� ���"Thank you. I appreciate your honesty. So what can you tell me?� �� �
� ���"One of our subsidiaries did participate in the development of the DoD's sim. It was valuable experience, and we used a good deal of the underlying team support code when we laid out the sim we've fielded in these new gaming centers. In fact, there are plans afoot to extend the idea into other venues as well.� �� �
� ���"Um,� �� � Margot interrupted, � ���"weren't there restrictions on what you could do with your knowledge of the IP in the Army's sim? I mean, that's usually the deal, isn't it?� �� �
She nodded. � ���"It is when you're contracting on classified projects. Their sim, however, was merely confidential, so we were free to do whatever we wanted.� �� �
� ���"Even though it included details on how certain controlled munitions work?� �� �
� ���"Ah,� �� � she said, with a devious grin. � ���"They hadn't noticed that, and we weren't about to point it out.� �� �
� ���"Just like your recruits aren't supposed to point out to their marks when they've misrepresented, or even outright lied about the financial vehicle they're pitching?� �� �
� ���"We're hardly the only business to present its case in a positive light, Ms. Gà �ernsbach. And besides, every lobby group in DC does the same thing to members of congress. Not that you'll be able to tell anyone.� �� �
Margot nodded agreeably. � ���"You're right, you're right. Well, I do thank you for sharing that with me. I probably shouldn't take up any more of your time, then. Did you want your thugs to actually threaten me before I go, or should I just take it as read?� �� �
Klamath escorted her to the door. � ���"No. I don't think that will be necessary. Just remember this: we can ruin your life any time we want to. Play our game, and you can keep your job. Get out of line, and you'll be on the street before you knew what hit you.� �� �
Margot was a few feet beyond the door before she turned back. � ���"Oh, yes. I understand entirely. It's just that I won't have to report anything. You've already done that.� �� �
� ���"What?� �� �
� ���"Didn't I tell you? I left my camera on. It's been uploading our conversation to the site.� �� �
THE END
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
