2017.04.14 Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Part 1

Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Part 1
Meeting to talk about the future of Prospect.
IC Date	April 14th 2017
IC Time	9PM
Players	Gwydion Charli Vivianne Dmitri Glass Jerry Dedra Harikumo Dantes Salimah Danny Jin
Location	Chamber of Commerce
Prp/Tp	None
Spheres	All
Theme Song	It's the end of the world as we know it. - REM

RP Room 4 The Chamber of Commerce conference hall is a large, simple room with soft carpeting, no windows and a large U shaped table with the bend facing the door. Chairs are spaced our around it allowing people to easily face the podium at the open end of the U with a projection screen behind it. It's comfortable, a little warm but nice as conference rooms go. Contents: Charli Vivianne Dmitri Jerry Alders Dedra Kumo

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

For various reasons everyone here has received a special invitation to the Chamber of Commerce for a meeting regarding the future of Prospect. Everyone is welcomes in by the members of the chamber, given punch and cookies if they wish and lead to a conference room where one of the elders of the chamber welcomes you all. Then he introduces the guest speaker for the evening a bald man in a blue business suit walks up to the podium to speak.

The man is not overly large or overly tall, not overly muscular but he is very fit and very, very bald. Even his eyebrows have no hair on them. "Welcome everyone, my name is Dantes Potts. I am here to give you bad news. It's going to be a long, complicated subject with frightening implications. Please pay attention. If you have questions please raise your hand and I'll stop to answer them as we go. Don't feel bad if you need to ask a question. I'm sure if you are confused about something, others are as well. Some parts of it may seem horrifying. Try not to panic. Also I need to ask you all to turn off any recording devices you might have on you. This information is too dangerous for public consumption at this time. It would cause a panic. " he says as he plants himself into position behind the podium ready for a long talk.

Dedra was in the process of sipping some punch when Dantes began to speak. But as his words unfolded around her she carefully sets her glass down on a near by surface, turning her full attention and piercing ash gray eyes on the hairless man.

Sitting at the opposite end of the table from Dantes closest to the door, Kumo actually wears her own business suit for once. She looks relatively calm and unfazed, since she's already listened to the speech beforehand. No amount of cajoling or instruction can dull the blunt delivery of the Speaker's speech, and so she hangs in for the ride as she finger waves at Dedra.

Dmitri isn't normally the 'private invitation' sort, but this is relevant to his interests. Settling down in a seat, he leans back, watching people filter in, take seats, and then settle. He's dressed sharply today, no department store suits, but one the designer pieces he keeps around for such occasions. When talk of 'bad news' starts, though, one eyebrow creeps upward, away from a dawn colored eye. Well, this ought to be interesting.

Nathaniel is actually not the primary invitee, but the woman he arrives with is. She's fairly close to his age, and there's enough of a resemblance that it's clear they're related. "I'll be curious to hear his definition of frightening," she tells Nathaniel softly, and he nods slightly in return, before turning his attention fully to the speaker. Jerry Alders is the very tall, rotund man in the pink suit with red shirt and pink tie, emblazoned with a large button that says "Vote for Jerry" in Red, White and Blue text. He is speaking with his campaign manager, the diminutive Charli, attempting to adjust his bald spot, "..do I look okay? How's my hair, is it noticeable?"

Vivianne is here, seated, in all her Armani-clad glory, waiting for the main event. Legs crossed primly, not a coiffed curl out of place, the ruby-lipped brunette waits patiently, blue eyes level. Anyone who's anyone knows she's an amazing businesswoman, and has /all/ the right ears in the political world. She's a mover and a shaker, when she wants something done in the political arena, it's done /yesterday/. Hard to believe such a formidable powerhouse could be contained in such a delicate-seeming petite beauty.

Most of the people in attendance have gathered around a U shaped table looking a Dantes Potts giving a speech at the podium in the room. He doesn't stop as more people filter in. After such a grievous warning figures it's all of nothing at this point. Despite his nerves when Kumo stealth waves at him he grows a half smile he tries to suppress, "As we all know, The 2008 financial crisis created over 30 trillion dollars in loss globally because one key market inside the US, the home mortgages, collapsed. While the total value of the sub-prime mortgage loan market in 2007 was only 1.3 trillion dollars, it's collapse and the subsequent collapse of the banks that held these investments caused global economic distress. There are three such markets primed to collapse with in the United States in the course of the next five years. Outside of the US. there are many more. There is going to be an economic collapse unlike anything humanity has ever seen. I am here to help you prepare for these losses. " he explains in a calm, detached voice as if he's talking about how his car needs a tune-up.

Jerry Alders pokes Charli in the shoulder, nodding in the direction of Vivianne and speaking in a soft voice. Should she catch his eye, he smiles and gives her a nod in hello before attempting to find a seat around the table, offering one to Charli as well. As tall and large as the man is, he practically has to take up two seats, folding his fingers and nodding in an attempt to seem like he understands everything that's being said.

Charli arrived with Jerry. Dressed not in a regular business woman’s attire, but something closer to a shrunk down version of a pants suit. As difficult as it is to find clothing her size, it appears she found something left over from a teenage boys bar mitzva. Sitting next to Jerry, the apparent, and much shorter Abbot to his much larger Costello. Listening to him she cants an ear in his direction and raises her eyes over to Vivianne. They they turn to Dmitri, and she mouths to him, quite clearly if silently. " They call me Mister Glass. " and smirks before sitting down next to Jerry and whispering something in to his ear.

Charli earns a smile from the pawn broker. Dmitri winks one rose-gold eye at the young woman and then turns his attention back up to Dantes. This look is certainly incredulous. Then again, his business tends to be the sort that does very well when everyone else's does poorly. Circle of Capitalism?

"Your fist instinct will be to deny this possibility. You will say to yourself that this is impossible. You will rationalize and deny that a collapse of this magnitude is possible. This is exactly what happened in 2008. This is human nature. Fortunately for you, I'm not human, I'm an accountant. " Dantes says trying to insert a little humor into the horribly unfunny situation.

"We all remember the bank bailouts, the auto-loan bailouts, the insurance company bailouts, T.A.R.P. and so forth and so on. " Dantes explains then he pauses to take a sip of water from a glass under the podium, "What most people are unaware of is that the same kind of bailouts were happening around the world in every major power. They have been spread out, and the media doesn't cover them very much because it lowers consumer confidence when you hear about entire sectors of nations failing." he explains then goes on, "When we say 'Bail out' most consumers think the debt just disappears or gets smaller but that is not the case. A bailout is simply transference of the debt from a private company to a government, and therefore the tax payers. The reason we aren't already in economic free-fall is that every time a bubble busts we just add the debt from that bubble to an even bigger bubble called the national debt. Once more for he pauses but this time to make his point very clear, "Once America started doing this, so did everyone else. "

Jerry Alders nudges Charli, and begins to write down some notes in response to this. Prospect, Housing Crisis, Rent Control, Gentrification, putting question marks on each one as he goes. Charli on the other hand is simply watching as Jerry takes notes, head canted to the side a bit as she listens to what Dante says, then gauges the responses of everyone else in the room.

Vivianne returns all waves, nods, and smiles with warm ones of her own. The petite brunette listens on, absorbing Dantes' speech without so much of a flicker emotion across the neutral mask. Really hard to tell what the woman is thinking.

Upon mentioning the part about being 'not human', Kumo smiles as if the joke was cleverly delivered. The reality is far more interesting. Continuing to remain silent and ever watchful, her purple eyes take in the people of influence around the room. Do they know what they're getting into?

Dedra patiently waits for the speech to run it's course, and for the real data to be laid out. For now the woman appears to ignore the people at the table other than Dantes. Arriving shortly before the meeting proper begins is a middle-eastern woman, hijab tastefully adding on to a form-fitting business suit cut more akin to Lebanese fashion than American corporate chic. She sits and pulls out a tablet, with which she begins to take notes.

Pausing to organize his papers on the podium making sure they are all perfectly aligned, Dantes presses a button on the podium and a slide appears on the screen behind him showing two market growth trends, one from the US. sub-prime market leading up to the collapse and one from student loans in America today. They are almost identical.

"The first market we need to discuss is student loan debt. Student loans have exploded in growth in the last few years going from 260 billion dollars in 2004 to 1.31 trillion last year. This is what market scientists call a non-linear, complex, exponential growth curb, commonly referred to as an unstable market bubble." Dantes explains clicking his remote and showing a slide of the student loan loan value growth by itself since 2000 on an ever increasing incline of growth that anyone can tell is artificially inflated and unsustainable.

"Student loan debt has grown to the point that is carries even greater economic impact on the financial solvency of the largest banks in the world than the housing market did before the housing market collapse. Student loan defaults have already met the same levels as the defaults that caused the housing market collapse and while the student loan is more stable in principle because you can't get rid of it by declaring bankruptcy, we can't force students to pay back loans with money they do not have." for now...

Jerry Alders nods with a gentle smile on his face, blissfully taking in the information and letting it sink in. He writes a small note to Charli on the notepad, circling it without looking down, then continues to listen while trying to get into politician mode, remembering faces. Glancing down she reads the note rapidly and takes his pen from him. Scribbling something down she slipped the paper back to Jerry. Charli narrowed her eyes a little at the bald guy, leaning a bit forward in her seat.

Moving to the next slide Dantes continues in his factual unhurried way, "Auto loans have reached similar all time high of 1.2 Trillion dollars in debt. The market value of loans increased by 9 percent last year alone while the number of actual cars on the road only increased by 1.5 percent. This means the majority of the debt from this market is for a product the debtor doesn't even get to keep. The cars are being loaned out, the loans are being defaulted on then the cars are being repossessed and sold again to a new debtor. One 2014 study showed the average new car in America would have between three and five auto loans against it during it's life time. As of today, almost 40 percent of the auto loan market is made up of sub-prime loans that are likely to be in default within the next few years." he says then flips over one of his notes on the podium while saying,"As you can imagine, this is not a sustainable market strategy and the default rate is already reaching the point of collapse. This will most likely be the second bubble to collapse, triggered by the first." then he brings up another slide, showing the first two identical markets and a third that looks even more terrifyingly large marked US. Healthcare.

The latest slide elicits a soft chuckle out of Dedra, as well as a half smile before it is quickly suppressed. The laugh though a sign of amusement, was not in the right tone for such.

"Finally we come to healthcare. While not the most immediate threat to the global economy, it is perhaps the most important one because it impacts the previous two. The average American has 1,766 in actual overdue medical debt right now. Between 2010 and 2013, the average American households lost $2,300 in median income, but their health care expenses increased by $1,814. Out-of-pocket spending is expected to accelerate to a 5.5 annual growth rate by 2023 double the growth of real GDP. This means that if trends continue we will be looking at a self-doubling growth curve of people who can not afford the healthcare they will need. As it is extremely difficult for an economy to function without a work force, until we more fully implement robotic workers it is imperative that we maintain a healthy population. " Dantes explains seemingly with all the compassion of a Xerox machine but in truth once robots dominate the work place A.I. will be common enough that illness will be a thing of the past. He just doesn't elaborate on that, "Next we need to talk about the instability of the US. dollar." he says as he pulls up the next slide showing a list of middle-eastern countries, China and Russia.

Kumo raises a brow curiously in Dedra's direction, laughter being almost unheard of unless experiencing the finer things in life. Kumo witnessed this rarity first hand. Her head turns, watching as Salimah makes her way inside to be seated. Now -that- is someone she hasn't seen in a while...

Vivianne still wears the mask of calm. Her blue eyes are vivid and attentive, betraying no signs of /anything/ but calm. Occasionally, they sweep the crowd before her, as she re-crosses her legs. The woman is infamous for taking no notes. Mind like a steel-trap, heart of gold, she listens on. Jerry Alders smiles at Dedra, trying to suppress his own smile, then writes down another statistic as a talking point and nods to Charli, whispering and indicating his planner on his phone.

"We all know that America has enemies. However most people are unaware that those enemies have a weapon far more dangerous than nukes or bio-weapons. Trade talks among these middle-eastern nations to create a new trade currency specifically for the purpose of selling oil called the Silver-Backed Dinar is already undermining the value of the dollar in the US." pretty dry, pretty boring, unless you know the fragility of the economy in which case this is terrifying news.

Dantes explains simply, "The short version is, if this Silver-Backed Dinar ever gets implemented, your money and everything you own is going to be worth one tenth it's current value." he explains then moves forward to the next slide which is the same slide only with a bunch of red X next to many of the names of the countries on the list showing just how many of these trade partners we have 'Liberated' into smoking craters for challenging the supremacy of the US. Dollar

Being CEO of an Architectural and Construction company, and on the board of another... Salimah's attention is focused on absorbing the data on fields she is less familiar with. Between slides, she takes a moment to glance over the others. Eyes settle on Kumo for a moment, drawing the hint of a blush before she continues looking around... oh, presentation? Her focus returns there. Certainly not distracted. What was that about the middle east dinar? Surely nothing to do with her! Dedras eyes rapidly take in the data on the slides. Seeming to digest the numbers with ease. No confusion on her face. No surprise either, as if all this information is not news to her.

Well, this is either going much more smoothly than he expected or much much worse than he could have imagined and Dantes isn't sure which... Continuing ever onward, Dantes says, "As politicians, business owners and CEOs you understand the necessity of appearances. If you appear unhealthy you won't get elected, your board of directors won't trust you, people won't invest in your products or people will doubt your company's long term growth potential because you are a potential weakness. The same is true for the US. Dollar. It is the world's standard currency not because of any intrinsic value but simply because we bomb anyone who challenges us into oblivion just like we are gearing up to do to Syria right now. " he says motioning to the list. "These governments have conspired against us to try to undermine the value of our dollar, Iraq, Iran, Syria, even Saudi-Arabia who is one of our, " he pauses to add finger quotes, "valued allies."

Going on Dantes explains, "This is only a stopgap measure. It's going to give us a little more time, but not much. With the election of Trump and the GOP running roughshod over the system of law in Washington, the majority of Americans living below the poverty line and the continued militarization of our police force, it is only a matter of time before the citizens revolt, an enemy attacks us, or our own economy collapses under the weight of unchained greed and the need for constant war to protect our monetary supremacy is further destabilizing the economy. "

Staring at Dante her face slowly contorts into the same face one might see if they took a bite from a sandwich and found it contained plutonium, or a roach. She opened her mouth and took a breath as if she was going to say something but then caught herself. Leaning back in her seat she exhaled and stole Jerry's notepad again. Scribbling something on to it before tossing it in to his lap with a frown.

Jerry Alders's eyes begin to glaze over, but the mention of Syria and he begins to scribble notes down quickly and glared at Charli for a moment. He writes her a short note before he begins putting down bullet points down for a new speech he plans to draft. He glances toward Vivianne and the other assembled faces before continuing on his talking points.

Noticing the briefest hint of fond memories from Salimah, Kumo gives her a subtle smirk before the pinnacle of disaster is described in detail by Dantes. She knew that this was going to happen, people being prone to panic under pressure. Arms crossed, Kumo's left hand goes to lackadaisically cover her lower face, obsidian ring glinting in the fluorescent light.

Not changing the slide show Dantes instead reaches up to rub the bridge of his nose as if gathering his thoughts because this train ride just keeps getting better the longer it goes! "Even now banks and investors are starting to scramble to cover their own assets while offsetting the losses onto the American public. The bad news is that the student loan bubble is over 85 insured by the US. Government so when that collapse happens, it will unavoidably be shuffled onto our books as a multi-trillion dollar loss which means you, as tax payers, will have to eat the distributed loss just like before. The homelessness rate is going to increase by a minimum of 17 Percent. The unemployment rate is going to go up by a minimum projected 4 percent across the US. in just the first year and depending on how the Trump administration reacts to it, 2 to 4 percent more every year for the next 6 years at least. We will, without question, reach the level of the great depression, by 2024 at the latest."

Vivianne is here. Wholeheartedly unsurprised by any of this, the petite woman listens on. She doesn't seem scared, or panicked, just... wall of zen.

Dedras expression doesn't change. Though after she finishes analyzing the most recent slide she turns her attention back to Dantes. There is no sign of shock, or surprise on her features. It's as if she was all ready aware of the data, and had reached a similar, if not identical conclusion before arriving. Jerry Alders clears his throat, then leans over to Charli and whispers something in her ear.

Putting his hands on the edges of the podium projecting the subconscious body language of steadying the podium the man says in what must be his 'reassuring' voice, if you can call it that, "I know this all looks very grim but other than preparing for the worse there are some things you can do to protect yourselves. Invest in material valuables. Gold, Silver, Platinum, and new technologies that we know will be profitable because we are going to need them. Also if you own a fleet of vehicles, stock pile gasoline now, enough to last at least a year. Heating oil stock piles would be a good investment as well as stock piled of the most commonly needed medications such as anti-virals, antibiotics, penicillin, morphine and so forth. You'll need to secure your supplies within the city limits" he says moving on to the next slide showing a list of good investments, Solar, wind, metals, fire arms manufacturing, security services, clean water projects, telecommunications, garbage disposal, private fire protection services, hydroponic gardening greenhouses for growing food inside the city inside a secured facility. "Steel is going to be very profitable in the next 15 years because of advancements in carbon fiber technology. The steal-carbon alloys are going to revolutionize construction allowing cities to build taller, stronger, more earth-quake resistant buildings. Also it will be needed to rebuild after the collapse." he explains.

"This brings me to my next point. We need to get the city on renewable, local energy as fast as possible. We need our power grid to be as independent as possible, as fast as possible. If any of you would like to make an investment in creating a solar, or wind power factory in the area please speak to me after the meeting and I'll arrange a meeting with the governor to help off-set some of the cost. We also need investors for water desalinization so that we will have a supply of clean drinking water. You know what they say, he who controls the water controls the world. Now is the time to invest. " he offers.

"I want to make this very clear, America as a whole, is in trouble and when America falls the world will fall with it. However, I don't care about America or the world as a whole. I care about us, as a city, our local community because this is where I live. If you care about living here then we need to focus on minimizing the impact on our city and our families. " he says in a very a-political move.

Glancing at Jerry she raises an eyebrow and rolls her eyes dramatically before getting silently to her feet and stepping away from the table. After a few moments Charli locates a bottle of water. Walking over the weird bald dude she hands it to him, somewhat reluctantly before returning to her seat and crossing her arms with a sigh.

Jerry Alders raises his hand, clearing his throat and interrupting the discussion, waiting very very patiently until he notices him and accepts his request to be heard. While he is not an imposing figure, nor serene, he is large and patient and kind-looking. And above all, he is patient, demanding notice.

Expression being partially hidden by hand placement and her laid-back facade, Kumo watches as everything sinks in. Unsurprisingly enough, it's the women in the room that seem solid as a rock. Of course, her own reasons for security are weighted in her favor, the demand for steel for other plans unknown by the other occupants.

Dantes sees the hand go up and nods to the future councilman, "Yes, Mr. Alders, you had a question?" he asks giving his best inviting smile with his perfect teeth on his perfect face which some people might notice is as bald as his head. Not even eyebrows.

Dedra leans back in her chair, letting her hands fall from the table in to her lap. She simply waits for others to speak their peace before commenting. Though it is obvious she does have words to add...

Jerry Alders stands to his full height, which is quite considerable, "This does seem very, uh.. grave news. How are we to be expected to keep our jobs and houses safe for low-income families and those who cannot go out and buy gold, invest in energy? Is this something the government will have to do in their part?

"Some of us have already started re-investing back into our community to strengthen it. Instead of lining my pockets, I've created jobs that cater to all hours, provided medical, paid leave, and access to Medical Cannabis, on my dime," Vivianne pauses briefly at the dry joke,".. since medical doesn't cover it. Apocalypse being blown up was only a sign I was doing something right. With it rebuilt, and access to retail Cannabis brought forward an entire year in reality, I'll be turning my attention to tiny houses and making sure the least among us have less to want. Basic access to health care, food, safe place to live, clothing, clean water.. it's a basic human right. Should be up to those of us with, to assist those without."

"I have also been investing in the community, for some time now," Salimah notes. "Even before the contracts to rebuild after the explosion in the Harbor this past summer... I was working with charities towards helping with the homeless issue. For example, it is literally cheaper to give the homeless a house of their own, than it is to fund other safety nets for them. I am happy to discuss any and all housing and construction projects that would be of help."

Dantes smile grows more sincere as he looks at the prospective councilman, "Good question! The short version is that we can't. At least not really. If total economic collapse comes the dollar bill won't be worth the cost of the paper it's printed on. We can only save up food, supplies and try to get the electric grid as stable as we can before it happens. We'll have to basically declare a state of emergency, put a hold on all evictions, and do our best to deal with the crisis as they occur. I'm planning a meeting for next week to specifically address what we can do to prepare The City for this crisis. I just wanted to focus this meeting on what you, as the people who are the economic backbone of this community can do to protect yourselves and prepare. Next meeting, same time next week, will focus on what we can do for the greater good. But I already have already contacted Gwydion McBryde, of Green Knight industries to start fundraisers to prop up the local shelter system and my research indicates there is an abandoned mall that many homeless already live in. I'm going to investigate it later this week in person and see if it can be converted into a city run shelter for the displaced. " he explains, "If you would like to work with Mr. McBryde give his office a call. I'm sure he would appreciate any support you could give him." Dantes says then waits to see if that is a sufficient answer.

Dedra smiles faintly, "This might be where I and those like me come in." She gives a nod to Vivianne and then to Kumo, "As Harikumo is all ready aware, I am an investor specializing in green technologies and start-ups. Such as solar, wind and desalination. I have holdings in several places across Canada. I recently moved here to see about adding locations in the United States to my portfolio." A soft chuckle is heard here, "Unlike most in the business I do Not represent a firm." Jerry Alders looks at all the differing opinions, some more stark than others, and crosses his doughy arms around his chest as he thinks on it, "This.. this does sound bleak. I.. I'm sorry I interrupted, please continue. I would like to meet with everyone later if you don't mind. S-sorry for the interruption." He scoots back down into the chair, furiously writing down names, businesses, investments on his notepad.

Jerry Alders raises a stern finger at Charli, then returns to writing on the notepad.

"I'll make sure to let Mr. McBryde know that I own the property that our local Tent City sits upon for permitting purposes." Kumo nods to Dedra, as her hand moves away from her face. It was Wyck's project, and everything she did to help those in need was for him... And now, it's for Dantes. Her smile looks a little less tense and a little more hopeful.

"That's the reason I called you all here today, you are the movers and shakers who can get things done. Your influence can help shape The City's future." he says and for those with sharp ears and a talent for detail they might notice this is the third time he's said The City as if it's a proper name. "For you to help you'll need to be safe. " he says going back to his speech. "Increasing your personal security or moving to a gated community would be a good idea sooner rather than later because when the cascade of collapses comes some people may blame the more affluent citizens. Also it would be wise to invest in multiple fire and property insurance now before the prices go up. There will be riots there will be looting. Prepare for it now. " he says seeming very deadly serious. "On the positive side, over 50 major retail chains are declaring bankrupts this year. The big-box store is going away as online retailers take over which leaves you, the local business owners with a great opportunity. Invest locally, build your brand locally, and carve out a market that these big-box retailers simply can't afford to hold on to." he explains trying to throw a little good news in with the coming of the financial apocalypse. "I'd also try and create more premium products. Prospect as an abundance of wealthy individuals living within it. If you start creating products which are more exclusive for the well-to-do consumer then it benefits us all. You make more money in the short term and we layer on reasons for them to stay with The City when the economy finally does collapse. " he explains.

Vivianne tilts her head curiously. "Please do be careful about the dead mall, it's quite a health hazard. There are dead grocery stores a-plenty that might be far safer, and less hazardous to the health, to re-purpose, with your note on how fast they're going belly-up. As Cannabis' legality was accelerated, you can expect hempcrete to be an inexpensive fireproof reality shortly for affordable construction purposes." She nods to Kumo, blue eyes landing briefly on the other woman. "All sensible advice, and, I'm here to assist Mr.McBryde and others how I can to stabilize our local economy and create a resilient community."

Taking a beat to let things sink in Dantes relaxes a little and looks out at the crowd, "I know that many of us are not comfortable working in groups, I know that many of us are from diverse and varied life situations. " he says especially eying the paler members of the crowd, "However, in this moment, I suggest that we all consider that for the survival of our city and our livelihoods, it may be necessary to put our religious, tribal and cultural differences aside. We few, here today are the best hope of this city to survive and even thrive within the tribulations ahead but we must work together. I implore you, as the hardships grow, put your differences aside so that we can all have a better future. We are stronger together. Cooperation is easy now, but we must be prepared to be in this for the long hall. I appreciate all the work you are going to be doing for The City and I look forward to seeing what you can accomplish together. " he says then he gathers his papers and asks, "Are there any further questions before we call it an evening and start networking?" he sounds suspiciously like a man who does not want to be in charge of anything trying to escape the spotlight and let someone else take over.

Dedra shakes her head a little, indicating a no.

Jerry Alders raises his hand, of course. "...you make it sound like the world is going to end soon. We've had recessions, we've had stagflation. We've had energy crises, I mean I still have a lock on my car from when gas rationing was a thing with Carter. We're the richest country in the world, isn't this a little.. bleak? This is just, like... a worst case scenario, right?"

Salimah shakes her head. "No questions that I have, really. At least, not about your information. Several for the others... mostly, how can NEXT Design and Sunrise Construction be of help?"

Dedra comments softly, "I know a couple of companies that could probably supply a large enough quantity of small solar panel kits for micro housing, given sufficient financial investments. I know they offer bulk rates.". She shrugs, "I was hoping to find someone to invest in locally for a desalination plant, and food grade sea salt production."

Dantes looks at Jerry like he's a cute little puppy and Dantes is going to have to shoot him right in his hope filled adorable face with a double load of hard truth, "In order to understand just how bad this actually is, you need to see it on the global scale. " Dantes says reaching down to his tablet and changing the display on the screen. For a moment the slides go away and you can see the desktop of custom Linux shell with files organized in round nodes of text connected by a 3D web like architecture. The one sphere of data that is currently lit up dims as he must be moving his finger along the network of lines looking for a file. The selection glow focuses on one node then he opens it moving to another layer of the fractal data system that looks like the same kind of web just a slightly different color. From inside that level of the data network he chooses another round node of text which opens up a selection of nested pod of file icons. He chooses one of those and a new set of slides are added to the presentation.

The slide shows a map of the world with each major power and most of the smaller powers displaying their national debt measured in billions of dollars. "This is the great truth that no one tells you. The planet is running at a loss." he says as he motions up to the screen. "Everyone, everywhere, every person on earth has crushing debt they are born into. It's some times both personal debt, from loans credit cards and so forth and some times just the debt you inherit from your nation the moment you are born." Dantes explains moving to the next slide.

"Right now, as an American citizens the moment you are born you inherited a small share of 19 Trillion dollars in debt. As of right now, approximately seventy six percent of everything America produces as a nation every year is consumed by debt and the debt is growing faster than we can possibly ever actually pay it off. But don't worry, every nation on earth has the same problem, some times worse. Japan is hemorrhaging money with a two hundred and forty percent debt to GDP ratio. The problem is that every nation on earth has become that guy who puts off paying his bills to till the last minute and is always, always behind. Once enough nations get far enough behind, it's just going to fall apart." he explains then he reaches down and taps his tablet pulling up a link to http://www.usdebtclock.org/world-debt-clock.html

"The clock is literally ticking and as the very few at the top gather more and more wealth nations are going to go into bankruptcy one after another, after another just like Greece. Only there won't be anyone to bail out America when it collapses, it will take the whole world down with it. " he says looking at the debt clock, "I know that inside your heads right now you are saying to yourself, this can't be true, that it can't be real, that there is no way this could possibly be happening because there would be some sign of it, some warning. The government would tell us if this kind of thing was true but trust your own eyes. Look at the numbers, it's true. This is real, this is going to happen, we need to focus on saving ourselves because no one is coming to save us."

Jerry Alders looks rather stunned at this, even if he didn't grasp all the numbers and graphs at the moment, he clears his throat solemnly, "Uh.. thank you.. I don't have any other questions." Wiping his brow, he goes to his briefcase and closes it up before making an effort to mingle, moving around the room to glad-hand and say hello and moving toward Vivianne in particular.

Lips trembling from either distress or suppressed laughter, Kumo sinks back into her chair and hides behind that hand once more. It's the little things that makes life worth living. Food, Shelter, of course, but... Watching as Dantes puts Mr. Alders in his place. She's listened to his dry, logically sadistic delivery many times before.

Vivianne crosses her arms quietly. "Money is largely virtual and digital. Like an idea, we can discard it if need be. What we need are tangible goods, services, and to redistribute present-day wealth amongst the least of us, to empower them to exist safely and serve the greater community as a whole." Viv's all for teamwork. Can't contribute if you're stressing over where your next meal comes from, and all that. "Humanity, before present day civilization, existed for tens of thousands of years on hunting, gathering, bartering, and eventually, farming. If the economic model of money and debt is coming crashing down, let it. Slavery sucks. Humanity was not born to be slaves to a nine-to-five job until they die."

"Now before I go I wanted to talk about one last thing, off the books." Dantes says smiling a conspiratorial smile, "As a government official it would be unthinkable of me to tell you to cheat your federal income taxes however, here are some fun facts you might want to know: The criminal investigation team for the Federal IRS has a total of 2,316 agents at this time. That number is expected to drop to 2,166 by the end of 2017. That is one agent per one hundred and forty seven thousand, two hundred and thirty people. " he says slowing down his speech to emphasize just how huge the number is.

"Your odds of being caught cheating on your federal taxes are so low and the fines are so small if you do, that it is almost a fiduciary responsibility to consider this option as a responsible business owner." Dantes says smirking as he shrugs his shoulders, "If it's a choice between paying for a war that profits me nothing and paying state taxes that go towards keeping my family safe and my local economy growing, I know I would have have to think about where my tax money was going to go." he says clearly more keen on the idea of the money staying in the city where it's needed.

There, Kumo perks up at that admission and almost -glares- in warning at Dantes as her hand makes a motion to cut it out across her throat. She fights the urge to smile, realizing that most of the folks in this room wouldn't appreciate it as much as she did when he practiced for her.

Jerry Alders gives a sidelong glance at that... possible advise to cheat on their taxes? He shakes has rather large head, clearing his voice and extending a very large hand toward Vivanne, sausage fingers and all, "Hey, are you Miss Desault? I've heard a lot about you. Weren't you the one pushing for full legalization a while back?"

Nathaniel notes to Dantes, "It might be worth considering -- before you find yourself having a problematic encounter with law enforcement for advocating illegal activity -- that as of 2013 data, Californians paid $9,086 per-capita to the federal government...and received $9,040 per capita in federal spending."

Dedra turns away from Dantes to give Kumo a long look then scans the other participants as if to memorize the people who came.

Vivianne offers Jerry a warm smile, and accepts the handshake gracefully. Whoo, she's got a man's handshake, baby. The siren is certainly used to doing business in a man's world. "I absolutely am. No reason a plant should be illegal, or we should drag our feet opening up the floodgates on a beneficial, healthy multi-billion dollar industry." She offers a grin. "You might be?"

Picking up his stuff and walking around the table letting the people talk amongst themselves. He walks by Nathaniel on his way to Kumo pausing to say, "And you think that level of spending is going to continue to the state that most supported Hillary Clinton against Trump? This is the single most liberal state in The Union I'll be surprised if we don't have a wall around our boarder to keep us out of America by the end of Trumps second term." he says like he knows with 100 percent certainty Trump is going to get a second term.

Jerry Alders has a handshake like a wet dishrag, but if she managed to her hand around half of his it was an accomplishment, "I might be Jerry Alders, and I might be quite disappointed that I went into recovery fifteen years ago and had to give up the stuff. Here I am, running for city council, and here they've put it on the market, legal. I was just saying that if we want to send a billion dollars on a new stadium, why not fund it with something that people want instead of floating another bond they won't pay back?" Shrugging heavily, "Not that this is a problem for Prospect anymore."

Giving Dedra a nod in response, Kumo goes to push herself from her chair. Smoothing out any potential creases from her suit jacket, she moves to Dantes' arm as he continues his conversation with Nathaniel. While not hanging on him in this professional setting, her position in his personal space suggests familiarity. "Let me know when you want to go home." Kumo murmurs in his ear, hands behind her back.

Dedra produces a cellphone from somewhere and types out a quick text.

Vivianne offers a wry smile. "Indeed. The taxes should start flooding in, first quarter, at the very least. All kept locally, from what I understand, or at least in-state."

Kumo also pulls out her phone, black lacquered lips smiling as she types something briefly in response.

Nathaniel says, "Even if it doesn't, the city is stronger when the state is stronger. The state is stronger when the nation is stronger. Deliberately weakening the whole in an effort to focus on the part is counterproductive to your stated goals. Assuming your worst case scenario holds true, if federal taxes help to prop up the national structure for even an extra year or two, that's invaluable preparation time."

Jerry Alders pats his head again with his handkerchief, "And here I thought it was all fund-raising and kissing babies. As my generation says, this is heavy. Really heavy. You don't think it's.. it's that grim?" He shakes his head, "I don't know what to make of it yet." Dedra chuckles, a hint of coldness to her voice and looks at Jerry, "It has been building for decades. People turned a blind eye to it, and it will run them over before to much longer."

Dantes considers and... considers some more... You would think as old as he is he would learn to wait for what he wants but no the only thing he can think of is The City needs money NOW!! He opens his mouth to refute the logic then stops and closes his mouth again before considering more then finally he concedes, "Fine!" he says like a spoiled child who can't get his way. "I guess we cant just abandon the system... even if it is ran by idiots." he grumbles.

"It's called cognitive dissonance, from what I hear," Vivianne offers quietly, standing as she does so. She's heard a familiar voice, and glanced over in Nathaniel's direction. "Yes, it truly is that dire. All empires fall. It still remains, all this notion of money -- a very select few are hoarding it, and effectively starving out the rest of the world. We produce enough food and goods nobody need go hungry, starve, be without shelter, water, and what have you." The petite woman shrugs. "I focus on what we can do -here-. Make this a place we all want to live. I take good care of my people, and I'm a /good/ neighbor. Always." She smiles winningly. "If you'll excuse me a moment, Mr. Alders." Vivianne excuses herself, exquisite leather heels moving crisply across the floor to bring her next to Nathaniel. She's still a short little thing, heels or not.

Jerry Alders clears his throat, "Ahem. Well if you don't like the system, elect new idiots! I'm more than willing to hold the title for a while. If the city will have me." He moves over to Dantes, holding out his hand, "I don't think we've officially met, though you seem to know about me already. I guess word gets around?"

That was...different. Kumo frowns, her hand going to smooth along Dantes' lower back. It's almost as if he's becoming just as distressed as he was when she first met him. "Are you alright?" She murmurs, Dedra, Vivianne, and Salimah all forgotten as her purple eyes take on a hue of worry.

Nathaniel's brows furrow a bit as he seems to have inadvertently rather upset the speaker. Perhaps best to leave it be for the time being, then. Instead, he turns his attention to the approaching woman, and inclines his head politely. "Ms. Desault, a pleasure to see you again. If I might introduce my sister, Melissa." His sister is polite as well, if apparently more personable than her brother, since she offers a smile as well as her greeting.

Dantes first addresses the prospect councilman, "Dante's Potts, Director of the Office of Inter-Departmental Affairs." he introduces himself and takes out a card from inside his jacket, "We've been looking into you. So far we haven't found any reason to dislike you but our investigation has not concluded at this time. We will make an appointment with your office when we reach our final conclusion." then he looks over at Kumo, "Of course I am not alright. I am distressed. We do not want this future to occur but we can not model any path forward to prevent it. " he says then he takes a breath and sighs, "It is difficult to see everything you have worked for ripped apart because some uncaring power from the political heavens is such a fool that they refuse to see the obvious right in front of them."

"A pleasure, once more, I /do/ apologize for being so silent as of late. Quite lovely to meet you Melissa," Vivianne smiles warmly. Whatever it is, Vivianne's happy, despite the absolute dire news of the meeting. "A moment, if you would, please, Nathaniel?" she gestures briefly to the side, as if she'd like to speak for a few moments quietly.

Jerry Alders blinks, clearing his throat as he studies the card like a puzzle before stuffing it into his garish suit's pocket, "Well what is there not to like? I'm a local boy, kinda, born and raised in Santa Cruz, my father ran a promotion up there. I'm sorry, the Office.. of Inter-Departmental Affairs? Did I miss a memo? I don't think I've ever heard of that before." He then removes the card again, studying it.

Of all the wonderful, caring, questionable people she knows, Vivianne has come to save the day. Kumo gives her a grateful look, before tucking her hand into the crook of Dantes' elbow. " 'I', darling. 'I'. Now, since these lovely folks are wanting some privacy in their affairs, I suggest we go home and get you out of that tie, hmmm?" Normally, such commentary is rather vulgar in a professional place like this, but the last thing Kumo needs is for her Dantes to have a meltdown here of all places.

Danny was accompanied by his associate, Ms. Jin Soon.

Nathaniel replies to Vivianne, "Of course." Then, to Melissa, "If you'll excuse us? I'll see you at the usual time on Monday." And with that, Melissa offers her farewells and makes her exit. "No apologies necessary. I've no doubt you've been even busier than I. Now then, how might I be of service?"

Dedra stands as well, "It appears that this gathering has degenerated. I shall contact some of you at a later date." With that she stands and starts for the door.

Time runs differently in Chinatown. As such, Daniel Lung and his associate Ms. Soon arrived late. Very late. Perhaps TOO late.

Vivianne winks briefly at the retreating Kumo. Do the two women know each other? Yes, yes they do. Such a tangled web Prospect is.. The petite brunette smiles apologetically, but warmly, to Nathaniel. Her voice is lowered, and quiet, as she speaks to him in hushed tones.

Looking back at Jerry, Dantes replies to his 'what's not to like' question by saying, "We do not know, what there is not to like about you yet, but we will. " he says then he looks over at Kumo and his expression softens, "Yeah, that would be nice. " he says even starting to smile when looking at her. He looks, much less coldly at Jerry and says, "It was nice to meet you. I look forward to working with you in the future. Give my office a call if you need anything." then he starts out with Kumo, "I appreciate you all coming! Same time next week!" he reminds everyone on his way out on the arm of the girl stopping him from making an ass of himself.

Dedra holds the door for Kumo and Dantes on her way out.

Jerry Alders glances down at the card again then to him, quizzically, "Yeah.. uh, likewise." He makes a few more rounds before he excuses himself and begins patting his head again as he leaves, "Oh God, I don't know if I can handle next week," before leaving for his mid-afternoon calls and nap.