Etta is able to get a private moment with the mayor before he departs. He sends his men and Gabby away and they are now alone in the conference room, the Etta is fairly sure J.T. is right outside the door.
Yes, ma'am. What can I do for you, darlin? he says once the door is closed.
Etta and the Mayor
Etta and the Mayor
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta: "I appreciate a moment of your time, Mayor Sanders, I know how busy you must be.
"Let me tell you, I have had a morning. When you show up for the first time to a new workplace, you expect some chaos, but nothing like this.
"As our chief investor, you want this franchise to succeed. As do I. So we have some cards we need to lay on the table." Counting off her fingers, she lists, "One. This firehouse. It was a rush job. Our containment grid was barely installed, and that nearly led to a very public disaster in front of all those cameras. I shudder to think what other surprises are lying in wait. I need the names of the contractors who worked on this. And I need you to know that this is not a business where you can cut corners. We're not extravagant—the boys are heading out to look for the most affordable used car they can find, right now to be our fleet vehicle. But some things simply have to be taken care of.
"Two. You. You're obviously as bright as they come, and you have this town wrapped around your little finger. And the town is prospering for it, so you must know what you're doing. And I want you to know that we're respectful, friendly, and helpful, just like our brochure says. And we know how to play ball with the powers that be. But we can't operate under undo influence. What we do is dangerous, and it's technical like you would not believe, and unexpected variables could lead to disaster of Biblical proportions. Literally. So if you have any expectations from us beyond protecting the town from ghosts and, hopefully, a modest profit, let me know now, so that I can take them into account.
"Three. This town. In your position you must be aware of what has already become abundantly clear to us: This town is amok with supernatural activity. Off the charts. A real spook-show. If there is anything you know, or suspect, or are concerned about with the present or historical state of this town, I beg you to be open with us. The more we know, and the earlier we know it, the safer and saner we can keep everyone."
She leans back, and concludes, "Alright, I've had my say as plainly as I know how to say it, and you've been an absolute gentleman for listening. Thank you Mister Mayor."
"Let me tell you, I have had a morning. When you show up for the first time to a new workplace, you expect some chaos, but nothing like this.
"As our chief investor, you want this franchise to succeed. As do I. So we have some cards we need to lay on the table." Counting off her fingers, she lists, "One. This firehouse. It was a rush job. Our containment grid was barely installed, and that nearly led to a very public disaster in front of all those cameras. I shudder to think what other surprises are lying in wait. I need the names of the contractors who worked on this. And I need you to know that this is not a business where you can cut corners. We're not extravagant—the boys are heading out to look for the most affordable used car they can find, right now to be our fleet vehicle. But some things simply have to be taken care of.
"Two. You. You're obviously as bright as they come, and you have this town wrapped around your little finger. And the town is prospering for it, so you must know what you're doing. And I want you to know that we're respectful, friendly, and helpful, just like our brochure says. And we know how to play ball with the powers that be. But we can't operate under undo influence. What we do is dangerous, and it's technical like you would not believe, and unexpected variables could lead to disaster of Biblical proportions. Literally. So if you have any expectations from us beyond protecting the town from ghosts and, hopefully, a modest profit, let me know now, so that I can take them into account.
"Three. This town. In your position you must be aware of what has already become abundantly clear to us: This town is amok with supernatural activity. Off the charts. A real spook-show. If there is anything you know, or suspect, or are concerned about with the present or historical state of this town, I beg you to be open with us. The more we know, and the earlier we know it, the safer and saner we can keep everyone."
She leans back, and concludes, "Alright, I've had my say as plainly as I know how to say it, and you've been an absolute gentleman for listening. Thank you Mister Mayor."
Re: Etta and the Mayor
The Firehouse
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:05am
Hot and Humid Outside
Mayor Sanders smiles wide and appreciatively as she nods and leans back in his chair. You've done all your homework I see.
Good. I am glad to finally be dealing with professionals. As you can guess, we have some difficulty getting professionals coming out this way due to certain... prejudices. We understand full well that most of the world thinks there is nothing but fly space out this way, but I aim to change that perception. We are bringing in manufacturing, service industry, nightlife, and all while preserving the city history that we are built upon. That's the key there. It gives the people a sense of pride. Makes them want to work a bit more to prove themselves.
He glances out the window. A town like this, the biggest obstacle is keeping things in motion. A forward momentum. People like to take it easy, and that is good. Slow change is managed change. You can manage what changes and how. Do things intelligently. Advance this, hold onto that. Move the pieces around the board. And that is the crux of the matter right there. We are playing chess. Move things along too fast and things get out of hand and you might as well be playing checkers like the rest of these podunk towns around here. That is where they went wrong. The people that had control, lost control, and all the little pigeons knocked all the pieces off their board and shit all over the whole game.
That is where I come in. This town in the was doing well even in the depression. Most people forget that. We had work, not much, but we had it. Then we boomed in the 50's, and 60's. 70's were good too, but then everything came to a halt. Took 20 years to get that ball rolling again. A little failure and people pulled all their notions of investing right out. Set the city back 30 years... prices too.
Realistate was real cheap. I was able to work my way up real subtle and slow. You see... when you own a little bit of everything, it isn't long before you call the shots. I'm the one that owns the ball, the court, and the players on both sides. I'm going to keep it that way, Dr. Conkin; and you and the rest of the team here are going to help me. I will have some... city work for you here and there.
I have certain properties that needs cleaning up as the need arises... and other that you may well want to ignore when I say so.
We have to keep in mind that competition that wants to play checkers instead of chess. We get that momentum rolling a little too fast, and the next Federal Yahoo to cause a nationwide upset can set our town back again as they did before... If we are moving nice and steady... well, just like a few years back, our town will barely notice a hiccup while the rest are floundering.
He stands up and begins walking to the door. I'll get you what you need, just send a punch list through Gabby. As to the contractors, I'll pay them a personal visit and deal with that. Your people seem very capable, you let me know what you need to get that little spook jail of yours working like a top and I will make it happen. Just remember that it isn't just about what side of the bread your butter is on in this town, it is about me being the one that owns the bread, the butter, and the knife that is going to spread it around.
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:05am
Hot and Humid Outside
Mayor Sanders smiles wide and appreciatively as she nods and leans back in his chair. You've done all your homework I see.
Good. I am glad to finally be dealing with professionals. As you can guess, we have some difficulty getting professionals coming out this way due to certain... prejudices. We understand full well that most of the world thinks there is nothing but fly space out this way, but I aim to change that perception. We are bringing in manufacturing, service industry, nightlife, and all while preserving the city history that we are built upon. That's the key there. It gives the people a sense of pride. Makes them want to work a bit more to prove themselves.
He glances out the window. A town like this, the biggest obstacle is keeping things in motion. A forward momentum. People like to take it easy, and that is good. Slow change is managed change. You can manage what changes and how. Do things intelligently. Advance this, hold onto that. Move the pieces around the board. And that is the crux of the matter right there. We are playing chess. Move things along too fast and things get out of hand and you might as well be playing checkers like the rest of these podunk towns around here. That is where they went wrong. The people that had control, lost control, and all the little pigeons knocked all the pieces off their board and shit all over the whole game.
That is where I come in. This town in the was doing well even in the depression. Most people forget that. We had work, not much, but we had it. Then we boomed in the 50's, and 60's. 70's were good too, but then everything came to a halt. Took 20 years to get that ball rolling again. A little failure and people pulled all their notions of investing right out. Set the city back 30 years... prices too.
Realistate was real cheap. I was able to work my way up real subtle and slow. You see... when you own a little bit of everything, it isn't long before you call the shots. I'm the one that owns the ball, the court, and the players on both sides. I'm going to keep it that way, Dr. Conkin; and you and the rest of the team here are going to help me. I will have some... city work for you here and there.
I have certain properties that needs cleaning up as the need arises... and other that you may well want to ignore when I say so.
We have to keep in mind that competition that wants to play checkers instead of chess. We get that momentum rolling a little too fast, and the next Federal Yahoo to cause a nationwide upset can set our town back again as they did before... If we are moving nice and steady... well, just like a few years back, our town will barely notice a hiccup while the rest are floundering.
He stands up and begins walking to the door. I'll get you what you need, just send a punch list through Gabby. As to the contractors, I'll pay them a personal visit and deal with that. Your people seem very capable, you let me know what you need to get that little spook jail of yours working like a top and I will make it happen. Just remember that it isn't just about what side of the bread your butter is on in this town, it is about me being the one that owns the bread, the butter, and the knife that is going to spread it around.
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta shows the Mayor to the front door, all smiles and blandishment. As soon as the door is closed, she says to herself, "That man is a grade A snake."
Turning to Julia, she asks, "Could you arrange an appointment for me with this Father Belmont? A... ah, a discrete meeting. Maybe I could come out and take a look at his church? This afternoon?"
As she says this, she pulls out her phone and dials the most highly-placed contact she has at GBI, preferably someone on the legal team.
Turning to Julia, she asks, "Could you arrange an appointment for me with this Father Belmont? A... ah, a discrete meeting. Maybe I could come out and take a look at his church? This afternoon?"
As she says this, she pulls out her phone and dials the most highly-placed contact she has at GBI, preferably someone on the legal team.
Re: Etta and the Mayor
The Firehouse
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:10am
Hot and Humid Outside
J.T. is caught at the door like a school boy and tries to look like he was occupied with that potted plant over... uh... that book over... uh... yeah, he was eavesdropping. The Mayor waves him along and makes sure to be cordial and shake all the hands on his way out until Etta closes the door behind him and establishes her personal assessment.
At the mention of visiting Father Belmont, Julia and her mother exchange a look before they both look back to Etta. Now, Mrs. Etta was it? I know you are new here and all, and I ain't about to tell you how to do your job, not by a mile. But, ma'am, first you want to talk to the mayor and now you want to meet with Father Belmont? Either you are brave or like things difficult, if it ain't too forward of me. Are you sure don't want to sit a spell first? Have a break before you go tromping for more snakes? Looks like you are already wrestling with on in your garden, why stir up the other?
Mama Dunst:
Julia on the other hand, though a little hesitant, nods and moves behind her computer to begin jotting notes on her to do list. I am sure I can arrange that. Father Belmont won't meet with you alone on account that you're a lady and it would not reflect well. You can bet he will have at least one of his men with him to help keep up appearances. He's... a bit difficult... as you might have seen.
I don't like speaking ill of men of the cloth, but to be perfectly honest... he gives me the creeps.
When Etta pulls out her phone, she will see a VIP section on her contacts. At the top is the following:
Dr. Janine Melnitz-Spengler
Louis Tully, Attorney at Law
Professor Kylie Griffon, PhD, EdD, & ScD
Dr. Veronica Spangler, PhD, ScD
Jeremy Spangler, MPhys, MEng
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:10am
Hot and Humid Outside
J.T. is caught at the door like a school boy and tries to look like he was occupied with that potted plant over... uh... that book over... uh... yeah, he was eavesdropping. The Mayor waves him along and makes sure to be cordial and shake all the hands on his way out until Etta closes the door behind him and establishes her personal assessment.
At the mention of visiting Father Belmont, Julia and her mother exchange a look before they both look back to Etta. Now, Mrs. Etta was it? I know you are new here and all, and I ain't about to tell you how to do your job, not by a mile. But, ma'am, first you want to talk to the mayor and now you want to meet with Father Belmont? Either you are brave or like things difficult, if it ain't too forward of me. Are you sure don't want to sit a spell first? Have a break before you go tromping for more snakes? Looks like you are already wrestling with on in your garden, why stir up the other?
Mama Dunst:
I don't like speaking ill of men of the cloth, but to be perfectly honest... he gives me the creeps.
When Etta pulls out her phone, she will see a VIP section on her contacts. At the top is the following:
Dr. Janine Melnitz-Spengler
Louis Tully, Attorney at Law
Professor Kylie Griffon, PhD, EdD, & ScD
Dr. Veronica Spangler, PhD, ScD
Jeremy Spangler, MPhys, MEng
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Reviewing the names in her phone, Etta dials up Louis Tully.
This should be interesting!
This should be interesting!
Re: Etta and the Mayor
You have no idea how much I have looked forward to this!Pulpatoon wrote:Reviewing the names in her phone, Etta dials up Louis Tully.
This should be interesting!
RingRing...RingRing... RingRing...RingRing... RingRing...RingRing...
Uhm... uh... hey. Hello? Uh... hi? I mean... Louis Tully, attorney at law? Or you know... accounting and taxes and stuff... How are you?
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta: "Mr. Tully, I'm so happy to speak with you! This is Vanette Conklin, with the newly-established GBI franchise in Fort Enterprise, Arkansas. And we have a legal issue. The major investor in franchise, who just happens to be the mayor and owns three-quarters of the town to boot, has made it very clear that he considers us to be at his beck and call. He explicitly instructed us to pick and choose which calls we respond to based on his say-so, in support of his development plans for the community.
"So what's our recourse here? How can GBI protect us and itself from a rogue investor? Do we need to get law enforcement involved? And just what kind of due diligence is GBI doing in regards to screening investors?
"And, oh, now here's the question I've been burning to ask all morning: When the hell did Ghostbuster houses start accepting external investors in the first place? I thought I was signing up for a share in an owner-operator situation. That's how Firehouse Zero was! Do you see the kind of liability this has opened the whole organization up to? Do you want headlines about the Ghostbusters being in bed with a crooked politician?!"
"So what's our recourse here? How can GBI protect us and itself from a rogue investor? Do we need to get law enforcement involved? And just what kind of due diligence is GBI doing in regards to screening investors?
"And, oh, now here's the question I've been burning to ask all morning: When the hell did Ghostbuster houses start accepting external investors in the first place? I thought I was signing up for a share in an owner-operator situation. That's how Firehouse Zero was! Do you see the kind of liability this has opened the whole organization up to? Do you want headlines about the Ghostbusters being in bed with a crooked politician?!"
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Louis Tully
Uhhh.... yeah.... I was kind of worried about that... oh jeeze... you found out huh? Well, uhh... you see... when the economy was not doing so good and the president opened up all these new options for tax breaks for opening companies up to investers and it all looked really good and we did that and yours was kind of the experiment and we had all the stuff in place to keep things from getting out of hand but halfway through the negociations i found a snag and it was the same day that i got the flu and I kind of had to leave work early and lost the paperwork until i found it later and had forgotten about the snag but it was more like a loophole so i tried to plug it with a BS69 form and everyone was find with it or so I thought but then I was typing everything up again for a final copy and the real estate company called up and said they had a perfect place for a firehouse and wanted to know if they could get in on the investment by more or less donating the space as long as the contract was in place and then there was the election and all the laws changed again, so I had to fill out a GDGM101 and a GDGM504iep for the state and that meant I needed to reconfigure everything and on my way to City Hall to file it and stopped for the guacamole special down on 34th since it wasn't that far out the way and I had a coupon for 20% off which is a really good deal since the guacamole special is usually only $3.00 but then he tried to charge me $2.80 after tax which is wrong because he was still charging for the extended vender tax that has exspired the week before so that took a while but it all worked out in the end, but I dripped some guacamole on the papers so I had to go back and when I got back to City Hall they were closed so I came back home and found out I kinda had food poisoning so I don't wanna go into detail butI had to type them up again and anyway when I filed all the paper work and got all the stamps I kind of made a boo boo...
Uhhh.... yeah.... I was kind of worried about that... oh jeeze... you found out huh? Well, uhh... you see... when the economy was not doing so good and the president opened up all these new options for tax breaks for opening companies up to investers and it all looked really good and we did that and yours was kind of the experiment and we had all the stuff in place to keep things from getting out of hand but halfway through the negociations i found a snag and it was the same day that i got the flu and I kind of had to leave work early and lost the paperwork until i found it later and had forgotten about the snag but it was more like a loophole so i tried to plug it with a BS69 form and everyone was find with it or so I thought but then I was typing everything up again for a final copy and the real estate company called up and said they had a perfect place for a firehouse and wanted to know if they could get in on the investment by more or less donating the space as long as the contract was in place and then there was the election and all the laws changed again, so I had to fill out a GDGM101 and a GDGM504iep for the state and that meant I needed to reconfigure everything and on my way to City Hall to file it and stopped for the guacamole special down on 34th since it wasn't that far out the way and I had a coupon for 20% off which is a really good deal since the guacamole special is usually only $3.00 but then he tried to charge me $2.80 after tax which is wrong because he was still charging for the extended vender tax that has exspired the week before so that took a while but it all worked out in the end, but I dripped some guacamole on the papers so I had to go back and when I got back to City Hall they were closed so I came back home and found out I kinda had food poisoning so I don't wanna go into detail butI had to type them up again and anyway when I filed all the paper work and got all the stamps I kind of made a boo boo...
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta: "Mr. Tully, it's very big of you to take such immediate and decisive responsibility. Now that we have that out of the way, how do you propose to protect us from the results of your error?
"Let me put it to you very simply, Mr. Tully. You and your guacamole have landed us all in a big heap of trouble, and you need to move heaven and earth to get us out of it, and fast.
"Personally, I think step one is to get in contact with the FBI. And I mean the one in DC, not regional. The good ol' boys network is alive and strong in this part of the world, and I don't think we'll get much traction anywhere around here. There implications for federal housing issues, if nothing else, and that should get them off their duffs in a hurry.
"But that investigation will take years, and we need immediate action to cover our asses. What can we do to keep GBI's bacon out of the fire? Can you retract the franchise? Because it's dangerous to let this guy keep it in his pocket. Can we revoke the franchise and then start up a new one, done properly? Because let me tell you, this place has ghosts stacked like cordwood. We're going to be busy for a long time."
"Let me put it to you very simply, Mr. Tully. You and your guacamole have landed us all in a big heap of trouble, and you need to move heaven and earth to get us out of it, and fast.
"Personally, I think step one is to get in contact with the FBI. And I mean the one in DC, not regional. The good ol' boys network is alive and strong in this part of the world, and I don't think we'll get much traction anywhere around here. There implications for federal housing issues, if nothing else, and that should get them off their duffs in a hurry.
"But that investigation will take years, and we need immediate action to cover our asses. What can we do to keep GBI's bacon out of the fire? Can you retract the franchise? Because it's dangerous to let this guy keep it in his pocket. Can we revoke the franchise and then start up a new one, done properly? Because let me tell you, this place has ghosts stacked like cordwood. We're going to be busy for a long time."
Re: Etta and the Mayor
The Firehouse
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:15am
Hot and Humid Outside
I'm enjoying this way too much
The FBI? Oh... that might be a problem... What do you mean federal housing? Is there something wrong with the firehouse?
Uh..... yeah an investigation would take a long time and either they would say keep on operating as normal but he might be mad and make that hard on you since you would be launching a federal investigation on him... or they would put a freeze on operations for you or even the whole GBI which would be really bad for everyone... I have been trying to go over the paperwork but uh.... I kind of wrote a really good contract... it's airtight. we.... might be able to buy him out but.... well... GBI is very tight for funds... we are working on that but as you probably know I guess that is sorta business as usual. The quickest means to get back the franchise would be to begin buying back the shares if you can get the holders to sell. They are listed for $638k that the other shareholders have... With whatever you make you get to keep about 15% right now. The rest will go to the shareholders... But only after expenses.
This is oversimplified shareholding but it is the best I have been able to make sense of stock market stuff. If someone knows better please feel free to pipe up and we will fix it up a little. but for now, I am keeping it simple. Your part is 15% and the rest goes to the Mayor and the company White Hat Realistate.
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:15am
Hot and Humid Outside
I'm enjoying this way too much
The FBI? Oh... that might be a problem... What do you mean federal housing? Is there something wrong with the firehouse?
Uh..... yeah an investigation would take a long time and either they would say keep on operating as normal but he might be mad and make that hard on you since you would be launching a federal investigation on him... or they would put a freeze on operations for you or even the whole GBI which would be really bad for everyone... I have been trying to go over the paperwork but uh.... I kind of wrote a really good contract... it's airtight. we.... might be able to buy him out but.... well... GBI is very tight for funds... we are working on that but as you probably know I guess that is sorta business as usual. The quickest means to get back the franchise would be to begin buying back the shares if you can get the holders to sell. They are listed for $638k that the other shareholders have... With whatever you make you get to keep about 15% right now. The rest will go to the shareholders... But only after expenses.
This is oversimplified shareholding but it is the best I have been able to make sense of stock market stuff. If someone knows better please feel free to pipe up and we will fix it up a little. but for now, I am keeping it simple. Your part is 15% and the rest goes to the Mayor and the company White Hat Realistate.
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta struggles to keep her voice level. "Okay, how about this: what is GBI obligated to provide per the franchise agreement?"
Re: Etta and the Mayor
The Firehouse
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:16am
Hot and Humid Outside
I'm I am still updating time here but for the most part, this and the other thread are going to be a little Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey at the moment
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Etta & The Mayor
Aug. 9, 2018, 11:16am
Hot and Humid Outside
I'm I am still updating time here but for the most part, this and the other thread are going to be a little Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey at the moment
At the moment you get 15% of profits. That is good for everything you need for payroll after budgeting for rent, utilities, maintenance... you know... expenses... so... Lets say you have $20k, okay? You use half of that to pay all your bills... and that leaves you with $10k... you just got to pay $8.5k to the investors which leaves you with about $1.5 at the end of the month for payroll and you know... other stuff? But you can do whatever you want with it... from the tone in his voice he knew he was really trying to make a polished terd look good, but at least had the decency to feel really bad about it.what is GBI obligated to provide per the franchise agreement?"
Brownie Point Pool
Dr. Vanette Conklin: 57/57
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta: "Thank you. What does GBI owe the investors? Use of the name and trademark imagery, right? What about staffing? How much of the equipment is owned outright by the them?
"Here's what I'm worried about: Mayor Sanders is going to ask us to do something illegal. Already has. You, by your own admissions on this phone call, and GBI by extension, are implicated in any illegal activity this franchise becomes involved in. If we can't retract the franchise, the only options I can see are to refuse, at which point we can be fired, or to quit.
"As I'm sure you know, in GBU they teach us that Murphy's Law is a fundamental rule of the Universe. Inevitably, the crisis with Mayor Sanders will reach it's most intense moment at the same time some end-of-the-world-or-at-least-the-tri-county-region sorta thing is going on. And, being good graduates of GBU, we're not going to let something like being fired stop us. We'll go rogue.
"So, forseeing a situation like this that is against the letter of the law, but very much in the spirit of the Ghostbusters, what can we do? Is there a way to squirrel away equipment that doesn't belong to the investors, so that we have a chance against whatever inevitable madness pops up?
"And if we abandon the firehouse, will GBI have to provide new recruits to staff it, or will it sit empty?"
It occurs to Etta that she should probably be talking to Venkman at this point.
"Here's what I'm worried about: Mayor Sanders is going to ask us to do something illegal. Already has. You, by your own admissions on this phone call, and GBI by extension, are implicated in any illegal activity this franchise becomes involved in. If we can't retract the franchise, the only options I can see are to refuse, at which point we can be fired, or to quit.
"As I'm sure you know, in GBU they teach us that Murphy's Law is a fundamental rule of the Universe. Inevitably, the crisis with Mayor Sanders will reach it's most intense moment at the same time some end-of-the-world-or-at-least-the-tri-county-region sorta thing is going on. And, being good graduates of GBU, we're not going to let something like being fired stop us. We'll go rogue.
"So, forseeing a situation like this that is against the letter of the law, but very much in the spirit of the Ghostbusters, what can we do? Is there a way to squirrel away equipment that doesn't belong to the investors, so that we have a chance against whatever inevitable madness pops up?
"And if we abandon the firehouse, will GBI have to provide new recruits to staff it, or will it sit empty?"
It occurs to Etta that she should probably be talking to Venkman at this point.
Re: Etta and the Mayor
LOL! Wow, you are making me work for this one! By chance are you an attorney on real life?
Awkward silence. I'm going to keep working on it on my end. I haven't stopped. There's always a loophole somewhere, I just have to find it. Uhhhh... The equipment and the logo belong to GBI. We have a fail safe clause for that.
No one else can even touch it. What the real estate company owns is the building and the company itself and uhh... well... here's the problem... since the Containment unit is technically part of the property... they sort of own it too... but I'mworking on that. Dr. Melnitz has been petitioning Congress to have all the containment grids around the world declared sovereign property of GBI to avoid complications like this and if it goes through then it could solve that problem and force a renegotiation that will probably bury my in a mountain of paperwork but hey that is part of the job and I am here to help and I'm so sorry! he. actually. starts. crying...
Awkward silence. I'm going to keep working on it on my end. I haven't stopped. There's always a loophole somewhere, I just have to find it. Uhhhh... The equipment and the logo belong to GBI. We have a fail safe clause for that.
No one else can even touch it. What the real estate company owns is the building and the company itself and uhh... well... here's the problem... since the Containment unit is technically part of the property... they sort of own it too... but I'mworking on that. Dr. Melnitz has been petitioning Congress to have all the containment grids around the world declared sovereign property of GBI to avoid complications like this and if it goes through then it could solve that problem and force a renegotiation that will probably bury my in a mountain of paperwork but hey that is part of the job and I am here to help and I'm so sorry! he. actually. starts. crying...
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
In real life, I'm a cartoonist, which is about as far from a lawyer as you can get! But I figure that Etta, as a librarian in an academic institution, is used to thinking ahead of bureaucracy.
Etta softens her tone when she hears the man's sobs. "Oh, there there, honey. It's a big job, I know, and I'm sure you work very hard at it. I have every confidence that you'll follow up on this and find a way to keep it from blowing up in all our faces. Right? You'll find something in that contract, won't you?
"In the meantime, I'm delighted to hear that we can keep claim on the equipment, and I'll set the boys to thinking about a possible solution to the containment grid.
"Okay, I'm gonna let you go. Make yourself a nice cup of tea or something. We're gonna keep bustin' ghosts, and you're gonna keep our tails covered, legally speaking, right?"
Etta makes her polite goodbyes with Tully and hangs up. Pulling up the note-taking app on her phone, she adds to the to-do list:
• Escape plan: backup containment grid?
Then, she texts her daughter:
Missed you and my grandbabies at the ribbon cutting. Everything okay?
Looking around, she sees the boys delighted unwrapping Winston's largess. Such a relief to know that the Mayor couldn't lay his scaly hands on any of it! Although... he could lock them out of the building, couldn't he? She adds another note to the to-do list:
• Escape plan: access to equipment?
Then, she notices Julia's mother is still there. "Mrs. Dunst, do you have time to take a walk with me? I'd love to get your take on what's going on around this town, and I need to drop in on my Daisy. Have you been to her flower shop?"
To the boys: "Spend our money wisely, boys. Expect unforeseen expenditures, sooner than later."
To Julia: "I'm stepping out, if I can borrow your Mama for a minute. Text me when you know when my appointment with Father Belmont is. Thanks, sweetie."
Etta softens her tone when she hears the man's sobs. "Oh, there there, honey. It's a big job, I know, and I'm sure you work very hard at it. I have every confidence that you'll follow up on this and find a way to keep it from blowing up in all our faces. Right? You'll find something in that contract, won't you?
"In the meantime, I'm delighted to hear that we can keep claim on the equipment, and I'll set the boys to thinking about a possible solution to the containment grid.
"Okay, I'm gonna let you go. Make yourself a nice cup of tea or something. We're gonna keep bustin' ghosts, and you're gonna keep our tails covered, legally speaking, right?"
Etta makes her polite goodbyes with Tully and hangs up. Pulling up the note-taking app on her phone, she adds to the to-do list:
• Escape plan: backup containment grid?
Then, she texts her daughter:
Missed you and my grandbabies at the ribbon cutting. Everything okay?
Looking around, she sees the boys delighted unwrapping Winston's largess. Such a relief to know that the Mayor couldn't lay his scaly hands on any of it! Although... he could lock them out of the building, couldn't he? She adds another note to the to-do list:
• Escape plan: access to equipment?
Then, she notices Julia's mother is still there. "Mrs. Dunst, do you have time to take a walk with me? I'd love to get your take on what's going on around this town, and I need to drop in on my Daisy. Have you been to her flower shop?"
To the boys: "Spend our money wisely, boys. Expect unforeseen expenditures, sooner than later."
To Julia: "I'm stepping out, if I can borrow your Mama for a minute. Text me when you know when my appointment with Father Belmont is. Thanks, sweetie."
Re: Etta and the Mayor
very nice! Where can we see some of your work?
Tully assures Etta that he will keep working on everything.
speaking, right?"[/dialog]
Daisy Sorry! Mayor bought most of our stock with no warning. Been scrambling to restock. Had it on TV. Looked good! Belmont at it again?
Mama Dunst Why sure I can take a walk.
Looks like my Julia here needs to get back to work anyways. Seems you have a busy place here.
Julia Etta, I'll get to work on your appointment,
but I can't make any promises. See ya Mom. Dinner tonight?
Mrs. Dunst accompanied Etta outside so they could walk to the shop. Please, dont judge us all based on what you have seen today. They really are the worst of it. The mayor and Belmont I mean.
Tully assures Etta that he will keep working on everything.
speaking, right?"[/dialog]
Admittedly, I had forgotten this. Oops!Etta wrote:Then, she texts her daughter:
Missed you and my grandbabies at the ribbon cutting. Everything okay?
Daisy Sorry! Mayor bought most of our stock with no warning. Been scrambling to restock. Had it on TV. Looked good! Belmont at it again?
Mama Dunst Why sure I can take a walk.
Looks like my Julia here needs to get back to work anyways. Seems you have a busy place here.
Julia Etta, I'll get to work on your appointment,
but I can't make any promises. See ya Mom. Dinner tonight?
Mrs. Dunst accompanied Etta outside so they could walk to the shop. Please, dont judge us all based on what you have seen today. They really are the worst of it. The mayor and Belmont I mean.
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta: "Oh, don't you worry. There's men like than everywhere in the world. Some places just clear the path for 'em a little more than others.Bluehorse wrote:Mrs. Dunst accompanied Etta outside so they could walk to the shop. Please, dont judge us all based on what you have seen today. They really are the worst of it. The mayor and Belmont I mean.
"As you said earlier, I'm aiming to stir up some trouble, and I don't plan on being shy with the local bullies. I figure if I can work out their agendas as early as possible, I'm in better shape than if they jump up and surprise me. Have you lived here long? I'm guessing at least as long as Julia's been alive, hmm? So what can you tell me? About either the Mayor or Father Belmont?"
Etta threads her way through the streets of Fort Enterprise and the August heat, heading to Daisy's Flower Shop.
Thanks for asking! The easiest thing to find (in that it's free) is an aborted webcomic, The Mummy's Sabbatical. There's a link in my sig file!
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Mama Dunst seems all too happy to converse. My husband's family and my own have lived in this area for generations. My side came was Massachusetts in the 1680's back when most of the state was a French Colony.
Wasn't until the early 1800's that we settled around here, when Fort Smith was still very new. Now my Mark's side, well they were of a different stock. His so many greats grandfather was one of the original soldiers to found the old fort itself.
That was way back in 1817. So he is one of the few that can truly trace back to the original founding. People don't talk about it a lot anymore, but that sort of thing is admired around here, even if Mark is dismissive of it, I know he is proud of it too. So I Julia. You should see her on pageant days like Tales from the Crypt when she is all dressed up. We love our history here... but I'm prattling on... tell me about Daisy!
Wasn't until the early 1800's that we settled around here, when Fort Smith was still very new. Now my Mark's side, well they were of a different stock. His so many greats grandfather was one of the original soldiers to found the old fort itself.
That was way back in 1817. So he is one of the few that can truly trace back to the original founding. People don't talk about it a lot anymore, but that sort of thing is admired around here, even if Mark is dismissive of it, I know he is proud of it too. So I Julia. You should see her on pageant days like Tales from the Crypt when she is all dressed up. We love our history here... but I'm prattling on... tell me about Daisy!
Brett
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
~A.K.A. Bluehorse
Re: Etta and the Mayor
Etta: "You'll meet her in half a tick—I think she'll remind you of your daughter. Smart and together. Not afraid to be who she is. That's her flower shop, just down the street. Now, what can you tell me about living with this Mayor? And about Father Belmont?"