<@Grysar> [Date: Monday, February 23rd, afternoon.] <@Grysar> [Kyon's editor, Kaneko, has been trying to get a meeting with Kyon for a while now, but suddenly he has something he needs from her.] <@Grysar> [He's got some time free Monday afternoon, where does he want to hold the meeting?] <@Grysar> [Start] * Kyon has arranged the meeting at the publisher's, in a small meeting room. It's a mid-level floor in the building, with a relatively non-descript street view, a small table and chairs, a whiteboard, and a tea set. Kyon sits with his back to the window, facing the door, two bags at his feet, wearing a dark grey button-down shirt and khaki pants. She'll show up soon. <@Grysar> * Kaneko is there within a minute. She's wearing a navy blue blazer and skirt combination and carrying a portfolio under one arm. * Kyon watches her come in, and stands, bowing to her at a moderate angle. <@Grysar> * Kaneko returns the bow and then lays out a few papers, some in English, on the table. "So I don't know if you've had a chance to review the materials I've sent you, but it appears we are going to be able to include your work in a deal with an English language publisher. Assuming we can meet a few conditions." <@Grysar> * Kaneko's tone shows that she's not at all sure about these conditions. * Kyon sits back down, and tugs the papers closer to him, looking down at them. "And you think they're fair?" <@Grysar> [The paper lay out a few different translation options, advertisement guarantees, number of book stores on initial release, etc. The guaranteed income isn't that high, but there's a good bit of upside and publicity if it works.] <@Grysar> Fair? Yes. Practical? Not necessarily. They would be interested in multiple books and would want to include a sample chapter for the next work in each case. * Kyon glances up at her from the papers. "So an earlier production window. They don't want a series, do they?" <@Grysar> Series yes, but in the loosest sense of the term. * Kyon glances up at her more directly, eyebrows raised. <@Grysar> Single author, same genre, same "world" as they put it. Which is easy enough to spin when writing near reality. * Kyon nods quickly. "But different characters. Unconnected stories." <@Grysar> Right. We've been clear on that. They're going to have to wait on the fourth book, but they want to hook readers and I couldn't sell them on the idea of just publishing a 'trilogy' as if this works they want to build their brands. But what it means in the short term is we would need to pick a complete chapter to hand off to translators in the near term. <@Grysar> Because it's a second company, there wouldn't be as much room for your process of prose perfection. * Kyon nods, tapping one of the papers. "And we can still edit it before publishing the next book." <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods. "They'd prefer to minimize those sort of changes, but I'm teaching them to live with disappointment. So, interested?" * Kyon looks at her for a beat, and then says, "You'd recommend I agree." <@Grysar> * Kaneko gives a thin smile. "I don't ask you down here for bad deals. This is still a risky proposition. Manga has made it over but novels are a bit more uncertain. I'm not sure when our next opportunity would be." <@Grysar> * Kaneko paces as she considers options. Particularly for my kind of book. Not "Japanese" enough. <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods. "The more literary publishers haven't really given us the time of day for that reason. But apparently some of the new shoujo fans are considering branching out, or so our partner thinks. For them, you're just unfamiliar enough." * Kyon nods again. "Right. We can probably work it out. When do they need the decision by?" <@Grysar> [Kaneko lays out a schedule. It's soon but not immediate. Kyon should probably be rolling his projects after this session and would need to get the chapter in through the next projects roll after that.] <@Grysar> [Clarifying a bit, the decision should come after this next roll. So you can see how things are going first.] * Kyon looks at the schedule, and ponders for a bit. "It could work. I can get more writing done. It's the offseason, so there's more time. I need to look at my schedule. But if I can make it work, I will." <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods and looks relieved. She sits down for a moment and discusses other deadlines for the book proper. Before too long much of the official business work of the meeting is done and Kyon has an opportunity to push his queries if he so desires. * Kyon puts some papers into his bag, and says, "Got some other questions for while I'm here." <@Grysar> * Kaneko looks over to Kyon with curiosity. "Do tell." * Kyon rests back in his chair. "Friend of mine got a hold of the new Council of Mysteries book. An advance copy. You read it?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko settles in her chair, taking her turn to look out the window. "Not my account, we technically aren't supposed to review early copies if we don't work with that author. You know I zealously guard your work." * Kyon nods quickly. "You know who is working with the writer, though?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods and mentions an unfamiliar name. "She's not as zealous." * Kyon nods, and regards her for a beat. "Can you set up a meeting with her for me?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko raises an eyebrow. "Easily. To what end?" * Kyon smirks. "Not to replace you. We work well together." <@Grysar> * Kaneko rolls her eyes. "I know that. So what do you want instead? I can't imagine you're that desperate to find out how the cliffhanger resolves." <@Grysar> * Kaneko is fiddling with her calendar book with her right hand as you talk. She generally will fulfill any reasonable request, and eyebrow raising aside she doesn't seem to strongly object. Instead her she seems skeptical that this approach will get you what you want. Just need to find a way to learn more about the author. Maybe arrange a meeting with him. But going through the intermediary is smart. <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods. "Thought as much. So I can do it, but be aware, I think her loyalty is more to him than the publishing house. Her specialty is more talent management than prose, and the work suffers for that." * Kyon cocks his head slightly. "Strange. She started working here, right? How'd she get more attached to him?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko folds her hands. "He has a way with people. She also sometimes joins in his troope after hours." She glances at her calendar flipping pages. "I can actually grab her right now if you like. Unprepared might be better, though I should recuse myself." * Kyon furrows his brow. "Think she'd go ask him about meeting me if she had time to?" <@Grysar> Know. She's a would-be snooper and I'm quite certain he's interested in you. * Kyon blinks, and then frowns. "Why's that?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko shrugs. "She's interested in the timing of your next book. She had a positive glee in stealing that venue in December, and the way she talks about that one character in his books, Kensuke, around me makes me think a few things aren't coincidence. * Kyon scowls. "Right. So might as well try to get her on my ground." <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods, gathering up any remaining loose paper and glances at her watch. "I'll have to be quick." * Kyon nods quickly. "Right." He pauses, and adds, "Thanks." <@Grysar> [Monday, February 23, 2004. Approaching close of business.] <@Grysar> [Kaneko has left to retrieve KOBU Umeyo, Aka's editor.] <@Grysar> [Kyon has a wait of a few minutes in the conference room, but before long one set of footsteps approaches. There's a brief moment of pacing outside the frosted glass door before Umeyo enters.] <@Grysar> [She looks as if she's probably past her college years, though not necessarily far past. She wears her hair in curls down to her shoulders and has a maroon dress and long sleeve top, the latter is adorned with bright silver buttons.] <@Grysar> [She clutches a small spiral notebook in her left hand and bows on entry.] <@Grysar> [Resume!] * Kyon gets up and bows formally. And just as formally says, "I'm Sorata. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice." * @Umeyo leans up against the wall, she flips open her notebook, taking out a pen. She glances down at it and then up at Kyon. "How may I be of assistance?" * Kyon sits down, and then smirks at her. "You could sit down." * @Umeyo does. "Would that put you at ease, Sorata-san?" * Kyon shrugs quickly. "It'd make it less weird. Unless you think a standing conversation is right for a work colleague." * @Umeyo shrugs and smiles from her seat. "What else may I help you with?" * Kyon looks at her for a beat, and then says, "I hear from my editor that you're the one responsible for the Council of Mysteries books." * @Umeyo makes three quick marks in her notebook. "Would you care for an autographed copy?" * Kyon smirks. "Would he want to trade?" * @Umeyo smiles. "Have you produced anything new recently?" * Kyon shrugs quickly. "The new one will be done soon. But I can go what I've already published." * @Umeyo makes a quick note of that. "And which of the Council of Mysteries books is your favorite?" I wouldn't say I have a favorite. Hard to choose. More curious about the author, anyway. * @Umeyo jots down another quick note. "The blurb at the end left you wanting more?" Not that much information there. Must be a private guy. * @Umeyo eyes sparkle and she makes another three quick marks. "Are you so different?" * Kyon smirks. "So you're saying he's also an athlete?" * @Umeyo blinks and takes a moment. "He's more focused on his calling." She then frowns. * Kyon cocks his head. "And what's that?" <@Umeyo> Can't you tell? * Kyon shakes his head silently. * @Umeyo leans in. "How do you tell the truth, how do you address the great unease of our generation, if even journalism and memoir are foreclosed? * Kyon frowns at her. "Why should they be?" * @Umeyo shrugs. "Those are rules not of my making." * @Umeyo frowns again, making two vertical marks, one horizontal, and another vertical. So your client is just trying to tell the truth. <@Umeyo> Is that not the goal of most artists? * Kyon blows out a breath. "Maybe. Your client's brother would probably agree." <@Umeyo> So what's your goal then? Why do you write? * Kyon smirks at her. "To express my creative side. Not a lot of that on the diamond." * @Umeyo makes another two quick vertical marks and relaxes. "Then why your interest in your fellow author? Not enough sleuthing on the diamond?" * Kyon leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. "My interest is in where he's finding his truth. And who he is. Because I don't think anyone's imagination is that specific." <@Umeyo> And what are you offering in return? * Kyon stares at her coldly for a beat, and then says, "A peaceful meeting between literary figures represented by the same publisher. Very natural." * @Umeyo nods and makes a note of that wording. "A full meeting as peers? Is meeting with you in and of itself such a high prize?" * Kyon shrugs quickly. "I'm busy. Don't do a lot of meetings like that. Ask my editor. She wants me to do more." <@Umeyo> Akatsuki is also quite busy, but would be open to a meeting as peers, but you do realize that when peers meet, information flows both ways? * Kyon smirks, his gaze still cool. "I have been to meetings before." * @Umeyo then frowns for a moment and distractedly mutters a word to herself while glancing out the window. She adds a dash and a tally. Kyon's response catches her attention again. <@Umeyo> Will you wish to bring others with you? Either directly or waiting within, what is that word, earshot? * Kyon shrugs quickly. "I could. But I can handle myself, too." * @Umeyo flips to a later page in the book. "You may choose one or two associates, number specified in advance, or come alone..." <@Umeyo> 2) The meeting place will be public but secluded, one of my client's choosing. 3) I will work the calendar details with Kaneko-senpai, but once a date is set it will be respected on both sides." * Kyon looks at her, and then fixes her with a cold stare. "You sound like this is hostile. I want to meet. We work together. You should find somewhere that will be good for all of us. I want to be consulted about the place." * @Umeyo stares into Kyon's eyes for a moment and abruptly loses her train of thought. She scoots back a bit in her chair and tries to work out what to say next. <@Umeyo> Please try to understand, we will work together, but some of your associates have a bit of a reputation. When you say peaceful, do you include them? We want this meeting to go well. None of us intend to do harm to anyone, including your client. * @Umeyo reaches into her purse and removes a small tape recorder. Dormant for now. "May I have your word on that? What you just said again would suffice. If so, Kaneko-senpai and I can manage the rest." * @Umeyo rests her finger on the record button, but waits for agreement. * Kyon scowls at her. "I don't know what you've heard about me, but I'm not someone to break my word. Do you think you can't trust me without that?" * @Umeyo takes that in, breathing shallowly for a moment. * @Umeyo moves to stand up but is still transfixed. "Your word, it will suffice. But..." * Kyon cocks an eyebrow. "What?" <@Umeyo> I am glad you can speak for your group. But your onetime network is not what it once was. * Kyon smirks. "I would never have spoken for them, anyway." * @Umeyo nods. "Is there anything else?" * Kyon smirks a bit harder. "Only that I expect you to do your best to find an acceptable place. And that I'll hear from you soon." He looks off towards the door. "That's all." * @Umeyo puts away her notepad and tape recorder and stands up. Cheeks flushed. She gives a quick bow. * Kyon bows back mildly from his seat. <@Umeyo> [End!]