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With their adminship underway, it quickly became necessary to hire on some additional help at their shop. For as long as Fern had been in Sootopolis, Circinus & Sagitta had been a one man undertaking. But following a conversation with THEO BECKETT , it became rapidly apparent that the assistance would be useful.[break][break]



Both at the front and behind the scenes.[break][break]



And admittedly, it’s a bit nice to be able to concentrate on some of their more meticulous projects without having to rise from their seat to deviate their focus in order to attend to whoever walks through the door. The grunt standing at the counter and occasionally rearranging the display of cards now take care of it for them.[break][break]



Though even this, of course, doesn’t account for…surprise visits.[break][break]



Fern’s glance snaps up from their work at the succinct tone that floats through their shop– crisp and efficient, though no less amiable. Their clerk turns back in their direction, but Fern is already rising from their bench to stride across the floor. “Ms. Fiorelli, to what do I owe the pleasure?” they ask without missing much of a beat.[break][break]



Of course, internally, they’re scrambling a bit. This an impromptu meeting– something they had not accounted for on a quiet day such as this one. Was something the matter? Were they not up to snuff?[break][break]



Well, whatever they cause, they meet her gaze evenly with a welcoming smile, and offer their hand toward hers.[break][break]

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A placid smile filters through Fern’s expression as his head dips in a half-nod. “I appreciate you saying so. It means quite a bit, hearing it from you.”[break][break]

Formality comes naturally for someone as outgoing and casual as Fern is often known for being. When his line of work is involved, there is simply something that tightens up inside of him.[break][break]

“Ah.” He can read around her words and sift the true meaning easily. It’s a practice he’s grown used to over the years of running this business—long before he ever mixed Rocket into it as an added factor.[break][break]

Stepping to the side, he sweeps a gesturing hand to offer her room to move around the main counter.[break][break]

“Perhaps this conversation is better had in my office.” A short look at the clerk tells them all they need to know. They will watch over things.[break][break]

No disturbances.

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"Certainly."[break][break]

With a sweep of their hand, they offer her access around the desk, toward the back. They opt to explain as they walk through a backroom with several neat stations housing printing equipment and book presses for restorative work. "All of our standard equipment is kept in here, but there's another room further back for our other practices."[break][break]

While they would be happy to turn this into a full tour, she is there for a purpose.[break][break]

Instead, they open the door to their office, holding open for her to step through first. Comfortably furnished, perhaps downright cozy, even. Well-lived in. It's a tidy space, but it's obvious that Fern spends considerable time there working. Dedicated to their business.[break][break]

But at the compliment, they demure. "Oh, you flatter me," they reply with a wave of their hand. "I'm just fulfilling needs as best I can. Can I offer you tea?" Fern gestures to an electric kettle on a cart in one corner.[break][break]

"Of course. I've already been tasked with creating new identification for some lower level associates." Their head tilts, blue eyes curious. "Have you been compromised, Underboss Fiorelli?" Surely not.

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A small smile is offered in return as they perch against their desk and motion for her to seat herself comfortably in one of the plush chairs opposite, “Well then let us hope that is a ‘yet’ that never comes.”[break][break]

Not that they wouldn’t mind a challenge of course.[break][break]

They do have to acknowledge their curiosity—they know terribly little about one Elisabeth Fiorelli, but that is probably for a reason. Information that has been wrapped up and kept under lock and key from someone even as nosy thorough as themself.[break][break]

It wouldn’t have been the first time they would have encountered a case of secondary identity from one wishing to exit an old life. mint frost comes to mind—a fond connection given the fact that they’d personally handled the identification switch for the new beast years ago. Before Fern had ever affiliated with Rocket, in fact.[break][break]

They are not here to ply her for knowledge, though. And certainly, Fern is none the wiser about who she once was.[break][break]

“I’ve been in this business for quite some time,” they answer with a shrug. “It’s a precaution that made sense, and when I arrived here, of course I didn’t care to be found.” They have several false identifications, in fact. For anywhere they go, Harper Beck is simply the most common of these aliases.[break][break]

“I’m glad you agree, it’s a favored blend of mine.” They tip their cup in her direction. A vague cheers. “So, what exactly then, would you like me to do for you, then?”

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Head tilting in an incline, they acknowledge her advice gratefully. “I’ll be sure to tuck that tidbit away for safekeeping.” The twist of their tone and smile alike are a smidge playfully conspiratorial.[break][break]

No belief in hope. “Fair enough. Let us chart the proper courses then.”[break][break]

Watching her in silence from their perch, Fern looked on in obvious curiosity as she extended two passports. Setting his cup down, he took one each hand to compare the two.[break][break]

“Well how ‘bout that,” they mused in mild jest as she clarified. “You seem to know how to rebuild quite well then.” They could relate to starting fresh, though they’d never committed to the bit quite so ardently.[break][break]

They had many false identifiers. But they’d always been Fern, hiding in plain sight. Even Harper Beck was only used among the public. With those who knew them, they easily became Fern once again.[break][break]

Though perhaps a nine lives rotation wasn’t far off the mark, in a more general, fleeting sense.[break][break]

The request is somewhat unexpected, however. Their brows lift. “Oh, I would consider doing so a privilege.” Even as they answer, the cogs in their mind begin to turn—mapping out necessities and trivialities alike.[break][break]

Each component necessary to crafting a believable, thorough, and irrefutable story.[break][break]

“How soon would you like this to be in place?”

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A flutter of airy laughter followed, “Very candid of you. But surely that isn’t the case.” For all of their love of being flattered, they’re quick to turn the sentiment around. Though ultimately still quite pleased with the acknowledgement of their creativity and effort.[break][break]

Fern thumbed through the notes provided, along with the paperwork. Short nods and singular notes of approval followed as they approved of the provisions. They could definitely work with this.[break][break]

They nodded, a low hum signaling their understanding. “I agree completely. And I wouldn’t dream of providing you with a sloppy outcome.” To even consider doing as much sounded unacceptable through and through—even if she weren’t his superior.[break][break]

A slow smile spread across his face as he held her gaze.[break][break]

“No more than a month, given the extent of crafting an entirely new persona and all of the consequential paperwork that goes alongside. If I devote my primary attention to it, perhaps sooner.”[break][break]

Heaven forbid such documentation be required sooner.

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