Entry 14: Makin' the Goods

[viral_tyrant]

[Day in and day out, it's always the same. The boss calls for another batch, and I make what is required. It's not like any of the other gangs can compete with us. Or me, for that matter. And yet their pathetic dealers roam the streets, selling the worst product imaginable

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[last_liar]

[Coming in to pick up the goods is always a little nerve-wracking. It's not that I can't fill my quota and I'm not skimming off the money I make. Even if the business isn't honest, I am when it comes to my employer.

The problem is I'm also pretty honest with the cops and local PIs. That's why I'm nervous when it comes to actually coming to the central "office".

I edge into the room where the product's being prepared, staying near the door and hoping my anxiety will be written off by the fact that my boss is a pretty imposing guy.]

Hey, boss.

[viral_tyrant]

[The voice belongs to none other than Yuu, one of my best dealers. But somehow I feel that something is different with him...no matter.

I wave him over, never turning away from my work.]

Right on time, Yuu. Did you make quote this time round?

[last_liar]

[I sidle up to the table and lay down an envelope with my take at its edge, out of Wesker's way but in his line of sight.]

Yes. This is all of it.

[viral_tyrant]

[Why is the boy so nervous all of a sudden? I can clearly see that he's telling me the truth as I look at the contents of the envelope...unless...unless there is something he hiding.]

And no one gave you any problems?

[I slide over one bag, almost as an exchange.]

[last_liar]

No. Everything was pretty normal.

[I pull the bag in closer, glancing inside at the contents. Just to make sure I know what I've got.

I'm doing my best to keep my nerves under control. I've always been a little on the nervous side anyway, so I hope he'll pass it off as that if he notices.]

Same customers as always.

[viral_tyrant]

[Of course I'm still skeptical. Perhaps I should increase his lot for the week...

I prepare another bag.] There is one thing you need to know regarding the product for this time. I have increased the purity, and so you will need to charge more. Preferably double.

[I stop and turn to look at him.] Can you handle that?

[last_liar]

[I hesitate. That's unexpected--usually if a change like that is made, he'd tell me beforehand, right?]

I don't know if all my buyers will go for it.

[viral_tyrant]

Oh? And why is that?

[Now I'm sure that something isn't right. Instead of finishing off the bag, I get up and make my way over to the closet and retrieve a box containing the older product.]

But if you're not sure about selling the new batch, I can give you a bag of each.

[last_liar]

[I nod.] If I have one of each, I can try to get them to buy the better stuff. But if they won't, then we don't lose the sale.

[Of course it means that in the end I'll have twice as much to unload, but I can probably handle that.

I hope.]

[viral_tyrant]

Indeed, you are correct. Also, you may choose to offer a sample if they're skeptical at first. Any more, and you'll need to charge.

[Granted, I can still produce twice as much in one go as any of the other groups in Wonderland.

I sit back down at the desk and measure out more of the original for him to sell.]

And if you run into any trouble, you know what to do, yes?

[last_liar]

Yes. [I don't usually run into trouble. And sometimes when I do, I just keep my mouth shut about it anyway. Unless it's the police.

Not that I ever intend for Wesker to find out about that.]

[viral_tyrant]

[I slide the other bag over.] I wish all of the dealers were like you.

Because those who cross me...well, I'm sure I don't need to elaborate. Contradiction and insolence will get you nowhere except six feet under.

[Was the threat necessary? Yes, I believe it was. And I also believe Yuu is the traitor I'm looking for.]

[last_liar]

I know. [And that's one of the reasons I make sure I'm a model dealer. Another reason is that it gets me more information, and more information keeps me useful to the cops, and that keeps me out of jail.

I take both bags, testing their weight in my hands, and then stash them out of sight.]

I'll take care of it.

[viral_tyrant]

Good. [And I hope that you're telling me the truth, Yuu. Because if not, you will end up like those before you.]

I won't keep you any longer. And make sure you offer the new stuff to each customer, yes?

[I turn back to the powder and pick up from where I left off.]

[last_liar]

I will.

[I move back toward the door quickly.]

I'll see you again when I'm done.

[viral_tyrant]

[I offer a small wave.] I look forward to it.