Part 3: The Matthew Effect

Wilson: Well, what are you worried about?
Wilson: We own the patent, so what we charge for it is our right! Doesn't matter whether it's sold for $1 or $1000. It's none of their d**ned business.
Wilson: Let the whiners whine all they like. The law is on our side!
Wilson: Well, I'm not going to delay this signing any longer. If you don't want to set this thing to my price, then I can always sell the patent to the Brits instead. You get me?
He slams the phone down.
Sonetto, waiting patiently, at last seizes the opportunity to speak.
Sonetto: Mr. Wilson, we are investigators from the St. Pavlov Foundation. As per the contract, please return to headquarters with us.
Wilson: Yeah … Of course. I fully intend on complying with the Foundation.
Wilson: But first I need to take care of some company business. As you can see, I'm in a "little pickle," and things are far from settled here.
Wilson: You'll just have to wait a few days more until this contract is finalized.
Wilson: Don't worry about it. You and your little investigators can put your feet up and relax. We'll be fully covering your travel expenses while you wait.
Sonetto: But …

X: That's right, Mr. Wilson. More importantly, the "Storm" does not wait.
Wilson: Think I don't know that? That's why I've got to hurry up and sell these patents.
Wilson: Anyway, it's not like you've got any choice in the matter. Or didn't you read the rider?
Wilson smiles sharply.
X casts a confused glance at Sonetto.
Sonetto: … There is indeed a clause. 17.2.2: The Foundation is required to assist in the transfer of property from Wilson Pharmaceuticals …
Sonetto: We will fulfill our obligations.
Sonetto: But Mr. Wilson, if the "Storm" comes, it will be too late.
Wilson: Relax, little Miss Foundation. It won't take long.
Wilson: After my acquisition is complete, I'll honor the contract. I've got my reasons for this, you'll see.
Wilson: Till then, I've got work to do. Now, get out of here. Go make yourselves comfortable.
The protesters are still marching outside the office building.
Passerby: Cancel this sale! Protect patient rights!!!
X rolls up the window.
X: This Wilson guy is pretty smart. I can't believe he got us to sign that rider with the Foundation.
Sonetto: Timekeeper, I do understand your concern.
Sonetto: But according to the terms of the rider, all we can do now is wait.
X: But Mr. Wilson didn't even give us a definitive timeline.
X: What are we going to do? Just wait around until the very last moment before the "Storm"?
Sonetto: That won't be necessary.
Sonetto: If need be, I'll ask headquarters for permission to transfer him forcibly.
X: I'm not sure if that will do much to help.
X: Seems like headquarters was fully aware of Wilson's "little pickle." But they still chose to make this agreement with him.
X: … Hmm, I see. Haha, so that's how it is.
X: Ms. Sonetto, I think we've misunderstood the true purpose of our mission.
Sonetto: What do you mean?
X: Sure, Wilson is an arcanist, but he's a businessman first.
X: He is just trying to seek the best outcome for his interests.
X: So, after learning about the "Storm," he chose to join up with the Foundation. But he also chose to sell off his patents, and he's aiming on getting the most he can.
X: Of course, he had to expect that this would cause a lot of trouble. But as long as he's the rightful patent owner, he can sell it to anyone and for any price.
X: Then, he prepared his own retreat.
X: Mm-hm. You've got it, Ms. Vertin. He knew the Foundation would send someone to pick him up; he also knew he could make them stick around using the rider.
X: So if the situation deteriorates any further, he'll be able to use us as his shield.
Sonetto: Mr. X, what do you mean …?
X: Think about it …
X: Might he not, for example … make us suppress a riot, if it becomes a threat?
Sonetto: … Ridiculous!
Sonetto: We will, of course, ensure Mr. Wilson's personal safety, but we are under no obligation to follow his orders.
X: Ms. Sonetto, I can see why Madam Z warned you about this mission.
X: The moment you said "Of course," you fell into his trap.
Sonetto: I don't understand …?
X: Yes. Just follow the chain of events. All he will need to do is demonstrate that it is our job to "assist in the transfer of property" and "protect the mission target," and on principle, we cannot refuse him.
X: So then the next part is clear. We've got to find a break in the chain and exploit it, before he passes that buck on to us.
X: Huh? Why are you all looking at me like that?
Sonetto: Sorry, your analysis was so reasonable that I almost lost my train of thought.
X: Wait, are we starting to pass the buck already?
X: Well, I can probably keep him safe ... But I'm not sure if I'm the right person for the job.
Sonetto: Of course you are, Mr. X, and I must say it is truly an honor to be on this mission with you.
Sonetto: Your insight has been most invaluable to our mission. Truly.
Well, this mission just went from bad to worse.
X: … I'd better get out of here before you two find more work to give me.
X: See you later, my heartless friends.