003 || [video]

[agentx13]

Hello, again. For those who may not know me, my name is Sharon Carter. Back home, I was a government agent. I know everyone's busy with the cold and the disappearances, so I'll try not to take as little of your time as possible.

In short, if you know anything about the killings in recent months, I'd like to speak with you.

Comments

[agentx13]

One problem is how to finance it. I don't know about you, but I doubt I can pull off a bake sale. He suggested a donation drive, too, or talking to the Emperor.

I... might talk to a friend about putting up some money, but do you have any ideas for how to get funding?

[cmdreffingshepard]

I'm afraid that fundraising isn't really something I know much about. [Between the Alliance and Cerberus, Shepard pretty much doesn't need to worry about money back home.]

Ask for donations, maybe? Wayne's rich, right? Or, uh, how about Stark?

[agentx13]

Same. I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not a people-person. They'd ask us to give them money for putting up with me.

[ Sharon doesn't feel comfortable asking Wayne for money. The times she's spoken with him have been... relaxing, if that's the right word. She doesn't want a debt hanging over them, even if he doesn't actually mention it after. ]

I'll ask Tony. We could also ask the Emperor, but she would want a share of the profits, and I'm not sure how much money we'll make, if we make any.

[cmdreffingshepard]

[Shepard grimaces a little at the thought of asking the Emperor for money.] I probably shouldn't be the one asking Eshai for anything. I already owe her a favor.

[She rubs the back of her neck thoughtfully.] I mean, I suppose we could just put out a call on the network, see if there's any interest. Maybe some of the people already offering training would be willing to pitch in and help raise money for a space where we can all do it.

[agentx13]

Or maybe we can find a sponsor. Tony... or Wayne. I hate to ask him, but if he lets me pay him back...

[ She sighs and leans against a wall. She hates being indebted to people. ]

Still, it could be worse. Last time I had this little money I ended up eating rats.

[ Her tone is morbidly cheerful. Oh, the life of a spy. ]

[cmdreffingshepard]

I don't think anyone around here should worry about getting that far in over their heads. [Shepard, for one, would never let someone she knew go hungry, not if she could help it.]

I understand not wanting to look for loans, though. I'd say we could give it a shot with asking others to chip in first? Pooling resources might be a way to go so no one has to incur any huge debts.

[agentx13]

[ Sharon nods. ]

It'll also give us a good idea of how many people might be interested.

[cmdreffingshepard]

Exactly. If there's little or no interest, then at least we haven't wasted anyone's time or money.

[agentx13]

How about we each test things on our ends and meet back up in, say, a week?

Or sooner if we find anything massive, like one of the Tonys willing to back us and being willing to forget he loaned us the money.

[cmdreffingshepard]

That, I can do. And - let me know if you find anything else out about this murder suspect, yeah? Putting people on their guard is probably the best thing to do right now.

Fin?

[agentx13]

Sure thing. [ Sharon grins and gives her a salute. It's relaxed, but precise. ]

I'll be in touch.