http://www.ilonaland.com/london.html

"The Twenty Ninth Amendment, article 2, subsection 2, paragraph 3 permits a corporation or an individual to purchase your life by compensating the State for the cost of your capture, containment, trial, and execution. In addition, the interested party would make the necessary compensation to the families of your victims, which in your case triples the already sizeable sum, and assume responsibility for any further damages your existence might precipitate. Our research indicates that no other conglomerate or individuals are interested in your option. POM Corporation is prepared to extend you this offer. As you know, we are unable to purchase your life without your consent."

The prisoner flexed her biceps, trying to get blood flowing into muscles held static for too long. Her motion sent the two-inch thick links of her chains clinking softly.

"I make a piss-poor gladiator," she said. "I kill too quickly. And you would have to be clinically insane to attempt turning me into a whore. So what could you possibly want with me?"

"The POM Corporation deals in insurance," a female voice told her.

The prisoner laughed. As the eerie sound of her amusement rolled echoed through the room, the pulses of the shadows quickened.

"We have other interests besides those, but your line of work would concern the Insurance division," the same female voice said. "The details of our proposal will be brought to you for your review. You will enjoy a reasonable degree of personal freedom. You will draw a salary, although a curtailed one, since a portion of your paycheck will be allocated to compensate the Corporation for its expense in procuring your life. I assure you that even with that limitation, the financial compensation you will receive will enable you to lead a comfortable existence. You will have a chance at a productive, fulfilling career, limited by only two provisions: first, you may not quit your employment with the Corporation and second, the Corporation reserves the right to terminate your life at will, should you give it probable cause."

The chains clinked again. "Is it true that you have a supervillain working for you?"

"If you're referring to the individual formerly known as the Ordinator," said a male voice, "then the answer is yes. He is, indeed, employed by our Corporation."

"I would like to meet him." The prisoner stretched as far as her restraints would allow. "And I would like my sword back."

"That," a male voice assured her, "can be arranged."

http://freesf.blogspot.com/2008/08/ad... ( )