Bab 169: Sass
"Wakako...?" Susie utters distastefully. "That fuckin' leather bag of shit? Don't tell me you actually believe anything that hag said?"
"Whether or not I believe her is irrelevant. To me there's a pretty high chance of infighting," he pauses, remembering the few short talks he'd had with Fujino about the state of the gang, "I don't know her other than her rep, but apparently she's trustworthy enough, according to Rogue and some of my other contacts." Ori explains.
"What is your beef with her anyway?" Sasha inquires.
"She was the husband of one of the Tygers that helped start the raid, that bitch is probably complicit." Susie seethes.
"Ain't this the gal whose husbands suddenly go missing when it suits her...?" Rebecca questions.
"Rumours," Judy makes quotations with her fingers, "But I think we should see where it leads. We don't have to agree to anything but it's definitely better than relying on Maelstrom to not go crazy and suicide bomb us..."
...
Susie palms her face, gripping the Cybernetic portion that covered everything above her nose. "Fine, we'll talk to her. But we make no deals until we're certain she's not lying through her dentures."
Ori nods, "Alright, I'll call her, after that it's up to you guys to negotiate it..."
*Beep!*
"Ah, Zombie, I don't suppose you have reconsidered my offer after. Recent events." Wakako drawls through the call, looking terribly smug as she does so.
"Me? No. But I have some friends who'd like nothing but to get back at some mutual enemies of yours."
Wakako steples her fingers and smiles, "Of course, who am I to dismiss such close friends of yours? I assume you are with them now?"
He nods, "I'll link the call." he states, having Judy's computer screen display the call.
"Ah, the group of whores and miscreants, how unexpected." she sneers.
"Fuck you, Tyger-bitch." Susie scowls.
"Very witty rebuttal, Miss Quinn. My apologies but I am finding myself questioning the utility of garnering your help. I'm aware your group is now in dire straights, lacking all resources mentionable, aside from prostitutes, but unless you plan to combat the enemy with disease-laden women, I sincerely doubt our cooperation would mean overly much..."
"Stop chatting shit, Wakako. I'm sure there's some Japanese proverb you could apply, but you've got a group of very fucking pissed people ready to help fuck up your enemies, don't throw this chance away trash-talking them." Ori sharply retorts.
Susie folds her arms, "Before we do anything I want proof that you or your side aren't responsible for the attack."
Wakako tilts her head slightly, "And what evidence would satisfy you? Perhaps communications between the perpetrators admitting such? The list of men and women who participated? Perhaps their heads would suffice?" she drawls as reading out a shopping list. Ori wasn't sure what evidence she could provide that'd quell Susie's anger either, considering almost everything could be fabricated with enough effort.
"All of the above, but for now, us meeting face-to-face will do. Bare minimum escorts." she states.
Wakako quietly chuckles, "Yes, making myself vulnerable in the middle of a Civil War in which I am already in danger is so very intelligent. I'm sorry, but if that's your final offer then I'll have to refuse."
"We can do it outside Watson and Westbrook if that'd help?" Ori presses, "My crew'll help keep watch with whoever you both bring." he offers, glancing at Rebecca and Sasha who nod in agreement.
"I am most touched by your earnestness, but if Miss Quinn refuses to settle then no agreements will be made. It is I who holds the strongest position here, as you both well know."
"This is not just about strength, the public's sentiments are with us. The Tygers burned down more than just our property, they destroyed half of Kabuki Market too. If you don't make an effort to separate yourselves from them you'll be treated the same." Judy interjects.
Wakako nods, "I agree, but what good is publicity here? Will it bring your people back from the dead? Pay for the damages? Will they fight for you?" she sniffs humorously, "Not likely. A certain patron of my counterpart would like to see this settled as quickly and cleanly as possible. There will be no riots this time." she promises ominously.
Rebecca blinks, "Whaddya mean? Why would anyone care what the Corpo assholes say? No one cared last time."
"They will care when stories of how you mistreat, abuse, and enslave men and women to work in your establishments. True or not, the sheep will follow the shepherd if his bell rings loud enough, and his grass green enough." Wakako explains, with everyone present well aware of who she is referring to.
"You think they'd rig the media? There's no way they'd be able to pay off everyone." Crystal quietly remarks from the side, running a hand through her hair in thought.
"I don't think. I know. They have invested much into this city, and the prospect of losing their most useful attack dogs is not one they would just lie down and accept. Their pockets run deep enough to afford such paltry expenses."
"If you're so sure of the odds, what's your angle in going against them?" Susie challenges.
Wakako shrugs lightly, "To put it simply, I do not hold their values. And the influence I would gain from removing the other side of the board is too enticing to pass."
Judy frowns, "I recall a rumour about your grandson..." she trails off.
Wakako's polite expression drops into a sharp frown, "I'd be careful with your words, Miss Alverez. You cannot handle any more enemies than you currently possess."
"So, are we doing this or not?" Ori questions, bringing the discussion back to the matter at hand.
Susie continues staring at the screen, as if throwing the decision in Wakako's court. "Hm. The matter of security aside, if I am to agree to this I would like a personal pledge from yourself, Zombie, that you would assist in these matters."
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