Mission Critical is the investigation business established by Ben Etxina after his work recovering Hammett for Homonoid Labs. He announces it during an interview on Highly Regarded Television Network, saying he filed its paperwork that morning. Felicity, a Classics graduate, becomes its first operational-support employee.
Office and work
Ben leases an office for a year above Jade Cafe at 16th and Bryant in San Francisco. Back stairs lead to a sunny, carpeted room with a separate space behind it. The initial desk consists of bricks and a plank, and the office borrows the cafe’s internet connection.
Felicity receives a laptop, access to Ben’s accounts and a business credit card. Her first assignments include arranging furniture and dedicated internet, organizing client inquiries and sorting cases by interest and profitability. She promises a priced list for approval before purchasing supplies. Ben gives her a week to set up the office and customer-management system while he plans a trip to Mexico City.
Jay Béarnaise asks the firm to locate a wax sculpture he wants to buy, and Chester Gold of Gold & Schauer is among its incoming inquiries. Ben identifies Chester as an existing client. Lin Jiao declines Ben’s offer of a partnership, preferring the possibility of occasional work as a hired specialist.