I've done my share of negotiation's in my line of work. More importantly, I tend to get the cooperation I need. My secret?

1. Research the other party
This is my specialty. In any good business exchange it's essential to know everything about the other party, from their life's goals, their social circle, to what they like to eat for breakfast. When you understand how they operate, it's easier to understand what buttons need to be pressed and what needs need to be met in order for everyone to get what it is they want.

2. Be honest
It doesn't matter who you are dealing with, or what the situation is, honesty IS the best policy. Lying doesn't serve anyone. If you are straight-forward with your demands and expectations, the other party is more inclined to do the same. If you can't be honest, it's unlikely they will either, and that makes business difficult for everyone. You're only as good as your word.

3. Be assertive
Intimidation has never failed me. You can be sure the other party will take full advantage of any weakness it finds. Know exactly what it is you want and what you have to offer. Stand by your demands; After all, you have needs that must be met just as much as the other person. This is business, not charity.

4. State your demands in full
It sounds like a given, but you'd be surprised how often I've been in negotiations where the other party introduces a new clause after our agreement. This returns to 'be honest'. Make sure all of the cards are on the table.

5. Keep it casual
When you mix personal feelings with business, everyone suffers. You put yourself at risk, and any potential agreements go to shit. Keep detached and deal with the facts of the situation. When you get emotional, you get sloppy.

I know most people stand by having a back-up policy. In my dealings there isn't always a second option, but I find that if I keep it professional and remember this don't usually need a back-up.

Muse: Jackson Rippner
Fandom: Red Eye
Word Count: 363

Now there's a topic I could talk about for hours. I've had to clean up plenty of messes, some after my own people, some as part of a contract... It's never a pleasant job, because cleaning up means someone else screwed it up, and it's never satisfying to pick up after someone else.

One mess, in particular, stands out. We got the call to take out a high-profile politician who was running for office in a certain country in Europe. It just so happens he was well-liked, not my business of course, but my contractors were hoping to even out the odds in favor of one of his competitors. Two of our dogs were sent with the job of causing an accident. Unfortunately for us, one of our associates let his emotions get the better of him and caused a scene with the cops during a political rally. Ignoring protocol, he took out his target during the same rally. Naturally, questions began to pop up... inquiries were made... and our customers were not pleased with the results. With their chosen politician under scrutiny and a third candidate rising in popularity, it was my job to clean up the election mess and make sure the job was finished.

Thankfully for me, it wasn't difficult for me to find a card to play against the third candidate. Like so many married politicians, he just couldn't keep his pants zipped. Feigning a reporter after easy cash, I blackmailed him into failing quietly. I stayed in the city, keeping an eye on the campaign and made certain all loose ends were tied. The mess was cleaned, the job was done, and my payroll received a little added bonus that month.

Muse: Jackson Rippner
Fandom: Red Eye
Word Count: 298

If by 'spy' you mean a government official on a suicidal intelligence mission, brandishing top-secret weapons straight out of some James Bond movie, then no... Not a chance in Hell.

But if by 'spy' you mean someone who can gather information without causing a scene, without suspicion, then I think it's safe to say I can handle the job. Being a good spy means being an even better actor. You have to be able to assume any role, fit into any location, and vanish into a crowd at a moment's notice. Being a spy doesn't mean crashing elegant parties or getting laid by beautiful women. It means long days in cheap tourist clothing, it means camping in your car night after night, spending hours in the same shit restaurant.. it means living your life simply to learn everything about someone else's.

I've done the work before. It's nothing to be envied and has no comparison in any Hollywood flick, but someone has to do it.

Muse: Jackson Rippner
Fandom: Red Eye
Word count: 157

It's shocking, and pathetic, to see how unrestrained people can be thanks to the internet.  I don't intend to delve too personally, or to bore you with updates of work and my day-to-day.  Like most productive citizens, I have a job, first and foremost, where the majority of my time and attention is directed.  It just so happens my business involves excessive travel.  That, coupled with a shoddy economy that is affecting us all in some form or another, has opened me up to the wonder of the internet.  I'm always open to new contacts and potential customers, so don't hesitate to contact me.  Please show disgression and leave your personal contact information if you're looking to discuss business transactions or any other more sensitive matters.  I also welcome comments and questions, but won't always be inclined to answer them.  Ciao.