Caleb sat at his desk looking over his review from a few weeks ago. "Another good review," he said to himself as he laid back. "Not a bad raise, either." He set the paper down and stretched out a little bit and ran his fingers over his slick black hair. He had been working for the promotional firm for the last three years after getting his degree. At 25 he thought that there would be more of a challenge. He thought about how he could get his boss's job, however, they never really seemed to have any openings for advancement. Caleb had a list of clients he checked on and was always told not to be aggressive with trying to get new clients. Hell, it took him almost a year to get a Facebook page for their company. After a few minutes he decided to try his luck with his boss. Caleb got up from his desk and made his way over the the door and knocked on it several times. "Boss, do you have a few minutes?" he asked.
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Rising Star (Closed for pipper)
- Thread starter FireyIce
- Start date
Susan looked at file after file, trying to see which members of staff under her management were succeeding. Some did, others…well, they could, no, make that, should, be doing a better job. If they didn’t, her immediate boss, Albert McClain, her supervisor, would be demanding why they hadn’t been let go.
Susan hated giving someone the sack, because it would reflect badly on her. After all, she was the one who had hired them, in the first place, and it was proving difficult to hire females, as McClain insisted that they had to wear feminine attire. So, in most cases, Susan would simply had to hire males.
As she was starting to look at another file, there was a knock on the door, then another…then she heard Caleb’s voice. He had been the last person she had hired, and was now regretting it. Since his arrival he had gone against her instructions countless times. “Just stick to the tried and true,” she had told him, but nooo. He had done his own thing. She wanted to fire him, for continually disobeying her, but McClain wouldn’t sanction the dismissal, on the grounds that Caleb had brought in new business, though her boss, did say, if he ‘screwed’ up big time, he was gone!
Now he was at her door, wanting to see her. “Come on in, Caleb.”
Susan hated giving someone the sack, because it would reflect badly on her. After all, she was the one who had hired them, in the first place, and it was proving difficult to hire females, as McClain insisted that they had to wear feminine attire. So, in most cases, Susan would simply had to hire males.
As she was starting to look at another file, there was a knock on the door, then another…then she heard Caleb’s voice. He had been the last person she had hired, and was now regretting it. Since his arrival he had gone against her instructions countless times. “Just stick to the tried and true,” she had told him, but nooo. He had done his own thing. She wanted to fire him, for continually disobeying her, but McClain wouldn’t sanction the dismissal, on the grounds that Caleb had brought in new business, though her boss, did say, if he ‘screwed’ up big time, he was gone!
Now he was at her door, wanting to see her. “Come on in, Caleb.”
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Caleb came in and had a seat in front of Susan. "So I was wondering about how to improve," he told her as he sat down. "I know I tend to be a bit aggressive and the company has some very old and loyal clients. There's a few schools, the hospital, etc etc." he started saying. He tried to not be too relaxed as he had been scorned about that several times in the past. "Well, one idea I had that I wanted to run by you was the fact that I was at a beer festival this past weekend," he told her.
Caleb had thought about how this conversation would go several times since the beginning of the week if it was brought up. "There's a few microbreweries that we could offer a," he cleared his throat a little knowing he was going to utter one of the evil words Susan didn't like hearing, "discount rate to help them promote at a few bars and clubs." He knew there was a little bit of nervousness as he brought up this idea. He knew Susan liked the bottom line showing a lot of profit, not a little. "What do you think?" he asked as he finished purposing his idea.
Caleb had thought about how this conversation would go several times since the beginning of the week if it was brought up. "There's a few microbreweries that we could offer a," he cleared his throat a little knowing he was going to utter one of the evil words Susan didn't like hearing, "discount rate to help them promote at a few bars and clubs." He knew there was a little bit of nervousness as he brought up this idea. He knew Susan liked the bottom line showing a lot of profit, not a little. "What do you think?" he asked as he finished purposing his idea.
Susan listened to Caleb’s proposal. She always made a point of never interrupting until any member of her staff, finished their ‘pitch’. Inwardly, she was trying very hard not to giggle, as he continued. He’s got to be kidding, she thought.
Then it was her turn. “Well, Caleb, that’s a good proposal.” Then Susan leaned forward slightly. “I would like you to make me a detailed proposal report, as to why you think the company is going to make a better profit, then if we didn’t give them a discount…and…what sort of hit would we take if our other clients demanded a discount as well.”
Then it was her turn. “Well, Caleb, that’s a good proposal.” Then Susan leaned forward slightly. “I would like you to make me a detailed proposal report, as to why you think the company is going to make a better profit, then if we didn’t give them a discount…and…what sort of hit would we take if our other clients demanded a discount as well.”
Caleb listened as he heard his boss tease him. The idea of writing up a proposal wasn't a bad idea to him at all. The thing that he was sure that he was showing disgust, was when she stated that he should show what would happen if their current clients demanded a discount.
"Susan, you know there's a difference between our current clients being able to shell out as much as they do compared to a small start up company," he pointed out. "Hell, I'm sure a few clients could get their rates raised and they probably wouldn't even know." Caleb wanted a chance to prove himself that he could expand the company more.
"Let me talk to some of the people, see how much they have and take something like, I don't know, the top five and offer them a deal." He was hoping she would at least allow a small amount to be used. "Maybe give them a small rate and give them a chance to get their product out. We could help expand our reputation." Caleb knew that he was asking for a lot but he was always a careful and calculated risk taker. "I'll even sweeten the offer for you," he said as he finished talking.
"Susan, you know there's a difference between our current clients being able to shell out as much as they do compared to a small start up company," he pointed out. "Hell, I'm sure a few clients could get their rates raised and they probably wouldn't even know." Caleb wanted a chance to prove himself that he could expand the company more.
"Let me talk to some of the people, see how much they have and take something like, I don't know, the top five and offer them a deal." He was hoping she would at least allow a small amount to be used. "Maybe give them a small rate and give them a chance to get their product out. We could help expand our reputation." Caleb knew that he was asking for a lot but he was always a careful and calculated risk taker. "I'll even sweeten the offer for you," he said as he finished talking.
Susan listened, as Caleb tried to defend his ‘discount’ proposal. Oh, boy, she finally thought. You’re about to screw up big time, and when you do, you’ll be out of here so fast, you won’t know anything about till it’s all over!
Then he stopped his sales pitch.
“Okay, Caleb, you go and do your thing, but you keep me informed every step of the way, and I still need that report. One more thing, what did you mean by, ‘sweetening the offer’?
Then he stopped his sales pitch.
“Okay, Caleb, you go and do your thing, but you keep me informed every step of the way, and I still need that report. One more thing, what did you mean by, ‘sweetening the offer’?
Caleb started to stand after he heard Susan approve of his idea. Was getting ready to turn and head out the room when she asked. "So she was paying attention," he thought to himself. He reached down on her desk and saw his file. It was no surprise with the amount of "talks" they've had that his was the thickest. He didn't need to open it up to know what was in it.
"If I don't get at least 3 of the 5 people to make our company money," he started to say as he separated his file from the others, "I'll quit for you." He looked over her as he said that. He knew that she wasn't too fond of him. Probably everyone in the office knew of the animosity between the two of them. "That way the company won't need to pay a severance package, benefits, anything." He looked into her eyes as he moved about three other files in a stack that almost equaled his. "And I know you want to trim some of the fat around here," he said as he started to stand back up, waiting for her response.
"If I don't get at least 3 of the 5 people to make our company money," he started to say as he separated his file from the others, "I'll quit for you." He looked over her as he said that. He knew that she wasn't too fond of him. Probably everyone in the office knew of the animosity between the two of them. "That way the company won't need to pay a severance package, benefits, anything." He looked into her eyes as he moved about three other files in a stack that almost equaled his. "And I know you want to trim some of the fat around here," he said as he started to stand back up, waiting for her response.
Susan was taken aback when Caleb gave his speech, but that wasn’t going to get her back up. “You listen to me, Caleb. When I first started here, I messed up badly, and my boss was thinking of firing me, but McClain told him not too be hasty. Now, we all mess up, and don’t win all the contracts that are up for offer.
“I don’t doubt for a moment that you that can make a profit for this company. Your past cases are testimony to that. It’s when the profit margins from each new client goes down McClain gets on my back, which means I have to get on the person’s back in question. And if you can’t make your quota, don’t even think of handing in your resignation, because I won’t accept it!”
“I don’t doubt for a moment that you that can make a profit for this company. Your past cases are testimony to that. It’s when the profit margins from each new client goes down McClain gets on my back, which means I have to get on the person’s back in question. And if you can’t make your quota, don’t even think of handing in your resignation, because I won’t accept it!”
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Caleb started to head towards the door after Susan finished her small speech. "Don't worry, I always make my quota," he stated as he started to open the door. "I'll have my proposal done and delivered to you tomorrow morning," Caleb told her in a cool tone.
He knew that she wanted him to succeed and that she was trying to motivate him. He wasn't expecting his "sweetened offer" to go that route a little bit though. Caleb made his way back to his desk and started to work on his proposal for the rest of the day. He saved his work and started to make sure he had all of his business cards he collected from the weekend. Caleb started to e-mail some of the local up and coming companies as he finished out the rest of teh work day, wondering how Susan was doing.
He knew that she wanted him to succeed and that she was trying to motivate him. He wasn't expecting his "sweetened offer" to go that route a little bit though. Caleb made his way back to his desk and started to work on his proposal for the rest of the day. He saved his work and started to make sure he had all of his business cards he collected from the weekend. Caleb started to e-mail some of the local up and coming companies as he finished out the rest of teh work day, wondering how Susan was doing.
Susan finally finished for the day. All her reports were done and ready for McClain in the morning.
She stopped on the way home, to pick up some fish and chips. While waiting, she read the newspaper searching the classified section for new adverts by her company’s clients. Then horror became upon her. It wasn’t that the advert was for a male strip club, (there were always plenty of those) but it stated that the club was owned by a division of…
No!
That company was a major client, but McClain was adamant that his company would not advertise any ‘adult’ entertainment, be it directly, or indirectly, owned. Someone had screwed up, big time, but who?
She stopped on the way home, to pick up some fish and chips. While waiting, she read the newspaper searching the classified section for new adverts by her company’s clients. Then horror became upon her. It wasn’t that the advert was for a male strip club, (there were always plenty of those) but it stated that the club was owned by a division of…
No!
That company was a major client, but McClain was adamant that his company would not advertise any ‘adult’ entertainment, be it directly, or indirectly, owned. Someone had screwed up, big time, but who?
Caleb set up a few off the clock meetings to taste some of the different flavors each of the microbreweries offered. Of course there would be a different company each day and nothing would be official. But he did want to make sure that he would get his quota up there to where Susan wanted it to be.
He finished outlining his proposal and printed it out, placing it on Susan's desk after she left for the day. Then he sent his standard "how's everything going?" e-mails to his clients before he finished up his work for the day. On the way out he called to make sure that his first potential new client was still going to be on time. He knew the rules and he had made sure, especially as of late, to make sure that they get followed more closely.
Caleb made it to the bar a little early, not expecting that traffic was going to be as light as it was today. He was messing around on his phone when he saw a text come in from Susan. "What could she want that was so important?" he thought to himself as he started to check it.
He finished outlining his proposal and printed it out, placing it on Susan's desk after she left for the day. Then he sent his standard "how's everything going?" e-mails to his clients before he finished up his work for the day. On the way out he called to make sure that his first potential new client was still going to be on time. He knew the rules and he had made sure, especially as of late, to make sure that they get followed more closely.
Caleb made it to the bar a little early, not expecting that traffic was going to be as light as it was today. He was messing around on his phone when he saw a text come in from Susan. "What could she want that was so important?" he thought to himself as he started to check it.
Susan remembered that Caleb had been dealing with this client, but surely he wouldn’t have risked losing his job over this ad? She had to make sure, while keeping an open mind, and not to jump to conclusions. But, she needed to see him, so she sent him a text.
‘Caleb, I need to see you in my office, first thing tomorrow. Susan.’
When her order was ready, Susan asked the owner if she could take the classifieds section home with her.
‘Caleb, I need to see you in my office, first thing tomorrow. Susan.’
When her order was ready, Susan asked the owner if she could take the classifieds section home with her.
Caleb looked at the text and just simply responded that it wouldn't be a problem before closing his phone. "At least I'm already at a bar," he said to himself quietly. He tried to not wonder too much what she wanted that was going to be so early in the morning. The main idea that crossed his mind is that she had already read his proposal he submitted.
A few hours passed as Caleb met with his first potential client that he wanted to bring on board. The night wasn't a total waste as he continued to relax and enjoyed this perk of his job. The only downside was the fact that he couldn't be out all night drinking and talking to the client. It took a while before Caleb started to head home.
The next morning Caleb got to work fairly early. He knew that Susan would already be here. Hell, he thought that she lived here part of the time. It seemed like she was always aware of everything going on at all time. He knocked on the door while opening it. "You wanted to see me?" he asked as he walked into her office.
A few hours passed as Caleb met with his first potential client that he wanted to bring on board. The night wasn't a total waste as he continued to relax and enjoyed this perk of his job. The only downside was the fact that he couldn't be out all night drinking and talking to the client. It took a while before Caleb started to head home.
The next morning Caleb got to work fairly early. He knew that Susan would already be here. Hell, he thought that she lived here part of the time. It seemed like she was always aware of everything going on at all time. He knocked on the door while opening it. "You wanted to see me?" he asked as he walked into her office.
Susan sat in her office looking through Caleb’s files dealing with the new contract he had just recently concluded with the company in question. Something just didn’t feel right. But one just can’t judge someone on feelings.
Then she heard him knock as he entered her office. “Sit down, Caleb. We need to discuss something.”
Drawing a deep breath, Susan began her ‘talk’. “I’ve been looking through your files concerning your latest contract, and I need to bring something to your attention. I want you to look at this.” Then she handed him the classified section she had read the previous day.
“I want you to read the print at the bottom of the ad for…er… the male strip club. It states that it’s owned by a division of said company. Now, you know that McClain won’t deal with anyone that in one way or another owns part or all of an ‘adult’ entertainment. I see in your files, that you did get them to sign the section where they acknowledged that they didn’t hold any part of such business, but that didn’t mean they were truthful.
“I want you to get in touch with them, and inform them that our company is going to do an investigation, which we can at our discretion, do it any time, to any company, to see if they have been forth-coming in their dealings with us.
“If they question that, just point it out that it is clearly stated in the contract, that we have the right do so.”
Then she heard him knock as he entered her office. “Sit down, Caleb. We need to discuss something.”
Drawing a deep breath, Susan began her ‘talk’. “I’ve been looking through your files concerning your latest contract, and I need to bring something to your attention. I want you to look at this.” Then she handed him the classified section she had read the previous day.
“I want you to read the print at the bottom of the ad for…er… the male strip club. It states that it’s owned by a division of said company. Now, you know that McClain won’t deal with anyone that in one way or another owns part or all of an ‘adult’ entertainment. I see in your files, that you did get them to sign the section where they acknowledged that they didn’t hold any part of such business, but that didn’t mean they were truthful.
“I want you to get in touch with them, and inform them that our company is going to do an investigation, which we can at our discretion, do it any time, to any company, to see if they have been forth-coming in their dealings with us.
“If they question that, just point it out that it is clearly stated in the contract, that we have the right do so.”
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Caleb sat down as Susan started to talk. He was a little bit surprised that it wasn't about the proposal, like he was expecting. He listened while she gave him the basis of what the conversation was about. When she handed him the paper he looked it over and saw the ad that she was referring to.
He waited until she was finished speaking before he responded. "I haven't done any business with any adult clubs. That would require approval on your part and I know for a fact that it would be shot down in a heartbeat." He looked over the ad a little bit. "Maybe it's an honest mistake on the newspapers part? Hell, half the time they can't get a single story right," he said to her in a fairly blunt tone. "I'll let you look through all of my e-mails and anything else that you may want to help ease yourself." He looked at her curious to see if she had anything else to add.
He waited until she was finished speaking before he responded. "I haven't done any business with any adult clubs. That would require approval on your part and I know for a fact that it would be shot down in a heartbeat." He looked over the ad a little bit. "Maybe it's an honest mistake on the newspapers part? Hell, half the time they can't get a single story right," he said to her in a fairly blunt tone. "I'll let you look through all of my e-mails and anything else that you may want to help ease yourself." He looked at her curious to see if she had anything else to add.
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Susan knew that Caleb was upset. “Hey! I’m not blaming you. Did I not say that you had got them to sign that they didn’t own any part of an ‘adult entertainment’ business. That’s why I want you to let them know that we’re going to do a check on their business holdings.
“They may say it’s the newspaper’s fault, but that doesn’t mean they’re being truthful. We have a team that will do the investigating, which will include them getting hold of the newspaper. All I want you to do is to see how the company reacts.”
“They may say it’s the newspaper’s fault, but that doesn’t mean they’re being truthful. We have a team that will do the investigating, which will include them getting hold of the newspaper. All I want you to do is to see how the company reacts.”
"Do we need to tell them right away? Maybe it'd be better to have us start an investigation without giving them a heads up to see how they'd react," he offered. Caleb wasn't sure if Susan would approve of that idea. It did seem very far fetched and looked like it could cause some backlash, however, Caleb wasn't the one too concerned with that.
"If you don't want to then I'll make sure I let them know we're officially doing an investigation and get their reaction. Then I'll let them talk to our legal team," Caleb stated. "Did you get a chance to look over my proposal at all?" he asked before waiting for a response from Susan on the paper situation.
"If you don't want to then I'll make sure I let them know we're officially doing an investigation and get their reaction. Then I'll let them talk to our legal team," Caleb stated. "Did you get a chance to look over my proposal at all?" he asked before waiting for a response from Susan on the paper situation.
Susan considered Caleb’s suggestion. “Well, we are under no obligation to inform any client that we’re going to do an investigation. I’ll get hold of the team, and start the process.
“As for your proposal, I’ve looked at it. It was…very well put together. You can proceed with it, and I look forward to any updates. Well done, Caleb.” She stood and offered her hand.
“As for your proposal, I’ve looked at it. It was…very well put together. You can proceed with it, and I look forward to any updates. Well done, Caleb.” She stood and offered her hand.
Caleb was a little bit shocked. Not only had Susan complimented him, she did it twice in one day. He had tried to remember the last time he was given this much thanks and praise. "This is definitely something new," he said to himself as he stood and returned her handshake.
"I'll let you know when I hear from our investigation team and the paper. What do you want me to tell the paper if they contact me?" he asked with some concern. "I'm sure their owner will probably want to come storming in here, but just in case," he said as he allowed his sentence to dwindle slowly.
"Thank you for allowing my proposal as well," he added as he finished his handshake. "I'll make sure that you won't be disappointed and I'll make sure to give you updates as they progress." Caleb started to turn towards the door. He looked back, "did you need anything else from me, Susan?" he asked.
"I'll let you know when I hear from our investigation team and the paper. What do you want me to tell the paper if they contact me?" he asked with some concern. "I'm sure their owner will probably want to come storming in here, but just in case," he said as he allowed his sentence to dwindle slowly.
"Thank you for allowing my proposal as well," he added as he finished his handshake. "I'll make sure that you won't be disappointed and I'll make sure to give you updates as they progress." Caleb started to turn towards the door. He looked back, "did you need anything else from me, Susan?" he asked.
Susan inwardly sighed. “The paper has got nothing to do with it. It’s the client, we’re checking into. If they do, that means they are involved in some way, but till our team finds otherwise, the paper is not part of the investigation.”
Then she held up his proposal files. “Take this with you, for your own records. I’ve made a copy of them. Give the team a day to get started. Of course I will tell McClain what and why we’re doing it, so for now just keep going as is.”
Then she held up his proposal files. “Take this with you, for your own records. I’ve made a copy of them. Give the team a day to get started. Of course I will tell McClain what and why we’re doing it, so for now just keep going as is.”
Caleb walked back over towards the desk and grabbed his extra file he made for her. "No problem, boss," he said as he took his file back. "I'll work on my proposal while waiting to hear from out team. Let me know if you need anything else," he said with a slight grin. It was the first time in a long time that he started to think Susan was more human than what she acted. It was also the first time he could remember his meeting with her was very promising and not heated.
Caleb headed out of the office and went back to his desk. He gave out a sigh, being very grateful. He was expecting to get his ass chewed out, however, it seemed like things were starting to slowly turn around. Caleb spent most of the day getting in touch with his contacts and worked more on his proposal, still enjoying the high of this mornings success.
Caleb headed out of the office and went back to his desk. He gave out a sigh, being very grateful. He was expecting to get his ass chewed out, however, it seemed like things were starting to slowly turn around. Caleb spent most of the day getting in touch with his contacts and worked more on his proposal, still enjoying the high of this mornings success.
During lunch Susan silently recounted her meeting with McClain. To say, that it was an eye-opener was putting it mildly!
It appears that her predecessor had found out that the same company had ‘holdings’ in a string of female strip clubs, that turned out to be fronts for prostitution. The company’s defence was that the clubs were so far down its list of holdings that they were off the company’s radar, being the responsibility of lower management.
On finding out, the company promptly sold off the clubs, and dismissed the staff concerned. Now it appeared they were back into the ‘erotic entertainment’ business; this time they had no excuse, as their company name was on the advert.
Susan was beginning to wonder if the other strip clubs had really been sold off. After all, what was to say they hadn’t sold them to another company, that this company had ‘friendly’ relationships with?
It appears that her predecessor had found out that the same company had ‘holdings’ in a string of female strip clubs, that turned out to be fronts for prostitution. The company’s defence was that the clubs were so far down its list of holdings that they were off the company’s radar, being the responsibility of lower management.
On finding out, the company promptly sold off the clubs, and dismissed the staff concerned. Now it appeared they were back into the ‘erotic entertainment’ business; this time they had no excuse, as their company name was on the advert.
Susan was beginning to wonder if the other strip clubs had really been sold off. After all, what was to say they hadn’t sold them to another company, that this company had ‘friendly’ relationships with?
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Part of Caleb's day was performing his usual tasks. He had the rest of the people set up for the rest of the week for his proposal. He had worked on an update and figured he'd give it to Susan within an hour before leaving for the day.
Susan. That was the other thing that was on his mind for the most part. He was surprised that she treated him so civil. It was strange that they got along as well as they just did. The more he thought about her the more he started to realize that she wasn't bad looking. He knew it was a long shot but he figured there couldn't be any harm in at least getting to know her outside of work.
Caleb knocked on the door when he finished working on his update for his proposal. "Susan, I have the first update for my proposal. Did you want to take a look at it?" he asked while waiting for her to answer to his knock. He was wondering how he would bring up dinner when he heard an answer.
Susan. That was the other thing that was on his mind for the most part. He was surprised that she treated him so civil. It was strange that they got along as well as they just did. The more he thought about her the more he started to realize that she wasn't bad looking. He knew it was a long shot but he figured there couldn't be any harm in at least getting to know her outside of work.
Caleb knocked on the door when he finished working on his update for his proposal. "Susan, I have the first update for my proposal. Did you want to take a look at it?" he asked while waiting for her to answer to his knock. He was wondering how he would bring up dinner when he heard an answer.
Susan busied herself by reading reports and proposals from the rest of her staff. Her department needed to win a big contract, because if the investigation proved that the company Caleb was working with, did in fact own holdings in that male strip club, McClain would insist that his company cease all ties with them, and that would be a big loss.
She was thinking of grabbing a coffee from the cafeteria, when she heard Caleb. “Come on in!”
She was thinking of grabbing a coffee from the cafeteria, when she heard Caleb. “Come on in!”
"Hey Susan," Caleb said as he came in. "I was wondering if you wanted to join me for dinner tonight?" he asked. "Nothing fancy, just some dinner and getting to know each other more," he stated as he sat down in the chair in front of her desk. He knew she was going to be a bit stressed out, but he figured it was still a chance he had to take.
Caleb also handed her a small progress report with his current proposal. "I also have most of the proposal done. I should be able to meet with all of the companies next Thurs. I just need to find a location." Caleb figured he should put more cards on the table. "Did you want to sit in on any of the meetings?" he inquired as he looked over at her.
Caleb also handed her a small progress report with his current proposal. "I also have most of the proposal done. I should be able to meet with all of the companies next Thurs. I just need to find a location." Caleb figured he should put more cards on the table. "Did you want to sit in on any of the meetings?" he inquired as he looked over at her.
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