~Aeron~<br/><br/>It doesnâ€™t escape my notice that everyone seems a little shocked at my choice of Boy, but none more so than the boy - Isaac I think his name is. Technically naming is the Master's decision, but I see no need to strip the boy of his identity. The Sales Rep. - Lukas - hesitates a second but nods, giving the handler a look. I wonder about it briefly but let it slide. The kidâ€™s probably new - all the better really - but the company is wiry sometimes  of selling untrained laborers; the potential for return is much Higher which means Refund. Plus the inevitable attempts at lawsuits, not that they ever really go anywhere; between an army of Lawyers and a Liability clause in the Sales contracts - which of course nobody ever bothers to read - suing is nei on pointless. Who tries to sue the Government anyway? Thereâ€™s an Oxymoron if ever there was one.<br/><br/>Out of courtesy I hand the file to dad to pursue, he is buying the boy after all - birthday present and all. â€œThat doesnâ€™t mean that you can skiv-off homework Aer,â€ is all dad says in response - grinning. Heâ€™s  obviously referring to the kids I.Q.and I will admit that I had thought of that, but Iâ€™d never actually do it. It may be a bit nerdy, but I actually like to learn what I work at. I am, after all, eventually going to have to use those skills in my job.<br/><br/>â€œActually I could,â€ I grin smugly just to annoy the man. He always picks on the fact that I major in Law, using it to turn his own Logic against him. Iâ€™ve done that since I was a kid. My Parents learned very early on to never give me a definitive answer because I would always hold them to the specific wording. â€With an I.Q. that high heâ€™d be a more than acceptable source,â€ I argue making dad glare half-hearted - smirking. One should always use the resources available to you after all.<br/><br/>Iâ€™d noticed, of course, the boys surprise at being chosen as well and his gaze jerking away quickly, trying to be inconspicuous. Itâ€™s kind of cute, but as I watch the Handler with him I frown a little. Itâ€™s not that I expect the boy to be excited; no one likes sanctioned slavery when they are on the receiving end, but the kid almost looks afraid. The Child's demeanor as well as the Handlers gruffness does not bode well. Government facilities are held to a strict standard: Laborers are fed, groomed, given Medical care and board. They are not to be mistreated or abused in any way, but corruption is difficult to stem. Still, I smile as the boys spirit hasnâ€™t been completely shattered.<br/><br/>â€œBrutish old American!â€ He cried out in his heavy Irish accent. Oh nifty, I smile at the obvious accent - Chuckling audible at his exclamation in contradiction to my fathers scowl. Something my father - especially given his conservative standing - like most of the United States refuse to acknowledge is how most of the international community perceives us. Most of the outside world views us as Rude, Overweight, Lazy, even Barbaric and frankly a little insane. I mean, by the Gods, we didnâ€™t even socialize Healthcare till nearly 2008 under former president Obama - a move that is still muttered about by some.<br/><br/>The kid looks exhausted, like heâ€™s been crying and rubbing his eyes as he approaches us. I wonder briefly if I should file a report. The first thing the kid does is ask if he can have his Peebo, and I raise an eyebrow, curious. Before I can ask what he means, the Sales Rep draws back as if to Strike him. â€œI would very much appreciate it if you did not damage my property Mr. Gabriel,â€ I interrupt in a passive but firm and pointed tone. â€œThat is unless you wish to provide a considerable discount as well as care for any injury you inflict.â€ That seems to force the manâ€™s composure back into place, as he clears his throat and straightens his coat.<br/><br/>When the kid says to forget it rather dejectedly I feel a bit vindictive. This particular establishment has obviously had some rather shady practices. Though Technically, in this case they are in the right. Laborers are to have any personal or luxury items confiscated upon registration.  Upon completion of sale, however, all such matters are the sole discretion of the owner. â€œI think Iâ€™ll have this Peebo as well. Please have it by the time we finish here.â€<br/><br/>Mr. Gabriel looks a bit flustered by the time I finish my little diatribe. â€œYes, of course Mr Stranton.â€  He says quickly and I shrug off the title, still not accustomed to the address. â€œIf youâ€™ll just follow me then, we can update his chip and sign the necessary papers. Iâ€™m sure youâ€™re a busy man.â€<br/><br/>I smirk at the man's obvious rush to move on. â€œYou enjoy this stuff far too much,â€ my dad mutters with a small chuckle as we start to walk.<br/><br/>â€œSays the Politician,â€ I argue good natured and look over at the Ginger boy. â€œWith me Boy,â€ I tell him firmly but relax in the next breath, addressing him in a kinder voice. â€œIâ€™m Master Aeron, whatâ€™s your name?â€