Chapter 172

Chapter 172

Hiromi the next day marched me down to City Center. Practically buzzing with excitement, as she guided me towards a specific building into its garage, using an access code she supplied, to enter into the building's garage.

Must be exciting. To be doing like a real business deal. I offered to her, as we slipped into the elevator.

Ive done business deals before. She replied semi distracted, but I could see her cheeks flushing.

Yeah but that was on the street, this is like the real deal. Bet no one in your class has ever gotten even close to this sort of thing. I whispered teasingly at the end.

Definitely not. Those losers and over inflated egotists! She chirped, pleased, and then focused up as the elevator ride ended, the doors opened onto a fancy upscale reception, carpeted and warmly lit. At the end of the hallway was a woman with tasteful cyberware, elegant and attractive sitting behind a desk.

The big company icon above her head was rather telling.

I followed along after Hiromi, who had shifted her face into a mask of confident arrogance.

Neither woman spoke up at first. Hiromis eyes flashing, and the womans did as well, before her cement-like smile broke.

You are right on time Ms. Mitsunashi. Keiko will guide you to the conference room. She replied and another woman dressed in the same way stepped out of a side door throwing a fake smile and bowing.

We both followed Hiromi staying confident and cool, but I could see the tension in how she walked from knowing her.

I was basically uninterested in the pageantry. I wouldnt even be here if not for Hiromi asking me to.

I just didnt need the eddies, or the fame, but if I could help out Hiromis dream by giving her access to the rich and powerful, I wasnt going to deny her.

We were guided down the hall, Keiko smiling fakely, her voice chipper and happy as she talked up her company.

Blah blah blah. It all went in one ear and out the other.

I've heard enough corpo jargon in my life. I didnt need more.

Finally the door was held open for us, and we walked into a brightly lit conference room. An entire side of the wall were open windows showing the towers of City Central.

But I was more interested in the other end of the table. The one man sitting. Expensive suit, and more expensive smile.

But it was the two standing behind him that caught my eye.

They looked like accountants. Standing behind him with tablets, and even some actual papers in their arms.

But I recognized the stance, the way they held their arms.

They were armed. Bodyguards?

I stopped behind Hiromi as she took a seat across from the man, earning a confused look from her as there was a chair beside her for me, but I was fully in bodyguard mode myself now.

Ms. Mitsunashi. I am Sam Henson. It is a pleasure to see you face to face. Rarely do I get such riveting back and forth for something so simple as a small music deal.

Small or large, hardly matters. Not when it comes to who is asking for this deal. Hiromi seemingly reposted, bringing up Denny in her first line.

Ah, if Hiromi had been getting back and forth, then likely the company was trying to screw me?

Heh.

Our contract is welcomed by many up and coming artists. He replied back, but Hiromi laughed fakely.

Artists, am I right? They never know what they want. Or what they need. She shrugged, and I actually almost looked at her myself, because that almost sounded like a bit of a dig towards me.

Im sorry Hiromi, I just dont like all the attention!

Well, weve run your contract edits through legal, and they were denied of course. He offered casually. Ive taken the liberty of going through the edits you desired and altering them into something that will work for us.

Hiromi didnt frown, she didnt smile either. Simply waited, as the man's eyes went blue as he sent over a file to Hiromi.

I could practically see the file transfer over, but before Hiromi could open it I attacked.

Slipping into the network transfer to Hiromi, I popped up a small text file on her agent into her sight.

*Motoko: Give me a second. Checking the file.*

*Hiromi: Okay.*

A moment then to look it over. She replied verbally, and I checked over the file searching through it before deciding it was clean. Yoko was right, checking file transfers first was a good idea.

Hiromi nodded, popping it open, and I pulled out of her system leaving her to check it over.

The room was quiet as Hiromis eyes continued to glow telling everyone she was reading through a document.

I kept an eye on the other guards, but neither seemed to register me as an actual threat.

Which was kinda hilarious, but I just took it as a good thing and continued to stand guard as Hiromi browsed, finally she slapped a hand onto the table.

Ridiculous. She said instantly. We are selling a song to Master-Space Records. Not selling the musicians rights. You want to be able to sell the song without giving attention to its songwriter. That doesnt work for my client.

It's a standard part of our contracts Ms. Mitsunashi, we need to be able to sell the song without any issues from a musician's public stunts. The contract will make Tank a full and complete ownership to Master-Space.

You want to have someone else create the song and sell it as theirs. Hiromi argued, and I was just following along not really seeing the issue.

Wasnt that what selling the song to them meant? Hiromi, stop getting fiery!

Correct. That is a standard in our business Ms. Mitsunashi, we understand that you are new to the music industry, and not properly licensed to deal in contract law, so we are being understanding of your limitations.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

Wow, what a great way to belittle someone. I was really starting to not like this guy.

Jesus Motoko, only you would turn down a nice gig making music being famous and everything so you can keep being a merc. You know some Rockerboys still act as mercs and stuff right?

Rarely, and thats not what I mean I just dont like the idea of being famous.

Ichi just shrugged. You do you. But its preem regardless.

Thanks. I said, happy that Ichi at least wasnt going to keep poking.

We ended up partying all afternoon, and then Jun walked in, he came inside to the sight of us laughing hilariously at the stupid show that was on.

Well the others were laughing. I was mostly just groaning in horror at how terrible the jokes were.

Jun!

Whats going on You guys have another gig? He asked as he pulled himself slowly out of his jacket and threw it on a table.

We are celebrating. Tired?

Just a bit. Sensei called me in for slacking. He replied and I nodded at that. Good. Jun needed the exercise.

He said you should go in soon. Jun said, and I slumped.

I guess I can go in tomorrow

So what are you celebrating? Oh, pass me those? Jun asked as he slumped onto the couch and Malcolm handed over the carton of fried rice to Jun.

Well they called it fried rice anyways.

Motoko sold a song to a record label today.

What? Jun asked, looking up from the food, Rice falling from his chin in surprise.

Its not that big Jun. Remember when I met Denny at the recording place? You already knew I sold her the song, we just finalized it today. Hiromi helped me deal with all the contracts and corpo stuff. So we are celebrating her work.

You had to do like a contract and stuff? Why didnt you just get the eddies? He asked and Hiromi groaned.

Jun! Business is more than just eddies swapping hands!

He just shrugged. I guess.

Dont bother trying to argue with him Hiromi. Jun is a dummy. I offered, knowing that I would get a reaction as Jun glared at me.

Motoko.

Yes Jun-nii? I chirped teasing and he glared before scoffing.

Well its good. You going to try and write more songs to sell, or play? You should. Hiromi, get Motoko to put on a show or something.

Jun! Stop trying to make me a Rockerboy! Im a mercenary!

Got it Hiromi? Jun asked, ignoring me. I threw a pillow at him, but he just grinned ignoring my refusal.

Ill do my best Jun!

Hiromi!

--

The next morning as the sun rose, I changed into workout clothes and headed out for a jog. I had enjoyed the party with my chooms, but it was nice to have the whole selling the song thing not hanging over my head anymore.

Even if Hiromi refused to stop bugging me about it.

I jogged all the way down to the Sakura market, enjoying the early morning sounds of Night City. Once there I stopped for some breakfast, and then jogged back. Warmup complete. I hit the Gym area.

Havent seen you in a while. John found me an hour in, as I was using some free weights and squats.

Been busy.

I see that. New chrome.

Yeah. Got. A. Sandy. I told him in between squats.

Heh. The kidll be happy to see that. Or shell be annoyed. You talked to Hayato recently?

Not. For. A. Bit.

You should call her up and set up another spar or something. Shed appreciate it.

I heard what the real words were behind John's offer.

Ill. Text her. Now. I offered and John smiled, nodding and moving away, letting me refocus.

A spar did sound nice.

*Motoko: You want to meet up for a spar?* I sent out, and nearly instantly got a response back.

*Hayato: That would be acceptable.*

I chuffed out a laugh. Hayato and her Keren were kinda funny to deal with.

*Motoko: Working out now, but I can head to the Dojo anytime.*

*Hayato: Im already here for my morning workout. Do not keep me waiting.*

Nodding at that, I racked the weights, rose up and stretched. TIme to go play.