[NPC] | [console] video;

[ironrule]

[Around about lunchtime on the first of January, every console in Keeliai beeps with a city-wide announcement. While the announcement initially plays without prompting, it can be replayed and re-accessed at any time, ensuring that not a single citizen or Foreigner misses it.

It's Tu Yunxu, broadcasting from inside his study at the Snakes' mansion. He looks as immaculate as ever, dressed in a silken suit with gold thread used liberally throughout.]

It's come to my attention that several people have managed to extract considerable quantities of salt from this oppressive fog. I'm offering a bounty to anyone who chooses to turn their salt over to the Snakes. Prices are negotiable. You will, of course, not be punished for choosing not to take me up on my offer - I am by no means instituting a salt tax. The salt doesn't appear to be dangerous, although I wouldn't recommend ingesting it.

This offer is open to Foreigners as well. I'm sure some of you have been... experimenting.

Thank you.

[And the announcement ends.]

Comments

[ironrule]

[She's not nearly as selfish as Yunxu generally gives the Foreigners credit for, he'll grant her that.]

You'd better get started, then, hadn't you?

[He smiles back.]

Of course, if you're serious about keeping your new force out of the hands of any ruling family, you can't expect any help from me, financial or no. Nor should you seek help from the others. As disagreeable as I'm sure the idea will be for you, you may simply need to trust your own judgement.

[lasergrenades]

[And without even saying no, he's both refused her and managed to not look like a complete child. Tough cookie, this one.]

That's what the taxes are for. Duh.

Since I'm using my best judgement, you won't mind if I chat with some of your Snakes about joining up, because it was your brilliant idea? They're probably the best candidates for a new police force; I'll make sure the benefits and compensation are competitive. The rest of your crew will probably be very interested in learning about labor unions and health insurance and collective bargaining, as well.

[If this becomes a reality it will be such a triumph.]

I'm more looking for help of the discussion-and-debate kind. But if you'd rather not voice your concerns and interests I'll make sure you're kept in the loop, [Pepper says, sounding faintly disappointed. Spoilers: she is not.] Just so you're not left out. Too bad; I thought you would have liked the title 'Founding Father.'

[ironrule]

[Spoiler alert: Yunxu has no idea what health insurance is or what labor unions are. It never ceases to amaze him how many of the Foreigners assume he has any context for the worlds they come from.]

I won't mind at all. You're right; I'm sure the more disillusioned members of my family would be more than happy to take you up on whatever offer you care to make. That is, of course, if you believe you can trust them.

[He doesn't know the context for 'Founding Father', either. As far as Yunxu is concerned, he already is a founding father. The Snakes, as aggressive and militaristic as they are, are bound together by the same ties of family which bind flesh and blood relatives.]

I appreciate the consideration, Lady Potts, and I wish you the best of luck.