09-04-2014, 06:56 PM
Jacques' attention settled on the boy as she clarified that she was not quite so spoiled as most CCD citizens. Of course, she had also spent many years working outside the CCD's borders, so it made sense. He could arrange a phone for her easily enough.
He studied the displays of emotion that raged across Ekene's features, and seemed satisfied with what he saw there. When the boy finally broke and shielded his eyes to the world, Jacques laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know lad. Your first steps into adulthood have been poorly led. But you will get a chance to forge your own path, should you be willing to."
He stood then, still looking down at Ekene, "It is your generation that will pave the way for your country, Ekene. It will be up to you what Sierra Leone becomes. And in the mean time, you will help me make sure it still exists when your time comes."
The boy would be closely watched, taught and trained, but in the end, the decision would be his as to how he saw the world.
He looked to Natalie then. She would help, but he doubted she really understood his motivation. Few did. Most seemed to expect something behind his motivation, some selfish goal or plan. Many of the Legion's contracts were devilishly worded, and were certainly expensive. They were one of the highest charging companies of their ilk in Africa, and for good reason. Their profit margins were always good, making them an investor's dream in the otherwise unstable African markets.
But something like what they were getting themselves into in Sierra Leone offered no profits, and promised only to expend their coffers. Some would see the long term benefits in regards to reputation and PR, or seeing it as an investment into their future in the region of the Ivory Coast and western Africa. But while all of those considerations had crossed his mind, it was because of children like Ekene that he had committed so much of his company so quickly. It was time someone stepped up and did the right thing, damn it.
Jacques clicked his heels together, and took Natalie's hand, leaning forward to plant a grateful kiss there, and smiled charmingly, "I look forward to seeing you at work, Mademoiselle Grey. I look forward to strengthening the Legion's relationship with the Red Cross."
He studied the displays of emotion that raged across Ekene's features, and seemed satisfied with what he saw there. When the boy finally broke and shielded his eyes to the world, Jacques laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know lad. Your first steps into adulthood have been poorly led. But you will get a chance to forge your own path, should you be willing to."
He stood then, still looking down at Ekene, "It is your generation that will pave the way for your country, Ekene. It will be up to you what Sierra Leone becomes. And in the mean time, you will help me make sure it still exists when your time comes."
The boy would be closely watched, taught and trained, but in the end, the decision would be his as to how he saw the world.
He looked to Natalie then. She would help, but he doubted she really understood his motivation. Few did. Most seemed to expect something behind his motivation, some selfish goal or plan. Many of the Legion's contracts were devilishly worded, and were certainly expensive. They were one of the highest charging companies of their ilk in Africa, and for good reason. Their profit margins were always good, making them an investor's dream in the otherwise unstable African markets.
But something like what they were getting themselves into in Sierra Leone offered no profits, and promised only to expend their coffers. Some would see the long term benefits in regards to reputation and PR, or seeing it as an investment into their future in the region of the Ivory Coast and western Africa. But while all of those considerations had crossed his mind, it was because of children like Ekene that he had committed so much of his company so quickly. It was time someone stepped up and did the right thing, damn it.
Jacques clicked his heels together, and took Natalie's hand, leaning forward to plant a grateful kiss there, and smiled charmingly, "I look forward to seeing you at work, Mademoiselle Grey. I look forward to strengthening the Legion's relationship with the Red Cross."