Faced with his decisions, the Beastzing gears up and travels to meet his prospective bosses face to face, telling them how it is and viceversa.

Special thanks to  Herr Wozzeck,  MartineauQC and  qovapryi for their input in all the different scenes...

All part of the " furrybasketball universe, check it out!

---

It was supposed to be clean cut, easy, a walk in the park. They would let them do his thing, borrow some team uniforms and feel their court for an hour (luckily none of the three GMs got funny when he asked that prior, plus points for all), then go up to them face-to-face and lay his points, and let them talk their points to him. Then a decision can be obtained easily in the next couple of days. Cold, calculated and easy couple of travel days.

========================

LORAIN

Agundio sighed, holding his hands in his pockets. He then sighed, walking down the corridor as he walked along. Gabe stood up as soon as he walked by, the crow keeping pace with Agundio.

“So how’d he go?” asked Gabe.

“I… He really wants me back,” Agundio replied. “Ms. Beaubonique thinks my prospects in Texas would be better for certain, but hearing Mr. Wregget just now…”

Gabe nodded, crossing his arms as they came to the door of the training facilities. “I think anyone would’ve wanted you back, given how you did with Ruth House,” Gabe said. He then opened the door, walking in. “Ya gotta think about it this way: life’s too short for that crap.”

Agundio nodded, before both furs made their way to the training facility. As Gabe cleared the doorway, though, Agundio was gently bumped out of the way by a slightly taller figure, being led in there by one of the Firestorm’s trainers.

A figure quickly made his way in the court. Agundio noticed he was wearing Firestorm gear, the type they wore at training practices. He then nodded, thinking it was likely Danica given the clothing.

Gabe turned back, noticing the presence of the much taller being, making him do a second take. “Hey, Aggie? Who is she? She got nice hair...”

Agundio blinked, before looking back at Gabe. He then took a second look at the figure, and stopped: he noticed immediately that the hair was too long to be from Danica. The ears, too, were the wrong shape and the body was not her fur color, a brown almost veering to black. And then, he looked at the body in greater detail, finally spying a familiar burn on his arm.

“Sterling!?”

The mustelid did not hear the avian, making his way to the court, grabbing a ball and judging the sights of the court before heading over, dribbling. In response, Agundio rushed forward, shaking his head as his steps reverberated around the court.

“Sterling!” Agundio shouted out as he got halfway to where Sterling stood, Gabe half-jogging, trailing behind.

The marbled polecat finally looked over his shoulder to his name being called. “Sup, Aggy?” he said as he threw the ball to the net, bouncing from the rim.

Agundio approached Sterling, shaking his head as he slowed down. “You didn’t tell me you would be in town!” he said. “What are you doing here?” He then noticed the red and orange clothing on his friend resembling his own team and his mind connected some dots. “And in Firestorm…” He shook his head. “You can’t have possibly made your choice already!”

“Pfft, no.” Sterling scoffed. “I gotta test the waters with all these GMs, and I'm doin’ it the only way I have to.”

Agundio nodded, rubbing the back of his head. “So I see…” he then looked up. “So you’re meeting with Mr. Wregget soon?”

“Ja,” he said, stretching. “But I got to get the feel of the court first. If I don't like it, I may not like the team. And after testing the court and the… gear,” he displayed the jersey, no name or number yet. “I talk one on one, and they gotta meet my conditions or sell me something good.”

Agundio nodded. “Well, I know you will not put much stock in it, but I would like very much to be able to play by your side again.” He nodded, looking to the side. “But I will respect your final decision, whatever it may be.” He sighed. “I wish I could be so certain of what I wanted from my upcoming team…”

“If ya don't pressure these people, they'll buy you for crap and you will be seen as crap. Seriously, the offers can be lopsided as shit cus of assumed fame and not skills. Else why you think Knight has that contract?”

“It’s not that,” Agundio said, tapping his talon against the floor. “It’s… a lot of things, not related to money. Tennessee looks like a good team, and Ms. Beaubonique is telling me that going there would be a better move for my career. But Mr. Wregget really wants me to come back to Lorain.” He shrugged. “Huntsville wants me, too, but I don’t particularly think I would feel comfortable on a team with that many combative personalities.”

“I saw the offers out there, and puttin' this shit out there now: Lorain ain't thinking you that good.” Sterling shook his head.

“And at the same time…” He looked back to Gabe. “I need to clear my head somewhere.” He then looked around the court, before turning back to Sterling. “Actually…” He then pulled at his hoodie, pulling it off. “Gabe, can you take my jacket for a second?”

The raven stepped forward, before he grabbed the hoodie. “What’re ya doing?” he asked.

Agundio nodded, pulling his arms free and stretching them briefly. “You did say you wanted to test the court, yes?” Agundio asked. “Why not a scrimmage? You and me, here, at this moment.”

“I mean, if ya trying to veer me to Lorain, I know you might fucking leave anyhow,” Sterling cocked his head. “But I take it.”

And here, Agundio only smiled coyly, bending down to give his legs a gentle stretch. “I did play on this court for two years, Sterling,” he noted. “And I think I need it more than you now.”

He then looked to the polecat. “Now, let’s get started, yes?” He grinned. “You may want to stand back, Gabe. This is going to be interesting.”

The polecat immediately drove for a lay-up, opposite to where Agundio was standing. The avian followed Sterling, his hand reaching up and just managing to stop the ball from going into the basket. The two of them landed, before Agundio dribbled, moving to turn around Sterling and attempt to get the ball in.

It was a good half-an-hour of tough gaming had between the two friends, Gabe watching .from a distance. He’d seen plenty of games on the shelter’s TV, of course, but there was nothing quite like the friendly scrimmage going on between them. Agundio laughed just as easily as anything else, and Sterling could only keep his perpetual smirk up.

Eventually they stopped playing. As they did this, they sauntered over, Gabe standing up as the two of them approached. “And there go your legendary requirements,” said Agundio. “I figure you would ask for good money, yes?”

“Duh.” he gestured. “But there's way more than just money in the line. I haven't told anyone this, so shut it…” Sterling told the avian. “But one of my requirements for LOR only is to give you a good fucking contract. If they really feel so, why are they giving a contract twice as big to a random bitch?”

Agundio blinked. “Really?” he asked. “I… I am flattered, Sterling. I…” He rubbed the back of his head. “Thank you.” He then sat down at the bench, looking to the floor. “Mr. Wregget asked me about you, you know. Don’t tell him I told you this, but… he was concerned you may not be so community minded. I told him you were more charitable than you seem in outward appearance, and that you’re a firm believer in having someone’s heart be in it to genuinely help.”

“If they force me into it, it's gonna be a big fucking minus to this team. But with the contract…” Sterling wiped sweat off his forehead. “...They gotta show consistency, and it's one thing of mine, the rest is up to YOU. You're the only one who can say, I'm the main guy here, fucking pay.”

Agundio nodded, digesting this. He then frowned, looking up at Sterling. “Do you mind if I ask you something else?” he asked.

“Ja?” the polecat swung his long hair to his back.

Agundio looked down. “I think something I’ve thought about a lot this free agency…” He tapped his talons against the hardwood floor. “I want to know how you feel about this. Back in Billings… do you feel particularly close to that community? Do you think you could say goodbye so easily?”

He sighed. “Yanno, at first I thought it was gonna be a clean-cut decision, and I still feel that this is a business. The best conditions and paycheck should win… but building that town up and injecting the culture back to it takes heart and effort, and that no move can take away… I don't do BS charities or make fake appearances, but from the core, making the town proud of their team and the identity is… really fucking something, you know…”

“Yeah…” Gabe leaned back, crossing his arms. “It’s great ta have guys to look up to, ya know?”

“At the same time, it makes it less “me" and more “Howlers". And I feel anything goes, they know the difference and how to keep what I implanted going.”

“I dunno about that,” said Gabe. He glanced to the floor. “When Aggie came ta help us at the Ruth House at first, it was really somethin’. Nobody really gave us any mind until Aggie got Mr. Wregget to help us out.” He shrugged. “That was Aggie there, and I don’t think Lorain has forgotten that.”

“It's the responsibility of the team to keep the flavor of the players who made some positive shit. If Agundio leaves and they decide to kick ya to the curb, it's not Agundio’s fault, it's Lorain’s for not fucking following.”

Agundio nodded. He remained still, looking out to the court. He studied the exact contour of the court, every curve of the bench, the baskets as they hovered over the hardwood. He then thought of all the games he had played there, all the times he’d been around. He thought back to his Fire of Hope night, to how thrilled the crowds had been: even through his own worries about Kevin and Pietro, that had shone through still. And he thought about how Mr. Wregget had wanted him to get back for another Fire of Hope…

The hybrid stood up, stretching his arms. “Honestly, I thought it would be harder to leave, given the roots I have here,” he said. He then crossed his arms, looking at Sterling. “Thanks for the talk. I think it’s made a few things clearer for me.”

“This is a business, Aggs." the mustelid said, patting a towel to wipe off the sweat. “Overall, you gotta get the best fucking deal. Price, town, management, success, chemistry. Everything has to click. And you gotta step up and fucking make it for yourself.”

Agundio nodded, looking up at the GM office. “When was your meeting scheduled, Sterling?”

“Gonna go in right now. They gave me a “take your time" on the court.”

“Wait, you’re just gonna come in all sweaty like that?” Gabe asked.

“If they don't like me like this, then they not fucking ready to actually deal with athletes.” Sterling said matter-of-factly.

Agundio nodded. “Feel free to tell Mr. Wregget I will be back in two hours,” he said. He then pulled out his phone. “I need to speak to Ms. Beaubonique.” He then paused, before looking at Sterling. “Oh, and Sterling: I am taking you to dinner tonight.”

“Deal…” he said. “Where to the offices?” the polecat on his way out.

Agundio pointed at the door he came out of. “To the right,” he said. “Mr. Wregget’s office will be past the second set of restrooms.” the polecat quickly finding his way to the offices.

“Back...” Sterling entered the room, sitting down opposite to Micheal.

“Mister Sterling, glad to see you again. I must say our uniform is looking well on you.” He responded, trying to lighten the mood up.

“It is still blank, and it may remain the same or it may not. That depends on you.” he replied, kind of dryly. “Let’s start with the main question: Why me?”

The vole would adjust his glasses. “Well, Lorain is slowly building up to be a franchise to watch. We did lots of efforts on and off the court in order to make our franchise look legitimate again in the short run. With Miss Melbourne gone, we need to fill our starter spot at Center, and you are one of the most sought after at this free agency. I feel we are a year or two away to contend not only for our division and beat Williamsburg, but also contend for a title.”

“A title? After not managing to get a division leader status in recent years?” Sterling asked, looking away, aloof.

“I did say that we’re building up to be a competitive franchise. We’re almost there. We think that you along with Agundio and Michelle Sundos can be our Big 3 for the Firestorm. I must say that since our first interview from way back at the combine, I am happy to see you proved your doubters wrong.”

“Was there any question?” he smirked, but his expression turned serious once again. “It’s interesting you say Agundio is one of the big 3. I mean...” his sideways gaze switched towards the General Manager. “...You are not certainly treating him like if he was a big… anything.”

“We hold mister Morales in high regard. He progressed so much in two yea-”

“But looking at the free agency, I kinda have to, the offers and the wording are…’meh, you good, we want to keep you’. That makes me think… do you just talk about someone being a big thing? Or would you actually take the step for them to be a big thing?” his question making the room silent. “Why a walk-on from another team like Michelle is set to bank twice more than an guy who will be a dedicated star in the long run, and obviously loyal to you, maybe to a fault?”

“We are following the usual steps for a player career, Michelle Sundos has proved by her skills that she is within the top 5 in the FBA in the PG position, and we figure she deserves to be paid as such. I have always been close and looked at Aggie’s progression, was with him through the bad times when his brother went missing. And now he right on his way to become a great star in the league. We are still negotiating with him and we are willing to keep him with us because he matters to us, mister Sterling. And so do you. Agundio speaks really highly of you.”

Sterling looked down, pensive for a while. “I looked at how Michelle got here, and considering the circumstances, I think you probably missed a big point: If she came here because you heeded her requests, then maybe she’ll have some loyalty. But Agundio as a player is different: he has a brand, he has a team mentality that would make any team want him in a snap. And if I get here, I want him to be treated with the same star quality you’re treating someone technically in their second year. Up his contract to something big, what he wants, make him happy. If you don’t, then that tells me that you are not sure to take a stance on what you think is an actual star and you would be… just talk and bluff.” he looked at Micheal in the eyes. “Is that clear?”

The vole look back, putting his glasses down. “You can be sure I'm doing my best to keep Aggie in. He does not only represent a future star, but he is the perfect representation of what we been envisioning what our franchise is all about. We are the beating heart of this community. We're not only the Firestorm, but the city of Lorain team. And we want you, your spirit, to help lift those people further. On the more basketball side of all of it, As you have seen in these recent years, we grown to be quite a tough defens-”

“Save the court talk.” Sterling dismissed. “If you're wanting me, I know you want the best in defense there is. So, the next point… it's funny how you said “community" and “the city", since I heard from the walls around here that you think... I do not represent that. Despite making a country-wide stunt in Sweden for young people…” he commented. “If I get here, what will you make me do to fit your “community" mentality?”

Micheal leans in. “Well first of all, it was a great thing you did.” speaking of his record breaking adventure. “And well when someone is wrong about something, is the manliest thing to do to hone up to it: I was skeptical before, as you recall our first ever interview. But seeing what you have done, the stories about the things you did over in Montana, and what Agundio have told me-"

“Question.” Sterling said dryly.

“Yes?”

“Answer the question I asked.” Sterling cocked his head. “What do you make your team do for that “mentality" to be reached?”

“Well we keep building our connection with the community with plenty of projects, as you may have heard, our “Fire of hope” initiative has been a great success as it brought the quality of living in Lorain and help many people along the way. We make sure that every donation goes directly in helping the people.”

“And if someone else opts out or chooses for an alternative, less forced way?”

“Well, I do make the effort to respect the individual choices. Like I said, all the good we do we are legit in doing so.”

“Okay…” Sterling said, the ambiguous answer making the vole nervous. “So, next thing…” the mustelid grabbed a copy of the initial contract Lorain offered to him, waving the paper. “You know this is not gonna cut it, ja?”

Micheal nodded. “We understand. It was just a foothold so we can discuss more about your salary demands.”

“Good to know.” he said. Sterling gave a paper, some numbers on it.

*15/15/15/17.5/17.5*

“That is my dream contract. What do you think?” Sterling asked.

The vole looked onto the paper. “So you are thinking long term I see?” Micheal leaned back into his chair.

“Obviously.” he said. “Once I accept, I die in that team unless I say otherwise. But I know you won't give that contract.” he nodded.

“Those are sure high amounts of money per year, from typical FBA standards, those are Veteran All Star status, But which also coincide with what a figurehead player in a team should make..” he said, as he looked at the polecat. “What makes you say that we wouldn't do so?”

“It's how it is. I know your kind. Saving money, getting new sensations for cheap, etcetera. So here I am giving you a word on what you will pay, and I will listen to your alternative offers. Besides, while it is my dream contract, it may not guarantee me accepting it. So outside circumstances have to give too.”

“Well we proven to be cost effective and have a great return on our investments such like miss Tsubasa, miss Magnano, St.Peter and many on our roster. We take good pride on analyzing what player to get based on skills and grades some other teams might miss..”

“Hm…” he nodded. “You did say starter from day one, there's that… there's one more thing. If I get here… what are the chances of me becoming team Captain?” he asked matter-of-factly. “When in my career? Sole or co-ed? ...Never?”

“They are possibly good. Maybe not in the first year, but the way we been building, if you always bring that intensity on the court and the team follows your lead naturally along our big 3. There great chances. Sole or Co-ed really is up to within the team itself.”

“Okay… the rest is up to you to do. Thank you very much Mr. Wregget.” the polecat stood up, shaking his hand, on his way out.

“Pleasure all mine Mister Sterling, have a good day.”

========================

BILOXI

“I’m back...” the mustelid opened the general manager’s office door, fresh from playing on the court for about an hour or so. “You sure gave this place a facelift since the roof came up…”

The middle aged muskrat lifted his snout from the report he was reading. “Come in, Mr. Bengtzing,” he said, his massive form leaning into the stylish office chair as he stacked the papers on the side of his desk. “Glad you liked our facilities and training centre...and hoping it will somehow factor into your final decision.”

“If I don't like the feel of the stadium, chances are I ain't gonna like you.” both laughed. “But let's cut to the chase. I was gonna ask you one question I had planned, but due to… recent events… I got to ask a different one. Why Kim, if you already had Fisher?”

Waldrop shifted his weight on one side, slightly annoyed at the polecat questioning what in his mind had been one of his most brilliant resolutions in his tenure as GM of the Voodoo.

“I mean, you do know Kim’s one of the best ones at the moment, so that required some “cajones” to pull out, ja?”

The muskrat made a face at Sterling’s butchering of Spanish, but let it slide. “You certainly know the saying that goes like…there’s no point in beating a dead horse. Fisher’s been a great contributor for our team during the past two seasons, so was Bobby Heron and for a lot longer...but after a few seasons of struggle, we thought this was the right moment to wipe the slate clean and bring in a new vision, not simply revel in an old and surpassed one that didn’t ever really work for us,” he said.

Sterling nodded. “The question I had planned was “why me?”, but considering Kim and what you just said, it's kind of evident...” he gestured.

“Actually,” Waldrop interrupted the polecat, “that’s just the gist of it. We haven’t thought about bringing you in just because you’re one of the league’s most interesting young prospects…one that has attracted way less movement, we could say, than what a talented youngster of your caliber should warrant.”

“That's how assumed fame works. Else why you think some of those duds got huge contracts?” Sterling asked ironically.

“There’s a method behind every GM’s madness,” the muskrat retorted. “And I can tell you right now that I had to fight with the board to even have them entertaining the idea of you joining the Voodoo. Have you got any ideas about the reason why?”

“Funny I was gonna ask you that.” Sterling cocked his head. “You seem to have your plan, your Mudpuppy legacy, your sound structure, your good labia… yet there goes a high rejection rate. Why do you think that is?”

“Answer my question first,” Waldrop snickered.

Sterling was taken aback, not expecting the interview to turn, after a while of fishing out for the original question in his mind, he ceded to the muskrat’s request. “For what it’s worth, let's say I ain’t got any idea why.”

“Oh but you do,” Waldrop grinned. “Does your featuring into, and I quote, FSPN.com’s “Ten FBA Players Who Need Attitude Adjustments” list clue you in?”

Sterling shook his head. “They don't see the entire thing, obviously they won't because hello, fucking private life is private.” he snickered. “But has Montana engulfed in flames and hate and failure since I joined? Has the town hated my signing and ask me to bounce? Not even once.”

The muskrat sighed under his whiskers as he saw the polecat getting on the defensive. “You’re missing the point, Bengtzing,” he said. “I know what’s the deal with you, I know how you made a name for yourself in Billings despite all the controversies and Twitter rants, yet to be fair... that’s exactly the reason why I want you on my team.”

Sterling sat perplexed, trying to hide his mild surprise at what the muskrat answered. “...You’re not the brown-nosing, ‘good job, love you, work, superstar’ kind of manager, aren't you?” Sterling let himself to laugh loud.

“Wait until I’m done with you before making such an assumption,” Waldrop snickered. “To answer your question of earlier...yeah, the Mudpuppies’ legacy is what’s driving us into the ground for good. We did the damnedest to revive the franchise’s golden years, we had Barton Rouge and Bobby Heron rejoining each other, set up the whole ‘kumbaya’ kind of reception as we did everything we could to make sure Rouge’s image was cleared after he betrayed Biloxi and his fans for 175 millions of bad reasons…” he shook his head in mock disgust. “...just to became the league’s proverbial cellar dwellers and lose the respect of our fans - whom to be honest, after how hard we tested their patience, I don’t blame in the slightest. The Mudpuppies days are over for good, and the Voodoo are an entire different beast - I say it’s time to let the world see the difference.”

“Interesting…” Sterling thought about the answer. “Let's go to another observation of mine, the coaching-"

“We’re changing it.”

“While I like Vinc-" The mustelid feel silent, his ears perking, looking at Waldrop intensely.

The muskrat went on as if he hadn’t heard Sterling’s remark. “We brought Wei in two years ago, in the hope that having as HC a player Rouge respected could make him want to stick around and learn from him, and potentially replace him a few years down the line,” he said. “Yet we are here, and the mighty Guarantee’s down at Biloxi State teaching to college players who’ll never be worth one hundredth of his skill. Wei did a decent job during these two seasons, but in the end, we do not feel his results warrant a prolonging of his contract. Especially not with the direction the team’s gonna be taking.”

Sterling flickered his ears, surprised that, even with his stunts and overall onscreen jolly persona, the muskrat had his depths and opinions he seemingly wasn't afraid to reveal. “And to where is that direction?”

Instead of answering the polecat’s question, Waldrop surprised him yet again with one of his own. “Do you know Craig Reinhardt?”

“A bouncing trade for 5 years who no one wanted until they threw it at you to fester, but excelled here and found a home for good reason?” he answered, matter-of-factly. “Just in case you want to sell him as if he’s always been this Davis-Zeraus’ hybrid baby superstar.”

“Yet you’d be hard pressed to confute the fact that he’s been the best thing that’s happened to us in the past five years. And that his attitude is strikingly similar to your own, to quote FSPN’s list of ‘undesirables’ yet again,” the muskrat said. “I want Biloxi to be what Montana has ceased to be the day after Rufus left to Northern California. Being nice and taking refuge in our past didn’t do much for us - but it won’t be the case after the new big, bold, aggressive Voodoo sets foot on the hardwood. And I know I got the right candidate to coach this group and make sure your collective egos don’t sink the boat.”

“You say that cuz I never played for you, always against you..” he smirked. “But dare I ask who is this guy?”

“Can’t say until papers are signed. All you need to know is that he’s a former All-Star, one that covered more or less your actual position in his heyday,” Waldrop chuckled. “If you know the league’s history as a player of your caliber should do, I think it should be pretty clear.”

Sterling looked askew, kind of miffed his curiosity was not solved, but let the muskrat play his risk, “So next question… What will you have me do out of the court? What charity event? What appearance, dress codes, speech? Will I have some Big Brother shit like in Seattle? Do I have to tolerate your dumbassness like in Texas? Or do you let your players be and develop the image and give back the way they want? This is an important one, so how many appearances at the BBQ joint a year we talking about?” his last remark with a hint of sarcasm to it.

“I expect you to act professionally and represent the values of our franchise at all times. That’s all,” the muskrat said, haughtily rubbing his paws. “We’re not going to tape your mouth shut and we’ll let you be yourself, in relation with what is expected of a professional basketball player. As for charities and other big events, we’re talking a Viking Night special and maybe a bobblehead promo opportunity later in the season...but what I care the most is that your attitude doesn’t turn into a problem for me. Because I can say it right now, that’s the moment I’m hanging you out to dry,” he concluded with a snerk. “Reinhardt made it work and so can you. And you managed to do so in Montana as far as I know, so as long as you channel your aggressiveness towards your opponents and turn it into the drive and dedication we need to score those Ws, we’ll all be fine.”

Sterling’s tail flickered in some annoyance. “We'll talk about the “Viking Night” later…” he said, some strain. “Now, the contract. While you know it is by no means the final figure, I got to admit, your opening step to get me was the best out of all...” his tail swayed again in a different fashion as he changed his tone. “Let me show you something…” the mustelid said, rummaging through his belongings, shifting his long hair out of his way. Sterling gave a paper, some numbers on it.

*15/15/15/17.5/17.5*

“That is my dream contract. What do you think?” Sterling asked. “Whoever sends this, gives me a clear message that they want me, even if this by itself doesn't guarantee me flying to them. And well, I know I won't get it, because I know your kind, though, trying to save money anywhere you can…”

The muskrat smirked as he made the math in his head. “I wonder why you didn’t add another five hundred grand while you were at it.”

“I don't complain if you do!” Sterling laughed. “But my point is, I am not a player to experiment with, I am not a passing glance. My contract is meant to die with the team I am in unless I say otherwise, and hoping you and all the other managers know that. And here is the part where I am open to what you got to offer. We don't need to talk numbers now, just know that I want to keep some status over who is the real star of 2015… and you meaning to fulfill that debt from beginning to end...” he said, icyly.

“I take that you’ve read the letter that came with our opening offer?” the muskrat asked.

“Why did you think I said you got the best opening contract?” he smirked, displaying his crooked fang. “Know that if the renegotiation is the case, swear to your food chain I am taking it.”

“I meant the written part, not just the figures,” Waldrop retorted. “We already have an All-Star caliber bigfur, and I can’t pay you more than him for the remainder of his contract. Full stop,” the muskrat added, his tone turning from relaxed to dead serious in a split second. “You still got a lot to prove in this league before you can say you truly earned these numbers,” he said, matter-of-factly, shaking the piece of paper Sterling had presented to him between thumb and finger. “And it’s better for you to know that Reinhardt is rather...territorial, I’d say, over his starting position and the claims that go with it. And he did best you last season, despite lacking Montana’s firepower behind his back.”

“But as you know, we both ain't exclusive to our positions, so theoretically working together starting is possible. And if you want me, I am sure you want me to start up. Else you woulda gone for another filler guy.”

“That’s for you to prove to our future coach, not for me to promise you right now,” the muskrat didn’t relent. “This is a challenge, and one the player you’re boasting to be shouldn’t bat an eye towards.”

Sterling’s tail flickered again. This one would be a risky move, the muskrat displaying a pros and cons at a rapid pace. “I think you know better than anyone that you just don't want me to develop an ego and flop as a starter, but inside, you rejecting a double wall Reinhardt-Bengtzing duo… choices.” his last word with some cheery yet obvious sarcasm.

“I’m not rejecting anything, although I’m pretty sure you know we got enough depth at PF as well,” Waldrop said. “But Evans is team captain, and Reinhardt holds a whole lot of power in our locker room. He simply won’t accept being paid less than a newcomer, especially now that he can look around if he so wants.”

“I guess it depends how much you may are willing to up until we both reach an agreement. While not now, in the future I will take on your offer for an increase, because I know that keeping Biloxi’s line is as important than being paid so much to the point you want to get rid of me. Because I do not want to be paid less than someone that is speciesist or a Center that everyone boasted being better than me, but that I bested twice in a row, once on playoffs.” he pointed to his back.

The muskrat took Sterling’s paper, drew a line over his proposed offer and scribbled something underneath, before returning it to the polecat. It said 9/11/13/15. “If you maintain your end of our bargain, I’ll do the same. Reinhardt’s contract ends in 2019, and we’ll get to discuss this later on the basis of 20.5 million for the first year after that and increase from there. I know how much that number would mean to you,” he said with a smirk.

Sterling looked at the number well. “Can you afford it? Can you be sure that in the end you won't be kicking out myself or Kim in a ruse to save up?” he asked. “You're offering so many things I like… I am just wondering where is the catch, naturally.”

The muskrat pondered for a moment. “Naturally, for us to get to that point, we’ll have to set some standards you ought to reach.”

The polecat nodded, putting the paper back in his pocket, not saying much after that. “I'll trust this is the legitimate way you treat your players instead of trying to seduce me with all this good shit and then stripping it all away. If you know your history, you know we Bengtzings don't like to get fucked over because it will haunt you for life...”

“I can tell that as it is, that...” the muskrat pointed at the card Sterling now detained, “...is already more than what you’ll be getting elsewhere. I’m giving you a big chance, it’s up to you to take it and show that you deserved it. Or if you want, you can still go back to Billings and help Inoue and Renstill win that ring...”

Sterling’s tail was a full paragraph, even if his face remained stony. “We will see about that…” he said, stepping up his chair, towering over the GM. “One last question… If I get here, what are the chances of me becoming team Captain?” he asked matter-of-factly. “When in my career? Sole or co-ed? ...Never?”

The muskrat cocked his head. “Uhm...have I not given you enough responsibility?”

“Just humor me with this question, Mr. GM, ja?” he smirked. “So far everyone has responded to it… But if you are not comfortable...”

“There’s a reason our locker room has been choosing Evans as team captain for two seasons straight,” Waldrop rebuffed. “He is a true-born trailblazer, and he has that “pack leader” mentality we seek in a potential team captain more than stats and on-court accolades. Do you think you got it in you to challenge his captainship sometime down the road?”

“Just saying, as great of a captain he is, I could eventually outlast him. I am younger, and that is a fact...” he pointed out.

“Well it has always been my policy to not interfere in this kind of decisions. The locker room selects its captain, and it makes no sense to impose someone’s name just because he’s a bigger or more marketable name. Don’t know how things work elsewhere, but you’ll have to convince your teammates you’re the right fur for the job.”

“Hm…” the polecat digested the answer. “Well, my time here is done, Mr. Waldrop, thank you for your time, ja?” he gestured for a handshake, his paw pretty much engulfing the muskrat’s.

“You’re welcome,” Waldrop said, returning the shake. “I know I’ve given you enough food for thought. Will send the definitive offer before the end of the week.”

With that, the polecat started to make his way out through the stadium. “I'll return the uniform where I got it, ja?”

========================

BILLINGS

The polecat walked into his coach’s office, donning regular street clothes, without much fashion or procedures as the other prior interviews. His coach for two years was in the room, given the news of a possible management change and a vacancy at the moment, the mustelid figured that it was the best bet to go to the man in de facto responsibility of the Howlers

“So this is how it feels like being unemployed at the moment...” Sterling said, snarking.

“Ye sure ya wont stay as much for much longer lad.” the cat chuckles. “I know the front office are having issues right now, but I told them I can speak with ye about your contract...” He followed.

“Let’s get this started, then, Frank...” he said, the referral by name not lost on the feline. “Starting this from the top: Why me?”

“What else need to be said lad, ye represent the Howler spirit. The arena hasn't been as loud as it was since Shane Rufus. The fans and city as adopted da team, Ya did ya thing here With your our starting is one of..scuse me, da Best in da league. And ye wouldn't want ta change places afta being so close to da trophy my lad? We were one win away! And we can still contest next year!” he exclaimed.

“I mean, it is the norm to foster the people, pappa taught me as so. Good thing the Howlers had that legacy and that image… one I kinda had to resuscitate, and lo and behold.” he replied, his tail swaying slowly. “Before me it was just… dead, between bad runs and disqualifications...”

“More the reasons ta stay with us lad, ya building yeself a legacy here, one of success, just like ye want ta show the league. I know ye also got ya pals Kim at Biloxi and Morales in Lorain, but ye got ye own thing here in Montana. Why leave that here when people can come ta you, ta us?”

Sterling’s eyes drifted away. “Thing is, for a legacy, I’m not seeing… a lot of momentum, for me. Sure, the teammates are great, and they are stars, and I did convince the GM to take a look at Brax, but once is all said and done, once all I do and say has been set, it all feels a bit...” he looked away, making eye contact with Franklin for his sentence end. “...stagnant.”

“Stagnant? Well lad we’re near into getting that title once again next year, from then, who said we can’t have a few more on our belt. Perhaps a great Dynasty in the making..but tell me lad...why are you feeling so?”

“I think you know all I did around in this town, and all the investments I pioneered, ja?”

“Why certainly, the howler brew is quite amazing, and the Hooligans business is Booming right now...”
“Yet it all feels like… surplus additions. As if it was not anything special stadium wise, at least to me...” Sterling nodded. “Look, you have been a great coach to work with, the management as well, but I believe that right now, I’m at the point in my career I need to have a say beyond just that...” his tail flickered. “I feel that this team needs more of my influence, to take me more seriously, but yet I feel I’ve plateaued here. As if this is as good as I am going to get it in this place if I don’t have the leeway to do something about it...”

“Well lad, ya certainly shown your worth in the two years ye did ere. You shown to me, ya shown to your teammates and ya shown to the whole FBA. Even if there few naysayers, most people respect ya work. Ye talk ta talk and ye walked ta walk.” The cat leans back. “You, Inoue and Kresta are our main-”

“Thaaat’s a lot of names...” he interrupted.

“What’d ya mean?”

“They all are worth to keep being legacy players in the long run and 100% would work with them in the long run, but this ‘three center’ system is already going against me. If those two are as big as they are, where does that leave me? Where does that leave the one who switched the switch in the playoffs and got us to the finals? The one that convinced you, very reluctantly at first, to get Brax and fix our positions up?” he kept asking. “My point is, if you look at other teams, the natural born leaders are given the spot to control after earning it. Barrett, Valencia, Umaechi, Nacht, Matthiews… And that goes beyond playing good games. My point is… I am not sure if it will happen to me like so in Montana. Sure, we might be successful, but then… where is my legacy? The two years are done, but I need to see the signs of it shifting, and so far...” Sterling shook his head.

“ I can’t say I don't disagree with you lad, you shown it every step of da way. But ye know I don’t make the final decisions in here, But I am sure willing ta go ta bat with the front office for ya. Ya want ta lead this team, And you have sure earn it. “

“I know, but you’re the best referral to whoever will be in charge...” he smiled. “Even so, I feel the team’s kinda set on keeping them as is, judging by the scant contracts I’ve seen...I mean they’re good, but… it all kinda signals the same route...”

“Well if it ain’t broke ya don't fix it, But ye aware that our team is stacked at it is, but what can only change is what they willing ta put their faith on. Tell me lad, what do ya teammates would say if ye were named team captain?”

“Considering Brisbane is just de jure at the moment, I feel it’d be welcome...” the mustelid replied. “But will talk about that later. Signings. Yes, good, nice… but other teams are improving on the ones I feel great playing with, and other big signings also had people they feel great with tag along. I got one or two good friends here, but it can always be better, hm? I got the pull for that to happen...” Sterling raised his eyebrows.

“Interesting, what are ye proposing?”
“Who are my friends in the league?” he asked his own question back. “I’ve been pretty vocal about it, so you oughta know...”

“Well ye got Kim, Morales, there also that Mallark Fellow in Tennessee…”

“Number of attempts to reach out to them? It might be too late, too...” his tail flickered. “Now my signing does not solely depend of my friends or the money, but I oughta see the combination of something good happening...”

“What else? I’m listening lad...”

“Let me show you something…” the mustelid said, rummaging through his belongings, shifting his long hair out of his way. Sterling gave a paper, some numbers on it.

*15/15/15/17.5/17.5*

“That is my dream contract. Impressive, hm?” he asked. “And since I started the legacy here, adding a bit more shouldn't be a hassle, no?”

“Ya sure about the years, and the money well, They better think about it if they want ta keep ya in, is that a hard offer or ye expect something around those numbers?”

“I know I should not be expecting that, since I know the GM’s kind, but let's say that Biloxi or Lorain offering an alternative would be less offensive as if this team did.” Sterling said dryly.

“Bah, I saw what they sent ye, I told them “Ye sure ye wanna get him back?”” the old cat shakes his head. “I’m sure they going ta adjust themselves next time. I really want ta have ye back Ster me lad, but ye know, I ain't da one signing da checks.”

“And then they tried to copy Lorain’s, when I said contracts ain't final until I spoke. So I guess they got scared… But letting that slide, you know I deserve to be a high roller, even more so what these others have undeservedly banked on…”

“Duely noted lad. Anything else I might tell them upstairs?”

“Let them keep your day job?” he asked half-jokingly, lightening the mood.

The cat laughs. “Certainly, me life is for coaching, I nevah consider meself to be anything else but a coach.” He chuckled.

“Don’t make this team the next Seattle, don’t make this team the next Plymouth, don’t make this team the next Texas. Whoever comes here has to respect the legacy, and has to let players be. If that is lost, then I am signin’ out so quick, I fucking swear...”

“Don't ye worry lad, the Howlers will stay the Howlers, but with ya just ta make sure everything is what it must be.” He chuckles.

“And those changes...” Sterling’s tone became serious again. “I need to see those changes and I need to see them fast. It’s a competition for me out there. And the other two teams ain’t of those dead in the water...” his tail swayed slowly, the cat unsure of what that sway meant. “And it ain’t just money or nice things that will win me over. It… it will be hard, Franklin, I admit.”

“Well lad, I can’t guarantee it, But as I said, I’m going to do me best to plead ta them so they met ye demands and bring ye back. We have ta finish what we started. Let’s get that title and drink on that!”

“Ja...” he said, looking away. “There’s only one last thing before I go, and I asked this question all around. But I ain’t going to ask you that. Ya know what that question was?”

“ If ye can become the team captain?” He chuckles, sorta figured it out.

“Ja…. If...” Sterling said. “I ain't gonna ask you that...” he said standing up. “What I will ask ya is that, when I become team captain around any time next season, and for as long as I am here, will ya guarantee that you will cooperate with me in shaping this team as it needs to be shaped? No ifs, no buts, no outside influence?” Sterling asked, seriously.

“I don't see why not, I mean it did wonders ta us, and ye know that I ain’t too shabby either when we get the time ta know me.” He chuckles again.

“Bein’ dead serious. Other teams have that system and let their caps call the shots on who gets in the team, who doesn’t who gets promoted, who gets down, and all in between. I expect the same amount of leadership, cuz what I did out the court and how far we took this team based on my say, I’d say I deserve it.”

“I understand lad.” he told him.

“Glad to know, Franklin. I hope they get the move quick, cuz these other teams… they’re going all in…” he nodded, offering to shake the cat’s hand.

The cat gave an hardy shake. “You take care of yeself my lad.”

The mustelid started to make his way out of the office. “And Frank?”

“Yes?”

“Whatever happens, if I stay or leave, this has been the best way to enter this league.” Sterling replied pointing down. “Keep this route at all costs and ya will keep makin the FBA great.”

The cat nods. “Thank ye lad, I really appreciate it.”

========================

The polecat sighed, slumping on his Newark-bound plane seat, lost in his thoughts, waiting for the responses to come.

It was supposed to be clean cut, easy, a walk in the park....