| Oh Deer, a Surprise Announcement | ||
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Summary: Louis the Red Deer, CEO of Horns Conglomerate, has called an emergency press conference in order to announce the company's latest steps toward animal coexistence.  |
"Thank you all for gathering on such short notice. I assure you that what I have to say is of the utmost importance. While some would have preferred this announcement to wait to coincide with annual fiscal evaluations as a measure of stock investment precaution, I believe that it benefits us all to put to light the latest in our efforts to embrace Herbivore, Carnivore, Hybrid, and Sea Animal coexistence." "As you are all no doubt aware, Horns Conglomerate has taken steps in the direction of Togetherness by casting aside the stone-set tradition of only employing Herbivores. We have since cemented beneficial partnerships with Carnivore companies and institutions that have allowed great social and medical advancements." Louis gestures to the stoic stags and vigilant lions standing just off to each side. "In fact, my personal assistants are Herbivores and Carnivores and I trust each and every one with my life. Trust isn't easy, it's true, but it's also hard to allow second chances. These lions you see standing up here are all ex-convicts, yet Horns Conglomerate stands tall in its position of granting second chances, of granting opportunities to build trust, of allowing others that desire it the means in which to better themselves and, in turn, those they live and work around." "Setting an example is great, but it would be selfish of me and my company to sit upon these examples and not act upon them. Such things would be reduced to lesser than they are. They would be nothing more than status symbols establishing a false ideal, much like the vaunted position and title of Beastar and those hoisted upon that titular pedestal that we have been devoid of since the noble Yahya stepped down and entered retirement. Status symbols. False ideals. These help no animal." "As such, Horns Conglomerate has partnered with investors interested in a better tomorrow today in providing funding for educational scholarships in addition to a vocational education and training program to be honored by a number of schools and academies and universities across the nation. But for whom, you may ask, are these opportunities presented? We are delighted to tell you that these opportunities are available for minors of low-income Herbivore and Carnivore families with an emphasis on those of Hybrid lineage." Louis raises a finger in emphasis, "Furthermore, in the extension of cultural sharing and in the interest of welcoming our Sea Animal Neighbors that are working hard to integrate slowly into our society while teaching us so much more about ourselves through their own views of life, scholarships will be made available to those Seas able to function among their Land Animal cousins with reasonable assistance and grants will be given to select schools and universities in order to cover the costs of these aquatic amenities. We at Horns Conglomerate will not shirk our duty in paving the way for cultural sharing that increases the quality of life and understanding for every animal." "Lastly, in reflection to the difficulty in offering second chances, these scholarships and grants will be extended to both juveniles and adults that are ex-convicts in order to help them help us all come together and move forward pending psychological evaluation. Those whose convictions are marked during juvenile age may be able to re-attend school while grants are in place to provide medical and security coverage for their scholastic enrollment. Those who have recorded convictions as adults may be eligible for attendance to our new and upcoming vocational education and training program that will allow job skills and knowledge to be made available for those willing to contribute by showing the world they can. They can do the job! They can be positive forces! They can shine as role models for others also desiring second chances!" Louis closes his eyes and lowers his head while wearing a comfortable smile. He visibly takes a deep breath before opening his eyes to stare out at the gathered press. His pause is noted. When he speaks again, his voice is calm and well-measured. "These options will become available for application within the week, but now is the time to embrace our peers, no matter their bloodline or heritage or the mistakes they have made, as we all become Animals United for the betterment of our combined lives and the future lives of our children and our children's children. This choice and responsibility may begin with us at Horns Conglomerate, but the choice and responsibility is now passed along to you. We believe in you." "I believe in you. Thank you for your time." The press erupts into a barrage of questions as the deer turns to walk away while one of the stags, a deer named Hartsford, takes the place at the podium to handle the media with prepared answers. | |