by Simon Archer
Macy had just walked over toward the standing reception desk, so I popped my head out and whispered, “Macy,” to let her know I was there. Cat girls had exceptional hearing, so I never had to shout or wait to catch her eye if I didn’t want to.
She turned and looked at me. I waved ‘hello’ and retreated back into my office. It was her routine to come to check in with me when I arrived, so I knew she’d come in when she wasn’t with a customer.
I had ten minutes before I was scheduled to be on a video call with Isamu Sato, so I sat down behind my desk and pulled a spreadsheet with supply numbers on it up on my computer. Krysta had emailed me some nano-glass projections that included what we would need for the release of the skillets and heating pads. I looked over them and added them into the numbers she’d reported for our cat girl rebuilds. Overall, our need for nano-glass was starting to skyrocket. I was certain a contract renegotiation would be brought up soon.
I looked up just in time to see Macy wave at me as she went breezing over to another customer who Reina had just greeted at the door. I hadn’t seen Reina when I first looked out, so I watched her interactions for a moment. I had given Reina a job as a favor to Leah and Macy, and it had worked out well so far. She seemed confident and accommodating, which was just what a concierge was supposed to be.
Macy only let the best on the showroom floor, so I knew I didn’t have anything to worry about. She clearly had her hands full, so I hit the remote on my desk that autolocked my office door. I didn’t want anyone barging in while I was speaking with Isamu. I glanced over the numbers in front of me for a couple more minutes until it was time for my video call.
Isamu was right on time. My computer rang, and I brought the video up. Isamu bowed his head at the camera.
“Good afternoon, Clark,” he said. We had agreed long ago on an American greeting. He didn’t expect me to greet him in Japanese.
“Hello, Isamu,” I replied. “I hope the morning is finding you well.” It was five in the morning in Japan.
“It is,” Isamu said. “How did you find your last shipment?” I always appreciated the lack of small talk that came with Isamu.
“The quality was excellent as always,” I reported.
“Breakage?” he inquired. Isamu was very particular about shipping quality.
“No more than before and completely within acceptable limits. All the breakage goes towards Kennedi’s artwork supply, so no profit is lost.” Isamu glanced down at his desk and then back up at the camera.
“That is good to hear,” Isamu started. “Do you have the new supply projections we spoke about?”
“Yes. I just emailed them to you. Take a look and tell me your thoughts,” I told him. Again, Isamu looked down at his desk and then off to the side, no doubt at another computer screen. A minute later, he looked back into the camera.
“Another increase. This one is seventeen percent over the last. Is that correct?” he confirmed.
“Yes. We’re launching two new products and have more in R and D. Is that number within your capabilities?” I wasn’t privy to the manufacturing capabilities Murai Gurasu had when it came to such steady increases in demand.
“Yes,” Isamu said. “Now let us talk about next quarter’s projections. I have no doubt they will be higher than this quarter with the rate of increase you’ve shown so far. Will you be proposing a bulk rate discount?” When I had thought of a renegotiation, I hadn’t thought of it going so clearly in my favor.
“I currently have not entertained making such a request. I am prepared to wait until those new numbers come out,” I said. “I do have a new development that I would like to run by you. It could mean other manufacturing needs for VGS. Do you have time to hear them now?”
“I do have time. I will mark my calendar for an additional contract call next quarter to discuss a renegotiation. What would you like me to hear?” Isamu made a note and then refocused his attention on me.
“I am considering adding special features, upgrades if you will, to the list of offerings I currently have for rebuilt CGs. Most would have a biological component. I would have several original designs plus designs that are improvements on the non-biological features that Omnicorp is selling. If I move forward, I will need a manufacturer that can prep the parts.” I watched for a reaction, knowing I would most likely not get one. Isamu played his hand pretty close to the vest.
“Example?” he requested.
“An original example is a luminescent tail that corresponds with a CG’s mood but can be used as a light source if needed and can be turned on and off. An Omnicorp upgrade example would be a programmable ability for a CG to change their hair color without the external heat process Omni’s feature currently requires,” I told him. Isamu sat back and furrowed his brow in thought. I patiently waited for his response.
“I do not see Murai going into the biological manufacturing realm, Clark. The biggest obstacle is the transport of assembled units. There is always a damage amount in shipping, and when you apply that to fully assembled bio parts, the expense will most likely not be worth it,” he replied. “However, I do like your innovative spirit. I will make sure you have access to all the raw materials you need, nano-glass or otherwise. Send me a materials list when you have it put together, and we’ll move forward.”
“Fair enough, I appreciate your input,” I told him.
“Whose bio R and D facilities are you going to use for testing your new creations?” Isamu asked.
“I would build VGS’s own facility. I like to keep things in-house, and so does Charlie.” Isamu nodded his approval. “If you have any staff recommendations here in the U.S., please send them my way. I trust your referrals.”
“I will do so,” Isamu responded. “It has been a pleasure seeing you, Clark.”
“It has been good to see you too, Isamu. May I ask how Daiki is doing? Is he still climbing the mountain?” It was a tradition in Japanese business dealings to discuss family and friends after business had been handled, and the business portion of our meeting was over.
“Daiki is doing well, thank you for asking. He is still climbing the mountain. He has mentioned going to the U.S. several times to see the Teton mountain range,” Isamu reported.
“Let me reiterate my and Kennedi’s open invitation to you and your family should you want to take action on that idea.” I bowed as I extended the invitation once again.
“That is very generous of you. I will pass on the message to my son,” Isamu had a small grin on his face. A small grin from him was a very positive sign. I glanced down at my calendar.
“I have our next meeting set for the third Thursday of next month at the same time. Is that your calendar as well?” I always confirmed our appointments before ending a call. I looked up from my calendar just in time to see our video feed go static. It only lasted a moment and was back online again.
“Yes, it is. I will see you then. Please extend my greetings to Charlie, Kennedi, and Ellie. Goodbye,” Isamu ended. It didn’t seem as though he had seen the glitch.
“Certainly. Goodbye,” I replied. The video feed went dead as Isamu ended the call. While I was slightly disappointed that he wouldn’t entertain the idea of manufacturing the components I would need for my features program, I was happy that I had his support in the idea and raw materials side of things.
I hit the remote to unlock my door and started drafting an email to Krysta to put together information for a bulk rate discount discussion next month. As I hit the ‘send’ button, Macy opened my office door and came in.
“Hello, Clark,” she said cheerily.
“You look absolutely slammed out there,” I observed.
“It is a bit busier than normal,” she confirmed. “In fact, I have to get back to the desk, but I wanted to check how your call with Isamu went?”
“Here,” I said as I stood up. “I’ll tell you about it as I walk you back to the reception desk. I don’t want to interrupt your work.” The two of us walked out of my offi
ce and headed across the showroom. While we walked, I recounted my call with Isamu for her. Just as I finished, we reached the reception desk. She went around to the other side and stood across from me.
“I really love the idea of the features,” she said, nodding her head and looking around the showroom. “I can see so many ways to incorporate them into our sales process here.”
“I was hoping you’d see that,” I confessed to her. “The whole project will be a little way off, however. We will have to build out a lab for R and D.”
“Can you add on to one of our current labs?” Macy’s eyes were scanning the room as we spoke, making sure everything was running smoothly.
“I have to talk it over with Charlie. This is all just a recent idea that has been getting more and more prominent in my mind,” I told her.
“Well, it’s a good one. How long do bio labs take to construct?” she asked, looking down at some papers on the desk. She glanced up, and her eyes focused on something behind me. I turned around to see Clint Selanic standing there.
“Did I hear someone ask about bio lab construction?” Clint smiled easily and extended his hand to me. We shook hands, and he stepped up to the desk beside me.
“Hi, Clint,” I started. “Yeah, Macy and I were just mulling over some things.”
“I’m not interrupting, am I?” Clint suddenly looked concerned.
“No, no. Not at all,” I told him. “What can we do for you today?”
“Oh, good.” His face relaxed a little. “I’m just here to drop this packet off to Macy for Leah.” Clint handed Macy a thick envelope. “It’s the logistics paperwork for the Open House event. Macy took the envelope, opened the top flap, and glanced inside.
“Perfect, thank you, Clint,” she said, smiling at him. “Are you going back to the offices?”
“I will be, yes,” he told her. He looked from her to me and back. “Would it be alright if I said a quick ‘hello’ to Reina?” Macy stretched her neck up a little, scanning the room for Reina.
“I believe she is just escorting a customer back to one of our private rooms, but she should be back in a minute. You are more than welcome to wait if you’d like,” Macy told him.
“I will, thank you,” Clint replied.
Something caught Macy’s eye by the door, and she looked at me. “Let’s chat more later when it’s not so crazy in here, okay?” she asked me.
“How about at the awards benefit tonight?” I suggested.
“What awards benefit?” she asked me as she rounded the desk and started inching toward the front door.
“That’s what I figured,” I laughed. “I’ll email you the details. You are going to love it!” I waved her away so she could go take care of business. If she didn’t know about the award, I was certain Leah and Charlie had no idea either. I turned back to Clint, who was watching the back of the showroom where our private rooms were, waiting for Reina to come out.
“She really shouldn’t be too much longer,” I told him. “How are things going at UFT?” I figured a little polite conversation wouldn’t hurt while he waited.
“Leah really has her hands full this month, especially with the med case she is trying to push through,” Clint reported.
“How is that progressing?” I inquired. “Last I heard, she was having issues finding a lawyer to take her case.”
“Status on that is still the same.” Clint shrugged. “However, she is now sending requests at double the rate she was, so I have no doubt she will find someone soon.”
“She’s a bull, that one,” I joked. When Leah set her mind to something, she wouldn’t give up until she’d reached her goal.
“She sure is, but she has a heart of gold. I’m going to miss working at the foundation when I have to start traveling again.” Clint looked sincerely disappointed.
“She is one of the most generous people I know,” I agreed. I had nothing to offer in the way of a solution to his traveling schedule, so I ignored it. From the corner of my eye, I saw one of the private room doors open. I turned to see Reina walk out. “There she is.” I pointed her out to Clint.
“Great. I won’t keep her long,” Clint assured me. “I do appreciate you giving her this job. She absolutely loves it here.”
“I’m happy to do it, and both Macy and Kennedi really like her,” I replied. “I’ll leave you to it then.” I shook Clint’s hand again and started to walk back to my office.
“Hey, Clark,” Clint stopped me. “I don’t mean to intrude at all, but if you ever do need information about the bio lab business, I’m more than happy to point you in the right direction. I may be able to save you some time, depending on what you are needing.”
“I appreciate the offer, Clint. I will keep that in mind.” He nodded and turned around. He started walking toward Reina, and I continued on to my office. It was generous of him to offer information. Most people wanted to charge for any kind of information possible. I’d have to be sure to let Charlie know that we did have a resource if we needed it.
When I was once again back at my desk, I emailed Macy the benefit details, and then I picked up my phone and dialed Charlie. He answered on the third ring.
“Hello?” His voice was always set to business mode on the phone.
“Hey Charlie, it’s Clark. Question for you,” I said.
“Shoot,” he replied.
“Did you know Belavi won the Best Food in the Western US award, and that there is a benefit tonight that Bev and Ellie will be at to accept the award?” I waited for what I knew was coming next.
“I had no idea!” There it was. “Why didn’t they tell us?” Charlie sounded partially irritated and partially offended.
“Oh, it’s not just you. None of us knew. Something about lost mail and blah, blah, blah. Can you and Leah make it tonight at seven?”
“I’ll call her now, but I don’t see why not,” Charlie responded. “That really is a great accomplishment. I bet Bev is hiding under sheets to get away from praise for this one, isn’t she?” Charlie knew her all too well.
“Oh, just wait until I tell you what the girls did to her this morning! You’ll never believe me!” I laughed.
“Can’t wait. Alright, I’ve got to run. I’ll have Kevin pull out the limo. We can meet you all at Theo’s at six. Sound good?” Charlie loved doing little things to make other people feel special. I knew refusing his offer to use his limo wasn’t an option.
“Perfect. See you then.” Charlie and I both hung up. I looked out my office wall to survey the showroom. There were fewer people than when I’d arrived but not by much. Macy was speaking to an older gentleman, and Reina was once again by the front door, greeting people as they came in. Clint was nowhere to be seen. I guess he’d really meant it when he said he wasn’t going to take up much of Reina’s time. Everything seemed to be running smoothly. I decided to take a little time to do some research into bio labs, so I would have a little more to tell Charlie that night than, ‘Hey, we need a bio lab.’
I hopped online and started searching up on general information. Before I knew it, I was interrupted by Macy’s voice.
“Clark?” she said softly, head poking through the doorway.
“Hi, Macy. What is it?” I had been so involved in my search that I hadn’t heard her open the door.
“We’ll need to be going,” she told me.
“Going where?” I tried to remember if I forgot a meeting.
“Home to get ready for the benefit. It’s four-thirty,” she said with a hint of humor in her voice.
“Are you shitting me? I had no idea it was that late!” I had managed to spend nearly three hours researching. It had felt like ten minutes. “It’s a good thing you are here to keep me on track! How are things out there?”
“I’ve been filing people out steadily. There are two left in private rooms, and the doors are already locked,” she reported.
“Want me to give you a ride? We can just let the new girl do the mods.” I couldn’t keep a straight
face as the look of horror crossed Macy’s. When I started laughing, she realized I was joking and pretended like she was going to fly across the room and hit me.
“Not funny!” she yelled quietly. The last time Macy had left a CG alone in the store to finish a mod, it had been Krysta. That had also been the night Krysta had been kidnapped.
“Too funny!” I responded. “I’m just kidding. How long before you’ll be out of here?”
“I’ll have it closed down in time to catch the limo with Leah and Charlie.” Macy turned to walk away, but not before she shot me a mock-angry look over her shoulder to scold me for my joking with her, which just made me laugh.
I shut down my computer then grabbed my keys off my desk as I stood up. I needed to get home and change before the event, but I wanted to buy some flowers to take to Bev and Ellie first. I left my office out the back door and was in my 4Runner on the way to the flower shop in no time. After picking out two orchid-and-rose bouquets, I sped home. I had just enough time to take a quick shower and change into the tuxedo Kennedi had laid out for me, before driving over to Theo and Bev’s house.
When I pulled up beside the barn, I saw a familiar old Honda in the drive. I parked, got out, and carefully removed the bouquets from the back seat. I crossed the drive and made my way up the porch. The screen door had been blocked open, so I tapped my foot on the door to get someone to open it since my hands were full. Rosie opened the door and smiled at me. She was wearing a navy blue, form-fitting ball gown that sparkled every time she moved. It was the perfect color next to her bright, amber-yellow eyes. She stepped aside to allow me to pass.
