d&d scenes } { of new businesses and next steps

[iluvroadrunner6]

Lammel: [While Lammel almost never makes time to see Ric during day hours, today he'll receive a text asking Ric to meet him at a specific address around lunch that day. He hopes he's been playing his cards close enough to keep this a surprise, but after everything they've achieved so far, it's a step that's ready to be taken]

Ric: [he was in the coffeehouse, working on a few business reports. He started learning about how the stock market worked and was building a nice portfolio. If he kept at this, he could start his own free clinic practice as a way to find sacrifices for the Goddess. When he sees the text, he raises an eyebrow, but adds it to his calendar. He has no idea what his mentor is planning, but he was the obedient student, which is why he arrived by Uber exactly at 12pm]

Lammel: [is waiting outside, and smiles when he sees him arrive. The place in question is an empty building that seems to be under renovation.] Good. You made it.

Ric: Was there any doubt? [he takes a look at the building, unsure why they were here] New project?

Lammel: It is. It's what I wanted to talk to you about.

Ric: Oh? [now he's interested]

Lammel: [gestures for Ric to follow him] So I don't know if you've noticed, but things have been going very well. Especially since you've come on board.

Ric: Naturally. I'm a joy to be around. [but there's pride in his joke, taking the compliment happily]

Lammel: Well, I thought it was time for us to start expanding. [he stops in the middle of the main entry room, everything still draped in plastic, before turning to face him] And I'd like you to take charge of this facility.

Ric: [he stops in his tracks, eyes widening] Me?

Lammel: You've more than proved your ability to contribute. I think it's time for the next step.

Ric: [and he will look around the room again, looking at it closely now, before looking back at Lammel] I'm honored. What kind of facility will this be? Another homeless shelter?

Lammel: It will have to be something philanthropic, obviously, but since this is going to be your base of operations, I thought I might leave that up to you.

Ric: [nods] I actually have an idea already. I haven't really talked about it because I've been using my stock trading work build up the capitol. But this... this would really help make it a reality

Lammel: What did you have in mind?

Ric: I was thinking of a free medical clinic. People can't get medical care with how screwed up their system is, so a way for them to get care with no questions asked. I can hire a few nurses and one or two doctors, set them up with a triage area, some ER beds and non-surgical in patient area. I can have a social work office where I can oversee the operations, and at the same time help get patients non-medical help that will improve their health.

Lammel: [he nods, it's a good start] And to serve our ends?

Ric: Intake at the clinic would be able to determine their situation, next of kin, etc. I can refer patients who are a good fit to get meals at your facility. After I take my own of course.

Lammel: Sounds like a solid idea. Write me up a business plan and we can get started.

Ric: [grins, because YES!!!!!] I'll get you one by Friday.

Lammel: Fantastic. [he glances at his phone] Unfortunately I have another meeting, but feel free to stick around and start planning the layout.

Ric: I think I will. And Lammel... thank you.

Lammel: You've earned it.

Ric: I know, but still. You're the only person who ever gave me a chance. I'm grateful in more ways than I can ever say.

Lammel: Sometimes, a chance is all we need.

Ric: That it is. [and he will nod and go look for a set of blueprints while Lammel leaves for his meeting]

Lammel: [yep, off he goes to go do other shady business things]

Ric: [and on Friday, he arrives with both a business plan and a sacrifice. He lets the woman go off with the assistants while he makes his way into the back towards Lammel's office]

Lammel: [is finishing up a few things and he looks up when Ric comes in] Good, you're here. What have you got for me?

Ric: Well, I left your present with your assistant, but I've got the plans for you.

Lammel: Fantastic. Let's have a look.

Ric: [he will unroll the revised blueprint of the main area] I figured for the backside, you know better than I on how to set the labyrinth and ceremonial chamber. I'd like your help on getting that designed. This is just the frontside. [and he will point out the areas for the clinic, the list of services, and right down to the little details on how certain parts of the intake form are worded to screen for potential sacrifices]

Lammel: [he reviews everything, silent for the most part, but eventually he looks up with a smile] This looks fantastic.

Ric: [and he relaxes] Thank you. I've been thinking about it for awhile.

Lammel: I think it's a great start. We'll add a few finishing details, but that's just polishing.

Ric: I examined the building. It shouldn't take too long to get it set up.

Lammel: Good. I'm projecting an opening in about six months or so.

Ric: I can start working on the non-profit paperwork and do interviews, order supplies, and get everything ready for when the building is good enough to move in.

Lammel: Fantastic. And I'll handle on construction.

Ric: I think the Goddess will be very happy.

Lammel: So do I. Double the sacrifices, double the despair.

Ric: So who's turn is it this time?

Lammel: Why don't you take this one?

Ric: Yes, sir. But dinner first? I'm starved.

Lammel: Sure. Let's see what the kitchen can whip up.

Ric: [the kitchen is well used to Ric and his metabolism by now]

Lammel: [indeed, and it will whip them up a fantastic meal]

Ric: [and they can talk about their day, and other slice of life things]

Lammel: [if they were in public, no one would realize that they were a bunch of murderous fanatics]

Ric: [nope, and that's the point, right? Give the lost, the despair, to their Goddess, and her blessing bring power and influence to spread her hold on the world and shape it into a better place to serve her. Taking care of the people who will come to love Shar as Ric does]

Lammel: [it is indeed]

Ric: [and when they are done, time to go stabby stab. Don't want to leave a Goddess waiting]

Lammel: [no, they don't want to do that either. besides, it's kind of fun -- at least for Lammel]

Ric: [it's a means to an end for Ric. He's well addicted to the high at this point, as well as the times he feels the Goddess' presence]

Lammel: [well, that's the difference between them, then. This one, fully in it for the murder]

Ric: [while Ric wants to create a better world]

Lammel: [Well, they can worry about those conflicting end goals later]

Ric: [yup. but right now, Ric is going to focus on the job at hand]

Lammel: [which he is doing very, very well at]

Ric: [and he's gotten so good at it that he finds his mark with the first stab, his strength more than enough to break through the rib cage]

Shar: [and the portal appears again, long dark hair flowing forward as the magic rises around them. She doesn't stay long much, anymore, but she does make an appearance - just enough of a tease to keep him loyal]

Ric: [just seeing her is enough. She already knows he will do anything for her, all she has to do and ask.]

Shar: [yes. that's what she loves about him]

Ric: [he does have one thing to tell her] Soon I will have my own temple to you, my Goddess, the spread your hold over more of the city.

Shar: [and that makes her smile] Good. I'm looking forward to it.

Ric: As am I. I hope it will be to your satisfaction.

Shar: I have faith in you.

Ric: [and that will make him smile] All for Your glory, my Goddess.

Shar: Good. [and with that, she fades into nothing]