((Collab Post between Letter Bee and Krodin329))

[B][I]Conor and Heinz, Two Weeks Ago[/i][/b]

Conor arrived at [i]The Conisuer[/i] at 11:45 sharp, dressed in a casual suit, a dark purple button down shirt with his favorite Purple abstract, and old, Jerry Garcia tie, black suit jacket, pants, and shoes. He checked his watch to make sure he had arrived early, which of course, he did. However, instead of his normal flare of flying through the sky and over roofs with blue flame trailing behind him, he took the subway. He didn't want anyone to recognize him, and his friends would seldom be caught in the boring old subway. 

After checking his watch, he walked in to the restaurant spying Joshua Vercina, the fine establishement's owner. Conor walked up to him, a broad smile growing across his face and said, "Mr. Vercina! Sorry for dropping in on this, but I have a really important meeting with Heinz Harper, head of the Agency, today. I was hoping I could humbly ask of you to secure me a private, sound locked table for lunch?"

Joshua (Vercina) smiled as he saw his young friend. He was one of the few people who knew of Conor's wealth, mainly because he didn't have to pay Conor for his son's private Eskrima lessons. So, in return, there was always a private table set up for Conor when he needed it. 

"Of course! You don't even need to ask, my boy! I'll get you seated right away!" , responded Mr. Vercina.

Conor was seated down at his table, a glass of vintage wine from early 2000, pinot noir. Since Conor's existence was almost entirely unknown, so was his age... to most. Either way, Mr. Vercina didn't care, Conor was close personal friend. He didn't mind sparing a little pinot noir.

Heinz entered the restaurant, dressed in his usual formal suit. Ever since becoming Agency Head, he had always been comfortable with the habits of the rich and powerful; no mean feat considering his middle-class origins. No one batted an eye at his presence, his manners were just that good. The man made his way towards Conor's table, still drawing no more attention than was normal, and then sat down, before saying:

"So, how can I be of service to you? Not that I can't make one or two guesses, but, well, humor me."

"Well, Mr. Heinz, I'm gonna get right down to business. I've been evaluating my life so far. I've discovered that, with order, comes freedom. Freedom to do what I want, freedom to be me."

"Order, Mr. Heinz. Order. And, in order to gain this freedom, I've decided something for myself... I will join the agency. As an official operative..."

Heinz smiled, and spoke:

"As I anticipated," In truth, he didn't anticipate it at all, but, well, impressions made everything. "I'll do the paperwork right away. You're a welcome addition, Conor; a point of light in, well, this world. I'll be glad to have you."

"Good, however, I still would like the other agreements we have going on to proceed. My guild is my family, my life.... I care about them."

"I have... one other condition as well. Ascot.... if he makes any descisions or wants to do anything outside of the agency. I ask you let him. He's thirteen, barely knows what its like to be a kid. He deserves a life."

Heinz's face grew sad, and, in a tone of contrition and admission, he spoke:

"You don't need to ask; in my own quest for, well, peace and order, I harmed the boy, my own nephew, very deeply. I deprived him of his childhood, used him as a fighter, and even allowed him to...you know the rumors. Right now, what he wants...will be what I want; I plan on releasing him from Agency service anyway by the end of the year."

"And, yes, the Guild will continue to be protected by The Agency."