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Chapter 49 by uthervierdragon uthervierdragon

What Were You Talking About?

Business

You clean your throat. There is business to be done, and you are in no mood to participate in his pony-show.

”Work, work, work.” He grumbles as he sends his employee back to her spot under his desk. ”Always work. You didn’t used to be like this. But fine.” He has made no effort to close his pants again, but he does keep his hands on his mug. ”Cider then. Where you headed?”

You tell him about the Saltisle. About its problems and your inexperience with smuggling from the City.

He laughs. ”That’s a new one for sure. They still get ships though, right? So yeah, two fardels, thereabouts, sounds about right. There’s always an argument for variety, but I find people can develop quite the thirst for Cider if the price’s right.

Speaking of – I can do 150 per and you should make a clean hundred in profit, each. If you don’t get caught...” He pauses to take a swig and laughs. ”A joke. You see, First Officer, there will not be any smuggling. We are a legit operation, and you’ll have legit paperwork.”

You express some doubts.

”Oh, come on. That speck of dust could not levy tariffs even if they wanted to. And 'round here it’s imports only, so the flatfoots can’t do shit. Frankly, I am insulted you think I don’t know that. I’ve been in this business longer than you, you know.”

You allow the silence to linger.

”Can’t a man show some generosity to his friend? When did you get so distrustful?”

Some time has passed (and more passes)

{if The Passage of Time > 95} Your Time in Barenhaven is running out {elseif The Passage of Time > 80} Your Time in Barenhaven is coming to a close {elseif The Passage of Time > 60} You have some Time left in Barenhaven {elseif The Passage of Time > 50} Your Time in Barenhaven is half-way over {elseif The Passage of Time > 30} You have quite some Time left to spend in Barenhaven {elseif The Passage of Time > 15} You have a lot of Time left to spend in Barenhaven {elseif The Passage of Time > 5} Your Time in Barehaven has just begun {else} You are now spending Time in Barenhaven {endif}

You do not answer.

”Fine. Fucking Fine. There’s some flatfoots – and one degenerate gambler of an Inspector in peculiar – who think that our methods are too good. Too efficient. So yeah, there have been questions, and they might ask you too if they think you’re working for me. But realistically who’s gonna think anything about two fardels worth in your hold? Less than that? Or even check you leaving the City at all?”

His arguments make sense, but you have to wonder: Why does he need you at all?

"Ah. Yes. Some of my other acquaintances have been spooked by the attention. My friends are upstanding citizens to a man, but the flatfoots’ harassment can be constant. The smallest infraction is quickly turned into some kind of crime; it’s nothing less than tyranny."

You make the obvious argument.

”Fine. Fucking Fine. You’re robbing a friend – but fine. 140 per. Anything less and I might save myself the trouble and sell the apples unpressed instead. You’re a shrewd man, First Officer." He pauses. "Shake on it?"

[Note: This is a one-time offer. The Bumpkin will not ask again.]

A Deal?

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