Chapter 8: The Intriguing Request

We both slept into midday, but we didn't go to bed until the mid-early morning. Norman held all calls for other jobs until we were well-rested and ready to look them over. Even so, we were still tired from the previous night's events. Dorothy's feet were sore from running and I was resting from injuries. It would be a week before we both returned to working out.

Despite now our feelings being out in the open and mutually reciprocated, Dorothy remained professional with me during the times we were working. I assumed this was to help set boundaries with her personal and professional life, not that I didn't mind. It actually helped me focus as well on things I needed to get done. Though, every now and then, I would steal a glance at her for inspiration if we were in the office at our desks.

However, Dastun would be right about Dorothy's assertive attitude. The few cases in which we worked together for the remainder of November would cause us to butt heads. Dorothy's savage quips stung my pride and of course, being a gentleman, I did let most go. I say most because I did run my mouth on some occasions when I quipped an automatic reply back to her comments that stung me a bit too much, only to be punished later when reviewing her paperwork, which would be extremely detailed and sometimes set to a smaller font. However, our frustration at each other would seem to abate once we were eating dinner and I would find myself grateful that the boundaries between our professional and personal lives had been set so firmly and well outlined, as well as Dorothy and I were matured adults.

Dorothy took my suggestion and began reading Robin Hood in our down-times in the evening. Even though the English had been translated to a modern-day translation, at least what was considered modern prior to forty years ago, it was still hard to follow in some areas, and I helped with translation occasionally since I had read the book more than once. Dorothy found a few stories and asked me if she could take the book to the clinic to read to the kids, to measure their reactions for the future project she had in mind. I agreed, on the condition she didn't let any paint get on the book.

Down-times in the evening remained my favorite time to spend with her. Sometimes she would read Robin Hood, I would read the paper. She started teaching me a little piano, but I'm awful at it. Other nights, we would stand outside in the courtyard, watching the city or have a chess match. Then other times, I would sit on the couch, and she would lay on me, while I sipped my nightcap, stroking her hair absentmindedly. Of course, she or I would kiss each other before one of us went to bed for the night. Talk about the butterflies in my stomach getting excited and the feeling afterwards was better than any fine liquor could achieve.

The city's check finally arrived and in the nick of time. While money has never been an issue in the household, it arrived at the end of November, in time for the holidays. The paper predicted that Paradigm would have a very snowy winter and Norman wanted the household to be stocked and well prepared, in case if we were to get snowed in. And with it now being December, the expansion project came back from the back burner to the front for their quarterly meeting.

"Can I ask why you're tagging along? You know Beck's going to be there, or Mr. Beck… ugh, still sounds weird saying his name like that."

Roger was driving to Paradigm HQ to meet with Gold Industries and expansion project committee for the quarterly report. Dorothy was fiddling around with her satchel, making sure she had everything she needed to take notes.

"I'm well aware Beck will be there."

"As much as I hate to say this, it's Mr. Beck now. He's a client, and we have to address him properly."

"That's easy to do since he kidnapped me, three times I might add, and literally messed with my head when I was an android, three times as well. Forgive me for not addressing him properly. It's not like he has earned my respect," said Dorothy, coldly.

Roger felt the sting in her words. "I'm well aware, Dorothy, but he's a client and he's paying our bills for the time being."

Dorothy sighed, knowing she was fighting a losing battle and decided to drop the issue. "I want to get an idea of this project. Last month's case with the hostages is still on my mind and now that former Lt. Davidson is going up for trial, I want to observe what he was talking about."

"With Paradigm Corp?"

"Yes."

"Y'know, that case hit most of us, especially Dastun and myself. You know how many times we were given orders to ignore outside the domes?"

"Well, with the promises Angel made that night, I want to see how much as change."

Roger shrugged. "You got a point, though I do need to point out, this committee is crass and stubborn to any changes, even ones they cause on their own. But I guess we'll see how much they have changed. My hopes aren't high though…"

"Any developments on Angel's case?"

Roger shook his head. "Not yet, but I'm waiting on Dastun. He's supposed to meet Angel tonight and investigate a lead on one of the buildings in question, if it hasn't gone cold. The hostage case has taken up a lot of their time, Dastun and Angel's. Big Ear hasn't really heard much, only that the public outside the domes wants leniency while those who live inside the domes want the book thrown at Davidson. The group that split off from the extremists are now behind the leniency pact against Davidson, basically using his trial to promote their political views and make themselves look good. Some of their views are not that bad, but some are well…far-fetched and perhaps unrealistic. But we'll see how the trial goes and go from there."

Roger pulled into the parking garage adjacent to Paradigm HQ, pulling a ticket to pay for his spot later. Roger found a spot near the entrance and parked the Griffon. He and Dorothy stepped out, Roger locking up the Griffon, and began walking to the entrance to Paradigm Corp.

Roger checked in at the front desk for his appointment while Dorothy observed Paradigm HQ. Many people were walking quickly, trying to get to their next meetings with other departments. Others were running to catch trams that lead to the different floors. Service ladies at the info desk were pointing people in the right direction. Something about this, however, did not sit well with Dorothy.

Most of these individuals, they're finely dressed. I don't see a person from outside the domes, though I may be wrong. Even so, it feels like…they're unaware. Unaware of anything that doesn't bother them.

Roger put a hand on Dorothy's shoulder. Dorothy looked at him.

"Let's go catch our tram."

Roger and Dorothy walked over to the trams. Roger studied the map and found the tram that would take him to the public works department and made his way over to the platform. The tram arrived a short time later and Roger and Dorothy stepped inside, finding their seats. The tram started moving upward.

"Roger… is it me or… I dunno… Paradigm HQ seems so disconnected…"

"Hmm? What makes you say that?"

"It's just… all of these people… they're finely dressed. They have an air of importance, but also a certain bliss about them. It's like…"

"They don't have a care in the world? Welcome to Paradigm City. It's been this way as long as I can remember. You're wondering where's everyone else, regular people, people outside the domes?"

Dorothy nodded.

"If you have an issue with the government, you have to play the part and look it. If you don't look finely dressed, the security will chase you out of the home office. It's how it's always been."

"That isn't right though."

"It's not. But, as long as those who are currently in power, remain in power, changes, if any, will be slow to come. The political system in place now is the only system that has worked since the event. However, places like Electric City are starting to take off and Paradigm has been forced to wake up and pay attention, if the people you're talking about wish to remain in power. Put it out of your mind for now, Dorothy. A conversation like this is usually not welcomed by the people who we're mediating."

Dorothy sighed. The tram came to a stop and both her and Roger stepped out, walking down the hallway to the public works department. Roger knocked on the office door and waited.

"Come in," said the secretary.

The office was small, with a small area devoted to the female secretary, who wore a similar uniform like those at the information desk. She stood as Roger and Dorothy walked in.

"Ah, Mr. Smith. A pleasure to see you as always. May I get you some coffee? Oh, you have a guest!"

The assistant, who had a flirtatious attitude, immediately toned it down at the sight of Dorothy, giving her a cold stare. Roger sense the temperature in the room dropping and adjusted his collar as a nervous twitch, coughing.

"Uh… this is my associate partner, Dorothy Wayneright. She's here to oversee notes and assist as necessary. Are all parties present?"

"Yes, Mr. Smith. They have arrived early as usual." The assistant had a sour face, realizing she was out of her league against Dorothy. "Right this way please."

The assistant led them down the hall and to the right, where she opened the door into a conference room. The representatives for the expansion project were back as well as Beck and his assistant, a short female with long blonde hair pulled into a bun, a round face with round eyes, small nose, round lips, and exaggerated curves in all the important places, Roger noted. The assistant shut the door after they stepped in and found their seats at the head of the table.

Beck noticed Dorothy accompanying Roger, but didn't say anything as Dorothy took out her notepad and pens and began placing them on the table. Roger took off his coat and placed it on the back of his chair. Once Dorothy finished setting up her space, she too also took off her coat and placed it on the back of her chair. Roger adjusted his tie and began to speak.

"As you all know, this is the quarterly progress meeting for the expansion project. Again, as I have stated before, my role here is simply to be a mediator of the discussion to ensure that the project keeps to its timeline. I will negotiate when necessary, when the discussion seems to be heading for an impasse. My assistant, Dorothy Wayneright will be taking meeting notes. As always, once the meeting is adjourned, each party will receive a copy of the notes via confidential delivery. Please make sure you have someone who cleared to sign for such deliveries. With the pleasantries out of the way, shall we begin?"

Beck smirked as he got up, along with his assistant. She placed a multitude of diagram boards on an easel. Beck began with his presentation.

"As you can see, funding for the project has been successful and we've been able to begin construction on widening the bridge to accommodate for traffic of people, goods, and services from Electric City, to the outskirts of Paradigm City, all the way into the inner part of the city. We're working around the clock, ensuring that we're at least able to set up columns and frame of the bridge. Using construction mechas has made considerable progress and we were getting ahead of schedule. Now, we're working on connecting the parts of the frame. However, there's a spot of potential trouble in the middle of Paradigm Bay. Yumi, could you change the board?"

Beck's assistant moved to the next display.

"As you can see, there's a schism that runs in the middle of Paradigm Bay that is 17 meters deep and 24 meters wide. Possibly caused by the event from forty years. In any case, after evenly spacing the structural supporting columns, we've found that two columns will need to be extended to this depth and readjusted for the width of the schism. As such, we've compensated for this by ordering additional materials and deep-sea equipment to help with installation. However, we've once again arrived at a budget problem. With these new costs, we're now estimated to be out of the current budget by June of next year, instead of at the end of the project, which is estimated to be completed by end of September next year."

Roger noticed one of the committee members fidgeting with their pen on their notepad. "Cut to the chase, Mr. Beck. In terms of additional funding, how much would it cost to recover from the set back?"

"1.4 million dollars. Deep sea equipment does not come cheap."

"Outrageous! You are taking us for a ride, Mr. Beck!" The eldest gentleman from committee had stood up, vein twitching at the side of his head.

"Please sit down, sir," said Roger, massaging the middle of his forehead. The committee member sat back down, glaring at Roger, then at Beck. Roger felt like he was babysitting little kids fighting over a toy. "Mr. Beck, I trust you have receipts for your purchases, plus labor costs?"

"Could you…" Beck had begun to ask Yumi to grab a file, accounting for all recent receipts related to set back Beck had mentioned. She handed the file over to Dorothy, Dorothy making a quick note of the file's appearance in her notes, then handed it over to Roger. Roger opened the file and began perusing it. Beck had once again foreseen that Paradigm was going to cause him problems with the budget and had provided evidence. The file included estimates from construction firms that specialized in deep sea construction and Beck had paired them with his own estimates. It made sense. Beck had robotics in his company's name, Gold Construction and Robotic Industries, so he had created the deep sea equipment. Now, all Roger had to do was sell the file to Paradigm.

"Would it be possible to have copies of this file, Miss?" Roger asked Beck's assistant. She nodded and pulled out two additional copies, one for Paradigm to review, and one for Beck to use.

"It seems Mr. Beck even included estimates from other companies in this file," Roger said as the three committee members reviewed the file, "And judging from those estimates, Mr. Beck's additional costs are fair, judging from the receipts he has in this file. My recommendation would be to go ahead and compensate him for the costs so that he can remain on time with the project deadline, lady and gentlemen."

"Mr. Smith, do you not see how this is a problem? With recent events as of late, the budgets are getting redistributed! How can we possibly come up with the money?"

"I dunno, maybe meet with the Madam President and see if she has any ideas? Unless if I'm mistaken, it was all of you who approached the Madam President with this expansion idea. And, the council is meeting on the budget within a few days' time to oversee funding distribution for areas outside of the domes. Perhaps, the council could agree to parting with some funds to cover the additional costs. But, let me restate that I'm only a mediator in this project. I'm not economist nor a politician. I'm merely suggesting ideas that may possibly keep this project on track and nothing more."

Dorothy sensed Roger getting annoyed with the bickering. However, she continued taking notes, listening and observing intently.

The committee members were now huddled, muttering with each other. Roger folded his arms across his chest, looking from them, back to Beck and his assistant, who also were observing the committee. The committee members nodded, coming to a decision. They broke away and faced Beck and his assistant.

"You will get your money this time around. However, we ask that if you run into another similar problem, to please contact us or Mr. Smith, prior to authorizing any further spending."

Roger observed Beck, thinking long and hard at the compromise. It was fair, from the committee stand-point, about the most reasonable thing they had requested thus far. Roger silently prayed for miracle. He couldn't stand being the presence of these two parties. He knew the money was good, as was the challenge, and all of Paradigm would benefit from this project. But, Beck and the politicians aggravated him to no end with their childish bickering.

"Done," said Beck.

"Is there anything else that needs to be recorded for the meeting minutes?" Roger asked, nodding over to Beck.

"No, now with the budget resolved, I can confidently say that with crews working around the clock, we'll have the project completed by September, Mr. Negotiator."

Roger turned to the committee members. "Do you have any questions or concerns for Mr. Beck and the state of the project?"

"None at this time."

"Then, I'm ending the meeting. Unless there are any issues or future complications, per my contract, the next quarterly meeting is in the beginning of March. You will have a copy of the notes from today's meeting within a week's time."

Created with Sketch.

Roger sat silently looking out the tram window, annoyed. The meeting had been short, but it didn't help his mood. Dorothy moved her feet back and forth, sensing Roger's annoyance, but didn't say anything. Silence was usually the best cure for these kinds of moods, especially with this case. The day before, she had heard Roger grumbling at his desk, looking over previous case notes for today. She stopped moving her feet around, digging in her satchel, finding her notepad, and began reviewing the notes she had taken.

Roger, on the other hand, was remembering Dorothy's conversation from earlier before the meeting. In many ways, she was right. Paradigm Corp. did have a disconnect with the general public. It had been long known that the population outside the domes outnumbered those who lived inside the domes, and yet the power which had been concentrated for so long in the domes was now starting to seep out. Beck and his company were a prime example. Beck, with someone of his stature, could've lived in the domes, but according to Big Ear, Beck lived near his factory outside the domes. His section of the city was well taken care of, much like how Roger tried to take care of his block. Whether he liked it or not, Beck and Roger were classified by the wealthy elite of Paradigm as "nueva wealth," or new wealth.

Roger scowled. He did not like Beck at all, so now to be in the same category as him made him feel even more agitated. However, even though they could've lived as someone inside the domes, they would've still been looked down upon because of where they lived beforehand and who they chose to associate with. But, considering recent events, it seemed that things were changing, but for how long? Roger heaved a sigh and put the thought out of his mind and turned his attention to Dorothy.

"Thank you for taking the notes," he said, "This case as of late… I feel like I'm babysitting children."

"Compared to the children I watch at the clinic, they make Beck and that committee look like spoiled brats."

Roger chuckled at Dorothy's observation. "Agreed. I'd rather have paint splashed on me than dealing with this project. But, to be a mediator on the largest public works project Paradigm has ever seen, I decided to challenge myself, and I wanted to be a part of a project that would help the people of Paradigm. I guess this is what I get, for trying to put my name on the map."

Both of their comm links went off simultaneously. Roger checked his watch and saw that Norman was calling them.

"Yes, what is it Norman?"

"Master Roger and Miss Dorothy, forgive the intrusion, but I had the most intriguing client call, requesting services from your firm, Master Roger."

"Who was it, Norman?"

"The Governor of Electric City."

Dorothy raised her eyebrows, stunned. The Governor of Electric City? Roger raised an eyebrow himself.

"What does the Governor of Electric City want with us?"

"He requested a meeting with you, sir, and was wondering if you had some time today to meet with him."

Roger looked at Dorothy.

"Are you busy or do you want to tag along?"

"I'm interested. Let's go to Electric City."

"Norman, please tell the Governor we'll be there this afternoon, as soon as possible."

"Very well, sir." The comm link died.

"What could Electric City want with us?" asked Dorothy, as the tram came to a stop.

Roger shrugged. He was just as confused as Dorothy was. "Not sure."

They both exited the tram and headed for the Griffon.

***************************************************

The drive to Electric City was an hour away with decent traffic from Paradigm HQ. It was mid-morning by the time they had finished with the quarterly meeting follow up, so Roger stopped at an old joint he used to frequent during his days as an MP that served many kinds of sandwiches. Roger placed two orders for gyros with the works and two drinks with extra napkins. Normally, eating in his car was off limits, but the drive to Electric City was long and Dorothy's stomach made an embarrassing loud growl, which Roger pretended not to hear, but understood all the same. If they wanted to be back home in time for a late dinner at the mansion, sitting and eating was out of the picture.

Dorothy smelled aromatic flavors of roasted meat and herbs. She unwrapped Roger's sandwich and handed it to him along with some napkins.

"We never eat in the car."

"No, we don't. But I'm not staying at Electric City for the night. I want to be home by a reasonable time. Who knows how long this meeting will be with the Governor." Roger took a bite of his gyro.

Dorothy unwrapped her sandwich, looking over the contents. Shaved meat mixed with lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion with a white sauce. Roger noticed her observing her food, finished chewing his and swallowed before speaking.

"The sauce is called tzatziki. It's good. Trust me. Working twelve hour shifts as MP leaves very little time to eat a homemade lunch, so I always ate on the go."

Dorothy raised one eyebrow suspiciously.

"It smells… weird. I smell lemon and garlic?"

"There's also cucumber and yogurt. Yeah, I know, it sounds weird, but trust me. It's a good combination."

Roger took another bite, hopping on the expressway. Dorothy stared at her food a bit more, then took a large bite. She savored it for a moment, tasting salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, the flavors of the tzatziki sauce and the vegetables in the sandwich. Roger stared apprehensively out of the corner of his eye, wondering if she had taken too much of a large bite to swallow. He got his answer when Dorothy hit her chest as she swallowed, getting her food down.

"Okay, I like this flavor. Roasted meat, the sauce, and vegetables, dancing together in my mouth. It makes my taste buds sing."

Roger choked on his food, his mind taking Dorothy's comment to a place not meant for a lady.

"What? What is it?"

Roger wiped his mouth with a napkin, trying to hide the smile that would have given away to laughter. "It's nothing."

"Roger Smith, you're not a good liar. It was definitely something."

"I'm telling you Dorothy, it was honestly nothing. I just tried multitasking by eating and breathing at the same time, and choked on my food."

Dorothy narrowed her eyes, taking another bite, this time smaller than her previous food. She swallowed, observing Roger, who was trying his hardest not to look at Dorothy.

"You really are a louse, Roger Smith."

"Huh? What did I do now?"

"You know what you did."

"Whatever you're thinking of, I did nothing of the sort!"

"Uh-huh," Dorothy took another bite of her food, "See? You just admitted guilt."

"No, I didn't." Roger sighed, taking another bite of his food, "You can be so persistent at times."

"Mmm hmm…" Dorothy raised an eyebrow at Roger, before giving a small giggle. She finished her bite and took another, this time finishing it with her drink. Roger shook his head, smiling.

"So, you like it?"

"I do. Honestly, this is probably one of the things I enjoy the most. Being able to smell and eat delicious food now."

Dorothy happily munched on her sandwich as Roger began driving across the bay. Dorothy looked at the bridge being expanded, the construction robots working hard setting columns into the bay. Dorothy took a napkin to wipe her mouth.

"Roger, there has been few things bothering me. How did Beck get so rich?"

"I've been wondering that myself too. I asked Big Ear once and the version he told me that Beck's company has always been around, I guess during this timeline. But you and I know…"

"He was a criminal previously."

"Right, so not sure how he got the funds or where his company came from. Either way, he has his fortune now and the only problems he's been causing have been related to the expansion project. As long as he walks the straight and narrow path, he's no threat."

"Mmm…"

"You don't agree, do you?"

"No… but I'll admit I'm biased towards him. After all… well it was his goon, but he's the reason my father's dead."

Roger finished his gyro, taking a sip of his drink, and wiping his mouth with a napkin.

"And that bias would be understandable. Do you think it's a question of fairness that he ended up successful after the reset?"

Dorothy turned her head to look at Roger. "No, not really. Well, maybe. But in the meeting, he took the initiative to make sure that the project could keep going and dealt with the aftermath during the progress meeting. I'm not a civics engineer, but he seems to be going out of his way to build this bridge right, which… I don't know… has never seemed like his style."

"True, but he never had the capital to build a proper giant robot either. Maybe he wants to do it right because he has the money now."

"I just think there's something else behind it, driving him to do what he's doing."

Roger shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe he doesn't have his memories from the previous reset. Or if he does, he has chosen to walk the straight path. Angel wasn't 100% sure if she contained to just us remembering what happened that day. I've been leaving it be and if he does say something or start acting like his old self, I figured we would deal with it as it occurs."

"Mm…I'm not so sure."

"Trust me, if Beck starts trouble, we'll know. And, we will stop it. But for the time being, it seems like he's enjoying his fortune, so I guess leave him be."

Dorothy went back to staring out the window, feeling full, but feeling unsettled. Roger had a point about acting when the need presented itself, but when it came to Jason Beck, she did not feel the same way. She decided to drop the subject, making a note to explore her feelings in her journal later on that night.

*******************************

Roger pulled up to the government center of Electric City. The last time he had visited the place, it looked run down and dilapidated. However, after the reset, the community had grown into one that was vibrant and prosperous. Many of the buildings had been converted into homes for the residents, a market had been set up in the square for the purchase and trading of goods, and roads were lined with sidewalks and electric street lighting. Dorothy noted that despite much of the construction, people seemed to be happy and engaging with one another.

Roger parked the Griffon and both he and Dorothy stepped out. The government center was nothing fancy like Paradigm HQ. The building itself had been an old passenger rail depot that had been converted to hold the government offices. Roger noted that the grounds, while well kept, were very simple and elegant in taste. Roger and Dorothy walked inside, checking in with the receptionist, who then went over to a switchboard. She switched some cords around, then paged the governor's office.

"Governor, Mr. Smith and his associate are here to see you."

"Thank you dear, please send them in."

The receptionist pointed down the hall. "Go down the hall and to the right. His door is at the end on the right side."

"Thank you, Miss," replied Roger and Roger and Dorothy walked in the direction the receptionist had indicated.

"Roger, this place… it's much more different from Paradigm."

"It's not as fancy. Whereas Paradigm has their symbol and pictures of Gordon and Alex on the walls, this place has pictures of Electric City here and there, showcasing their accomplishments."

Roger stopped walking and turned to find Dorothy at the end of the hall, looking at one of the pictures. Roger backtracked, only to find it wasn't a picture she was looking at. Instead, it appeared to be a contract of sorts. Roger examined it closer to find that it contained rules and regulations for running of a government.

"What is this, Roger?" Dorothy was intrigued by its structure and its language. She thought Robin Hood had old language, but this item on the wall appeared to have a more modern English, yet some terms were terms she didn't recognized. She turned to Roger, only to find him captivated by the document.

"I dunno, Dorothy. Looks like a government contract or declaration of sorts. From what I gather, I guess these are the rules in which Electric City operates by."

"You'd be partially correct, Mr. Smith, and colored me impressed. Most citizens from Paradigm have no idea what that document means. It is actually called a constitution, and it's the most important document that governs Electric City. However, this definitely raises my confidence that I called the right person. Governor John Batter, please to meet you."

Governor Batter held out his hand for Roger to shake. He was older than Roger, but younger than Norman, wore square, black, plastic frames, his broad head full of black-gray hair, wearing a navy suit and red tie with white shirt, standing at about Roger's height. His voice, while gruff and confident, was gentle and welcoming, compared to the committee members from earlier whose oily and scratchy voices irritated Roger to no end. Roger grabbed Governor Batter's hand confidently and returned the pressure Governor Batter was giving him.

"I'm Roger Smith. This is my associate, Dorothy Wayneright. I hope you don't mind, but I brought her along to attend today's meeting and take notes."

"No, not at all. A pleasure, Miss Wayneright." He took Dorothy's hand and gave it small kiss. Dorothy looked at Roger, surprised, but maintained her composure.

"How'd do you do? A pleasure to meet you, sir," she replied.

"Come, this way to my office." Governor Batter gestured in the direction of his office, taking lead. Roger and Dorothy began to follow him. Dorothy turned to Roger, mouthing silently to him, "I like him," Roger giving Dorothy an incredulous look in response. Governor Batter opened the door to his office, letting Roger and Dorothy step inside before shutting his office doors and taking a seat behind his desk.

The Governor's office was much like Roger's, simple in taste, but not as dark in the colors. Light, natural, and dark brown wood color furniture adorned his office. Behind his desk, he had many volumes of books that look similar in appearance, but were numbered by volume. Although cloudy outside, the office had many windows that allowed natural light to come in. Governor Batter gestured to two leather office chairs and Roger and Dorothy sat down. Dorothy opened her satchel and began taking out her notepad and pen to take notes.

"I want to say thank you for coming to meet with me on such short notice. I was hoping I could discuss something with you."

"And how may I help you today, Governor Batter?" Roger said, crossing his leg over his knee, folding his hands together.

"You're aware that I'm working with your Madam President on the expansion project. It's our goal that one day Paradigm and Electric City are neighbors who share good will towards one another and help build a lasting relationship that will continue on and serve as a model for civilization after the event of forty years ago. I've found that your Madam President, unlike her two other predecessors, is willing to be more forthcoming in fostering the development of this goal."

"Indeed she is. Many have called her the People's President for her willingness to work with all citizens of Paradigm and beyond, regardless of their social status."

"Quite so. However, as Governor, I must share my concerns about this project. Electric City has long been known for its dam and water reservoir, both resources that her former two predecessors sought to coveted for their city, which is understandable. Your current leader wishes to share the resources and in return offer research and technology as trades for said resources."

"I would comment on the fairness of the trade, but I would have to know what exactly would be the specific items she's offering for trade."

"Android technology, mecha technology, and bio-engineering technology."

Roger furrowed his eyebrows as the mention of these items. Dorothy paused for a moment from taking notes, looking at Roger then Governor Batter with a curious stare.

"Interesting offer. Are you questioning the sincerity of it?" asked Roger.

"Yes and no. I've noticed the Paradigm Utility Board coming out more lately, examining the ground in which the lines are to be laid to transfer the electricity, so they've told me. However, it was understood that the current grid that's in place, the one that's above ground, was to be used. And, I have yet to see any plans related to these items come to fruition. Now, I know you're a mediator for Gold Industries and Paradigm Corp. I was wanting to know if you had heard anything regarding this development, or know of the status on the agreement Paradigm has with Electric City."

"I apologize, Governor Batter, but the matters in which you are requesting me to divulge are protected by a client confidentiality agreement, and I cannot fulfill your request. However, if you're requesting me to look up the status on your deal with Paradigm Corp, I can certainly do so, but only if Paradigm makes the request to me or my associate. I apologize for the roundabout method of getting the information you seek, but as you can see this method not only protects you, but also myself in making sure I don't breach my confidentiality agreements with the parties in question. I do hope you understand."

Governor Batter held his hand up. "I had to try. You're definitely living up to your reputation, Mr. Smith, and I appreciate a man who holds true to his principles. Such men are rare to find nowadays."

Governor Batter leaned back in his seat and sighed.

"The event changed so much of everything, forty years ago. I found myself on the streets of Paradigm City, trying to scrape a meager living by for myself, and eventually my family. Eventually, we heard of the city that shown gold in the night, a city without domes, without severe social disparities, and so, I packed up my family and moved here. Many residents had found their way here and those who already here were grateful for the new neighbors. Eventually, we fixed the dam and we were able to generate electricity for our community. Word got around about our community, about how we value those who could put in their fair share, whatever it could be, to make our city grow and prosper. My wife passed away last year, but it was her dream to share our prosperity with those around us, in hopes that our kindness would be paid forward to others who are not as fortunate to experience something so lovely."

"Allow me to express my condolences for the passing of your wife. She seemed like she was a lovely woman."

"Oh yes, she was. Strong and fierce, loyal and compassionate, kind and caring. The best kind, I think. Our children now help out around the city. My son's a civil engineer, and my daughter's a nurse. Please understand, Mr. Smith, I don't wish to meddle in your affairs. However, I hope you would allow me to express my desire in that Electric City remains independent of Paradigm's control, considering their past history. I'm the Governor of the Electric City territory and all of my people, in a way, are my children. I care for them immensely and it's my wish that they remain free and independent of the political system that has been established in Paradigm."

Roger brought his folded hands to his mouth, closing his eyes, considering the Governor's proposal. Technically, he should have left the meeting the moment he had asked the question about the expansion project. Remaining here would be considered a conflict of interest. However, Roger understood the Governor's concerns, and something told him that remaining here was okay, as long as certain parties remained blissfully unaware. Dorothy's conversation from earlier in the day began to weigh heavily on his mind. Compared to what they saw at Paradigm HQ, Electric City was indeed a beacon of hope. Before the reset, Paradigm had tried their hardest to make sure the city remained under their control, but now, in this current timeline, Electric City was working hard to keep themselves independent of any control from any foreign party. Roger made his decision, and stood from the chair.

"I'll take your consideration into account as a plea from the territory. Please understand, I cannot represent you, but if you were to call my office, we do have referrals to other firms throughout the city that would be more than happy to represent you, and who we have worked with in the past. You're indeed a better man than I imagined. I'll see to it, through the right channels, that your plea gets forward with the information you have given me."

Governor Batter rose from his desk chair, offering his hand to Roger once more. "I stand by what I said, Mr. Smith. I'm glad I made the decision to call you. Thank you for your time."

Roger took the hand and shook it firmly. "Thank you, sir."

Dorothy put her notes and pen away back in her satchel, shook Governor Batter's hand and followed Roger out of the office, shutting the door. They began walking down the hall, back to the Griffon.

"Roger, forgive me, but what are you going to do? Your client confidentiality agreements are binding and if you break them by even mentioning you had a meeting with the Governor, we could be in trouble."

"Very true, Dorothy. However, Governor Batter gave me a lot more information than I think he even realized."

"How so?"

"Well, let's get home and discuss it. I have an idea, but I think it would be safer to talk at home. Less ears."

Dorothy continued walking, turning left to walk back to the entrance. Roger took a moment to pause to look at the constitution of Electric City once more, noting the words painted at the top painted in big, black, scroll lettering, "WE THE PEOPLE." Roger turned, catching up with Dorothy, but stopped at the receptionist desk to ask if he could have a copy of their constitution.

"We always have copies. Our Governor thinks it's important people know their rights," she said as she handed Roger a copy. Roger slipped the pamphlet into his coat and thanked the receptionist. He noted that Paradigm would've not done the same thing for their citizens. He followed Dorothy out to the Griffon.