeness of my communication method. "I had a bit of bad luck on my way up."
The PRT was slowing me down, my mind translated. "I see," I said. "They offered me this. Standard contract, the Director said." I pushed toward the lawyer, the contract Piggot gave me.
Calle started to read through the papers. "Well, It is standard," the lawyer said. "For the PRT, that is. The starting bonus is higher than normal. There are however some potential issues."
"What issues?" I asked.
"Well, for starters you would be giving exclusivity to the PRT for all of your products. All of your products would first have to be vetted by the PRT. There's also the fact that all of your products would be set by a so called independent commission."
"I see."
"I would highly advise you to reject this offer."
"Agreed," I replied. "I have no wish to become an indentured servant to any organization."
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When Piggot and the two capes returned, they didn't look too happy.
"I believe my client considers some of these terms completely unacceptable," Calle said pleasantly.
Piggot scowled.
"Any control, inspection or approval requirements for my client's products are unacceptable," the lawyer said. "And so is any form of exclusivity. This is strictly an economic transaction, for now."
Calle and Piggot negotiated for a few more minutes and the PRT Director did not seem to look like she was enjoying the new terms of the contract.
"Well, this looks fine," he said looking over his notes. "My firm will draw up a new contract and send it to your people, Director Piggot. It is quite straightforward, so if your people are prompt, we will be able to conclude this deal by tomorrow."
"I have large amounts of stockpiled silk," I said. "One million dollars worth of silk sheets and the same for silk thread. Same quality as the silk I provided for testing."
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Once we were finished and were outside the PRT building, the lawyer glanced towards the lines of taxi cabs. "Well, in a day, you will be a very wealthy person," he said.
"Yes," I said. "Thank you for your assistance."
"We'll meet tomorrow so you can read the final contract. Any other issues?"
"Yes," I said after a moment of thinking. I called a swarm around me to obscure us and hinder any survailance. "There is one, perhaps two more issues I'd like to work on."
"Of course," the lawyer nodded.
"First," I said, "I want to buy or rent a property."
"That shouldn't be a problem."
"Good. I want a small building or warehouse close to Arcadia. Somewhere safe - not close to gang territory and relatively close to the Arcadia - where the Wards are and the PRT. I want a location for a semi-public base. Something defensible, if possible."
"Very well," Calle said. "I'll make a list and we can look over it tomorrow. And the third issue?"
I glanced at Amy and decided to bite the bullet. "One moment, please," I said and moved closer to Amy. "Have you thought about getting emancipated?" I whispered in her ear.
"What?" Amy looked at me in shock.
"Carol doesn't deserve you," I continued, my voice low so only the healer could hear me. "I'm not sure if it would work... or if you'd even want it, but if you do, then someone like him can help you. It's your choice. Whatever you choose, now or later, I'll support you."
Amy sighed and hunched into herself. "It would mean finally giving up," she whispered. "But it would be better, would it not? Not only for me, but for Vicky as well. And even Carol..."
I said nothing.
"I want to get emancipated," Amelia told the lawyer.
For the first time today, Quinn Calle looked surprised. "I see. It can be done," he said. "It depends on your situation, how far you want to go and how public you want it."
"What do you mean?"
"Well," the lawyer said looking reluctant, "if you threatened to not heal people or help in Endbringer attacks unless you get emancipated, we could most likely get what you want, no matter the circumstances."
"What? No!" Amy said in horror. "I'd never do that."
"I had the impression you wouldn't, but as you lawyer in this issue, I had to bring it up. The way to accomplish this also depends on how public you and your guardians are willing to make it. Also on your reasons for this decision. If they were abusive..."
"No!" Amy exclaimed. "There are... issues, beyond anyone's control. I'd want this as private as possible."
"In that case," Calle said. "The best hope would be for you to convince them to sign in on it. You'll also need a provable income, housing and a few other things. If you get that, then it would be relatively easy to get emancipated."
"I think I'll try to talk about it with them first," Amy said.
"And I can provide a provable income, housing and whatever requires money," I added.
"In that case, I'll prepare the papers for this as well," the lawyer said.
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Author's Notes: I'm not sure if using Quinn Calle is quite the best choice... but he is not a senior partner in his firm (so he can take a small-medium case) and he's a specialist in cape (criminal) law... so I decided to use him.
Amy always wanted to be selfish and run away from her duty, but her family never cared or understood her enough to help her out. Amy sense of duty would force her to pour more and more of her life into healing. But Taylor... can help Amy... run away.
Next chapter will probably be a Panacea interlude.
Published: January 10 2015.
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