Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Now, don't get me wrong. I like you, and it seems Chuck does too, but please don't talk to me about the little people." He was mildly amuzed at how quickly this woman had snapped. Desperate all right.

"Chances are I employ at least one mother or father, who's children depend on me making the right choice. And hey, if we make enough money christmas gets better this year."

He once again just looked at her.

"What about someone who's investments go sour thanks to another major business going the way of Gambino or the Von Helsons. Gaia's jaded now, and with the G-Corps and Creation Industries, who can blame them?"

"We make medical supplies, we build afordable housing, and frankly, I get sick of every reporter calling it another PR scheme. But hey, that's what it is, isn't it? Distractions from all A~E more shady dealings. But it still helps the innosents in the end."

He shrugged.

"I'm not exactly a dreamer like some, I'm in it for money and power. That warm gooey feeling you get from helping people, alot of people, is a ocasional bonus. But as I see it, no matter how many faceless people I help, I'll always look like a b*****d in front of the swordslinger that saves that adorable child."

And then Joseph gave a little chuckle followed by a head shake.

"Gaia's asking the question wrong these days, Sam." There was almost a sparkle in his eyes, "For all the dreamers and heros on Gaia, and all the good and evil... Could their means ever do justice to their lofty ends? I know mine can't, so I do the best I can."

There was no resistance. Joseph wasn't one to bat away any type of kiss from a pretty lady.

"So, around Chuck long enough to have some respect for me," He gave a sort of grin once more, "But not long enough to know I'm rediciliously full of s**t, and especialy not long enough to lose all respect for me."

"S'pose it's a nice situation."

"Anyway, was a pleasure shooting both the targets and proverbial s**t with you," He leaned up next to the control pannel for easy acess, "But I do actualy have to attend to some business. Just getting back from my... Vacation and all. You know how to get a hold of me, and if that fails just ask Chuck. And if that fails hold a party with an open bar."

And suddenly he was kissed. Taken back at first, you could even see his eyes widen slightly before he slammed his "cool injecter" button faster than a Tokyo Drifter uses nitro. And completly unlike a street racer, his eyebrows halted their climb before anyone could see.

Not that anyone could see, right?

"See." Joseph grinned as she pulled back, "This is why Claire is always telling me to do more favours. I can see it so clearly now."

His hands went to his pockets as she went to leave. While he was disapointed he coat wasn't say, on the floor, the skip in her step provided an adiquite show. Maybe then an eyebrow raised, only one though. Because that's what the cool handbook said to to.

On a side note he made a mental note to leave a message on Chuck's voice mail. Something along the lines of Hey Chuck, it's Joseph. You lucky b*****d. Click.