Chapter #8Later, at Doll-Mart... by: JackHalf   Within the hour, Jami was marching from her car towards the yet-to-be-open-for-business Doll-Mart. Having pulled in in his own car just minutes behind her, Phil did his best to catch up with her as he juggled his bags and gear.
"Wow, it's distinctive, I'll give them that." Phil said as he looked over the large building. It was as large as your run of the mill box-store or IKEA, but it was decorated in pastel shades of pink and purple. It had turrets, gingerbread gables, and architectural accents that put one in mind of a fairy-tale castle conglomerated with a dollhouse. Enormous illuminated letters spelling out DOLL-MART were prominently displayed, as well as a stylized cartoon mascot depicting a Japanese schoolgirl wearing a uniform and a strange collar smiling and waving at the viewer.
"It's a hideous color combination. It's more of a twisted Toys-R-Us than some sort of government-affiliated dispensary." Jami was clearly not impressed.
As the pair neared the front, they could see banners flapping in the wind, each of them festooned with "Opening Soon!" and "Grand Opening!" in bold lettering. The large automatic doors at the main entrance opened, a pair of beefy men in brown jumpsuits manually parting them so that a small man in a business suit could step outside.
"Ahhhh, Ms. Song! I'm delighted to finally make your acquaintance!" he smiled and clapped his hands as he approached Jami, looking her up and down. He looked to be in his late 60s, with a head a white hair and a thin, almost frail build.
Jami offered him her hand, "Mr. Tanooki I presume? I'm glad to meet you as well!" she chirped with her most charming sing-song voice. Tanooki kissed her green-nailed fingers delicately.
"You presume correctly! Before we begin, I'd just like to say how much I admire your work. Since stumbling upon your video-news updates and PhoGram account, I've become a devoted fan!"
Telling herself that she would be sure to mention his praise of her PhoGram account when next she met Mike, she did her best to blush and act appreciatively demure. "Please don't, I'm much too modest for such praise!" Phil snorted, causing Jami to give him a quick angry look silencing him immediately.
"Shall we head in? My office is quite comfortable and I'd love to discuss our operation and it's pending grand opening in detail" Tanooki gave her a wink and offered her his arm.
Looping her own arm with his, Jami flashed him a smile. "Lead the way, sir!"
Surrounded by several burly men in brown jumpsuits, Tanooki led Jami and Phil into the main foyer of the darkened store. In the poor lighting conditions, Jami and Phil could make out several aisles of shelving with enormous boxes lined up and on display, but couldn't make out any details.
Heading down a dimly lit side-hallway, the group arrived at Tanooki's office. The jump-suited men waited outside as Tanooki led Jami and Phil inside. The office was well-appointed, but sparsely decorated. Mr. Tanooki seemed to use only the best, but to keep around only what was absolutely necessary. As Phil set up his cameras and recording gear, Jami sat down in a seat opposite Tanooki's across his desk.
After some introductory pleasantries, Jami dug into the interview. "Now, Mr. Tanooki, as I understand it, you're the most senior representative of your corporation at this location, and will be the head honcho of this particular Doll-Mart location for the foreseeable future?"
"That's quite correct, Ms. Song, to a point. While I will be taking lead in this retail establishment's activities, I will be doing so in partnership and under the guidance of your government's Department of Special Welfare. They will be taking the lead in gathering resources and resupply, and we will be deferring to they, and your laws', wishes."
"While that may be true, aren't the newly passed laws carbon copies of those originally passed in your country just a few short years ago?
Tanooki chuckled. "You're special welfare laws were based on the incredibly successful laws Japan passed yes, but they are wholly those of your own nation. We'll follow them to the letter. It's also important to remember that I, and my corporation are NOT representatives of the Japanese government. We've merely entered into an agreement with your government to provide our proprietary technology and expertise in implementing your own special welfare programs."
"It seems like a lot of effort and infrastructure for a community service program." Jami remarked.
Mr. Tanooki looked amused. "Community service? It's a bit more substantial than that.The sacrifices of a few have almost completely eradicated the problems pertaining to sexual vices, crimes, and health risks. The Doll-making program has led to a healthier, more cohesive society. And, the revenue stream, benefiting the private enterprise of my corporation AND your government through taxation will be just as big a boon to your country as it was to mine."
"And what exactly are the sacrifices of this doll-making program?" Jami asked, matter of factly.
Tanooki looked confused for a moment. "Are you really not aware...I assumed someone in the news industry would have researched this?"
Jami blushed. She stammered a bit before answering. "Uh, well, I've looked into the basics. I have a very busy schedule a lot to keep on top of so.."
Mr. Tanooki chuckled. "Of course, of course. You do have a very demanding career. As I told you, I am a fan. I apologize for any slight."
Jami tried to recover and project some confidence. "T-think nothing of it."
"You're very gracious. Allow me to explain." Tanooki stood up, his hands behind his back as he began to pace back and forth behind his desk. "The social welfare laws seize a statistically insignificant portion of the female population, strip them of their rights, and make them appliances who's sole purpose is to relieve sexual tendencies, cravings, and cravings in order to build a better society."
Jami looked confused. ""Strip them of their rights...?" I don't understand? I thought this was some kind of community service program or something?"
"It does serve the community Ms. Song, but it goes beyond mere servitude. For the greater good, a very, very small and carefully selected group of the population is turned into sexual gratification tools. The sale of these dolls generates millions of dollars, AND, the sexual outlet they provide after conversion provides a release valve for society as a whole."
Jami looked confused and concerned. "Objects? This sounds really weird and creepy..."
"Think of it this way, Ms. Song. A greater percentage of the population is lost to auto accidents every year, in both of our countries. The doll program harvests a FAR smaller number of citizens with actual tangible, demonstrable benefits. You look confused and upset. Perhaps if I demonstrate our process, and our wares?"
Jami slowly stood up before answering.  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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