Empyrean 16 - The Plans Of Mice And Men

Empyrean 16 - The Plans Of Mice And Men

Emerald POV

Walking into the den of the beast never felt this safe, nor this easy.

Back when she’d started out with Cinder, before Mercury had joined them, one of the easier ways to make a buck was robbing houses. It was easy. Cast an illusion to make them believe they locked the door when they in fact did not. An open window was just as useful for getting around digital locks. Her semblance had been an absolute necessity in the early days.

Funny how Cinder never had anything to contribute in their heists, except for that catsuit of hers. 

As much as Cinder’s eye candy was nice to have, it paled in comparison to the complete protection Jaune’s mere presence provided. They’d just walked in through the main doors of the Schnee manor and no one had looked at them twice. Such was the presence of Jaune, that, and the fact that they were invited.

Plus, Jaune was better eye candy than even Cinder was. No cat-suit needed.

She was under an illusion, still pretending to be Schnee’s personal secretary. I’d been under this guise since morning. I’d been sent out by Jacques himself to fetch Jaune for their meeting. He did not suspect a thing. Why would he? It wasn’t everyday one came across an Illusion user of her caliber. Of course, given enough time, her acting would slip, but this wasn’t a long mission.

Everything would be decided in the next hour.

Jacques Schnee stood in the main hall. He didn’t so much as glance at Emerald once. His gaze was solely dedicated to Jaune. Say whatever one will about Jacques Schnee, but he was a man of unwavering focus.

That focus helped her cover. The less Jacques looked at her, the easier it would be for her to work her magic.

“Glad you could join us, Jaune. Or do you prefer ‘Empyrean’?” Schnee asked. It was a subtle show of force. Jaune’s identity was known to a scant few. Yet, Jacques was aware. It was a showcase that Jacques had good intel. Either that, or a reminder that were he to be crossed, Jacques knew exactly who Jaune’s beneficiaries were.

Either that, or Jaune had simply told him. It was hard to be truly sure with people like Schnee, people who wielded life-changing power without being powerful themselves. They played games that were too mental, too cerebral, too goddamn infuriating. Every word had multiple meanings. Every gesture, a message. It was intricate.

And Jaune crashed through it with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop.

“Jaune's fine, and of course I’d join. You promised me a payday, and the council isn’t exactly showing me a number I feel happy about.” Jaune shot back, walking up to Jacques. There was no subtlety behind his actions, but Emerald knew how Jacques could interpret it. In his eyes, it would be a counter. Unmatched physical power in opposition to unmatched influence.

Of course, one good look at the disinterested look on Jaune’s face would do away with any such notion. Yet, one had to know Jaune to understand that pretense had no use to him. One also had to understand the sheer impossibility of his very existence. 

Yet, Jacques Schnee was no warrior. He had no concept of the fact that Jaune Arc was more akin to a force of nature than a man. To someone with no combat ability, the difference between a good huntsman and Jaune was not easy to fathom without experiencing it first hand.

So the two stood for a moment. One sizing up the other, and one unbothered by the small man in front of him. A moment of unspoken tension hung between them, before a sleazy smile spread on Jacques’ face.

“Oh, don’t you worry about that. I’m sure we’ll be able to find a number that will make you a very happy man.” he spoke, beckoning them to follow him to his study.

That in itself was a sign of posturing. A showcase that Jacques was not afraid of inviting Jaune into his house. Of course, it was also a showcase of the defenses the house had. Everything from autocannons to trained huntsmen roaming the halls. Had she tried to rob this place, even with Cinder and Mercury by her side, it was unlikely they’d make it out alive.

After all, Autocannons were not fooled by illusions. Body heat was not something she could hide, something she’d learnt the hard way.

Schnee had every right to be proud of his impenetrable, un-survivable castle. Yet, he did not understand that it wouldn’t hold. Very little would hold when faced by the man who took down Lau’s legion alone, after all.

Schnee’s personal study was devoid of any such trappings. It was a simple room, compared to the ostentatious display of wealth that was the rest of the house. It was simple. A table, a few bookshelves, and a desk-scroll, flanked by three plushy chairs that probably cost more than their weight in gold.

He gestured for them to sit, and Emerald almost did. The action to take the chair was caught quickly, but not by Jacques. Again, his single-minded focus on Jaune helped cover her mistakes. After all, as Schnee’s secretary, her place was not at the table, but beside it.

“I must say, mister Arc, I am very impressed by your initiative.” Jacques started, taking a seat opposite to Jaune. His wording was vague, it invited questions, and Jaune did not have the political training to not bite on the offered bait.

“Initiative?” he asked, eyebrow raised. 

“What else would one call the migration of Mantle?” Jacques commented, beckoning towards Emerald. A wordless gesture that signified an order for drinks. She moved over to the counter, retrieving the crystal decanter Jacques Schnee was so fond of, and the multi-thousand Lien drink held inside.

“Huh, so you noticed.” Jaune spoke, emotionless, unbothered. Emerald knew that the depopulation of Mantle was not something that would go unnoticed for long, but she also knew that Jaune had expected a slightly larger period of anonymity. Still, Jaune took it in stride. While he wasn’t a man built for politicking, he had the charm necessary to sell a bluff. 

“It’s hard not to, not when so many of my workers call the ruins of our old city home.” Jacques stated, fake grief lacing his words. “Truly, it’s a shame what has befallen our once-great home. I wish I could do something to help, but without the lack of an incentive, the board is unlikely to move forward with any proposals I make.”

That was a lie, and Emerald could tell, but also an easy one to sell to his peers in business. Yet, here, it served as a probe. He wanted to know if Jaune was like him. He wanted to know the reason without asking outright. He wanted to make sure he knew just who was going to be his bedfellow in this venture.

“It’s truly a shame, but where there is despair, there is opportunity.” Jaune spoke, and Emerald almost paused mid-pour.

What the fuck?

Jacques had much the same reaction, if a bit muted. He raised a hand to his chin. “I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to elaborate further on that comment,” He asked.

“The people of Mantle are desperate.” Jaune enunciated in much the same tone as one would use to state a fact. “Mantle is a stagnant ruin. There are no jobs, there is no future, and anyone of value has already escaped to Atlas.”

He stared right into Jacques’ eyes, unflinching in his reasoning. “So, what is the one thing Mantle doesn’t lack?”

Jacques was silent for a moment, and Emerald could swear she could see the gears click in Jacques’ head. The old man’s eyes widened, as realisation dawned.

“Unskilled labor, manpower that is just waiting for the chance to make something of themselves.” Jaune continued. “All I did was sell them a dream, and let me tell you, making them move of their own volition was as easy as taking candy from a baby.”

“That’s ingenious. To make sure that whoever purchases the land from you also has access to cheap and easy manpower, the one thing the frontier sorely lacks.” Jacques spoke, and Emerald could swear she saw the man latch on to a bond of kinship he wasn’t aware of till now. 

“In doing so, I’ve set the avenue to either increase the value of the land, or to enter a partnership with the owner as a supplier of workforce.” Jaune finished, and the predatory smirk on his face felt wrong. It actually terrified Emerald. The mere idea that the strongest man on Remnant could be similar to Jacques Schnee of all people was a terrifying prospect.

Yet, his act wasn’t perfect. From her position, she could see his fists clenched so hard his knuckles were going white. It was hidden from Jacques’ view by his desk, but just that simple, involuntary bodily cue gave her a sense of relief so powerful it felt physical.

Jaune was hating every second of this act, and that was a good thing.

“I must say, that is truly a stroke of genius on your end.” Jacques spoke, an expression of awe on his face. “But what if they wish to return?”

Jaune shook his head. “The journey to the frontier comes free of cost, with a caravan of the Arc family’s best serving as guard.” he spoke, his tone void of emotion, even as that cloying smirk stayed on his face. “The return journey will be at their own peril, and last I checked, the journey isn’t a pleasant one, especially for civilians.”

Jacques’ eyes widened, and a sick smile appeared on his face, the genuine article, mirroring Jaune’s fake one. “Truly, how inspired of you.”

“I must give you some credit for the idea.” Jaune spoke, finally picking up his drink and taking a quick swig.

“After all, that’s the exact method you used to source your Faunus workforce, is it not?” he asked, and this time, it was Jaune probing for information. Yet, while Jacques’ probe came from a place of power, Jaune’s came after the establishment of commonality. After all, if your business partner was just like you, what was the harm in bragging a bit about your greatest accomplishment? Especially when the person asking was someone who admired your work so much he’d chosen to imitate it?

“One of the more proud moments of my life.” Jacques answered with a guffaw. “By keeping costs low and prices lower than others, I was able to drive my competitors out of business. Nicholas would have seen us co-exist with them, but you and I know well enough that the crown only belongs on one head.” 

Jaune did not answer. It was bait, and unlike the first time there was nothing to gain here. A quick nod was all he offered, but Emerald could see the tension building in his frame. The blase attitude with which Jacques had flaunted his sin had put Jaune on edge.

If he were to lash out now, there would be nothing capable of stopping him, and a part of Emerald wanted it to happen. Even compared to Salem, Jacques was worse. The cruelty of death was nothing compared to a life of indentured servitude. 

She’d know, she’d willingly been a slave to Cinder, after all.

Yet, Jaune regained control fast. Remarkably so. Maybe the boy still had a future in politics.

“Either way, pleasantries and curiosities aside, we’re here for business.” Jacques spoke, passing a document to Jaune. Emerald snuck a peek at the first page of the document as Jaune read it over, and the moment her eyes found the telltale number on the document, her brain froze.

What the fuck, why did the number look like a scroll number? What numeric denomination even came after a Billion? 

Jaune, on the other hand, glossed over it with disinterest. He was pretending to read the document, knowing full well that the contents didn’t matter. Yet, seeing that number, Emerald couldn’t fathom how his heart wasn’t at least a little tempted.

Yet, that was the difference between them, and it stung more than she let show.

“This is… quite excessive.” Jaune commented, “Even considering the sudden availability of labor in the area, my valuation was nowhere close to this.”

Jacques shook his head. “Jaune, the land isn’t the only thing I wish to invest in here.”

“Pardon?” Jaune retorted,

“If I am to be honest, before our enlightening conversation here, I was hesitant to offer you that contract.” he spoke, pulling out another contract from behind the desk, this one featuring a smaller, if no less obscene, number on it.

“You will find that number to match your valuation far closer.” Jacques spoke. “Yet, our conversation made one thing very clear to me.” He spoke, and Emerald couldn’t stop the rising dread.

“You, Jaune Arc, are like me, but with the pedigree and ability of an exemplar even amongst the greatest of huntsmen.” He continued. “To have the mind of an opportunist, unbound by base morality, and to have the body to do the deeds that need doing. You have every quality necessary to see to the continued dominance of the Schnee dust company once I am no longer fit for the job.”

There was complete silence as Emerald and Jaune digested what Jacques had said, the sheer gall of it was stunning, and so were the implications.

“You… you want me to take over the Schnee business, as an Arc?” Jaune asked hesitantly, still stunned by how brazen Jacques was acting. Emerald couldn’t blame him, even though she knew what came next.

“As much as things between me and Winter have soured, I am not blind.” He spoke, that fake smile of his plastered to his damnable face. “She has been constantly with you the entire time you have been in Atlas.”

“The duty of safeguarding me was given to her by General Ironwood.” Jaune shot back, almost on autopilot. “If you forget, I’m in Atlas at his behest.”

“Oh I understand James well enough. I also understand my daughter, contrary to what she may believe.” Jacques countered. “I have seen her overwatch other dignitaries before. This? This is not the same. I have not seen her as happy as she is now in a decade. Again, I must remind you, I am not blind.”

“Of course, If Winter is not to your liking, there is always Weiss.” he continued, and again, Emerald saw Jaune tense. This time, it was not missed by Jacques either, likely because he’d been looking for some sort of physical reaction to his brazen statement.

“If love doesn’t move you, maybe the desire for revenge will.” He spoke, this time, there was no expression on his face. “Weiss, for all her merits, has lived a life free of consequence. For that, I apologise to you, for the pain she has caused you.”

“You know this, and you’re still willing to ‘offer’ her to me?” Jaune asked, his tone betraying the slightest hint of the rage he held back. Again, Emerald could feel it. One wrong step, one more transgression would be enough to break the camel’s back.

“I know you wouldn’t hurt her.” Jacques spoke, “Sure, you’d punish her, but you wouldn’t hurt her. Maybe, in time, you might even come to love her once she has been sufficiently humbled. But no, I know you wouldn’t hurt her.”

“What makes you so sure? You said it yourself, you aren’t blind. You saw how I reacted when I last saw her.” Jaune stated.

“I did, and I saw you retreat.” Jacques spoke. “You understood that taking action then and there would cause far more harm than good, even if it was what your heart wanted to do.” 

“Hardly a reason. Anyone would do the same.” Jaune shot back.

“Anyone of meager means would. The heir to the Arc house? The legend of the frontier? The Empyrean? You could have ended both her and me right then and there and seen nothing but minor consequences, perhaps none, considering how much James seems to value you. Yet, you thought about it and made the right decision.” Jacques spoke, as that fake smile made its ugly return.

“You are just like me, Jaune, but better. I had an inkling when I first met you, but now? I’m sure.” He spoke. “I understand that I cannot control you, so this is my way of showing goodwill. My blessings are yours, whether you choose love or revenge.”

“As long as I become a Schnee somewhere down the line.” Jaune snarled.

“It’s the same strategy you so admired, Jaune.” Jacques chuckled. “Offer them what they want, which is the big number on that contract.” he spoke, tapping the sheaf of papers in front of him.

“Offer them a dream, the chance to wear the crown once my time’s up. You’re an opportunist, just like me. There’s no way you pass up on a possibility so tantalising.” He chuckled, taking a swig of his drink

.

“and then cut off the escape, binding them forever, by love or by hate.” he finished, and Emerald had to bite down at her tongue to prevent herself from reacting. Surely, Jaune’s patience had a limit.

Yet, if there was a limit, it seemed to not have been breached. Instead, Jaune looked steadier, as if something in Jacques’ tirade had removed all the pressure he’d been piling on in one fell swoop. 

“If you were to choose one, what would you choose?” he asked, and for once, Jacques Schee hesitated. His hand reached for his glass, taking a deeper swig of the amber liquor than he’d done yet, steadying himself.

“I’d choose love, as I once did.” He spoke, and for once, he sounded tired, beyond measure.

“As long as I remember that love, like all things, does not last forever.” 

He spoke, in a tone Emerald didn’t know he was capable of, and she could swear it was the one and only genuine thing he’d uttered all day.

“I’ll take that into consideration.” Jaune said. “Still, I must insist on taking the other contract.” Jaune spoke, reaching for the smaller contract, only for Jacques to put a hand on it.

“Your consideration is all I ask for.” he spoke, his tone bouncing back to its normal cadence. “Sign the other one. Even if nothing comes out of it, I feel that the goodwill be enough to last me a while.”

Jaune held Jacques’ gaze for a moment, before sighing in defeat. “In that case, let’s finalize this.” 

It was that exact moment, where he went to pick up the contract from the table, that Emerald moved.

It was a complex maneuver. The complexity of illusions increased with each moving part, with each action, with the shrinking of the time frame. Where her semblance failed, her sleight of hand would have to help. She reached out with her left, snatching the papers, as she made Jacques see nothing but Jaune picking up the contract.

Jaune continued his motion, and before the motion was complete, in his hand was another contract, one that, to Jacques’ eyes, would look like the same contract he had handed Jaune, down to the minutest details. 

As Jaune went to sign it, another quick illusion was cast. This one was much finer in detail, as jaune’s empty hand pantomimed his signature, an illusionary pen followed, laying down illusionary ink on the paper. 

With that done, the contract was handed back to Jacques, who wasted no time in putting down his own signature. With that done, Emerald picked up the document, noting the victorious smile on Jacques face.

If only he knew what they’d just done.

“Get this to the relevant authorities.” Jacques spoke, and Emerald gave him a quick curtsy. He then turned to Jaune.

“I hope you won’t refuse a celebratory toast?” Jacques asked Jaune, who shook his head.

“As much as I’d love to, there’s too much on my plate to afford day-drinking.” Jaune joked, standing up.

“Ah, truly, work never ends for men of our aspirations.” Jacques spoke. “Still, I insist we celebrate this occasion before you depart from Atlas.”

Jaune gave Jacques a good-natured smile. “That’s a promise I can keep.”

“Good!” Jacques explained, standing up and walking over to Jaune, patting him on the shoulder. “Moments like this are meant to be celebrated. You’ll miss them once you’re older. My secretary will drop you off at the academy.” 

That was her cue, as she followed Jaune out of the room. The moment they were back in the car, she handed over the contract to him, letting her illusion slip, happy to be in her own skin again.

“That was masterfully executed.” He commented, only for Emerald to look at him like he’d grown a second head.

“Masterfully executed?” She snarled. “You were seconds away from taking his head off in there! It was so fucking touch and go! How the fuck did you just… calm down?”

Jaune chuckled. “Honestly? I was seeing red when he brought up the marriage. You won’t believe just how close it got there.” he spoke.

“But then he tried to compare himself to me. He said I was just like him, and at that point, I knew I had him.” Jaune answered, and Emerald’s eyes widened.

“Wait, that was it?” She almost screamed. The driver - even the professional - didn’t even react. Jaune, on the other hand, chuckled. He fucking chuckled.

“The entire time, I was trying to show him I was competent, that I was someone who took this deal seriously.” Jaune spoke, staring at the contact. “I didn’t expect to make him see some of himself in me, so that he could trust me just a little, enough for our plan to go smoothly.”

“The moment he said he saw himself in me, I knew I had that trust.” Jaune explained. “After all, the only man Jacques Schnee can trust is himself.”

Emerald sighed. “But won’t that make him wary of you too?”

Jaune nodded. “That entire spiel about him seeing value in me just because I made a decision he would? That was him hiding the real reason behind trying to win me as his successor.”

“And what would that reason be?” Emerald asked.

“Simple, he felt threatened by me. He fears that if he doesn’t have my goodwill, considering my closeness to Winter, were he to leave me unchecked, I’d become a threat.” Jaune spoke, “That’s why he still offered me the better contract. If he earned my goodwill, I’d go from being a great threat to an incredible asset.”

“Okay, I won’t lie, I completely missed that.” Emerald scoffed. “How the fuck did you catch it if I missed it.”

“Just because I haven’t ever participated in politics doesn’t mean I don’t understand it.” Jaune answered with a smirk. “I’m an Arc, you know? Plus, I’m always cheating.”

Emerald rolled her eyes, before settling down. The encounter with Jacques had not been long, but it felt like the tension that came with it had shaved years off her lifespan. 

Still, it was a job well done, and in Jaune’s hands was the prize they had worked so hard to get.

“The floodgates are going to open the moment we use that. You know that, right?” Emerald questioned.

“I know now, better than ever.” Jaune spoke with a sigh. “That man has a contingency for a contingency. We got him by surprise for now, but he has eyes and ears everywhere. If he was willing to go so far just to get the upper hand in a negotiation only he could realistically win, then that raises a dangerous question.”

“Just what kind of contingencies does he have in place for when things go south?” Jaune questioned aloud, and Emerald felt a chill rise up her spine.

“You… Do you feel letting him live was a mistake?” She asked.

Jaune shook his head. “No. I promised to play by Winter and the General’s playbook for this. If my compliance makes her happy at the cost of some extra effort, then I do not mind that.” He spoke, and for the first time, Emerald felt that maybe, just maybe, Jaune might be buying too much into his own hype.

“I won’t lie, though, killing him would have made this a whole lot simpler, but it would also make everything that comes after his death far more complicated.” Jaune finished. “As much as he deserves it, our current plan is definitely the way to go.”

“But what if his contingencies are beyond our capability to handle?” She asked.

“If that is the case, then all we can do is pray and hope for the best.” Jaune answered.

“Because if I can’t handle the fallout of our actions, I don’t know anyone else who could.”

LB

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Topic: A Shock move by Schnee! A divorce and succession, all rolled into one!

In: Boards ► Places ► Atlas

JusticeWatch (Original Poster)

So, I work as a paralegal in the Atlesian high court. As you all might already know if you’ve seen this news broadcast [Link] here, then I’m pleased (and surprised) to report that yes, it is true.

Jacques Schnee and Willow Schnee are now officially divorced with mutual consent. The signatures on the document are legal and perfectly matching with other signature samples, which we have way too many of. The witnesses are General Ironwood himself, as well as Clover Ebi of Ace Ops, who have confirmed that the document is indeed legit and signed by them.

The terms of the divorce dictate that all assets under the Schnee Dust Company and all listed subsidiaries linked [here] now come under joint ownership of Willow Schnee and her elder daughter, Winter Schnee (whose fanclub will be ecstatic to know that she is now the majority stakeholder in the company, making her the richest woman on Remnant)

This comes as a shock, but from a legal standpoint, this is as binding as it gets. As we already know, Jacques Gele (yes, he also gave up the Schnee name) has refused any comments, and has gone missing from the public eye. 

Which is a problem, because he’s also been hit with almost three hundred and ten human rights violation lawsuits, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! If you can imagine a corporate crime, it’s in here somewhere. No one in my team has slept for the last day and we haven’t even scratched the surface of all these case files.

Please send help.

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

Sooo… isn’t this good? Wasn’t the dude a super-high-tier racist towards Faunus?

►VioletMurder (Verified Girl Gang)

It’s good? Yeah! It is good! There’s just one fucking problem. IT MAKES NO FUCKING SENSE!

The guy was known for crushing anyone who so much as decided to take a shot at him, and now he’s just giving it all away and fading into nothing?

That, and all the cases. Why would they all be filed on the very same day? This screams premeditation.

►DewDew (Verified Girl Gang)

Yass queen! Speak your truth gurl!

►GwenDaring (Verified Girl Gang)

So real oh my god. Our leader’s an icon!

►HighOctavia (Verified Girl Gang)

YAH YAH YAH YAH GO LEAD GO!

►VioletMurder (Verified Girl Gang)

…I am once again asking to be removed from this team, or taken out by a sniper, I’m not too picky.

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

Huh, that explains why my faunus girlfriend isn’t in the mood for celebratory sex.

►NepNepBoy (Verified Tryhard)

Bro… you’re a faunus too…

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

Yeah, but there’s levels to it, man. Blakey’s like ultra faunus. She even does activities.

►NepNepBoy (Verified Tryhard)

You mean ‘activism’ right?

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

Same thing man. Words are hard, but you got my drift. That’s why you’re my bro.

►TaintedSnow (Verified Rich) (Tag redacted)

You’re fucking with me…

►Toothorn (Verified Atlesian Student)

Holy shit they took away your verification in real time. Honestly? It’s like chicken soup for my poor soul.

►WayOfTheMonk (Verified Mistral Regional Finalist)

I sense trouble ahead. Men like Jacques Schnee do not go gentle into that good night.

►HoverBoardEverything (Verified Hoverboard)

Honestly? The only place Jacques Schnee should be going is hell. I’ve got a bad feeling about the fact that he’s still out there and kicking.

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

He’s just a regular dude now, right? What’s the worst he can do?

►TaintedSnow (Verified Not Rich Anymore)

Trust me, you do not want the answer to that.

►CrescentRoseFan (Verified Crescent Rose Fan)

TaintedSnow! Please pick up! We’re all worried!

►DarkestNight (Verified Beacon Student)

It feels so hollow.

I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a little kid. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that he will finally see justice, and from what my friend (You know who, I’m not gonna doxx her), the company is in good hands now. Of course, seeing is believing, and I will be watching carefully.

It still stings that I wasn’t the one to do it, but what hurts more is that there’s nothing left now. My main reason for being who I am, for being where I am now, it’s gone. What am I to do now?

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

Well… we could always have some celebratory sex? Or pouty, sad sex too. That’s something we can do.

►Flames4DaSoul (Verified Beacon Student)

I can’t believe I’m agreeing with him to some extent, but please come home. You can use some company right now. Please, for me.

You too, WheresMaBanana. For moral support.

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

You sure I can’t be Oral support instead?

►Flames4DaSoul (Verified Beacon Student)

I will beat you with a nail bat.

►WheresMaBanana (Verified Troll)

Message received, I’ll be good, scout’s honor.

►PANCAKES! (Verified Nora)

To begin with, WheresMaBanana, you were never a boy scout, so do not besmirch their name with your stolen honor.

Now, on to the more important part. A thorough analysis has already been provided by VioletMurder, even though her wording is quite uncouth. We can reasonably assume that there are higher powers at work here, and I do not mean gods.

This reeks of a long-standing plan, something involving the Atlesian government itself. Divorces far more clear-cut and low profile than this one dragged on in courts for years, yet this was ratified and implemented the very day it was submitted? I smell something fishy.

Add to this the co-ordinated deluge of cases registered against Jacques Gele. Not only do they have his correct post-divorce name, but a majority of them are duplicates under different plaintiffs. It’s a textbook case of ‘overwhelm and conquer’, and there is no possibility that this wasn’t planned months - if not years - in advance.

The reason why these cases weren’t submitted earlier was because of Jacques Schnee’s resources and influence. While he no longer holds any control over the SDC, a man like that has contingencies. I have no doubt that he still has enough resources to take drastic action, the fact that he is biding his time means one of two things. Either he is planning something, or he is scared of something.

And we know that Atlas has something, or more so someone who could command that type of fear, and all of you know well enough who I’m talking about.

Either way, the situation in Atlas is precarious, and I personally hope things are resolved quickly and without much collateral damage while bringing that waste of a man to justice. 

►HotCocoaMan (Verified Headmaster)

Dear PANCAKES!, I'm reaching out on behalf of the Vale intelligence organisation and am interested in offering you a part-time position as a strategist working for us. Now, I know this is not the right place for this, but you have been avoiding my messages for a month now.

►PANCAKES! (Verified Nora)

Do you offer payment in pancakes?

►HotCocoaMan (Verified Headmaster)

… we pay our best field operative in cheap liquor, so I’m sure we can accommodate pancakes in our budget.

►PANCAKES! (Verified Nora)

Great, have your guys reach out to my guys and let’s make this happen.

►Toothorn (Verified Atlesian Student)

Huh, guess I really have seen everything there is to see.

LB

So, this is update 1/4 that will happen this week. For every second chapter that goes up here, one will go down to FFnet

I've also streamlined my subscription tiers a bit following the norm of writers like AStoryForOne, where the five dollar membership gets you advanced access to up to 5 chapters for each of my stories (a total of up to 20 chapters of headway for 5 dollars) while 10 dollars gets you access to everything beyond that. Again, considering I don't HAVE 5 advanced chapters for anything yet, you get all the value possible with the base subscription for now.

As always, join the discord for more shenanigans. Link is https://discord.com/invite/AP8nG65RmA