The Emperor's Dragon II

Conflagration

As Tax Commissioner, Motoo didn't get much call to attend conferences. It was one of the things she missed. Assistant Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners got to go more often. Assistant Commissioners especially, as part of their professional development but she had been asked to be the keynote speaker at this year's Managed Superannuation Funds Conference.

Speaking gave a different feeling to the conference, but Motoo was determined to enjoy it regardless. You didn't get to be a Commissioner without learning to combine business and pleasure. Though really, for public servants that was politics and pleasure.

She was the first speaker for the afternoon on day one. The first morning of any conference was mostly there for socialising with other attendees and for those flying in to arrive. Catching up (gossiping) about the latest and greatest was an essential part of a conference. This was doubly true today as the Hero Billboard had been last night and the hero industry was at least a passing interest to most, and doubly so for those financial professionals who dealt with insurance and things like that. There were a few here today, even if this was about Superannuation.

As Commissioner, her time was sought after, even for casual conversation. In fact, a lot of decisions and deals were made from casual conversations. That's why Motoo wasn't surprised when JBQC's Executive Officer approached her, with several JBQC executives in tow. That was about right. Anyone who knew anything about JBQC knew that Janee had practically run the company since the former owner had been injured.

Motoo hadn't heard much about the new owner so she didn't think things had changed.

"Janee," she greeted the woman warmly.

"Motoo," came the equally warm reply. "I am looking forward to your presentation," Janee said.

"I hope it will be interesting," Motoo replied. "There's a few new things the Commission is looking at this year for Super."

"More, less?" Janee asked.

"About the same," Motoo was pleased to say. "But amended reporting requirements," she gave the high level summary of her presentation. "Though it shouldn't impact you much," she added.

JBQC paid superannuation but she was equally sure they employed an external provider.

"We still have to make sure it's done right," Janee countered.

"Of course," Motoo smiled, accepting the rebuke. "How are you handling the new owners?" she asked.

Janee chuckled.

It was not the response the Tax Commissioner had been expecting and her expression betrayed that.

"The new owner is easy," Janee told her. "It's managing our old friends which is the greater challenge."

It took Motoo a moment to interpret the sentence. "They are still a problem?" She thought the Hero Public Safety Commission would have given up by now.

"They are persistent," Janee indicated.

Motoo thought about what she knew and pursed her lips. She'd heard there was some sort of patent issue currently and she knew Janee had that well in hand. Or rather Shunin did. The court date kept getting delayed, which just gave Shunin more time to prepare and dig up dirt on the Commission. But there were other ways which the Hero Public Safety Commission may cause issues.

"I'm sure they will be deterred soon enough," she expressed her support. "But have you considered the more direct approach?" Motoo probed.

Janee blinked as she considered the question.

Her boss, Hisashi Riji had so many misdirections and alibis in place that the direct approach to strip him of the resources JBQC gave him would never work. The new owners most likely did not have those protections.