Hello again! Today I've finally decided what kind of company Shepherds Inc. would probably be: a pharmaceutical company! I think this would be the kind of business Emmeryn would run. Of course, I realize I've missed out on making some healer/mage characters into medicine-developing departments, but then again, I would imagine there aren't as many opportunities for comedy or interactions when you're working in those kinds of places. Though, I also wish to have a compelling side of the story. That will continue here. Hope it's good!
"Frederick, why can't you just watch a fun program like a normal person on a Sunday evening?" Lissa whined as she pulled out her phone, not at all interested in the 8 PM news.
"I kinda agree with Lissa here, we - and by that I especially mean you - deserve to relax on weekends." Chrom said, though he continued to watch the TV as Frederick turned it on.
"I must stay aware of any important developments that could compromise the performance of your sister's company. Or your safety. My grandfather would roll in his grave if I forsook this duty." Frederick answered.
"Dear Frederick, the fact I donated our father's funds to extend your grandfather's life was not to make you loyal to us." Emmeryn said softly, tapping Lissa on the shoulder and silently pleading her to watch the news. Frederick would likely rest easier if she also stayed informed. Lissa agreed, smiling at her sister.
"The police department of Southtown has recently come upon some shocking developments. A group of teenagers were found in catatonic states as a result of a seemingly new illegal drug. The hospital is now working on helping the teens while the police are doing their best to gather information about this drug, which is difficult because traces of it have not been found yet. Hopefully the teenagers can recover: the police are considering lowering their punishments if they consent to being researched and interviewed more thoroughly."
The group was silent, all with blank expressions except for Chrom, who looked angry. "Just what we need. The scumbags who made that stuff should pay."
"I hope those teens are okay…" Lissa said, looking uncomfortable. Emmeryn turned the TV off, Frederick and Chrom turning to face her.
"Listen. I know this news opens old wounds for all of us. But I must ask that you, my siblings, keep your heads clear. Thanks to all of us, this is no longer the corrupt company our father ran. Our employees are our family, our products are good and affordable. And our profits will be used for as many good causes as possible."
Lissa nodded, but Chrom sighed. "I know that, Emm. I just wish there was more we could do to stop things like this from happening."
"I do believe it's time to invest in a PR department. Not only would it help our products reach more people, it could also help us inform more people of drugs like this once more information is released." Frederick pointed out.
"Precisely my idea, Frederick. I will see about some new hires soon…"
To: Robin Drake, Miriel Kingston, Cordelia O'Conner
From: Sully Jacobs
Sent: 02-09-2021 8:45
Subject: Weekend goals
I can't believe last weekend actually kicked ass with the four of us goin' out together. It's actually hilarious how little we have in common with each other, and yet it didn't suck. Are we one of those girls-night-out friend groups now? I never got in one of those as a kid.
To: Robin Drake, Miriel Kingston, Sully Jacobs
From: Cordelia O'Conner
Sent: 02-09-2021 8:47
Subject: Re: Weekend Goals
I also really liked it, so if you ask me, yes! Thank you for finding the place, Robin. How did you do it? I tried really hard to find a suitable place for all of us, but I couldn't figure it out.
To: Miriel Kingston, Sully Jacobs, Cordelia O'Conner
From: Robin Drake
Sent: 02-09-2021 8:50
Subject: Re: Re: Weekend Goals
Oh, I just got lucky. Besides, you and Miriel were great in helping me figure out my final suggestion, so please, don't sell yourself short.
Also, YES to the friend group!
To: Sully Jacobs, Cordelia O'Conner, Robin Drake
From: Miriel Kingston
Sent: 02-09-2021 8:54
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Weekend Goals
I had a positively radiant time last weekend. My sincerest gratitude to Sully for helping me define how one 'cuts loose'. Evidence points that this friend group we are field testing is a good idea.
To: Robin Drake, Cordelia O'Conner, Miriel Kingston
From: Sully Jacobs
Sent: 02-09-2021 8:55
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Weekend Goals
Cool. I'll make the EmblemChat group when we get off work. Don't want Frederick on my ass again or miss out on my protein count during lunch.
Seriously, though, thank you guys for last weekend.
To: Stahl Smith, Kellam Hughes
From: Vaike McClark
Sent: 02-09-2021 9:15
Subject: Fact
Children should not be allowed to watch the news.
To: Vaike McClark, Kellam Hughes
From: Stahl Smith
Sent: 02-09-2021 9:20
Subject: Re:Fact
What happened now? Did a kid in your neighborhood realize you aren't qualified to call yourself a 'teach'?
To: Stahl Smith, Kellam Hughes
From: Vaike McClark
Sent: 02-09-2021 9:21
Subject: Re: Re:Fact
Okay, so, there was an item about some new drug or whatever last evening. And dude, Ricken just asked me if I ever did drugs. If this wasn't an office, I'd punch him for that! Whatever gave him THAT idea?
To: Stahl Smith, Vaike McClark
From: Kellam Hughes
Sent: 02-09-2021 9:24
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fact
Ricken isn't a child… I think. Miriel probably told him about all those times you forgot to bring something. Your lunch, your house keys… Your shirt.
To: Stahl Smith, Kellam Hughes
From: Vaike McClark
Sent: 02-09-2021 9:25
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fact
SWEET BABY NAGA HOW DID YOU GET ACCESS TO THIS EMAIL THREAD
To: Kellam Hughes, Vaike McClark
From: Stahl Smith
Sent: 02-09-2021 9:28
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fact
Oh, I just noticed you e-mailed him from the start. Though we can't blame your forgetfulness for that one… Sorry, Kellam. You made a good point, though. I thought Vaike was on something when he forgot his shirt way back when.
To: Stahl Smith, Kellam Hughes
From: Vaike McClark
Sent: 02-09-2021 9:30
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fact
I will NEVER live that down… Kellam, care to teach me some of your vanishing techniques this weekend over drinks? Stahl, you're the second best at remembering him and finding him, so you focus on that while I pick out a place.
(And so, plans were made. Sorry about the fourth wall break here, but the Re: thing is driving me nuts. From now on, email threads will only have one re:.)
To: Chrom von Ylisse, Lissa von Ylisse, Frederick Adams
From: Emmeryn von Ylisse
Sent: 02-09-2021 13:30
Subject: PR Team suggestions and more
I believe I have an idea of our PR Team's members: take a look at these applications! Also, Khan Corp., that transport magnate in Ferox, seems to be gaining interest in the way we've been turning this company around. I'll keep contacting them: who knows, maybe we can expand into Ferox as well?
To: Lissa von Ylisse, Emmeryn von Ylisse, Chrom von Ylisse
From: Frederick Adams
Sent: 02-09-2021 13:48
Subject: Re: PR Team suggestions and more
Well, the application sent by Mr. Novichkov seems… odd. He doesn't appear to speak proper English: are you sure he's a reliable man fit to represent our company?
To: Frederick Adams, Chrom von Ylisse, Emmeryn von Ylisse
From: Lissa von Ylisse
Sent: 02-09-2021 13:51
Subject: Re: PR Team suggestions and more
Oh, I know this guy! He's been a spokesperson for, like, dozens of companies! He's like a celebrity! I heard he recently got laid off because he informed people his current company was a scam. What he lacks in proper grammar, he makes up for in charisma.
Also, if we're going to expand into Ragna Ferox, I'm going to watch the homefront for you guys if you ever go for a business trip there. That place is COLD!
To: Frederick Adams, Lissa von Ylisse, Emmeryn von Ylisse
From: Chrom von Ylisse
Sent: 02-09-2021 13:54
Subject: Re: PR Team suggestions and more
I don't know what Ms. Nagaborne means by saying we remind her of a group she used to know, but I suppose she seems like a good hire for PR. Especially if she's as knowledgeable about history and culture as she claims. Also, Lissa, aren't you constantly insisting you're capable of handling whatever the company needs from you? A business trip to Ferox should be a piece of cake for you.
To: Lissa von Ylisse, Chrom von Ylisse, Frederick Adams
From: Emmeryn von Ylisse
Sent: 02-09-2021 14:00
Subject: Re: PR Team suggestions and more
Thank you all for your input. I think with Ms. de Velve, we have our PR team primed and ready. I'm glad she seemed to trust the fact we no longer allow animal testing. Let's arrange what we need.
To: Rafay Grímm,Validar Grímm, Aversa Grímm
From: Gangrel Çelik
Sent: 03-09-2021 09:00
Subject: Step one is complete.
As I'm sure you've seen, our product has drawn some attention in Southtown. I've made sure our mules and dealers keep our cover story consistent. The idiotic police shouldn't suspect the drug to be Plegian-made.
The trail for the one you're looking for has gone cold, sir. I've tried every method at my disposal, but to no avail.
To: Gangrel Çelik, Aversa Grímm, Rafay Grímm
From: Validar Grímm
Sent: 03-09-2021 09:15
Subject: Re: Step one is complete.
There had better be a trail soon. In order for the Trader's Guild to succeed, we need her with us. That pharmaceutics company might prove useful to gain some information. Aversa, continue your research for desperate companies in need of a loan. We need a foothold in Ylisse ASAP. Gangrel, make sure to use Mustafa on any mules that run into trouble- for all the man's softness, he is good at protecting people and ensuring loyalty.
As for you, Rafay… I have something different in mind.