I understand our discussions may have been cut off rather prematurely, but you had some words of note. If we have further business to attend to, then let us continue. If not, I hope you now have enough resources to remedy any damages that may have been done.

Cheerio,

Lawrence Preston, Esquire

Now this, this is good. So much more than the typical folding we often get. The character, the emotion – excellent. How rare to cross paths with someone in such tune with human nature. Well met, my dear sister, your observations are all correct. Let me begin by apologizing for my rather insulting communique. While things remain. . . .open, so to say. . . . I’ve found that generic texts are those that get responses with little scrutiny. I have clearly underestimated you.

Indeed, the Division has no power other than the power we are granted by others. As you well know, credits sit on the throne of perceptive authority for the time being. Should that change, I can assure it would not be our pursuit. Perhaps you may bring about a world in which this is not so, and please accept my warmest encouragement in your efforts. Until then, though, we must deal with things as they are. I beg of you to create a world in which we are no longer appreciative of how well our pockets may be lined.

But I admit, you misunderstand where we may fit “morally” in this spectrum of yours. Such a spectrum is highly subjective, which is why we concern our efforts on those things which are true. I am sorry you view us so poorly.

I will certainly keeps tabs on our “moral receipt,” as receipts seem to be what you associate us with. However, I shall also do the same with yours, which totals at a minimum $20,000,000 for the time being. I hope that will be it. As tainted as you believe our resources may be, you’re more than welcome to return them. I doubt such will be happening, as the rhetoric of “bribe” and “lies” has more value to you in your marketing efforts, not to mention addressing your more, as noted, "material" needs. As I understand, a bribe typically necessitates a mutual promise in our favor – something we have neither asked for nor received. We may always revisit the issue, should you like. Perhaps over a vodka mojito.

I hope we will meet again. You’re a bright, intriguing woman, my dear Sister Nishi. Don’t disappoint me by talking out of both sides of your mouth.

Lawrence Preston, Esquire

I wouldn’t say you performed poorly. It’s quite easy to forget one’s humanity, if you will, in a position such as mine. I serve an entity, a creation of imagination and contract, and am sworn to protect it from those who seek to disturb its primary mission – the ubiquitous pursuit of wealth for its shareholders. Many of those may support your cause. Others may despise you with every fiber in their beings. It matters not to the Division, as its sole purpose is to keep the cogs of the sector turning while proving, in some measurable manner, that it has value. Another of those social constructs you reference. The Division is merely a slave to its masters.

As you note, it could easily be said that we create revenue for “whatever house,” although indirectly through its citizens. However, the Division has an existence outside of any individual House. It stabilizes itself through diversification, and as such, has even less concern for the political or economic to’s-and-fro’s of the sector than many believe. I apologize if you misunderstand what we are – we manage invisible numbers, digital entries in virtual books. I’m certain our payroll is smaller than yours. However, the companies shuffled about as the Division’s assets may be a different concern. I was under the impression the Sisterhood was fond of the Renzu Corporation. If not, we can certainly pull some strings below.

Regardless, all assets, governmental, private, or public are cut from the Division’s body like a cancer when they drain resources instead of producing them. If such a thing occurred within Kusari, regardless of cause, then I’m sure our assets would shift elsewhere to leave a “void,” if you will - until the situation changes, of course, through whatever means that may be. Whether this is a benefit or a hindrance to you is something for the Sisterhood to decide.

As I said earlier, we have a propensity for making numbers increase or decrease in one’s various accounts, nothing more. We reserve most of the functional work to other entities or individuals properly insured and trusted to do so. If we have allowed a concurrent increase in an account that you retain access to, than we shall let it be. However, I have a suspicion the Sisterhood may have skills that would be useful, if not uncouth, for the Division.

In that case, let me be blunt.

Should the Sisterhood agree, we shall send similar monthly contributions to an account of your choosing as advance consideration for information on all native and foreign corporate activities you may witness within Kusari; employee identities, commonly used routes, cargoes, destinations, and any information concerning a “witness’s” corporate entity you may be so inclined to extract. Samura and Kishiro are of particular note, as are any foreign organizations you may encounter. Should you be able to gather information on encounters between these entities and current Kusarian governmental forces, please consider such fair game. Information of particular value may serve as a precursor to increased contributions. We also require advanced notice of any terrorist activities that may affect the Division’s currently limited assets in Kusari. The Division does not oppose or support every possible event in our sector but merely seeks to be aware of them. All of the above shall be subject to a particular level of discretion you have already referenced.

The Division has left its backyard unkempt, so to speak, and that simply cannot do.


Lawrence Preston, Esquire

I believe you'll find all is in order for now. You may find other payments siphoned from Division assets elsewhere from time to time.

Enjoy the hunt.

Lawrence Preston, Esquire