[open] That's great, it starts with an earthquake...

[presspasskey]

Who: presspasskey and YOU!
When: August 17th-20th
Where: Various sectors of the city
Summary: The day after the earthquake, there's enough going on that Lois decides it's time for some field work.
Warnings: Possibly some language, because Lois curses occasionally.

Comments

[typhlopid]

I believe that they share the responsibility, actually. It is a unique situation - either company would surely be happy to make over the buildings completely if they had full ownership, guaranteeing a percentage of 'customer loyalty' from the newcomers forced to stay here. However, since it required to be neutral territory and the government cannot afford to upkeep it, my guess is they both avoid putting any unnecessary costs into the building, while putting more time into sending us flyers and coupons. [Snake has a calm, matter-of-fact sort of voice, very much the sort of person who is aware of what he's talking about and very possibly believes himself to be the authority on the subject. He does not fidget.]

They are simply trying to keep costs low while doing the minimum of maintaining what the government originally provided. I was under the impression the building was initially built by neutral parties on behest of the government, but that may only be the surface of the matter. As for any of their contracts, I'm afraid that would between them and the landlord.

AGI and SERO recognize the potential in newcomers in a way the government and citizens don't. From a corporate standpoint, it would be unwise to openly attack us - particularly since both run large events in order to curry our favor. After all, we are not only potential buyers, but far more at risk to be victimized by their less scrupulous practices. [It sounds as if Snake might have some experience with this sort of business entity, because he speaks of it as if it is as ordinary as the weather.] SERO in particular is interested in me, for instance, but I was uninterested in the stipulations of attending their university.

[presspasskey]

[Lois listens attentively, mentally making notes about it and determining to break into the records if she possibly can.]

Openly, huh? It seems to me that there's an advantage to, say, offering housing at a temporary discount or what seems to be a discount, but really isn't, in either controlled territory if the building became known to be unsound. Or is that totally broken business strategy? I've never fully understood what goes through the minds of CEOs, and I've dated one.

[Frowning then, Lois chews her lip thoughtfully. That sounds... distinctly unpleasant. And with the overtones of LuthorCorp she's come to expect from SERO.]

Stipulations?

[typhlopid]

I was interested in SERO's science programs and inquired into their facilities, namely accessibility. I was told in no uncertain terms that they don't have many audiobooks, no braille keyboards nor braille books, and the text readers on the computers are rather out-of-date. However, I was offered an operation free of charge. I could go to their school as long as they [sharply] corrected my blindness with new prosthetic eyes. As if that were some simple and easy adjustment to make, and one that I would obviously want to make if presented with it. I dislike being condescended to, as well as the implication that I should change my body simply to complete my education when I am perfectly capable of doing so without alteration.

Companies aren't about people. Net worth, losses, gains, money. I won't be a SERO success story. I will not have them congratulating themselves for my success in the future, or have anyone think it is all due to machines.

[presspasskey]

[Lois smiles as he speaks, slowly and almost viciously, eyes flashing. This is just the kind of thing she's been looking for. Somewhere, this story gets filed away in her mental cabinets of things to look into. After a moment she inhales and bites her lip, the smile well gone.]

Couldn't have said it better myself--I've seen someone 'improved' prosthetically, without his permission. The results were...

[Beat. She searches for a description, especially in light of her recent knowledge of kryptonite's capabilities.]

Destructive, to say the least. [Short pause.] I'm not sure you know--I'm a reporter. I've been... considering looking into SERO for some time, especially after this morning. If I find anything out about SERO's offer to you--side effects or functions that weren't mentioned when they tried to sell it to you--I'll obviously pass to you what I know.

[She likes this guy--a lot, he's got serious guts--but this is her job, and this is the kind of thing she's been looking for. Especially since the news item this morning. Still, she knows this is a sucky thing to ask a potential friend--but then, she and Clark have done this dance, and if that wasn't proof it works...] D'you mind my citing you as a source, if it's necessary? I can easily protect your anonymity if you prefer.

[One of Lois' rules of ethical journalism: Protect your source.]

[typhlopid]

I am not entirely against prosthesis. [He lifts his left hand, only obviously an advanced prosthesis upon very close inspection.] But it is not a decision to take lightly. And nothing as intricate as that could ever be free.

As far as information goes, if you would like, I can go back and ask a few more questions and see if I can find you more leads. [Snake smiles a little.] However, I should warn you that I may be considered an unreliable source. When I arrived, I was briefly labeled as a terrorist threat, though I was downgraded emotionally disturbed.

[presspasskey]

Anything like that for free, there's a catch. Usually it's not worth it.

[Lois laughs then, and grins at him.] Labeled by who is really the relevant question.

And I'll come to my own conclusions as to reliability--I may not even need it. But thank you. I'd be interested to know what they are and aren't willing to tell their prospective lab ra-- I mean students.

[She is snarky.]

[typhlopid]

I believe it was the local paper that said as much about me, as I accidentally caused a panic at the baseball field for what they believed was no good reason. [Snake just shakes his head.]

As if I somehow knew all about the Core having arrived minutes ago, and was making threats about a bomb in my stomach knowing the undue attention it would get me. Fortunately for their precious Core, there was no bomb after all, and the situation was written off to be being disoriented due to the Pull.

[It's clear Snake is annoyed over the situation. He fusses like a cat, snottily, really, as if the next words out of his mouth are going to be as if or I meant to do that.]

It may not bear saying - I have had my share of being a lab rat against my will. One of the reason I wish to continue into the sciences is so that I may do something about SERO.

[presspasskey]

[Lois' curiosity has been awakened by this story, and she tilts her head questioningly.]

If you don't mind my asking, what exactly prompted the whole bomb-in-your-stomach thing?

[Lois is definitely reminded of some of the cats in the barn back home--especially one who apparently decided she was above being a mouser and tended to act like a princess.]

How would you do that, as a scientist? In general terms, I mean.

[typhlopid]

I am good with data analysis.

I also remember things. If I could be trusted with the inner workings of one or two of their projects, not only could I possibly help SERO function more safely if they do end up with control of the Core, I would have little qualms blowing the whistle on them.

I may not be some super-powered individual, but I do have my ways.

[Yes, Snake is a nice enough person, and very polite, but he does seem to think a lot of himself. Or at least he wishes others t believe he does.]

As for the bomb in my stomach, it's rather a long story, and something I would prefer not to go into. Rest assured, I believed there was a bomb in my stomach because that is what my kidnapper told me was done.

[The self-satisfied look has quickly fallen into anger and distress.]