[Video | 002: Trade Negotiations]

[pepperspray]

[It certainly hasn't taken Pepper long to both find a desk and have it covered (neatly!) with papers. Although the backdrop is the overburdened hospital, and although her hair is back in the sort of no-nonsense ponytail that says there's been no time to properly wash it, she looks much more in her element: grave, precise and direct as she looks to the camera.]

The supply situation at the hospital is getting critical. We've managed to stretch things a few more days, but normal resupply rates won't keep pace with the demand in the wake of the fire. There's a settlement to the south of here where some trade has been conducted before.

Is anyone interested in a trade mission? Do you have any useful skills you can bring to bear for one? Travel is dangerous here, I've been told, so bodyguards as well as negotiators could have a role. You'll also need to be able to work with the local population -- this is a show they've been running a lot longer than we've been here.

Comments

Video

[abetterway]

[Jocelyn appears on screen looking weary but determined.]

I've done my share of negotiation. The travel itself, however, could be an issue. Is there any word on what the terrain is like?

I...may be able to save you some supplies, as well.

video

[newguy]

[Steve's looking pretty eager to help, because damn, has he felt useless so far...not to mention that he could do with a change of scenery.]

I can make sure no one's trying to rip you off.

Re: Video

[pepperspray]

I have no first-hand experience, but it's a two day trip by land, using caravans drawn by horses. Er, ponies.

[City-bred Pepper is not wholly sure where the horse-vs.-pony line falls, and opts for precision just in case.]

So, I'd assume the roads are in a similar condition to the era where horse-drawn caravans were a thing. The hazards seem to be a combination of bandits and patrols by the Authorities from what I've been told... and if you can help these supplies stretch further, I'm all ears as to how. We've already had to cut back a lot of the painkillers and antibiotic use.

Re: video

[pepperspray]

That... would be incredibly useful. You have some experience with trade negotiations, Mr...?

[Pepper gives him a quick smile. She can definitely understand eager, and can understand wanting a role to play even more. There may have been a dust trail heading right to the hospital as soon as she got word from the Doctor about it.]

video

[newguy]

Steve Jinks, ATF. And yeah. It's a combination of experience and being either blessed or cursed, depending on your theistic outlook.

But what do you know about the locals? I haven't had a chance to talk to them yet. They were all born here?

[and then, because his first post seemed to make such facts worth noting:]

I'm from America, 2011, if that means anything.

Re: video

[pepperspray]

Really? America in 2012, here -- I'm with Stark Industries. Pepper Potts.

[By 'with' it's more like 'handles all the boring critical parts of finance needed to let Tony continue to ignore questions like funding; but it will do.]

I think we did a couple contracts for ATF a few years ago, come to think of it. But you're certainly a welcome asset.

Re: video

[newguy]

[And he's sure they did too, though he can't remember it. She's not lying, though, which is all he needs. Stark Industries is definitely a Thing, Steve decides.]

I hope they worked out okay. I'm in sort of a...weird department Internal transfers are like a box of chocolates, blah blah. You know.

[He does know what he's going to get, though, and there's just a bit of covering his own ass and more importantly, the ass of National Security. Just in case. Always just in case.]

It's nice to meet someone from my own time and place, though.

Re: video

[pepperspray]

[She huffs a little laugh at that, wryly sympathetic.]

You're telling me. I'm lucky -- there are a couple people I know who also ended up here -- but then you have the giant robot.

In any case, it will take me a few more days to finalize negotiations with the local trade reps here -- I'm trying not to jump in and take over, but they're understandably wary. Are you all right with some rough travel? The nearest town is two days away by horse-drawn wagon.

video

[newguy]

[Giant robot?? Yeah, Claudia would have been all over that in a heartbeat if it were part of his timeline, and he's sure the government would have let her, because he's all over that in a heartbeat, and he doesn't even have the excuse of being a hopeless tech junkie. So, Miss Potts must be from some alternate Earth, Steve decides with considerable regret. Seriously. Giant Robot? Color him jealous. Alternate universe Claude gets all the cool toys, dammit.]

I haven't found anyone, unfortunately. Or fortunately. Probably fortunately.

[They have way more important things to do.]

Yeah, I'm good for travel. I have all of the standard training, but I wasn't wearing a gun when I showed up. I guess that means we should get going soon? Don't want them to be too wary, or they might think we're artificially driving prices down.

[Not that he's eager to go, or anything.]

Re: video

[pepperspray]

[Don't take it too badly, Steve. After all, if you were in Pepper's universe you'd probably be dragooned into SHIELD and never have a moment's peace again.]

I'll let you know as soon as we're ready to muster out -- working with the locals is proving a challenge. I'd recommend getting a gun, though -- there are bandits along the route, and we'll be returning with the most valuable commodity this world has. I think I remember...

[She trails off, glancing down at a smartphone and flipping through a few apps with an abstracted expression.]

Yes. A woman who identifies herself as Commander Shepard was on the network offering to share some weapons in exchange for services rendered. I believe she's the one with the dinosaur.

[video]

[asecondfaster]

[Ian raises his hand] I want to help, if I can. I'm not really a negotiator, but I could be a bodyguard. I have some martial arts training.

video

[newguy]

[...why does that sound like his department.]

Yeah, that sounds like my department.

[Man, even in the afterlife]

I'll get in touch with her and see if there's anything I can do.

Re: video

[pepperspray]

Good. Let me know if there's anything else you need -- I'm still learning the ropes of the supply chain around here, but I'll keep my ears open.

Any specifics you need to know about the route, tactically?

Re: [video]

[pepperspray]

[Pepper's attention turns to the screen, and then hiccups as she makes out... yep, it's a teenager. She looks troubled, lower lip caught between her teeth.]

I'm... not really sure I'd be comfortable with that. Not as a part of the main caravan, that is. There are likely to be a number of risks on the road, ones you wouldn't be exposed to if you stayed here and helped keep the hospital safe.

[Video]

[relicrebellion]

I am not a negotiator by trade, but I do have a great deal of experience with operating in remote and dangerous areas. And some skill as a field medic, which may also be necessary, if travel goes poorly.

[And she wants to get a feel for the other settlement. Information withdrawal is a bitch.]

[femshep]

There's more in a bunker to the north. I'll take my squad and bring back a load once you get back. [No need to leave the city entirely unprotected. And besides, she's got a dinosaur to babysit.

Also, Steve? Hi, she's saving you the need to call her out. Come say hi.]

Video

[abetterway]

[There's a flicker of amusement on her face before she nods.] If I can fit my chair into a caravan I should be able make due.

[That naturally, automatic hesitation, and then...] I can use my abilities as a substitute for pain medication and anaesthesia.

[pepperspray]

That... I'd worry about how it would be accepted, but things are stretched so thin right now that it might be a good time.

[People with 'abilities' are not exactly common to her experience, but the odds and super-powered ends of SHIELD have expanded Pepper's personal horizons enough to accept the offer at face value and with a small nod.]

As for the other... we could probably fit the chair, but it would be seriously risky. If the caravans were attacked, overturned, I don't know if anyone could guarantee--

[She bites her lower lip for a moment.]

Well, it's risky. If you're willing to accept that risk, I can't say we couldn't use you.

Re: [Video]

[pepperspray]

[And hello blue alien woman. Pepper stares for a long moment, before remembering both her manners and her purpose with a little clearing of her throat.]

Um. That... would be quite useful, yes. Are you able to defend yourself at all? It's looking so far like I might need to make an additional push for some caravan guards and having numbers would be helpful.

[pepperspray]

Much appreciated. Commander Shepard, right?

[There are female military officers, and female commanders, in Pepper's time. It doesn't mean that there isn't a hint of feminist satisfaction edging her smile at seeing one obviously and unquestioningly calling some of the shots.]

I caught your post on the network, but I wasn't in a position to respond at the time. If there's anything I can help you with, let me know.

[abetterway]

Yes, I understand. The worst they can do is refuse. [The staff or the patients, if the latter are in any position to choose.]

[She nods at Pepper's next response, smiling slightly.]

I've taken my share of risks, as well. I've no need of guarantees.

[pepperspray]

Welcome aboard, then. I'll ping you with details once I have the final bits of negotiating in place -- the locals are understandably uneasy.

In the meantime, I'm at the hospital right now, if you have the time to come in.

[Video]

[relicrebellion]

Exceedingly well. [There isn't a hint of bragging in her voice. It's something that simply - is.

She pauses a moment, then offers,] We are called asari. My own name is Liara.

[femshep]

Just Shepard's fine.

[But yeah, you've got the right woman. Not that Shepard ever leaves much room for doubt.

As for the 'anything I can do' part, Shepard shakes her head:] Just keep up what you're doing. I've always been a better soldier than diplomat, anyway.

If you could, though, I'd appreciate if you took Liara T'Soni with you. She's got an eye for anthropology I haven't even seen in most humans, let alone from an asari. And just between you and me, too much longer without some sort of cross-culture study and she'll go some kind of stir-crazy. [The last bit has a note of affection, subtle but enough that the word 'crazy' here shouldn't be cause for worry. She's kidding, Liara, I swear.]

[abetterway]

Thank you.

I can spare the time, I think. There are - I've been directing rescue squads, but there are less and less to rescue. [Which is, she supposes, both good and bad.]