GM: Vulcan
Players: Lilith
Synopsis: The Ministry of Self Determination pays the local anglo whorehouse a visit.
Date: Jan 15, 2070
Being Served
Two Native Americans in black business suits, hair pulled back, stand in the foyer of the Apple and Snake, chatting somewhat amiably with one of the girls. Another girl went to find Lilith and bring her back.
"I see. And how much do you usually make in a night? This is certainly an interesting business. Whats your clientele like?"
Lilith emerges quickly, brisk but professional, not too fast as to appear rushed. She smiles politely at the gentleman and gives a quick bow of her head as she approaches. "Gentlemen. Welcome to my home. Is there anything I can help you with?"
The girl the agent is talking to chatters a bit but seems a little off put, eyes glancing over to her boss as the taller woman enters. "Oooh, it varies from night to night, but Mrs. DeWinter is…err…well, she knows everything." She gives a small smile and shifts her weight on a lovely pair of legs.
Agent Blackbush, the man who seems to be the lead agent, smiles as Lilith approaches. "Are you Ms. Lilith DeWinter, SIN number 08983-000E3L-0006KB-UH7, British Citizen and resident Alien of the Ute Nation?"
Lilith nods her head, smiling in turn. "I am, sir. How may I be of service to this lovely land?"
Agent Blackbrush smiles then, offering a nod of his head. "You can leave it." He says simply, pulling out a sheaf of papers from a coat pocket. "By Order of the Ministry of Self Determination, this business is deemed to be a tool of the Anglo Oppressor and is hereby shut down." He offers the papers over. "You have one week to vacate the building. If you wish to appeal this decision, you may do so to the Ministry of Self-Determination in Provo."
Lilith face shuts down, seeming a safer option to repress the shock and then the furious wheels turning in her mind. She takes the papers with a steady, cool hand. "May I ask why I am so suddenly dismissed? I have striven to be as good a citizen to this territory as I've been able." Her eyes begin to flick rapidly over the the documents. "Including paying a fair price for the house and land and paying my taxes promptly. I certainly have never had a policy of discrimination or oppression towards any Ute customers or employees that have passed through here."
"Ma'am." Says Agent Blackbush conciliatorally… "I'm just an Agent, doing his job. Off hand, I'd say its because you're selling vice and sin to the Ute People. You don't produce anything of worth, you only take. Taxed though you may be, the Ministry has determined that your busienss damages the Self Determination of the people and represents a base from which Anti-Ute ideas and methodologies can sprout. We can't have that. We fought a war for the right to determine our own future, a future that your people tried to exterminate. But, as I said… you can appeal to Provo if you like."
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "A pause here."
«OOC» Lilith says, "Ok?"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "Do you have any business skills or ute government skills?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) has the Knowledge Skill Business Management with the value '4 (5)'.
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "It's a pause for Lilith to do some mental legwork real quick."
«OOC» Lilith says, "Ok"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "Got any ute legal skills?"
«OOC» Lilith says, "Ack, no"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "You need to get those."
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "You're running a business in a foriegn nation. Know the laws."
«OOC» Lilith headdesks
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "Gimmie the business management roll though. TN is… Hrm. For basically a skill-to-skill default, with 'meh' relation… TN 10."
«OOC» Lilith says, "Dangit"
«OOC» Lilith says, "No kp?"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "You can KP if you like, it's yoru KP."
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Business Management vs TN 10 for "Awww, shit":
1 1 4 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Business Management vs TN 10 for " kp 1/21":
1 1 3 4 7 = 0 Successes
«OOC» Lilith says, "Next is 2 or 3 kp?"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "1,2,3,4. 4 rerolls costs 10."
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "Continue on that progression."
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Business Management vs TN 10 for "kp 2/21":
1 1 2 2 4 = 0 Successes
1 1 2 2 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Business Management vs TN 10 for " kp ?/21":
2 3 4 4 5 = 0 Successes
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "3/21, really"
«OOC» Lilith says, "OK"
«OOC» Lilith says, "Ok"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "And now 6/21"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "Next roll costs 4, for 10/21"
«OOC» Lilith says, "ok"
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Business Management vs TN 10 for " kp 10/21":
2 2 2 3 4 = 0 Successes
«OOC» Lilith says, "ARGH"
«OOC» Lilith says, "Is that it? or is the next one…err…14/21?"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "15/21, then 21/21"
«OOC» Lilith says, "ok"
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Business Management vs TN 10 for " kp 15/211":
1 1 2 2 4 = 0 Successes
«OOC» Lilith says, "oops"
«OOC» Lilith says, "21 there"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "No matter :)"
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Business Management vs TN 10 for " kp 21/21":
1 2 3 3 7 = 0 Successes
«OOC» Lilith says, "Awww, crap"
«OOC» Lilith says, "Ok, now what?"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "Nothing. :)"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "Your pose."
«OOC» Agent Blackbush rms. You know, gimmie a Denver Politics roll real quick
«OOC» Lilith says, "tn?"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "TN is… 5"
«Auto-Judge[]» Lilith (#8983) rolls Denver Politics vs TN 5:
2 23 = 1 Success
«OOC» Lilith says, "Yay!"
«OOC» Agent Blackbush says, "THERES the success you needed."
You know. The Ute Nation, like the other nations, holds the Denver Sector of its control to be a mini-state, not directly beholden to the legal codes of the home nation, often operating on a vastly different system. Could be something in that.'.
Lilith sighs deeply. Her mind works feverishly, but…ah. She looks back to the agent. "I have the deepest respect for both your people and your nation, and till now have been very happy living and making a home for myself nad my girls here. However. While my home is within the Ute Nation, it is also within the boundaries of the Denver Sector, and as such I believe that things are not strictly the same if I were further out." She looks thoughtful. "I will be speaking with Provo…I have 30 girls who depend on me for safety, health, and who make this their home and permament address. It is their interests and care that I must hold foremost."
The man raises an eyebrow when she starts to quote legalities. "Is that…" A pause as he draws out the word 'that'… "So. It may be, as I said, I'm only an agent, but that would, again, be something for Provo to decide. I'm sure for a lady of your clear education and standing, such a -loyal- anglo subject of the Ute Nation, what with your citizenship application so well filled out and documented… that Jacob TwoSkins will take the case personally."
With that, Agents Blackbush and Meyers turn and leave.
Meeting the Lawyer
A'ight. So. John Tuturo. He's Paiute. That's a tribe of Natives … native… to the Las Vegas/northern Mojave area. They are the dominant tribe in Las Vegas and run Henderson, profiting off the wealth of the Las Vegas Corporate Enclave. This one looks maybe a quarter Indian, and that's if you squint. He's sitting in his office, with his oh-so-lawyery wing backed leather chair, his fake-as-the-day-is-bright legal library you know he's never opened and a smile that's four miles wide. When the women are shown in, he stands. "Ladies! Hoka Hey!" he says with a grin. What, does he think the chicks are Sioux?
Aladriel is dressed for business in the Ally-way, which means she's not dressed for it at all. But that's okay. She's not too worried about her first impression at this point. "Howdy, John. I'm Ally, this is Kass, she's mine, and this is Mrs. Lilith DeWinter, who I know Frank told you a bit about. The cause for our visit, as it were." She heads for the nearest chair and plops herself in it unceremoniously.
Lilith smiles a bit and bobs her head, unwrapping her scarf. "Good afternoon, sir. Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with us." She gives the man a quick once over, eyes then darting over the room, then back to him. "Especially considering the circumstances. You *are* a brave man to welcome an Anglo such as myself."
Kassandra follows along, using Ally as a shield of sorts. She'll be dressed in nice clothing, with a definite 'Native' flair. Not much, just some turquoise and some very subtle jewelry, enough to cast her in a certain light: that light? That she is of one of the Tribes. She'll smile and nod to Mr. Turturo, letting the others speak, her eyes wandering the room.
John slaps the table. "Oh goddamn! Frank said you were a wiley one! Not two sentences out and a native joke!" He raises his hand now, ceremoniously. "Hao." He laughs then, leaning back. "Anglo, Native, Free Spirit.. all your cred spends the same. Though I admit, the free spirit paid me in uncut diamonds. That was a little odd." He laughs then, standing up to put his hands in his pockets. "So. What seems to be the problem that brings you fine ladies to my office? Want something to drink? Of course you do. MARY! Bring my guests some… uh… water. The good stuff from the bottle."
He reaches up to straighten his tie. "Tap tastes like crap."
Ally blinks her eyes quickly. A native joke? Oh! She gets it! And she giggles a little bit, scooting up in the chair to cross her legs beneath her to sit 'Indian-style'. Which she quickly becomes self-conscious about and uncrosses her legs. "Prolly best to let Mrs. Lilith explain it.
Lilith chuckles. "That was not my intent sir, but given my British heritage I hope you'll forgive the pun. Water is fine, thank you." She folds the scarf in a neat, precise way, hanging it over her arm and nodding to Ally and Kass. "As to business…my little problem is a matter of eviction from the Ute Nation. I have a house and club filled with about 30 girls and a rather cantankerous set of landlords who no longer desire our presence. My friends here have been more then kind enough in assisting me in this matter, but there's only so far we can go without serious legal help."
Kassandra stays quiet, seating herself next to Aladriel and listening to the conversation like a fisherman waits for a fish. She simply blinks brown eyes and scans the various books in the library, hands folded neatly in her lap.
He grins, one hand reaching up to wipe his comb over back across his mostly bald pate. "So. You… uh… run a whore house. That's an interesting vocation. You just sort of slip and fall in to that, or is there a vocational school for it?" He asks with a laugh before continuing. "And let me see here… you run a vice den, in the Ute Nation, as an Anglo. Your citizenship is what.. uh.. based on your voice, gonna say a Euro. No chance in hell of Ute Citizenship… huh. Well." he shrugs then, looking to the other women. "Frankly, if you want to attack the MinSD directly, you're gonna get smiled at in court. When the Shaman Magistrate smiles at you, somethings wrong, because those guys have a red hot rock up their asses."
"But I got some ideas, depending on what your resources are."
How best to answer what sort of resources they have? Aladriel hmms and instead of volunteering information she starts studying the decor of Mr. Tuturo's office, hopping out of the chair after a moment so that she can start poking around in earnest. She's not *incredibly* rude so she does not touch anything, but she does get up close looks at a bunch of things.
Governing her face, Kass will not look like 'I told you so.' She blinks a few times and then looks down to Lilith then back to the lawyer. She glances to John and asks quietly, "What might be Mrs. DeWinter's options, then?"
Lilith nods slowly, taking a seat. "As I've come to understand." She says quietly. "I have no intention of attacking anyone, especially not the Ute Nation nor it's MinSD, but I do not wish to be so summarily kicked out of the area. However, I am aware of how bad the situation is for me, and I am willing to make some concessions if there's no other choice."
Glancing at the lawyer, smiling a bit. "As far as resources go, I have money and a large, varied collection of beautiful women who would be very grateful to anyone who could help retain their home or business. Other then that, the only other thing I can offer is the fact that the house is within the Denver Sector of the Ute Nation, and there might be some legal leeway there, and perhaps some to appeal to Huhuseca."
John eyes Lilith for a moment. "Yeah. Building your whole life in an area, and then having some new guy come in and tell you to move…" A pause. "It's a -BITCH-."
He cracks the top off his bottle of water, sipping it for a moment. "Now. Huhuseca? He doesn't just, you know, take fucken appeals from Anglo hookers who are pissed that the Natives are restless. He's got politics to consider. I met him once. He's not afraid to stir the pot, but he's got to have a recipe in mind. You got something to offer the man? I got his number here somewhere. I could set you a meet. But again, for a price."
He looks to Kassandra then. "Well, it's a material world, and I am a material girl." he says, quoting the Crimson Jihad remake of an 80 year old song. "So what options she has, depends on what options she's got."
"She may have something to offer him," Ally chimes in from across the room, "But it would probably help a bit to know what kinds of things he might need. Or what things he may lack at the moment? Have any ideas? After all….you've met him."
Lilith folds her hands together, looking thoughtful. "If, and I mean if, I must move, there could perhaps be some way for both Huhuseca and myself to benefit from it. Him, politically and me financially, since I'll need capital to rebuild my business elsewhere. I'm not sure how…and, as Mrs. Cindel says. Which is where you may come in."
Kass goes back into silent mode, having prodded things in the direction that might be helpful.
The lawyer just sort of stares at Lilith for a moment, trying to comprehend how her having to move requires the Sector Councilor-governor to allow her to profit from it. He snaps out of it a moment later, licking his lips. "Well. First off, do you have your documentation with you?"
Lilith reaches beside her and brings up a broad leather bag. She reaches in and brings out a stack of papers, quite a stack, in fact. "Of course. I may have over done it, but I wanted to make sure that anything that could be used was here…" She shuffles things out onto the desk. "Landed residency and immigration, deeds for the house and land, records of purchase, sale and receipts for the land, tax records…" she murmurs a list to herself. "Is that sufficient?"
He takes the papers, looking them over. "Well. This is nice and all, but it doesn't matter for a hill of shit. Wheres your warrant, the paper they served you?" He asks, looking back to the women. "I gotta see -that-."
Lilith winces and reaches in again, handing over the next set of paper. "Sorry. I had it sealed in the inner pocket."
Kassandra stays quiet, looking at her hands. A tiny sigh escapes her at one point, but otherwise she watches her hands, occasionally looking to wherever Aladriel has wandered to.
Finishing her exploration, Aladriel sits back down near her friends and furrows her brows slightly at Tuturo. Commenting is withheld while she watches the man look over the documentation. She looks over to Lilith and offers a few quick words of encouragement, "He'll figure something out I bet."
Taking the warrant, John licks his thumb and forefinger, using it to leaf through the document. "Okay…. uhhuh… get out of the country… vice and sin… consumption only… no production…blah blah blah.. signed by Jacob Twoskins… Got it." he says, putting the paper down. "My retainer is 1000 nuyen a month. My consult fee is 300 nuyen an hour. My filing charge is 100 nuyen a page. If I have to represent you, its 500 nuyen an hour, plus prep time. So far, you've racked up 1800."
Ally glances over at Kass, eyebrows rising at the prices that have just been rattled off. Yeesh!
Lilith simply nods. "All right. What's your initial plan?" She taps her fingers on an arm rest. "And how long do you expect this to take?" Mentally, she's running some furious calculations over her current stash of savings.
Kass, for her part, doesn't look remarkably stunned by the price. She does look to Lilith and then back to the lawyer, then back to her nails with a faint frown.
He taps the desk. "Money up front, honey."
Lilith smiles and reaches into her satchel again. Out come the credsticks, a bit of counting and 1800 is tossed over. "Is that sufficient?"
He nods. "First and foremost, this here document is not signed by the Councilor-Governor. That means it's not enforceable. Legally speaking. Now, if they want to enforce it, they have to get the Governor to sign it, which requires them to re-serve you, which resets the clock. Unless you can come up with something the Gov needs… there's little reason for him to stick his neck out to help you. You are, pardon my french, just an Anglo vice peddler. You need something to make yourself more valuable."
Lilith nods, frowning a little at the news. "What do you suggest, then? There are a variety of services I can offer." She manages to say this with a straight face and an dust-dry tone.
Kassandra closes her eyes at that point.
Ally's eyes light up and she makes a very satisfied sound, looking over at Kass with a proud look. She mouths, 'I told her!'
He licks his lips, an eyebrow raising. "I'm sure. But honey, he doesn't need a blowjob." He says bluntly. "But maybe you got information for him, or you have a nice whack of a bribe. Maybe you know someone who has something he needs. You gotta motivate him."
Lilith nods. "Which is what I was referring too. My apologies for the poor jest." She spreads her hands. "Information I can acquire, bribes I can offer, and there's always someone who knows something."
He nods then. "So. Come back to me when you got something we can barter, and we can make some headway. Otherwise, he's just gonna sign the next order."
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