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Post by skybright on Mar 11, 2007 22:29:43 GMT -5
James Marcus Cole's efforts to raise funds for the displaced Spooks had met with variable success: some of his contacts had been eager to help in any way they could, while others had proven reluctant to turn their vocal support for mutant rights into financial support. Still, he had managed to collect a tidy fund for the Spooks to draw on -- one he fully expected to coerce Nicholas Tiernan into expanding.
With that object in mind, Cole had scheduled an appointment with Tiernan. He adjusted his tie as he strode down the hallway towards Tiernan's office. For once, he had no intention of actively seeking out any information from Tiernan's mind, and so he had allowed himself the luxury of preparing his mental shields before arriving. It wouldn't completely block Tiernan's thoughts from filtering into Cole's mind -- but it would hopefully prevent a massive migraine from developing.
Cole arrived at Tiernan's office, rapped smartly on the door, and opened the door with his most charming smile in place. "Good morning, Mister Tiernan."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 11, 2007 22:37:25 GMT -5
Seated behind his desk, Tiernan gazed at the politician across his steepled fingers.
"Good morning, Mister Cole. I haven't seen you in a while. I understand from your press coverage that you've been quite busy."
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Post by skybright on Mar 11, 2007 22:41:46 GMT -5
"I have that, Mister Tiernan." Cole replied with a self-effacing smile. "As if the election weren't quite enough to handle, there's also been the recent . . . misfortune in Spooktown."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 11, 2007 22:53:59 GMT -5
"Yes." Tiernan looked grimly thoughtful. "Anti-mutant activists, I suspect. The Spooks have long had an unfortunate habit of... provoking some sections of the human populace. I'm afraid they don't pose the best example of mutantkind."
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Post by skybright on Mar 11, 2007 23:05:15 GMT -5
Cole frowned and took a seat. "No, I suppose they don't. Still . . . their misfortunes are not all entirely of their own making. And conditions were bad enough for the children and families of Spooktown before all of this happened. Now they've lost what tenuous stability their 'society' had managed to gain."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 11, 2007 23:20:53 GMT -5
"Yes," Tiernan said thoughtfully. "Unfortunately, the Spooks are not very proactive about helping themselves, and that makes it very difficult to assist them."
He gave a half-whimsically helpless shrug. "I have contributors to whom I must account, just as you do--investors in their fellow man, one might say. It's a simple fact that even the most charitable soul wants to see their support rewarded with some positive change in the recipient."
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Post by skybright on Mar 11, 2007 23:30:51 GMT -5
"Of course." Cole said smoothly, clasping his hands on his crossed knees. "I can respect that attitude, and the Spooks have had . . . something of a history of refusing to work for their own betterment.
"However," He added, "I believe that may be one way in which this tragedy is going to prove positive for the Spooks. It's forced them into the public eye -- and it's forced them to ask difficult questions about what they're going to do next."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 12, 2007 21:42:43 GMT -5
Tiernan sighed slightly. Then he reached into his desk drawer and took out a checkbook.
"I know you're a very persistent man, Mister Cole--so I'll save us both our valuable time. How much of a contribution do you want to your fund for the Spooks?"
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Post by skybright on Mar 12, 2007 22:38:10 GMT -5
Cole cloaked his triumphant smirk behind a discreet cough. "Well, Mister Tiernan, I'm sure that whatever you feel would be appropriate . . ."
Wouldn't be anywhere near enough to make up for what you've done.
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 12, 2007 22:50:31 GMT -5
Tiernan arched an eyebrow. Then he picked up his gold pen and swiftly scrawled a number across the check. From anyone else, it would have been a staggering sum.
He tore the check from the book and pushed it toward Cole. "If I can do anything else--including arranging job opportunities for some of the refugees, perhaps--do let me know."
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Post by skybright on Mar 12, 2007 22:55:13 GMT -5
"Of course." Cole said smoothly, pocketing the check with a charming smile. "Needless to say, the Spooks won't be making any permanent decisions for a while -- but I'm sure that they'll appreciate your generosity." Or at least they might, if they didn't know you were responsible for their misfortunes to begin with.
He sighed and stood up, brushing down the front of his suit. "As you've said, we're both busy men. I still have a campaign to run on top of all the recent difficulties with the Spooks -- and I'm sure you have other matters that need your attention."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 12, 2007 23:11:22 GMT -5
"Indeed." Tiernan inclined his head. "And I must apologize for the extra security measures you had to pass through when you arrived. Obviously, my pro-mutant views are not popular with some people, and... I have recently received some very serious threats." He raised an eyebrow coyly. "Perhaps the Spooks' misfortune has some relation to that."
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Post by skybright on Mar 12, 2007 23:14:53 GMT -5
Cole frowned faintly. "It's quite possible. If this attack truly was the work of anti-mutant zealots, then it's quite likely that they won't stop there. Better safe than sorry, of course."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 12, 2007 23:20:42 GMT -5
"It's an unfortunate situation." Tiernan smiled darkly. "All the more reason why we need a man like yourself in office, of course. And with the proper support..." He trailed off, with a small wave of his hand.
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Post by skybright on Mar 12, 2007 23:31:32 GMT -5
Cole smiled. "Well, we'll know soon enough. I'll admit, I'm looking forward to being done with campaigning -- regardless of the outcome." He chuckled. "But there is one outcome I'd prefer, of course. And, as you said, with the right support . . ." He trailed off tactfully and gave a slight bow.
"I'm certain we'll be in touch, Mister Tiernan. Thank you for your time -- and your contribution."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 12, 2007 23:35:01 GMT -5
"Quite glad to help." Because I intend to benefit tenfold in the future.
Tiernan inclined his head. "Good day, Mister Cole."
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