Cooperation.
What was cooperation? A joint action or arrangement in which individuals or groups worked together to achieve a common goal.
A win-win.
What was a win-win? Both sides gained something through cooperation, rather than one gaining at the other's expense or both suffering losses. A win-win emphasized taking both parties' interests into account so that each benefited, negotiating a mutually beneficial outcome in a spirit of equality.
There was nothing wrong with either term, and together, they were even more pleasing. Normally, as Director of the Federation Bureau, Carol would have been delighted to see those two words.
But of all people, they just had to come from Jonas!
This man devoured people without leaving even their bones. If you spotted any bones along the trail he left behind, they were probably bait for his next victim.
He would never be satisfied. A capitalist's appetite was bigger than the sky, and Carol understood that better than anyone. Rather than believe a capitalist had a conscience, you might as well believe the Federation would suddenly drop to its knees and pledge allegiance to the Arbitration Bureau, while Dorothy Misen burst into tears and begged Carol to implant a sex doll chip in her so she could be Carol's little puppy for the rest of her life.
Considering that the capitalist in question was Jonas, Carol thought the latter was more likely.
So when Carol heard words like cooperation and win-win, she saw a wolf grazing on grass, leisurely approaching the plump, tender sheep that was herself and asking whether the grass tasted good and whether she could share some with him.
I'm fucking terrified!
The slightly trembling tabletop gradually steadied. Carol composed herself a little and continued enjoying the food before her. In truth, the only reason she was still