maskormenace | Ver 5.2

You know, we have a lot of really talented people here. Not that we didn't before -- us imports have always been pretty on top of things, but I think it goes without saying that without the talent and skill of everyone, there'd probably be a few of us that would be dead right about now. Or at least we'd have died. So, I don't think anyone's said it yet, but thanks, to everyone who helped get us out of there.

[ And there's a pause there, he's trying to be nice, and his ego is suffering. ]

I'd like to say we could have done it ourselves, but... well, you can't always predict for unpredictability, and getting us quickly could have been what saved our lives.

But, that's not the only reason I'm here. It's been a busy couple of weeks, not just from our unfortunate attempt to go to space, but for me personally. [ He indicates behind him, it's obviously an office, more strewn with metal and wires and parts than anything else. It's, frankly, an absolute mess. ] I got the loan a few weeks ago, but other than a few people I've gotten in on the ground floor, we haven't had much opportunity for hiring. Startups are always complicated.

But I'm happy to say, that if you want to work in tech and R&D, you should probably come talk to me. I can't promise high wages -- yet -- but I take care of my people, and with a few choice inventions, we'll be able to hit the ground running, and I'd like to see anyone with talent come talk to me. I promise, you won't regret it.

At least, you won't if you don't mind working for me.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

17, I think. Slightly older.

[ Still an adjustment each time someone refers to her as being young, a kid, but it's since been no longer worth arguing. The perception has more advantages than disadvantages in the long run. ]

Part time would be better for him anyway. Or I'd think that'd be the case.

Well, if he's that young, I'd say so. Especially since there are these things called child labor laws, and nobody wants to mess with those, you know?

I'll have to talk to him, but if you could direct him my way too, I'd be happy to see what we can do together.

Ones you can sidestep to degrees if legal guardians sign off on it. Laws aren't ironclad.

[ She can guess why he wouldn't toe that line, but it's not in her nature to let the idea slide by uncontested. Too many laws here, an some apparently help, she believes Will Graham when he says this, but there's also ways and ways to get around things. ]

Not to mention emancipation. The United States provides challenges. They're not insurmountable.

[ They're also pretty focused around the US proper. Not every country has those laws... sigh. ]

Thank you. I'll let him know.

[ No idea if or when he'd explore the option, especially after the last few days... but it is what it is. ]

Detail oriented, huh? I like it. You're right, there are ways around it, but there's liability issues, and then the potential point when it gets out to the media, and they create a storm.

Sometimes, it's best not to rock the boat, because you're going to rock it in other ways, and we don't want to mess with that.

But I'm very, very interested, even so. Hopefully he'll bite.

[ At the end of the day, he was a businessman, and he knew what would work, and what wouldn't work, and what was going to make him look good, or bad. ]

It makes sense to choose the battles you fight, or the fronts you engage on. There's more that can be done knowing where you can compromise than in finding the path of most resistance, especially if you also know where you won't compromise. Or understanding which way things are flowing... where the path of least resistance might lie.

So yes, detail oriented. It's necessary.

More fishing metaphors... I have a feeling he will.

[ Knowing how to pick and choose when to make a move, or how to make the least impact she can... Annie knows that from personal experience. It's had to change here, but in many ways it's the same series of actions and inactions taken. Don't rock the boat until you have to. Then make the biggest impact that's demanded. ]

Maybe you'll learn how to run a business while I teach you engineering as well, huh? That's pretty much the first rule. Make it expedient and cost-effective, and if you're taking a risk, make sure it's worth it. Nothing wrong with them, but if it's unnecessary, you'll pay for it.

But hopefully I'll hear from him. Who knows, a chemist might give us an edge in a lot of ways.

I'd rather learn how to assist in running a business. Heading things myself isn't really my style.

[ Serious but kidding but not at all joking really. ]

Though running a business sounds a lot like living smartly.

Well, if you ever want to add to the things I'm teaching you, I could probably give you some tips, Annie.

I have been running one for a while, I know what constitutes as a good assistant. I've been fortunate enough to have the best in my time.

[ Every survey member's worst nightmare: capable assistant annie leonhart. ]

Well, if you've had the best, then who better to hear from? Though if the best ever show(s) up, they sound like someone(s) worth meeting.

Well, I'm sure if she does, I'll be sure to point you in her direction. She's an incredible asset.

[ Of course he'd say that about Pepper Potts. Of course. ]

What's her name?

[ Sure says something that someone being called an asset doesn't even make Annie blink. ]

Pepper Potts. She's been working with me for ages.

[ Purposefully injected distance, hooray!! ]

[ Too purposefully, good work. Welcome to distancing corner, population: actually way too many people this corner sucks for real estate value! ]

I'll remember that name. Thank you.

I'm sure she'd be touched, if she shows up again. Really. Either that, or supremely annoyed.

Or both. Familiarity breeds just about every emotion.

Considering it'd be mostly directed at you (by my guess), I'm not too worried either way.

Fair enough. You won't have to worry, you'd be right.

Lucky you.

Luck has to be on my side sometime, I guess.

Normally it's not, huh?

Maybe that'll turn around here.

I'd prefer to depend on hard work and perseverance. They're usually less fickle.

Those are the only things you can count on.

Ver 5.2 | Video

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