Tweety glared at Leroy for a moment, then burst out laughing. "You have an interesting way of phrasing things, chummer. And can i say i'm glad you all tend to choose this way, this verifies my theory about your determination." As an aside, he turned to Miko, before continuing. "And no hard feelings there, i'd probably be out of my right mind if i went through that kind of ordeal."
He seemed to think for a few moments, than spoke up again. "So. Now that you agree on the main goal, let's see how i can help you. As a first step, you obviously need a place where you can lay low for a while, and i have a few spots that will provide just what you need, whether you decide to go together or try to keep more privacy and lay low at separate places. I suggest you take your time, a few weeks of not getting out might help the uproar die down a bit. During this time, i can go on about arranging for new identities and the much-needed permits that will let you operate in public. Apropos, public appearances. I'd seriously suggest each of you undergoing some facial surgery, i know just the place where you can do some cosmetic changes that will fool most recognition systems, that will not weigh on your constitution, and they provide an affordable service of retaining the original facial features if the client wanted to get them back at a later point.
"Second step, i can get you equipment, and some pocket money to kickstart you. There might be things you need to work your trades effectively, things not currently on your person. I trust that i don't have to say, anything you left at your homes, you can't reach anymore. Extra secure evidence lockers for the moment, i should say, and probably much cheaper to get another piece. This reminds me, i know not all of your trades, except Matt here. We should remedy that, so i can look for fitting work.
"Which is the third step. I think it would be best that you work as a team, there will be less risk of someone else discovering your true identities. And i don't think its a stretch to say you've got both brains and brawn, so that won't be lacking. I don't know about mojo and cybercowboys, you'll have to enlighten me, but it won't be too much of a problem if you don't have any of those." Taking break to breath deeply, he let you digest the above steps for a few seconds.
"Now, back to step zero. You all know i'm not a charity, and identities, a place to lay low, and equipment cost nujen. Which i expect you to pay back with interest. Not immediately, mind, that would be downright stupid. I have to give you work, and in order for you to do those jobs, you need a constantly improving equipment. Which improvement i also expect you to do. So, until the time you will be able to fully pay me back, you work for me. I give you jobs, or sometimes job offers, and when you get paid, you give me 20% of that payment as a redemption, working off your initial debt. The remaining 80% you can spend however you like, but here's something to consider: after the initial loan, as long as you work for me, i'll tend to lend you money for accomodations, or to cover costs of your investigation for some extent, but nothing more.
Two more things. First. Your reputation will probably grow, and others might look for you and offer you jobs. I won't object if you accept, but i'll keep 10% of your payment in those cases as a fixer's fee, before the 20% redemption. In case you get a job from me, i've already taken care of the fixer's fee. And second. The interest on any loan i give you is 10%. Monthly."
After letting all the information sink in, he spread his hands in a questioning way. "Do you find these conditions acceptable?"
