Contract to Battle Crime [NPC Interaction w/ LC Council Member (Kyro)]

PROLOGUE

A special closed door meeting is called at Psi Voli Strategic Solutions HQ in East City. At the table are Crystal Tiaras, who is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Psi Voli Strategic Solutions, Kiru Tanabe, Head of Public Relations for the company, his sister, Lai Tanabe, who is the Head of Property Development, Katrina Boni, Head of Community Service, the demon Syx, who is Head of the Psi Voli Information Center, Marcus Aldana, who is the Head of Acquisitions and Xing Wei, our Chief Financial Officer (CFO). They all look at each other and turn their attention to Crystal as they await the arrival of the final member of this meeting, the Chief Executive Officer, Owner, Founder, and Chairman of the Board of Psi Voli Strategic Solutions, me.

The door to the conference room opens and I walk in looking at all of them. They get ready to rise and I tell them to remain seated. As I am taking my seat, I begin addressing them all, "We have a lot to get done today and formalities is not one of them. We just finished with the acquisition of Prince Enterprises and now that we have the extra capital that we needed to expand further, that is exactly what we are going to do. All of you are here because each of you are going to play a very significant role in what is about to happen with this company.

"Lai, I need you to get with your department and find the ideal location for a private academy in the Lower Commons that will be completely indoors and underground as well if necessary. Koraer Academy will become the home of many of the youth in Lower Commons and other areas that cannot control their powers and need a sanctuary to learn to harness, control, and develop them further. As soon as you find the location, present the proposal to Crystal and get started on developing it. Run everything through a front company though. I don't want Koraer tied directly to Psi Voli though we will be in control of everything.

"Katrina, you have a meeting today with the Lower Commons School Board to discuss the specifics of Psi Voli's donation to the schools in the way of supplies, security services, better contracts with companies that we have good relations with, and better school programs. All you're really focused on is getting a list of what they need to have a better curriculum to produce more productive members of society. We want nothing in return except the promise that they will be used promptly to give the LC kids an alternative to crime and illegal activity. We also want a recognition ceremony. Kiru, this will be one of your primary functions to deal with.

"Syx and Marcus, you will work with Crystal to meet with prospective PSCs to acquire their companies and manpower. Find out what they want in return for joining Psi Voli Strategic Operations Corps. The three companies that you all are meeting with are good allies and business partners who are in need of capital and focus. We can give them that and so much more. They should already know this, but in case they don't... remind them.

"While all of you are handling that, I have an appointment to meet with the Lower Commons Council Member to discuss a potential defense contract from the Lower Commons District to give Psi Voli SOC the authority and jurisdiction to launch a campaign against the gangs and criminal outfits. The plan is simple. The Lower Commons has been plagued with crime and demonic activity that has gone unchecked except by us on behalf of our clients, but with this contract, we will be paid by the district itself to remove the threat allowing Psi Voli to help the community and actually work to fix the problem instead of ignoring it like the city officials seem so fond of doing now."

They all nod at their marching orders and Syx looks at me. "Psyre, we go back for a while now and this sounds nice and all, but what is your play in all of this? We're all going to carry out our orders regardless, but there's more to all of this, isn't there?"

I grin and chuckle with a nod. "Yes. These are catalysts. I want the City Council Member seat for the Lower Commons. I will gain the people's support by protecting them and giving them a better standard of living for them to get used to. I will bring the flow of money to the area and in order to keep the police in check, I will build friendships and alliances with them in order to gain their support. Also, I am not planning on wiping out all crime in the Lower Commons either because certain criminal elements are useful and they have powerful friends. I am merely planning to control the volume and type of crime. The Yakuza and other criminal elements won't like that, so we need to bolster our forces before they decide to make a move against us. The donation is a PR move to bolster the image of both Psi Voli and myself. Let's get to work."

The meeting adjourns and everyone is pleased with their orders and my explanation of the situation. We exit the conference room and head our separate ways to get our business done.

- END PROLOGUE -
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am driven from East City to the Lower Commons City Hall to make my appointment with the City Council Member. Coming up on the building, one of my Neutralizer guards accompanies me as my personal security. We walk up the steps to the building and walk inside. I brought one of the Roe'nin guards that doesn't carry weapons anyway to make sure that we don't have any problems getting thru security. Once we're inside, if there is no one waiting to direct us to where we are meeting the City Council Member, I would check the directory on the wall and head to his office on my own. If I guide myself, I would stop to inform the receptionist or his assistant that I was here to meet with him.

1065 words (Prologue included in this WC only)

Perhaps one of the nicer buildings in the Lower Commons, the office of the council representative sits apart from much of the depredated area that had fallen to crime. Many powers were at play in the Lower Commons, but the common point for these powers all ran through this building at one stage or another. The building was single story in height, in a nicer portion of the district, with a large stone wall surrounding it and a basic security entrance with controlled the flow of traffic into the governmental office. Not the flashiest of buildings, it served its purpose of a place of paper work and appointments, much like a municipal court. Having previously called ahead and scheduled an appointment, Psyre’s car would be allowed through and he would be able to approach the building as normal. The receptionist looks up to notice the metrosexual from behind a glass counter which was set up in desk form with her holographic computer, paperwork and what nots assembled on and about it. Looking up, she gives a kind and casual smile as she nods, hearing the declaration and reaches to the side, pressing a button on a communication phone-like device. Her words speak, “your scheduled guest is here to see you.” The answer comes from a male voice, “allow him in, Martha.” She answers back, “of course.” Her hand is removed from the desk bound device as she looks up and motions to a door situated behind her and to the side by a few yards, speaking, “he will see you now, please enter.” Beyond the door would be a male in a business suit situated in a cherry oak office, reminiscent of times passed behind a large and important desk with chairs placed in front of it to allow room for his guests to sit.

I nod to the receptionist as my bodyguard gets the door and I stop and look at the receptionist, "You have a beautiful smile. You should smile more often." Heading into the office, I do a quick survey of the room. I take in the scenery before locking eyes with the man I'm here to see and approaching. "Thank you for taking the time to see me, Council Member." I turn to the roe'nin guard and tell him to wait outside while the Council Member and I discuss our business. The guard nods with a slight bow to the City Council Member as well as myself and heads out to the waiting area thankful that he doesn't have to sit thru a business meeting. My actual reasoning is that I didn't want the Council Member to be distracted and feel imposed upon during this meeting as my intention is to offer help. I extend my hand to shake his with a light smile. My demeanor is upbeat and optimistic. I have my briefcase in my left hand. I wait to be asked to sit before I do so. I did not wish to be rude.

207/1272

OOC: There is nothing IC that references or insinuates that Psyre is metro, so let's be civil and get thru these RPs.

The receptionist blushes lightly with one hand to the side of her face with the necessary pastel bubbles and sparkles having a slight twinkle in her eyes as the suave, totally not metro, male walks passed her and towards the councilman's office. The councilman stands beside his desk as Pyre enters into the room. Both hands are on a putting iron with his gaze on an artificial hole several meters off near the door. It's all a holographic display, but it looks lifelike. When the male taps the ball, it digitally flicker slightly, rolling across the floor and sinking into a hole near Psyre. Looking up, he nods at the visiting male as he enters and speaks. "Ah, the young CEO," the councilman notices as the guard exits the room. The councilman stands up straight with both hands on the putter, looking towards Psyre and smiles, "nonsense. Thank you for coming by. I was told you had some interesting things to speak about with me." As the hand is extended, he steps forwards giving his right hand to shake before giving an open handed motion asking, "please, sit. Make yourself comfortable. Let's chat."

With a nod of my head, I smile at the Council Member as he offers me a seat. I speak lightheartedly as I approach the seat, "I see now that I might have to work on my golf skills." Sitting down, I wait for the Council Member to get situated before I begin, "Let me get right to it, sir. There is a significant crime problem here in the Lower Commons and some of the crimes occur by very mysterious means. That is a known fact. Psi Voli, and PsiCoven before the recent merger, has spent the last two years or so doing our best to combat this crime problem. Up until recently, I had worked primarily as a Strategic Consultant and Coordinator for private security companies and firms that hired us. Now, I have decided to take a much more hands on approach to this scourge. Psi Voli has increased and is still increasing our manpower and gotten agreements from a group of private security organizations that we have successfully teamed with in the past to launch a true offensive against the criminal elements. I have a full proposal prepared for you, sir, should you want to see the statistics and specifics of my plan." I pause for a moment to see if he wanted me to get the proposal now or wait. It is located in my briefcase, so I would hand it to him if he wanted it and/or continue. "Where the District comes into play is that I would like to get official authorization from the Office of the City Council Member to go after the criminal elements and bring forth a reduction in crime. I will let you know that petty crime I will leave to the police department as our focus has been and will remain on the violent and truly detrimental vermin in this city. I will place fear in their hearts and doubt in their minds. That is what Psi Voli does. The youth of the Lower Commons are all but damned when they grow up here and that should not be the case. I simply need your blessing to allow me to correct that by removing the cancer that plagues this district." I fall silent to let him process what I had said and begin with the actual dialogue of this meeting. I am sure he has questions.

417/1689

With the light observation by the guest, the councilman grins and remarks with a snuff chuckle, “You just might. I hear you’re on track to being a big fish.” He walks to the side of the room and leans his putter against the wall next to an office plant situated in a gold casing. Turning back towards his desk, he looks up as Psyre begins to speak before gingerly settling down into the large padded black and carbon office chair, leaning back in it slightly and crossing one leg over the other. When the guest has his say, the council member gives a cordial smile and tilts his head to the side, rising his eyes as if thinking about it quickly, before nodding and looking towards Psyre and stating, “That’s nice… on the surface. It seems like a very admirable proposal… forgive me, but almost naïve. Mr… Prince, was it? I must say that I had similar thoughts when I was your age, first coming into the realm of politics. I’ll give you the respect of being blunt with you. The reality of it all is that this city has a very particular… balance to it. It seems it may be more advantageous of you to pursue corporate strategies as you have been doing, than it would be to disrupt that balance that we’ve come to obtain.” He rocks a bit, lounging in the chair explaining, “you see, I have the difficult position of containment. The Lower Commons has a very important role and the actions within it affect my constituents and their interests.” The rocking stops as he leans up straight in the chair and engages his guest, “If you think about it, those who live in the Lower Commons deserve to live there.” He gives a arrogant laugh, “I mean… they’re not at all like you and I. Do you get what I mean?”

Ooc: My WC goes to Imm.

While the surface remains pleasant, my internal mode shifts abruptly by the time the Council Member finishes. "Hmm... the only difference is an opportunity and their environment. I grew up in business under my family. I lived in the Northern Heights until I clashed with my father and I moved to East City while I worked in City Metro. I have always known how the finer society lives, so when I first decided to create what is now Psi Voli Strategic Operations Corps, I did not focus my operations in East City, but in the problem area where the bad people lived until I actually came into the Lower Commons more frequently myself and discovered that they are simply missing an opportunity and a quality education. Their environment is one of violence and chaos and I must say that your constituents are not living in a balance. Violent psychopaths plague this district and if you are trying to warn me about the less savory elements that would be upset by my campaign against them, I am prepared for that." My eyes convey my conviction to this mission. "Sir, I am what we call a Coordinator meaning that I help other private security companies in the strategic preparations and execution of their missions against the criminal elements. I have realized that while I have helped to remove several gangs, I did not attack the root of the problem until now. We cannot just kill off the criminals, but control them by their greatest weakness... greed. If you tell the bigger players that they can have relatively peaceful operations so long as they clean up the crime and make it much less visible, they will aid in removing those elements that endanger or hinder their operations and that harass your constituents... the gangs and rogue psychopaths. They will be removed and Lower Commons can become much more and you would be the one to thank for that, sir. You would show the people of this district that you have the courage and vision to do what must be done to protect and better them. Tell me this, if I can present you a solid, logical plan to improve the conditions, will you give me your blessings to move forward with my plans?" He's worried about the crime families, pathetic. I will deal with that soon enough. If I get his support, I suppose I will need to meet with the Head of Lower Commons Police Precinct to figure out how we can help each other's efforts.

OOC: What?! Lmao!

441/2130

The council member nods and adjusts his sitting a bit, but still keeping with the casual and light feel of the atmosphere. He nods a bit and addresses, “well, that’s a very interesting story you started off with. With what you say, it looks like you’re an outsider looking in, son. You say you came from high class and built a hypothesis on the needs of the low class without experiencing it and now you want to help them. That’s good, but that’s also a very arrogant view point, son. There are a lot of people who live in the commons who might not want their way of life to change. On top of that, you’ve got to look at social trends such as gentrification.” Rhetorically, he asks, “you know what that means, right? It’s the restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle or upper class that results in the displacement of low-income residents. If we clean up the commons, the property value will go up. The people living there won’t be able to afford living where they live and will be forced to move out. Where will they go? A new Lower Commons will be formed out the skirt of the city. Also, the criminal elements that you’re attacking will have to move somewhere not covered by you and your men. This means you’ll either have to go after them or the cops in other areas will have to handle it. Do you see what I’m starting to get at, son? You're shaking up a can of country worms, here.” He leans back comfortably, “Killing is against the law, so how will we handle these criminal elements? You have no manciple authority other than the defensive rights a security organization has, as doctrined by the city. If something happens, the real police will have to be bothered to come and lock up the wayward 'citizens.' That’s tax payer money, son; our jails are already crowded enough. As for the psychopaths; we don’t have an asylum big enough.”

My internal lights up a bit as I take a second to think on his words before I reply. With a nod of my head, I am ready. "It was an outside view and that is why my operations were successful, but there was no real change. I heard a girl that lived here in the Lower Commons and she worked her way to being my Executive Assistant. I have citizens from the Lower Commons that work all thru my organization and they work hard, sir. Most of those who don't want things to change are the ones who benefit from the chaos here or those who simply know nothing else. My proposal does not just attack the criminal elements, but it educates the people. It slowly introduces them to the benefits of the rest of the city. Make no mistake, there are criminal elements even in East City, but they don't cause significant waves, so East City is considered to be safe. The large criminal enterprises understand this philosophy. It is much better to diversify operations to have less risk than to battle in danger for potentially higher profits and influence.

"My company has put together two domestic project proposals for the district to consider. One is to provide better supplies, programs, and safety measures for the community centers here in the Commons as well as a project to open mixed martial arts academies. The youth who already love to fight can be trained and disciplined. Most people who do not have, want, and I know exactly how to help them get what they want while weakening recruitment efforts by the criminal elements. Gangs don't always have to be destroyed to be neutralized. I don't have to kill in order to get my point across, they just need to be given alternatives. Also, these academies would use their current mindsets to teach them fundamental topics like science, math, history, language arts, and law. According to our research, this system would funnel money and more jobs into the Commons. If the instructors are hired from the Commons, the youth who would be competing are from the Commons and are paid for the matches and educating about business and just knowledge in general. Besides, if they are at the Academies training, they are not out committing crimes.

"Now in regards to my restrictions. Murder is against the law, Council Member. That we are aware of, but the people who we are targeting don't need to overcrowd our jails. I see two options, the District could grant Psi Voli Strategic Operations Corps limited authority to raid known production centers, drug properties, and front operations in order to reduce the crime rate. In regards to the taxpayers, since I am not in this for the money, Psi Voli would deliver confiscated goods to the Council Member, which can be liquidated and thus the district will have more funding for more municipal projects to further improve the quality of living in the Commons. You will have the power to remove such authority if a mess ever occurs that cannot be quickly contained and in return, I will bring you results without endangering your political career. I can assure you, Council Member, that if you were to poll the people even three months after authorizing this campaign, they would be significantly happier.

"The wealthy have safety, we can start to provide that. They have resources moving thru their district, by cleaning up the streets, the businesses can bring more assets into the area. As for displacement, that requires tenancy laws, which while times are hard and showing no sign of change can be implemented so that the Commons becomes a rent controlled district meaning that landlords can only raise rents a set percentage per year and ensure eviction codes protect the people. This is a long-term total improvement of the commons.

"I have heard the reports of the "strange and unexplainable things that occur in the forests, so if the crime scourge is driven there, then so be it. If they wish to live like animals without rules and laws, then let them live with the animals and survive by nature's law. Only the strong survive. The terrorists may start recruiting and I wouldn't want to be the City Council Member from whose district most of the terrorist recruits came. I fully understand that this is a big project, but I will accomplish this. I can do more with your help however... discrete, it may need to be."

I was beginning to understand the politics game a bit more. It would seem that the Council Member would probably not overtly support Psi Voli in this, but if a deal can be made quietly, it will give me the same effect and I can get to work.

830/2961

The councilman finds this a bit amusing, as he has to take a moment to take in all that was said. Making a point in particular on a topic, he rhetorically clarify, “you want to build dojo’s in the lower commons? That’s a very traditional way of thinking.” There is a pause as he continues to think over the other things that had been said. “You see, when you said that you were not in this for the money, that threw me off. You’re telling me that your benefit from all of this… is you knowing that you did a good job? Son, don’t spit in my face and tell me it’s raining. I’ve been I politics much too long. If you were concerned about welfare and not wealth, then you would have a non-profit organization and not a growing corporation.” He gives a slight sigh as he considers, “so, I see no real benefit to myself and it’s vague what you’re wanting from me. If you have the clout, you can open up a private school. Hell, it’s been done before for the rich, even if no one’s tried doing it for the poor. All that takes is paper work. And if you want to make a bunch of YMCA’s then that’s your prerogative as well. The city won’t need to fund something like that. But you best believe, when you make something new and pretty in the Lower Commons… heh… well, someone’s going to try to dirty it back up… but then again you got your boys for that, don’t you? As far as your raids go, hell, that would be like me giving you permission to hit a beehive with an oak stick. That could set off a Common’s wide turf war. You want the city to give you official permission to go after them? They find that out, which they can and will, now they're coming after me. As far as government regulation, I’m sure the business district won’t like that; and they are my good and faithful constituents. Son, my hands are tied. You’re not showing me a reason to grant you and your boys legal cowboy ownership over my Commons.”

I pull my padfolio out to start jotting down notes and thoughts so that I can ensure that I cover everything and so I can learn both his positive and negative hot buttons. When he mentions not trusting my words of not caring about the money in this, I wait until he finishes before I address that first. "Councilman, you hit the nail on the head. Psi Voli is growing and at a rapid rate, so when I say that I'm not in this for the money, I mean the District's funding. The private security companies that work against the criminal elements will be wanting to join in and utilize my companies strategic services on a security basis, so I don't have to ask for the District to fund any of my campaigns. A wise man once told me that money won't leave a legacy behind, but deeds will, either good or bad. So I mean it when I say that the money is not my primary concern."

I look down at my padfolio notes at the other main topics that he stated and he was giving approval for the academies, private school for the less unfortunate, and improving community centers. When he puts up an objection to my request for legal authorization, I actually smile. "Sir, what do you think we have here now? I get daily and weekly activity reports on the Lower Commons. The gangs have been at war with each other and their war is what keeps the property values down and what destroys businesses and blocks distribution routes. The business sector would be ecstatic to have access to a new emerging market. They would be happy to know that they can utilize the warehouse clusters here without worrying about the security of their goods or workers. So they can't hike up the rents, they can still sell their goods and acquire new business. Also, there are plenty of rundown or abandoned properties that the corporations could use to build income generating properties. If they are shops and offices, it means more jobs in the Commons. I am a businessman and that sounds pretty damn good to me. Plus, they can buy the property while it's cheap and sell it as the locations become strategic. Also, with authorization, there will be certain assets that will become available after I begin.

"The war zone can be contained to a systematic sweep. I'm not talking about a middle of the day kick in the door and have a shootout style of raid, sir. I'm talking about sniper teams, stealth breach, and quiet operations. I don't want a bloodbath. It's messy and requires no strategy, only luck. As far as the criminal elements knowing of your involvement, there is only you and me in this office. If you cannot authorize the police to aid us, then I will need them to simply not hinder our operations. All they will need to do is take pictures and file the paperwork as gang or mob attacks. Believe me, you are of much greater benefit unharmed than harmed. Anyways, once we pacify an area, one of two things will happen. Either one of the cooperating organized crime institutions will move in to ensure order of that sector, or I will place a security unit in that sector to enforce order and ensure the safety of the people from wanton violence. Purse snatchers and shoplifters and that sort will remain the police's problem not mine. I care about chaotic violence and controlling that. Once the unit is in place, we move on to the next sector and repeat. The key is focus on small areas so that as we build momentum, fear will work against our targets, which should lead to bloodless solution. Does that give the Council Member a better concept of my plan?" I sit back ready to take down notes and field any other objections that he might have. And I thought debating CEOs about their business practices are back and forth. Ha!

706/3667

“Son, you drive a harder bargain than a waterboy in a desert,” the councilman sighs. With a beckoning manner, he motions for Psyre to approach speaking, “you said you had something for me. Let me keep that proposal for the time being and look over it in private. Rome wasn’t built in a day and there’s a lot of red tape to be had in politics. I want to set an appointment for us to meet again 7 days from now for me to give you my final answer on this.” Looking over Psyre, he comments, “You seem to hold yourself in a very dignified manner and you can keep your cool, I like that. But I’ve been wondering something. You mind if I ask you a personal question? Like a get to know you type question?”

Retrieving the proposal from my briefcase, I hand it over to the Council Member. "Here you are, sir." I extend the proposal and sit back, I snicker at the comparison and nod to him. "This is something that I have been planning and setting up for. This week will give me the time to finish up some deals to strengthen my position even further so that if you decide to grant my request, I can get right to work." I have to catch myself before I telekinetically retrieve my phone as a force of habit and reach down and grab it physically to input the tentative appointment to return in a week and speak with the Council Member again and get his input. Once it is entered, I pause for a moment to look at him when he tells me that he wants to ask me a sort of getting to know me type of question before I simply nod. "Sure, sir. What would you like to know?"

176/3843

The councilman nods at the approval of the question and delves, “I am curious about something you touched on earlier. You stated that you left the nest because of a misunderstanding with your father. Now you’ve gone on to become a successful businessman. If you don’t mind me asking, how is your relationship with your father currently? Where I’m from, you can tell a lot about someone by how they treat their family.” Of course the question was slanted with there possibly not being a best answer.

I jot down a note about family being important to the Councilman before I nod my head a few times. "There's no secret that things were bad in my family. There were news clips of me publicly clashing with my family. I was upset for quite a while until my father was hospitalized. I went to visit him and even though he was physically weak, he still lectured me about my manners and respect. My older brother tried to takeover Prince Enterprises in order to sell it off to a corporate raider who would then chop the company up. My father informed me of this and we reconciled in order to save the company. Since the hospital visit, we speak regularly now and he gives me advice as a father and I listen now. Originally, my uncle Antonio was my mentor and my father was my enemy like in one of the history books or novels, but now my father is my father and I'm happy that we have each other." I smile thinking about how things have changed between Donovan and I. "Is there anything else you would like to know? I do have a question for you. Honestly, what made you decide to become the Council Member of the Lower Commons? And since we are being candid with one another, no campaign pitches." I chuckle as I sit back and await his answer to my question.

252/4095

The councilman nods as the explanation is given. He concludes, "that's nice to know. So in the end, you patched things up. You look like a good guy, so I wouldn't expect you to hold some sort of eternal grudge against your old man. But your ability to reconciliate looks like it might cross over in your business practices. But, the story of my rise into this position, is a long and boring one. How about I tell you over a game of golf one day? As for now, I have a city appointment I must get to, so I look forward to our future meeting."

Updated Psyre

» Return for the Verdict [NPC Interaction w/ LC Council Member (Kyro)]
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