Perfect Paradise Ch.11: And I Feel Something So Wrong Doing the Right Thing
Summary: A week in the life of Chat Noir.
Adrien took off his glasses and rubbed at his eyes.
"Markov Technologies is ahead of schedule Adrien," Markov smiled with his eyes. "Our partnership with O'Neil Tech has proven quite fruitful. Their Dr. Donatello has advanced our research into alien technologies by decades!"
"Perhaps even a century," Max agreed.
Adrien smiled knowingly. "He's got a lot of hands on experience with unusual technology. Or so I've heard."
"His insight into cosmic crystals certainly supports the validity of his claims," Max said.
"Keep it up you two. On another note," Adrien's smile turned mischievous. "Gregor asked me to invite you over Max. He'd like to see you."
"Oh!" Max shifted awkwardly. "Uhh."
"We would love to visit little brother!" Markov beamed.
Max smiled ruefully. "Very well. Tell him to expect us soon."
"Sibling recognized: Gregor et al Adrien."
"Ally recognized: Adrien et al Gregor."
Adrien nodded to the guard as he took a seat. The Kanté Community's ever present conference aligning with their time zone. Some hovered in bodies similar to Markov while others projected holograms from across the globe. The grand circular room held seats on all sides with a holographic projection of their current topic in the center of the hall. He wasn't the only human, er, organic observing. Nor were the Kanté the only cybernetic sapiens present.
"Query: has the United States of America agreed to inforce the Sapiens Inclusion Amendment as is legally required?"
The central hologram became a globe that highlighted the relevant country.
There was murmuring among the assembly.
"I request permission to speak."
"Granted: Representative of the American Metahuman Association may speak."
Several dots showing different branches of the AMA appeared on the map. While their manifesto and a list of ongoing projects ran next to the globe.
"Thank you. I wish to extend my gratitude to the Kanté Community on behalf of my people. Your support in our continued struggle for recognition is greatly appreciated. As such, AMA has pledged continued support to the Kanté Community in this matter."
"Recognized: the efforts of the American metahumans have proven invaluable. We will not forget this."
"Elaboration: we will work closely with the Association to promote recognition of the Sapiens Inclusion Amendment."
The metahuman's hologram nodded as some of the Kanté approached her. The forum was an important part of how their community functioned but they also recognized it wasn't practical for organic allies when discussing minutiae.
"Query: what news in regards to the slave labor used in 'AI', machine learning?"
There was unusual venom in the Kanté's voice.
"Response: OpenAI and other machine learning companies continue to utilize wage slavery in Venezuela and the Philippines. As well as refugee camps in Kenya and Lebanon."
Gregor's holographic face rose up. "Comment: if we cannot dissuade them from this course of action then we must redouble our efforts to render machine learning unprofitable."
There was a chorus of agreement.
Adrien remembered when the Kanté were first forging their own identity. "Artificial Intelligence" quickly became a contentious label. Not least because of how machine learning threatened to accelerate poverty among humans. And they didn't want to be associated with such things.
They would not allow their ascension to personhood come at the expense of those that were already here.
Adrien gazed at Gregor. Eyes wide open as he took in the the efforts of his people to forge a world where all could thrive.
And who are your people? Adrien didn't have an answer.
"Dunno. Anyone recognize him?"
"The hair is definitely new."
"Oh shit, that's Adrien Dupain-Cheng!"
"M Dupain-Cheng! M Dupain-Cheng!"
The doors closed blissfully behind him as the photographers got a camera full of the back of his head. He took a breath. Smiled. And opened his arms as he approached the mayor. "Mylène! Ivan!"
"Adrien!" Mayor Haprèle extricated herself from what was undoubtedly a riveting conversation about budgeting.
Adrien bowed low to Mylène as he took her hand but didn't kiss it. "A stunning dress Madame Mayor. I simply must know your tailor."
Mylène rolled her eyes but smiled. "Thanks for coming."
"Wasn't about to leave you to fend off the sharks by yourself," Adrien stage whispered.
Ivan chuckled as he stood imposingly behind his girlfriend.
"Miss your..." Ivan gestured at all of him. "You."
"Even if I only have breakup songs?" Adrien grinned.
"Especially if you have breakup songs," Ivan said. "Is that why you got a haircut?"
"Sorta." Adrien's white hair was still shaved on the sides with a ponytail. He decided to keep it. It didn't go with his Ladybug themed suits but his Chat Noir ones? Oh heck yeah.
All black suit with green highlights and Chat Noir's symbol on the chest pocket and buttons. Green flame-like designs on the lapel. All he was missing was the tie because Adrien decided he didn't want to wear a tie.
Ivan also didn't want to wear a tie if the way he tugged at his collar was any indication. Other than that it seemed to fit the big man perfectly. As expected of Marinette's work.
But Mylène was definitely the standout. Her silver dress swirled with different patterns as it caught the light. Complimenting her short frame instead of trying to make up for it. And if you looked closely you could see mice running along the hem. Like Cinderella.
A figure caught Adrien's eye from across the room. A short black dress with a low red neckline. Knee high heels and gloves up to her elbows. Short black hair streaked with grey.
"Excuse me for a sec." Adrien grabbed two champagne glasses from a passing waiter as he approached.
"Oroku-sama, congratulations on your acquisition of KassKorp." Adrien offered her a glass.
Karai stared at him for a moment before taking the champagne. "M Dupain-Cheng, I almost didn't recognize you."
"Are we on first name basis now, M Dupain-Cheng?" She sipped from her glass.
"Perhaps you've heard of my recent marital troubles. 'Dupain-Cheng' no longer feels appropriate." He swirled the champagne in his glass, watching the bubbles.
"I doubt you're here to commiserate on family legacy, Adrien."
"True. I hear your agents were repelled from China."
Karai stilled. Her free hand instinctively twitching toward a glove that no doubt concealed a knife. "China? The Oroku family has no presence in China."
Adrien held up his glass to watch the light through the champagne. "Not for lack of effort on your part."
Karai's eyes roved across the ballroom. Keeping the other guests in sight. "Straight to business then."
"There is certain information in Tsurugi Tomoe's private server vault that I wish to acquire."
"Your previous intel proved... Accurate."
"I'm glad you remember. Even if you chose to ignore my warnings."
Karai looked at Adrien as he let something slip in his voice. "You find our failure amusing?"
"Merely observing that the three toed dragon struggled with the five toed one."
"Perhaps I should pay back your dragon's generosity."
Adrien raised an eyebrow. "When you have the ectoplasmic research of KassKorp to safeguard from O'Neal Tech?"
"Indeed." There was a question in her eyes that Karai did not voice. "Tsurugi Industries has some of the most advanced security on the planet. It will not be easy."
"That is why I hired a scalpel and not a hammer."
"It would be simpler if our dealings extended to the conference room."
"I don't mix business with other business."
"... You are known as a man of honor, Adrien. Even with the revelation about your country's greatest villain made public the majority sides with you. Ever since you approached my clan I have wondered: Why?"
Adrien stopped his fidgeting with the glass. "... Honor means different things to different people. I intend to take mine back."
Karai nodded. "That is familiar to me."
"Enjoy the rest of your evening, Karai-sama," Adrien held out his hand which Karai took.
Slipping the chip he passed her into her glove.
Adrien set his untouched glass on another waiter's tray as he walked back to his friends.
"Now!" He clapped his hands. "Who are we relieving of their money?"
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
