Somehow, mysteriously and miraculously, a package arrived on the Luinista. No one really seems to know how it got there, but there it was, sitting cheerfully on the control console wrapped in sparkly blue paper with Carley's name written all over it. Literally, her name was written all over it.

Attached to the package is a letter, and it reads as follows:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/ehzoterik/life/lettertocarley.jpg

Written on the back of the letter is a return address that probably doesn't make much of any sense at all, because the instructions read:

Please drop all replies in the garbage chute.

Within the package itself is what looks like a collection of an entire 5th grade class's ceramic arts projects. There are mugs and pencil holders, napkin holders and paper weights, even little rough shod statues all made from the tiny hands of tender loving children. All of these objects are painted neon pink, some with painted on red hearts and words to read such things as "I ♥ Franco!" "Franco Rocks!" There's even a construction paper banner that reads "Long Live the GangSTAR!"

There is, of course, also quite a lot of packaging peanuts.

Some time later, not exactly very tremendously long later after Carley had dropped her response into the garbage chute, another letter found its way onto the bridge of the Luinista. Even the computers seemed to be baffled as to how it had got there. And there it was. Sitting bright and happy in a yellow envelope upon the console, almost precisely where the package had been placed earlier. The letter within read as follows:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/ehzoterik/life/carleyletter.jpg

After some time and thought, Carley eventually decided on who she thought would be the absolute most perfect Treasurer for the GGMFFC:

Alain DeMuer.

Over time, the once detective had managed to slip his hand into various pockets of the business world, effectively creating something of an empire. Carley was actually rather impressed by this, even if she thought he should work on what kinds of sodas he offered to the world. Still, for him to have such a broad business, it meant one thing.

The man had money.

And who would make a better Treasurer than someone with tons of money? Obviously he had experience in managing it, and managing it well. Sure, she could have managed money just fine, but she couldn't play the role of President and Treasurer. It was like an unspoken rule of Club Code. And Carley didn't have nearly as much as he did, and the fact that he had money could possibly be used to her advantage.

Regular paper and garbage chute delivery wouldn't do for this though, no. Carley had waited until she was home and found some of her best stationery. The pack still unopened, it was quite literally as good as new. Vanilla colored envelopes and faintly lined paper, splashed with the ever so subtle scent of... vanilla. It seemed classy to her, at least.

Armed with her very blue pen, she kept her loopy script as neat as possible as she penned her letter to the head honcho of House DeMuer.


Dear Al,

I'm not sure if ya remember me or not, but I'd think you would. I used to work at A Stitch in Time with Fire and Eri, though I quit many months ago. Since then, I've started my very own business. I deal with cargo mostly, and transport stuff around in my airship, the Luinista. But I've heard you've done pretty well for yourself. (I've only recently come back to Rhydin after a number of months) I have to admit I never thought you the savvy business type, but ya proved me very wrong! I have to say congrats on doing such a great job.

I'm not writing directly because of business, however. I'm writing because as President of the newly formed Gossip GangSTAR Marc Franco Fan Club, I would like to extend an invitation to ya to be our Treasurer. As Treasurer, you would obviously be in charge of all of the funds of the GGMFFC.

The GGMFFC isn't something big or grandiose - it's simply a way for people to show their appreciation not only for the Gossip GangSTAR, or Marc Franco, but also for the philanthropic efforts they put forth for the people of Rhydin each and every day. It is my goal to tie the GGMFFC into assisting the GangSTAR Children's Foundation, be it in the way of fundraisers or selling merchandise. I would like the vast percentage of our earnings to be donated to them.

I feel that if ya joined the GGMFFC as our Treasurer, it would also be very good for yer various businesses. I'm sure neither of us are fools to the fact that people with money are expected, by the masses, to donate a certain amount of time and money to their community. I'm aware you have already participated in such things, but good rep is good rep, and one can never have too much of it. I'm also pretty sure you're aware of the popularity of the Gossip GangSTAR, so tying the GG name, as well as GGMFFC, with House DeMuer can only bring good things to you, Al.

I hope to be hearing back from you very soon.

Sincerely,

Carley Q.

P.S. Does Zeppa offer berry flavored sodas? If not, that's something you should look into, as I think that'd be a very good investment.


Sighing when it was finished, the little elf reread the letter she had just written. Carley couldn't help but roll her eyes at her own words, but they would do. She was still rather pleased with herself for it, and her smug smile showed it. Folding the paper into thirds, it was neatly set in the matching envelope and sealed. Said envelope was then addressed to Alain himself.

After finding a courier and tipping him modestly, she sent him on his way to House DeMuer.

A letter in an envelope sealed with the mark of House DeMuer (the four symbols within the encircled cross) arrives at the aerodome for Carley. The contents are hand-written, and much neater than the Baron's usual scrawl when he takes notes --

Dear Carley,

It's good to hear you're back in RhyDin again. I'm sure you've had many adventures abroad, but as the master of your very own air freighter, you've got at least as many still ahead of you, I have no doubt.

I have been very busy with House matters in general, and on top of it, I'm afraid there would be a possible conflict of interest if I accepted the position of treasurer in your esteemed club - Mr. Franco and I have discussed charity funds, and I wouldn't want to bring my bias and politics into what you're building here.

However, if you're open to it, I think I can recommend someone for you. His name is Dib Jaster Aurene, and he's the "second-in-command" over at DeMuer Exports, and a genius with numbers. He'd serve you very well as a Treasurer, and bring success to the Gossip GangSTAR Marc Franco Fan Club.

Whatever your decision, you can bet I'll be applying for club membership.

In the running for No. 1 Franco Fan,

Alain

P.S. I'll tell Jaster about your berry flavor idea, but you should talk to him yourself when you get the chance. Zeppa's more his thing than mine now.