R
Rizzo
Candon sat outside a small coffee shop sipping a latte that was far too sweet for his tastes, not that he could taste it very well after burning his tongue with the first sip. Years spent training himself to patiently wait for a hostile to put their head in his crosshairs and he still could never wait five minutes for the coffee to cool.
"You know I'm really not a fan of the cold Mr Saintly,"
Uso would walk right up to Candon coffee in hand, large, puffy black jacket helping her cover up and stay warm. The planet hope was quite cold... though here 'outside' tended to be inside of one of the large domes that helped keep the snow out.
"I take it you were able to get the stuff? You know I'm going to be very dissapointed in SAINT if they don't give you a promotion for all that hard work you did capturing the NMX."
Candon reached under the table to retrieve what appeared to be a plank of wood. With a quiet heave he lifted it up off the seat next to him and gently set it on the table
"Neato," Uso replied, picking up the plank and running her hands along the surface. "Nice stealth you got there... You know packaging used to be a real art form back in the day on Nepleslia. Not like the crap they put out now. You could get a package in the mail that was TOO good, and even you wouldn't know that you didn't really have what you had."
"Huh, thats interesting..." He mused. The only Nepleslian culture he'd learned from his father was Yamatized to the point of being general history lacking the emotional aspect of firsthand experience. "Oh, and I didn't get a promotion, I asked for permission instead.
"I asked for permission to spend my personal time influencing cartels, pirate fleets, etcetera to benefit themselves by leaving Yamatai alone. You know, clandestine influencing of small politics beyond our influence toward mutually beneficial outcomes. I'm sure someone of your background understands things of this nature," Candon elaborated with an unrealistical ease, as if he were speaking of common daily practices, "I need contacts, influence, information, 'friends'.. I need a network and I intend to put certain people on top, people who are willing to leave the YSE alone and respect our laws while in our borders- or at least try to make it look that way on paper. While not within our borders you'll have access to a certain clandestine network that will only grow with time but first I need a volunteer..."
Candon would let the statement hang for a moment, "Would you like to be my friend?"
"I have a strict policy of requiring you to buy me dinner first." Uso teased, tucking the 'wood' plank under her arms, "Right. Mr. Buisness... Yes we are friends, and we are working toward having quite a nice relationship. I suppose I am your first 'contact' then?"
Candon nodded affirmatively.
"Oh and by the way, I do recall buying you dinner in a very expensive hotel but you couldn't stick around, " he added playfully, "or was that Yui?"
Uso snickered a bit,
"You know that's a black-syndicate casino right?" Uso said gestureing with her thumb towards the largest dome in the city... the sprawling Ice-Queen. "Invite your buddy Wazu over to it. I'm sure they'll be happy to see him again.
Syndicate tends to lose a lot of leaders anytime he shows up...
...
Noooot that it is my buisness to pry, but do you have a target picked out yet?"
The wheels in Candon's head started turning as Uso explained the Black's feelings toward Wazu.
"I don't have a specific target yet but before I start threatening syndicate leaders I'll need some muscle. I happen to own two military-grade PA's, one is a Ripper. You don't happen to know a squid who's willing to get with the program, do you?"
"Oh wouldn't that be telling," Uso said, "But you know... they keep trying to kill me or the other thing."
Uso then made some lewd gestures, pushing one of her fingers into the open hole in the top of her cup.
"... Shit, I could get into a lot of trouble just implying that the NMX are willing to work with someone. I don't need that kind of trouble. The old-man flirted with that idea too and look where it got him."
"That's some truth, but you're beyond our jurisdiction. I'll figure it out, I think I know a couple of worthless degenerates who can use my stuff. The other armor is an Elysian Anthedon. Apparently there's a former member of Eucharis who's in prison for trying to join the NMX," he explained as casually as if the people in question were already his property, "I think he might be more useful serving his life sentence in my employ. It'll certainly save the Empire a few KS."
"OH yeah, that Akemi guy has some ex NMX in his employ. But they are on the outs so its all on the up and up." Uso mused, "... I suppose I'll have to keep my ear to the ground for you."
"Akemi... right... that guy creeps me out," Candon griped.
There were other ways to find a squid that'll do his bidding, plenty of alternatives, like.............. or maybe........
"Okaaaaay," he resigned in defeat, "I'll work with Akemi's guys if I need them. In the meantime I need more cash and I'll have to build a secure method for communication, I know someone who'll be able to build private comm network."
Like a light switch Candon switched from businessman to buddy, "so how have you been?"
"Yeah good luck with that, between the Ketsuruis and the Awesomecorp every peice of communications hardware in the system is suspect. If you don't want someone hearing what you have to say you've gotta do it in person or have paired-crypto-chains for each individual so the computers can't crack your messages."
Uso crossed her arms, looking sternly at Candon,
"I'm also not playing finance-ier for you. I get what I need from the SAoY, and you get to look fucking fantastic for your superiors. That arrangement works great for me and right now I don't need to buy anything from you. Your influence with the A oh Y is your most useful asset and if you're looking to develop other tools you may want to consider how you can turn that into a marketable skill."
Uso turned to walk away in a huff, and then came right back,
"No, scratch that, I'm getting ahead of yourself. What exactly is your first mission anyways? Why do you need a squid and a comm network?"
Candon's face froze with a mixture of confusion and concern. He honestly wasn't sure what to say. Despite being immersed in women-kind since birth there was still so much he couldn't understand about them, but if he'd put it to a guess it was probably something he said.
"I'm sorry," he offered in a sincere, but thoroughly practiced way that he'd developed through use, "I was honestly just asking how the week's treated you, that's all."
"I'm looking into secure communication so that I can- well, communicate... with people... securely," he explained, unsure of how else he could say it, "the Mishhuvurthyar is just to fill a suit of armor, give my little network a heavy hitter in case things turn violent, which they will. My first mission, well, I'm still evaluating. I own a busted up cruiser that might serve as some good bait. Might just enslave a pirate to my cause or something, it's too damaged for battle."
The bold man rose from his seat, "Oh, and I'm not pining for your money. I had to kill my last financier, I think I'll fund my own operation and keep our friendship friendly."
"I like this hat," he said taking a black fedora styled hat off the seat adjacent to the one he sat on. Donning it, he shot Uso a dramatic facial pose.
"What do you think, too cliché?"
"What? No. OMG no what are you doing?" Uso asked, "Ditch the hat."
Uso shook her head,
"I mean do you even know what game you're playing here Saintly? I mean first off we're not friends. You're an agent for a government that's got a history of sending starships to blow up people like me. Any small talk I gotta screen for personal information first. Susing out important details from idle chatter is like... day one stuff, so don't expect a casual conversation just because you've shown you're willing to play ball.
Secondly, stop playing spy like its a collectable card game. Yeah you need assets but you need operations first. How the fuck are you supposed to know what you need if you don't know what you need to do? You've already got the SAoY for bonking heads. That ain't an issue. You need people willing to play ball with you... shit as much as you hate it, that means people like Akemi who can come through for you.
Or, obviously, people like me.
Shit, who even pirates anymore? Like with eyepatches and everything? I guess you're after what? Contraband? Tobacco products? Can you even smoke on Yamatai without Yui knowing?
Find someone who's doing what you don't want them to do already, and flip them to your side. Let them run their operation in exchange for pointing you to who else is doing the same thing. If you've got the coin I got people who are willing to work for it. I mean, not my people. All of MY people are on the up and up. The Blacks, Greens, Blues, blahblaghasgsdgsdgsdf. ... All thems have people you can hire. Jimmies if you're cheap, local Blues if you've got a few bucks... even got locals with power armors if you want to go the full Hanako."
Uso looked at him skeptically for a moment, "Or I suppose Shot-bot if you want the lighter touch. Guy's an interstellar level competator in shooting competitions... if it is a guy. Sells one hell of a sniper-bot."
Candon stood quietly for a moment contemplating the words she'd dropped on him. He could see why she would think him stupid. She didn't know his endgame, but whether he wanted to share the scope of his plotting was up for debate. He'd been betrayed before and she was right, being open and honest could lead to failure.
"Forgive me if I seem like I'm trying to bait you. I can assure you that if the empire wanted you gone it would have already happened. If you don't want to trust me, that's fine. Don't. But don't insist that I share my endgame with you if you're still having trouble making small talk.
Do I have a target? No. At this time I'm still deciding that.
Do I have resources? No. All of what I'm doing is on me.
What do I hope to accomplish?.."
Candon took a gentle step towards Uso to make the distance between them just a little too close, "I'll need to be able to really trust you before I tell you that."
He withdrew to retrieve his coffee. "In the meantime I need to start establishing a source of income. You wouldn't happen to have any suggestions for a 'card collector' would you?"
"You're in need of professional help. Right now it sounds like you're running off to play Spy without any real idea of what that entails.
And no idea of how to wear hats.
Establishing dominance through your wardrobe is a critical spycrafting tool. Notice how I look boring an uninteresting in this puffy coat? That's because its fucking cold here and everyone else is wearing the same thing. No one here wears fedoras. Now if you go to Fedora-planet that might change but As-Is you're going to get yourself into trouble.
You need money? You've got the SAoY. You need money that isn't their money then you're going to have to work for it like everyone else. I suppose circulating the 'Spy for Hire' buisness cards isn't the best of ideas. I suppose that means you're stuck using civil forfeture to get what you need, or taking some side jobs to help with the rent."
Uso shook her head for a moment,
"Or rob a fuckin bank. You've got a personal teleporter don't you?"
"Nope, have to do it the old fashioned way. Besides, teleporters make a mess in an atmosphere," Candon answered, "I was actually thinking about taking a page out of Akemi's book and make myself a restaurant owner. Maybe I cou-... oh, space..." Candon mumbled to himself as he realized what was starting to happen.
"I'm going to have to work with her... him... what does he call themself now?"
"Are you sure you're going to be able to do that without trying to kill eachother?" Uso asked, "... Pretty sure he's an Akemi. But you can call him whatever. Don't worry too much about getting it wrong."
"Nah, I don't want to kill.. him. I just don't want a Eucharis themed porno to ruin the career of my replacement in training," Candon replied, ultimately choosing 'him' for the sake of grammar. He wouldn't dare ask Shida such a question, he just didn't have the nerve. "Besides, it would be better for business if we worked with each other rather than against. Is there an appropriate way to contact him?"
Uso was actively covering her mouth with her hand, keeping that cup of coffee blocking Candon's view of her massive grin, "Just give him a call. Pretty sure Akemi's is reigstered somewhere... and I suppose our communications network has an Akemi mailbox. Though if you want to save some time, it might be easier for you to just get a nice working relationship and operate out of his places from time to time... You want me to get him on the phone now? He's probably still in the Casino."
"Well if he's here and free I suppose now is as good a time as any," Candon answered taking the hat off his head and tossing it onto the table, "this may be my last chance to talk face-to-face for a while. I am shipping out soon."
"Off to find adventure and fortune?" Uso asked, setting down her coffee cup so that she could work her datapad,
Sure, I'll be right there, Akemi sent back. A moment later he walked into view wearing a double breasted, rich, dark purple, fur overcoat. "Oh, what's the deal?" he said as neared their table before taking a seat. Since he was a cool dude he kept his hands in his pockets. "Is this stallion looking to sell himself? I'd rather think of him like a rented mule."
"And here I though you were going to keep all those lonely women on 188604 company yourself?... Or were you thinking videos or memories for sale?" Uso asked, turning her attention to Candon, "Ever thought about doing porn? I'm sure the SAoY girls would love a man in uniform!"
Candon shook his head, equal amounts of amusement and confusion regarding the speed at which Akemi could appear out of the blue and make the conversation about porn. "I'm afraid that there isn't a pornographic scenario I haven't lived, being the only male Neko in my battalion. It tends to lose its thrill and just become a chore after a while," he explained casually as if it was normal to talk about those things publicly, "I was hoping to start making money in the world of shipping. I know you own your own business chain. I figured we might be able to achieve a kind of synergy."
"I suppose I could help you but I just don't know after how coldly I was treated earlier," Akemi said in a theatrically dubious voice as he tilted his head. "Plus you're a spooky SAINT agent. I dunno know if I can trust you."
"Hmm, how can you trust me? Let me ask you, are you actively working to destroy the YSE?" Candon asked as he took a seat, "if not we're fine. SAINT is not a police force. I don't care what laws you break, SAINT knows I'm breaking plenty. And besides, your not operating in our space so unless your actively working to destroy us why would the YSE care to get involved?"
"That all makes a lot of sense," Akemi admitted, "but you were still a meanie. If you want my help then you can do me a favor. How about you convince one or more sprites to do a porno with me with the proceeds going to charity? Blackberry would be preferable. The more you convinced the more persuaded I'd be."
Candon shook his head, "you know I can't do that, Akemi. It's that kind of thing that threatens Tsuguka's career. You know that a Eucharis themed porno starring real crew would end the career of anyone involved. Come to think of it, that would get royal attention, at which point I'd be the least of your trouble. I'd probably disappear. I think James is living proof of how dangerous the Ketsurui Clan can be."
"Well who says it has to be Eucharis themed?" Akemi said with a shrug. "The way I see it raising money for charity is a career advancing act, not a diminishing one. Nudes of Hanako and Yui are all over the place. There's a popular book of them. Plus I bet there's at least one sprite that'd be open to the idea and not very concerned about getting promoted. I bet there's one just serving as a lifestyle thing or because it's all they've ever done."
Candon couldn't help but shake his head in bewilderment, but he knew there had to be a purpose in his resolve.
"Well, I can certainly appreciate your persistence," he commented, "see, I don't understand this. You've been in this buisness for a while now, right? Over time I'm sure you've become quite skilled and built more than a few connections to a wide variety of people willing to participate, I'm going to call you a pro. Is that alright?" he asked rhetorically and conversationally, "so I can't help but wonder, why me? I mean, I'm a big bad Yammie spy. I'm dangerous to have around in what I'm sure is your biggest bread winner. I just can't understand why you are so space-bent on having me and other Star Army people shoot a film you could just as easily get the inhabitants of '604 to do. Is it my cuddly personality or something?"
"You are cuddly looking," Uso commented.
"He is cuddly looking," Akemi agreed.
"Aw, thanks," Candon replied sarcastically, "but seriously, Akemi, it's not like you'd go so far out of your way to hire a real mailman.
Why is it so damned important that the actors be active duty soldiers?"
"He's just trying to get under your skin. The poor thing's bored and is trying to get a rise out of whomever he can." Uso explained, "Akemi's harmless really, just stop being so insecure."
"It's just a novelty," Akemi answered readily. "When I started out in Yamatai's service I was a boring, stoic, prim and proper little mewmew. I never made a pass at one of those sprites or anyone on the ship. That's all. There's no master plan here. It would be neat for publicity though. I figure it's a better request than asking you to use your SAINT skills to kill someone. Plus it amuses me."
"Huh, well that is an interesting concept. I actually think it'd be easier for me to get away with murder," Candon concluded, "anyway! Shipping. So I was wondering how interested you'd be in using the company I'm planning to build to supply your restaurants. The prices may or may not be as good, I'll need to figure out the logistics but free contraband would be no extra charge."
"Well I don't traffic in contraband buddy," Akemi answered promptly. "I might sell whale and dolphin in Nepleslia but I wouldn't be selling that in space where it was outlawed like Yamatai as an example. I could always put you in contact with other people who would use your services and I could potentially use them too but I feel I'd have to tell them you're a SAINT agent as I wouldn't want to betray the confidence of anyone."
"Yeah, about that," Candon replied, "I've been specifically told that anything I'm on my own when doing 'off the clock' personal business. No calling the cavalry, no bailouts, no Mindy. Basically that makes me just- well.. nobody."
Nobody shrugged.
"I'll be looking into that more to make sure all of my bases are covered because I'm just as law-bound as anyone. So, for fairness sake I'm going to ask that my military career stay between us seeing as it can only give the person knowing the ability to throw me under a bus."
"Which basically translates to..." Uso had to think about it for a moment. "Well... Saint guy on the payroll so to speak. Everything is above the board, no one here is a criminal. Saint guy might occationally be doing something illegal, and if we find out we have a duty to report it... to... uh, whomever handles that sorta thing...
... 'course, that'd mean you'd need to find a way to make your buisness more better than the distributor Akemi's already using."
"Better, for sure. Here's where the fabulous USO sees a benefit," Candon elaborated, "your... government? Planet?- I'll say economy. Your economy on '604 is in it's beginning stages of life. Money is just the blood, if that money doesn't flow the economy dies. People need to earn it, spend it, and repeat as needed to keep it alive.
"So, what you really need is jobs to open up economic opportunities for growth. Unfortunately your populace, if my sources are correct, have only just discovered that space isn't empty so I'm going to boldly state that they have, in general, no concept of how space travel works.
"So, the sweet and simple of it; Build an aerospace academy to train up the locals and give them jobs working on my ships, which shall be registered out of your starport- or whatever you launch from. This is recognizing the USO as a government and creating job growth and bringing money to '604 and getting the locals a taste of what the USO can offer them in exchange for cooperation. And should things go well for me I will be able to ensure premium prices for Akemi who will become my primary source of income when he makes me his preferred shipping service...
Unless I'm missing something."
"Well sounds good to me I guess," Akemi replied. "Since you don't want anyone knowing you're a spook I'd just get you work with other people if you wanted it that at least started out entirely legal and I'd tell them to trust you entirely at their own discretion."
"Sounds fine to me as well," Uso confirmed.
"Great. Now there's just the matter of training crews," Candon replied, "now I can access training information easily and I have a heavily damaged Kouken-class Escort so students can get some hands on training. How should I go about building a facility near your starport?"
"We have a starport?" Akemi quipped.
Candon's eyebrows shot up, at Akemi's question. "Oh, I thought you were going to build one," he said to Uso, referring to her comment from the day she 'gifted' him two dozen NMX POWs, "shall I build a starport too?"
"Well we got one in a sense, I was just kidding," Akemi clarified. "It's like a giant landing pad."
"We can land ships on it, that is all that really matters." Uso nodded sagely.
"Alright, I guess I'll just add on to it," Candon concluded.
"You know I'm really not a fan of the cold Mr Saintly,"
Uso would walk right up to Candon coffee in hand, large, puffy black jacket helping her cover up and stay warm. The planet hope was quite cold... though here 'outside' tended to be inside of one of the large domes that helped keep the snow out.
"I take it you were able to get the stuff? You know I'm going to be very dissapointed in SAINT if they don't give you a promotion for all that hard work you did capturing the NMX."
Candon reached under the table to retrieve what appeared to be a plank of wood. With a quiet heave he lifted it up off the seat next to him and gently set it on the table
"Neato," Uso replied, picking up the plank and running her hands along the surface. "Nice stealth you got there... You know packaging used to be a real art form back in the day on Nepleslia. Not like the crap they put out now. You could get a package in the mail that was TOO good, and even you wouldn't know that you didn't really have what you had."
"Huh, thats interesting..." He mused. The only Nepleslian culture he'd learned from his father was Yamatized to the point of being general history lacking the emotional aspect of firsthand experience. "Oh, and I didn't get a promotion, I asked for permission instead.
"I asked for permission to spend my personal time influencing cartels, pirate fleets, etcetera to benefit themselves by leaving Yamatai alone. You know, clandestine influencing of small politics beyond our influence toward mutually beneficial outcomes. I'm sure someone of your background understands things of this nature," Candon elaborated with an unrealistical ease, as if he were speaking of common daily practices, "I need contacts, influence, information, 'friends'.. I need a network and I intend to put certain people on top, people who are willing to leave the YSE alone and respect our laws while in our borders- or at least try to make it look that way on paper. While not within our borders you'll have access to a certain clandestine network that will only grow with time but first I need a volunteer..."
Candon would let the statement hang for a moment, "Would you like to be my friend?"
"I have a strict policy of requiring you to buy me dinner first." Uso teased, tucking the 'wood' plank under her arms, "Right. Mr. Buisness... Yes we are friends, and we are working toward having quite a nice relationship. I suppose I am your first 'contact' then?"
Candon nodded affirmatively.
"Oh and by the way, I do recall buying you dinner in a very expensive hotel but you couldn't stick around, " he added playfully, "or was that Yui?"
Uso snickered a bit,
"You know that's a black-syndicate casino right?" Uso said gestureing with her thumb towards the largest dome in the city... the sprawling Ice-Queen. "Invite your buddy Wazu over to it. I'm sure they'll be happy to see him again.
Syndicate tends to lose a lot of leaders anytime he shows up...
...
Noooot that it is my buisness to pry, but do you have a target picked out yet?"
The wheels in Candon's head started turning as Uso explained the Black's feelings toward Wazu.
"I don't have a specific target yet but before I start threatening syndicate leaders I'll need some muscle. I happen to own two military-grade PA's, one is a Ripper. You don't happen to know a squid who's willing to get with the program, do you?"
"Oh wouldn't that be telling," Uso said, "But you know... they keep trying to kill me or the other thing."
Uso then made some lewd gestures, pushing one of her fingers into the open hole in the top of her cup.
"... Shit, I could get into a lot of trouble just implying that the NMX are willing to work with someone. I don't need that kind of trouble. The old-man flirted with that idea too and look where it got him."
"That's some truth, but you're beyond our jurisdiction. I'll figure it out, I think I know a couple of worthless degenerates who can use my stuff. The other armor is an Elysian Anthedon. Apparently there's a former member of Eucharis who's in prison for trying to join the NMX," he explained as casually as if the people in question were already his property, "I think he might be more useful serving his life sentence in my employ. It'll certainly save the Empire a few KS."
"OH yeah, that Akemi guy has some ex NMX in his employ. But they are on the outs so its all on the up and up." Uso mused, "... I suppose I'll have to keep my ear to the ground for you."
"Akemi... right... that guy creeps me out," Candon griped.
There were other ways to find a squid that'll do his bidding, plenty of alternatives, like.............. or maybe........
"Okaaaaay," he resigned in defeat, "I'll work with Akemi's guys if I need them. In the meantime I need more cash and I'll have to build a secure method for communication, I know someone who'll be able to build private comm network."
Like a light switch Candon switched from businessman to buddy, "so how have you been?"
"Yeah good luck with that, between the Ketsuruis and the Awesomecorp every peice of communications hardware in the system is suspect. If you don't want someone hearing what you have to say you've gotta do it in person or have paired-crypto-chains for each individual so the computers can't crack your messages."
Uso crossed her arms, looking sternly at Candon,
"I'm also not playing finance-ier for you. I get what I need from the SAoY, and you get to look fucking fantastic for your superiors. That arrangement works great for me and right now I don't need to buy anything from you. Your influence with the A oh Y is your most useful asset and if you're looking to develop other tools you may want to consider how you can turn that into a marketable skill."
Uso turned to walk away in a huff, and then came right back,
"No, scratch that, I'm getting ahead of yourself. What exactly is your first mission anyways? Why do you need a squid and a comm network?"
Candon's face froze with a mixture of confusion and concern. He honestly wasn't sure what to say. Despite being immersed in women-kind since birth there was still so much he couldn't understand about them, but if he'd put it to a guess it was probably something he said.
"I'm sorry," he offered in a sincere, but thoroughly practiced way that he'd developed through use, "I was honestly just asking how the week's treated you, that's all."
"I'm looking into secure communication so that I can- well, communicate... with people... securely," he explained, unsure of how else he could say it, "the Mishhuvurthyar is just to fill a suit of armor, give my little network a heavy hitter in case things turn violent, which they will. My first mission, well, I'm still evaluating. I own a busted up cruiser that might serve as some good bait. Might just enslave a pirate to my cause or something, it's too damaged for battle."
The bold man rose from his seat, "Oh, and I'm not pining for your money. I had to kill my last financier, I think I'll fund my own operation and keep our friendship friendly."
"I like this hat," he said taking a black fedora styled hat off the seat adjacent to the one he sat on. Donning it, he shot Uso a dramatic facial pose.
"What do you think, too cliché?"
"What? No. OMG no what are you doing?" Uso asked, "Ditch the hat."
Uso shook her head,
"I mean do you even know what game you're playing here Saintly? I mean first off we're not friends. You're an agent for a government that's got a history of sending starships to blow up people like me. Any small talk I gotta screen for personal information first. Susing out important details from idle chatter is like... day one stuff, so don't expect a casual conversation just because you've shown you're willing to play ball.
Secondly, stop playing spy like its a collectable card game. Yeah you need assets but you need operations first. How the fuck are you supposed to know what you need if you don't know what you need to do? You've already got the SAoY for bonking heads. That ain't an issue. You need people willing to play ball with you... shit as much as you hate it, that means people like Akemi who can come through for you.
Or, obviously, people like me.
Shit, who even pirates anymore? Like with eyepatches and everything? I guess you're after what? Contraband? Tobacco products? Can you even smoke on Yamatai without Yui knowing?
Find someone who's doing what you don't want them to do already, and flip them to your side. Let them run their operation in exchange for pointing you to who else is doing the same thing. If you've got the coin I got people who are willing to work for it. I mean, not my people. All of MY people are on the up and up. The Blacks, Greens, Blues, blahblaghasgsdgsdgsdf. ... All thems have people you can hire. Jimmies if you're cheap, local Blues if you've got a few bucks... even got locals with power armors if you want to go the full Hanako."
Uso looked at him skeptically for a moment, "Or I suppose Shot-bot if you want the lighter touch. Guy's an interstellar level competator in shooting competitions... if it is a guy. Sells one hell of a sniper-bot."
Candon stood quietly for a moment contemplating the words she'd dropped on him. He could see why she would think him stupid. She didn't know his endgame, but whether he wanted to share the scope of his plotting was up for debate. He'd been betrayed before and she was right, being open and honest could lead to failure.
"Forgive me if I seem like I'm trying to bait you. I can assure you that if the empire wanted you gone it would have already happened. If you don't want to trust me, that's fine. Don't. But don't insist that I share my endgame with you if you're still having trouble making small talk.
Do I have a target? No. At this time I'm still deciding that.
Do I have resources? No. All of what I'm doing is on me.
What do I hope to accomplish?.."
Candon took a gentle step towards Uso to make the distance between them just a little too close, "I'll need to be able to really trust you before I tell you that."
He withdrew to retrieve his coffee. "In the meantime I need to start establishing a source of income. You wouldn't happen to have any suggestions for a 'card collector' would you?"
"You're in need of professional help. Right now it sounds like you're running off to play Spy without any real idea of what that entails.
And no idea of how to wear hats.
Establishing dominance through your wardrobe is a critical spycrafting tool. Notice how I look boring an uninteresting in this puffy coat? That's because its fucking cold here and everyone else is wearing the same thing. No one here wears fedoras. Now if you go to Fedora-planet that might change but As-Is you're going to get yourself into trouble.
You need money? You've got the SAoY. You need money that isn't their money then you're going to have to work for it like everyone else. I suppose circulating the 'Spy for Hire' buisness cards isn't the best of ideas. I suppose that means you're stuck using civil forfeture to get what you need, or taking some side jobs to help with the rent."
Uso shook her head for a moment,
"Or rob a fuckin bank. You've got a personal teleporter don't you?"
"Nope, have to do it the old fashioned way. Besides, teleporters make a mess in an atmosphere," Candon answered, "I was actually thinking about taking a page out of Akemi's book and make myself a restaurant owner. Maybe I cou-... oh, space..." Candon mumbled to himself as he realized what was starting to happen.
"I'm going to have to work with her... him... what does he call themself now?"
"Are you sure you're going to be able to do that without trying to kill eachother?" Uso asked, "... Pretty sure he's an Akemi. But you can call him whatever. Don't worry too much about getting it wrong."
"Nah, I don't want to kill.. him. I just don't want a Eucharis themed porno to ruin the career of my replacement in training," Candon replied, ultimately choosing 'him' for the sake of grammar. He wouldn't dare ask Shida such a question, he just didn't have the nerve. "Besides, it would be better for business if we worked with each other rather than against. Is there an appropriate way to contact him?"
Uso was actively covering her mouth with her hand, keeping that cup of coffee blocking Candon's view of her massive grin, "Just give him a call. Pretty sure Akemi's is reigstered somewhere... and I suppose our communications network has an Akemi mailbox. Though if you want to save some time, it might be easier for you to just get a nice working relationship and operate out of his places from time to time... You want me to get him on the phone now? He's probably still in the Casino."
"Well if he's here and free I suppose now is as good a time as any," Candon answered taking the hat off his head and tossing it onto the table, "this may be my last chance to talk face-to-face for a while. I am shipping out soon."
"Off to find adventure and fortune?" Uso asked, setting down her coffee cup so that she could work her datapad,
Sure, I'll be right there, Akemi sent back. A moment later he walked into view wearing a double breasted, rich, dark purple, fur overcoat. "Oh, what's the deal?" he said as neared their table before taking a seat. Since he was a cool dude he kept his hands in his pockets. "Is this stallion looking to sell himself? I'd rather think of him like a rented mule."
"And here I though you were going to keep all those lonely women on 188604 company yourself?... Or were you thinking videos or memories for sale?" Uso asked, turning her attention to Candon, "Ever thought about doing porn? I'm sure the SAoY girls would love a man in uniform!"
Candon shook his head, equal amounts of amusement and confusion regarding the speed at which Akemi could appear out of the blue and make the conversation about porn. "I'm afraid that there isn't a pornographic scenario I haven't lived, being the only male Neko in my battalion. It tends to lose its thrill and just become a chore after a while," he explained casually as if it was normal to talk about those things publicly, "I was hoping to start making money in the world of shipping. I know you own your own business chain. I figured we might be able to achieve a kind of synergy."
"I suppose I could help you but I just don't know after how coldly I was treated earlier," Akemi said in a theatrically dubious voice as he tilted his head. "Plus you're a spooky SAINT agent. I dunno know if I can trust you."
"Hmm, how can you trust me? Let me ask you, are you actively working to destroy the YSE?" Candon asked as he took a seat, "if not we're fine. SAINT is not a police force. I don't care what laws you break, SAINT knows I'm breaking plenty. And besides, your not operating in our space so unless your actively working to destroy us why would the YSE care to get involved?"
"That all makes a lot of sense," Akemi admitted, "but you were still a meanie. If you want my help then you can do me a favor. How about you convince one or more sprites to do a porno with me with the proceeds going to charity? Blackberry would be preferable. The more you convinced the more persuaded I'd be."
Candon shook his head, "you know I can't do that, Akemi. It's that kind of thing that threatens Tsuguka's career. You know that a Eucharis themed porno starring real crew would end the career of anyone involved. Come to think of it, that would get royal attention, at which point I'd be the least of your trouble. I'd probably disappear. I think James is living proof of how dangerous the Ketsurui Clan can be."
"Well who says it has to be Eucharis themed?" Akemi said with a shrug. "The way I see it raising money for charity is a career advancing act, not a diminishing one. Nudes of Hanako and Yui are all over the place. There's a popular book of them. Plus I bet there's at least one sprite that'd be open to the idea and not very concerned about getting promoted. I bet there's one just serving as a lifestyle thing or because it's all they've ever done."
Candon couldn't help but shake his head in bewilderment, but he knew there had to be a purpose in his resolve.
"Well, I can certainly appreciate your persistence," he commented, "see, I don't understand this. You've been in this buisness for a while now, right? Over time I'm sure you've become quite skilled and built more than a few connections to a wide variety of people willing to participate, I'm going to call you a pro. Is that alright?" he asked rhetorically and conversationally, "so I can't help but wonder, why me? I mean, I'm a big bad Yammie spy. I'm dangerous to have around in what I'm sure is your biggest bread winner. I just can't understand why you are so space-bent on having me and other Star Army people shoot a film you could just as easily get the inhabitants of '604 to do. Is it my cuddly personality or something?"
"You are cuddly looking," Uso commented.
"He is cuddly looking," Akemi agreed.
"Aw, thanks," Candon replied sarcastically, "but seriously, Akemi, it's not like you'd go so far out of your way to hire a real mailman.
Why is it so damned important that the actors be active duty soldiers?"
"He's just trying to get under your skin. The poor thing's bored and is trying to get a rise out of whomever he can." Uso explained, "Akemi's harmless really, just stop being so insecure."
"It's just a novelty," Akemi answered readily. "When I started out in Yamatai's service I was a boring, stoic, prim and proper little mewmew. I never made a pass at one of those sprites or anyone on the ship. That's all. There's no master plan here. It would be neat for publicity though. I figure it's a better request than asking you to use your SAINT skills to kill someone. Plus it amuses me."
"Huh, well that is an interesting concept. I actually think it'd be easier for me to get away with murder," Candon concluded, "anyway! Shipping. So I was wondering how interested you'd be in using the company I'm planning to build to supply your restaurants. The prices may or may not be as good, I'll need to figure out the logistics but free contraband would be no extra charge."
"Well I don't traffic in contraband buddy," Akemi answered promptly. "I might sell whale and dolphin in Nepleslia but I wouldn't be selling that in space where it was outlawed like Yamatai as an example. I could always put you in contact with other people who would use your services and I could potentially use them too but I feel I'd have to tell them you're a SAINT agent as I wouldn't want to betray the confidence of anyone."
"Yeah, about that," Candon replied, "I've been specifically told that anything I'm on my own when doing 'off the clock' personal business. No calling the cavalry, no bailouts, no Mindy. Basically that makes me just- well.. nobody."
Nobody shrugged.
"I'll be looking into that more to make sure all of my bases are covered because I'm just as law-bound as anyone. So, for fairness sake I'm going to ask that my military career stay between us seeing as it can only give the person knowing the ability to throw me under a bus."
"Which basically translates to..." Uso had to think about it for a moment. "Well... Saint guy on the payroll so to speak. Everything is above the board, no one here is a criminal. Saint guy might occationally be doing something illegal, and if we find out we have a duty to report it... to... uh, whomever handles that sorta thing...
... 'course, that'd mean you'd need to find a way to make your buisness more better than the distributor Akemi's already using."
"Better, for sure. Here's where the fabulous USO sees a benefit," Candon elaborated, "your... government? Planet?- I'll say economy. Your economy on '604 is in it's beginning stages of life. Money is just the blood, if that money doesn't flow the economy dies. People need to earn it, spend it, and repeat as needed to keep it alive.
"So, what you really need is jobs to open up economic opportunities for growth. Unfortunately your populace, if my sources are correct, have only just discovered that space isn't empty so I'm going to boldly state that they have, in general, no concept of how space travel works.
"So, the sweet and simple of it; Build an aerospace academy to train up the locals and give them jobs working on my ships, which shall be registered out of your starport- or whatever you launch from. This is recognizing the USO as a government and creating job growth and bringing money to '604 and getting the locals a taste of what the USO can offer them in exchange for cooperation. And should things go well for me I will be able to ensure premium prices for Akemi who will become my primary source of income when he makes me his preferred shipping service...
Unless I'm missing something."
"Well sounds good to me I guess," Akemi replied. "Since you don't want anyone knowing you're a spook I'd just get you work with other people if you wanted it that at least started out entirely legal and I'd tell them to trust you entirely at their own discretion."
"Sounds fine to me as well," Uso confirmed.
"Great. Now there's just the matter of training crews," Candon replied, "now I can access training information easily and I have a heavily damaged Kouken-class Escort so students can get some hands on training. How should I go about building a facility near your starport?"
"We have a starport?" Akemi quipped.
Candon's eyebrows shot up, at Akemi's question. "Oh, I thought you were going to build one," he said to Uso, referring to her comment from the day she 'gifted' him two dozen NMX POWs, "shall I build a starport too?"
"Well we got one in a sense, I was just kidding," Akemi clarified. "It's like a giant landing pad."
"We can land ships on it, that is all that really matters." Uso nodded sagely.
"Alright, I guess I'll just add on to it," Candon concluded.
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