Strictly A Business Matter
_I miss the wind. Its gentle caress upon your skin, the way it billows through your hair like a silken comb, encompassing and soft like a lover's embrace. It is a calming breeze, one that allows you to put things in perspective, and return to an objective point of view.
Goddamned civilization.
The wind is gone now, the pure wind at least, replaced by the stale pollution of the city's leavings, the only breeze generated by the sheer amount of movement that happens on a regular basis. Humanity is too ignorant to see the forest for the trees, aware only of their own little bubble of reality, many refusing to accept the possibility of the unknown, as it would shatter their perceptions and rattle their "perfect" world.
Alas, I find myself on a tangent yet again. This happens quite a bit. It is a good thing I am not talking to myself.
Yes, that's right. I've known you were here.
About the last ten minutes.
Because had I simply wished to stop your espionage, you would have been quite dead by now.
Even immortals can die, Mr. Randolph.
Put down the gun, it will do you absolutely no good at this range. That calibur is only effective if you put enough distance between us to allow for a clean shot. Fired point blank, it would be fairly ineffective at causing any lethal damage.
I grow tired of this conversation. Allow me to get back on track.
You are here because of your master. He wants to know about Project K16M9.
Oh, you were not included in that conversation, were you? Please, exit those pointless shadows, come sit down.
Sit.
SIT.
Very good. Now, your master and I have-
You prefer employer. How quaint. You like to believe you have a choice in your dealings with him. I shall leave you to your delusions for now.
Calm yourself, it is irrelevant at this point. Listen carefully. Your...employer...and I have been in a partnership for...well, longer than you have been here, I assure you. You see, I remember when his organization was but a fledgling group, being staked out for destruction by those who would not benefit from it. Their stock plummeted each time your employer's team grew.
Yes, I am using vague terms. Subtlety is important when you are on candid camera.
Sit down, you are too paranoid. I own this building, and the camera in my office feeds to a recorder only I know the location of. Besides, there are far worse things to worry about with me than being seen by others. I just like using metaphors.
May I continue my tale, or would you like to inject something into the story?
I thought so.
The business grew, and as it did, so shrank those too weak or too stupid to escape the power of corporate earnings. Have you ever heard of natural selection, Mr. Randolph? It states that only the strong survive, the weak and incompetent are left to die and be eaten by those stronger and smarter than they are. Interesting theory. One that worked for quite some time.
Unfortunately, there came a time when stupidity rose up in large numbers and overthrew the balance.
Soon, the weak and the ignorant had banded together within organizations, led by overzealous leaders who took advantage of their herd mentality in order to manipulate them into doing their bidding. Brilliant in its simplicity. Relate to the flock on their level, make them feel important, make them feel drawn and led by something, and their sheer numbers will blot out the sun.
Then the takeover began.
Your employer's numbers dwindled as these groups took the hatchet - quite literally - to each of his employees, one by one. They then began to burn his profits, usually at the stake. Before long, other companies were targeted who were considered salacious, or evil. Stocks plummeted as the product was recalled. Before long, they almost went out of business.
Here, you look tense by this tale. Have some warm milk, it will ease your nerves.
Ah, I see. You prefer other things. No matter, you shouldn't feel hunger for at least another hour, long enough to relay the information.
This is where I came in. Your employer turned to me, knowing my battle strategy for good business and my track record for accomplishing the impossible through my vast networking skills, requesting my expertise in the matter. His payment was to be tendered in full once I had finished the deal.
I set to work, sending several contacts into the rival companies, the flocks of ignorance, slowly using them as splinter cell agents to topple their hierarchy. At the same time, i've kept several of my own men and women within your employer's company, measuring your market trends, keeping an eye on fiscal results, and responsible for procurement and acquisition of goods. This allowed-
Interrupt me one more time, and I shall have an excuse to put up a beautiful cremation urn that would just look tacky had it not a purpose. If anyone asks, you will have been a very close cousin. May I finish now?
Stop shaking, it doesn't befit an assassin.
This allowed me to filter all data back into my hands, from which I could finally work my magic, if you'll excuse the term. Before long, my contacts held a prominent position of power in the corporation of ignorance and weakness. Product hemorrhaged out of the company, and into your employer's. The irony of that is simply delicious. Nonetheless, before long a trade network was set up, and the two had an unofficial partnership, one that is covered within the non-disclosure agreements, or pacts as we once called them.
Now, the companies are speaking of a merger, one that will allow the sheep to live normal lives and careers, and in return, sales for your employer will never take a downturn. Moreover, my contacts have also risen to power in your employer's company, as well.
The deal has been completed. Payment is now due in full.
No, not money, you fool. Why would you believe a person such as myself has any need for material things? No, the deal was a gain for information. You see, I am a very curious person. I research, gather data, keep informed on anything and everything. I am rather traveled, you understand. As such, I now have a new source of information, and a new network from which to gather said information. One that is much stealthier than a human contact, one which doesn't require sleep, and eats only when necessary. One who lives quite a bit longer.
Go back to your master. Tell him Project K16M9 is complete.
Tell him I shall now take my payment.
Congratulations, Mr. Randolph.
You both work for ME now. _