Roni and Joey: Chapter 22: Damned Paperwork

The trio that had entered the Generitech building followed Mr. Hunter and the little paralegal that sat on his shoulder to a small yet comfortable conference room. Mr. Hunter gently lifted Tonya from his shoulder and set her down onto the designated little section on the table, where a proportionate sized desk and computer sat ready for her to begin her work. Mr. Hunter smiled appreciatively at Tonya. The two had been partners for a fair amount of time now, definitely long enough for Mr. Hunter to see that Tonya was more–or should have been more–than a paralegal. He had pulled a lot of strings to make sure  that she got onto the right track to being a paralegal for him after he met her. After all, she was on the fast track to being the top of her class at Stanford law; it just made sense for her to be on the legal tract for Generitech. Mr. Hunter was slightly jealous of her success at law school, having better grades than he did at the rival law school, but he didn’t think that her being a little meant that she should be pulled away from what her ultimate goal was: being a lawyer.

Snapping back to reality as Tonya stepped off his hand and onto the desk, Mr. Hunter gestured to the chairs around the table, trying to get his clients’ attention. “Please, sit down, relax. I have Jessie looking for refreshments for you all—especially for you and Veronica, Joseph,” he said reassuringly.

“Um… please, call me Roni, sir,” Roni asked nervously.

“And uh… it’s… just Joey, Mr. Hunter,” added Joey.

Mr. Hunter blushed slightly, able to tell that Tonya was smirking at his overly formal tone before he teasingly poked her. “Right. Sorry, you two. I guess I am being a little overly formal. Please, take a seat. I have a quick legal script I need to run through with everyone before we continue. Also, I do need to notify you that this conversation, though confidential, is going to be recorded for proof of our speaking and for potential submission of evidence should the courts require it.

Tonya stood from her seat and flipped a switch that caused the lights to flicker on and off a few times to get everyone’s attention. Once they turned to look at her, she gave them a smile and formally introduced herself. “Hello, everyone. I’m Tonya Harris, Mr. Hunter’s paralegal. If you have any questions as we go through this, I’ll be keeping notes and organizing documents to ensure we cover everything you need”

Mr. Hunter smiled and nodded approvingly before continuing. “Now, can you all verbally agree that you are okay with proceeding with this meeting and that you accept the terms of being recorded by Generitech strictly for the purposes of quality assurance and evidence submission? Regarding the quality assurance portion, I must also mention that it will only be reviewed by those with Generitech Level 4 Clearance and higher, so no one outside of the quality review team, myself, and Tonya are allowed to listen to this recording. Additionally, you are verbally agreeing that all cases regarding the homo parvus being that is currently present will be handled exclusively by Generitech and its legal associates, and you are waiving the right to third-party counsel for any cases regarding the laws governing those determined to be of the Homo Parvus species. Verbal agreement will be framed by stating your full names, date of birth, and that you agree with the terms I have laid out for you all.”

The three first looked at each other before speaking one by one, granting their verbal consent just as requested. They were a little nervous, but Mr. Hunter’s reassuring smile seemed to help keep the anxiety at a dull storm. Tonya, in the meantime, made sure the recording caught the consent clearly and gave Mr. Hunter a thumbs-up that they are okay to proceed, before she turned and smiled up at the three. 

At this point, Jessie had entered the room with  a cart containing various different drinks, ranging from bottled water to soda. On top of this, there were also a variety of finger foods present for the normal sized beings to pick from. Joey and Roni immediately stood up to help themselves, their teenage metabolisms kicking in at the site of the cart. As they did this, Jessie walked to the table and crouched down so she was just eye level with Tonya before gently setting down a small container that resembled a cooler on the table.

“Here Tonya, I brought you a couple little drinks, a few thai peanut flavored pellets, and one of the gourmet lunches for you just like you ask” Jessie said warmly as Tonya happily walked to the container to get a drink and a pellet.

“Thank you, Jessie. I hope we can still go to the Generigym later. I want to try out the Little rock wall they just set up for us”

Jessie smiled back at her and nodded. “We are definitely going. I already let my boyfriend know I’d be late coming home.” With that, Jessie stood back up and nodded to Mr. Hunter before exiting the room.

Joey couldn’t help but look at the 4 inch tall little that was sitting on the desk. He had seen photos, but to actually see one in person was a whole other experience. Despite her size and relative distance, Joey was able to see her features clear as day. She was clearly wearing some form of concealer, matching eyeshadow and lipstick, and must have recently been to the salon, as her hair had blonde highlights in it that complemented her natural blonde hair. Additionally, Joey was able to see the thin pinstripes of her suit, stripes that were about as thin as a needle. As Tonya munched on her pellet happily, she looked over at him and smiled reassuringly, trying to convey that everything would be okay. Joey saw this and, as subtly as possible, ran a finger on the side of his mouth, indicating that Tonya had a little smudge from her pellet on her face. Tonya grinned and wiped her face with a napkin and gave him a knowing wink, well aware of what was going on with Joey right in this moment.

Yet despite all of this, it would never occur to him that he was the only one in the room currently able to see these features, and, similar to when he was descending the stairs at his parents, this enhanced vision disappeared after a few moments.

Roni and Mr. Hale were both looking at Tonya with curiosity, but unlike Joey, they couldn’t see all of her detail. As far as they were concerned, this small being sitting on the desk just had blonde hair, a gray pants suit, and maybe some makeup. However, that didn’t detract from their curiosity, especially Roni’s. To her, though small enough to fit in her hand, this being moved just like a real person. This is the most surreal experience of her life, she thought as Tonya glanced up from her computer and smiled at her warmly before returning to her work. 

“I’ve never even seen aunt Lillie….yet here I am, sat right next to a Little, and it’s…as if I’m next to a person” spoke Roni’s internal monologue. She felt both nervous and validated in this instance. She watched Tonya and all Roni could think about is how wrong it is that anyone could look at a Little and see a wild animal or lesser creature. Sure, they need help with their body heat and with fending off larger animals and bugs, but really, what exactly made a little difference from a standard sized person? Roni just couldn’t come up with an answer from an emotional standpoint.

Tonya, for the most part, managed to ignore the staring. Of course she had expected it. While the main reason littles were assigned to work with lawyers was to assist with legal work such as case preparation and research and note taking, the more minor reason was for instances like this. Having a little present for cases regarding the Limbo Statue and expedited adoption cases really had a disarming and calming effect on those that were seeking legal assistance, especially the ones that were vulnerable and going to end up a few inches tall. Tonya was happy to be a part of a system that would make all those involved more at ease, and working in the legal side of things made her even more happy given that she had passed the Bar a year before she herself had found out she was Homo Parvus. 

Tonya let a somber sigh leave her lips as she reflected on this until Mr. Hunter gently cleared his throat and grabbed her attention. Tonya looked up at him and saw he was giving her a reassuring smile, a reminder that he knew of her accomplishments and his gratitude for her being there to help him when he needed it. Tonya returned the smile before pulling up copies of the adoption forms, expedited registration and claims agreements, and the Calhouns signed approval of allowance for Joey to be adopted, and forwarded them to Mr Hunter for his own review.

“I’ve organized all the agreements here, Mr. Hunter, and double-checked all parties have signed. Just let me know if there’s anything else I can verify or add.”

Mr. Hunter smiled appreciatively and offered his hand for her. Tonya blushed a little, always kind of embarrassed about letting this happen in front of clients, but took a few steps to close the distance so she could accept his gentle petting. Tonya knew it was genuine affection and a show of appreciation as her body relax, but she still wasn’t fully comfortable with it happening in a professional setting.

“Now then, as I’m sure the three of you might be aware, Joey’s parents have consented to giving up their parental rights as well as their future claims to him once his metamorphosis takes place.” Mr. Hunter continued as he looked over at Mr. Hale as he continues speaking. “Per the phone call we had earlier today, they have both verbally agreed on a recorded line as well as had their own lawyer fax over signed copies of their agreements between Generitech as well as you on this matter, marking it as official.”

Roni and Joey look a little surprised as they look over to Mr. Hale, whose eyes shift to them before meeting Mr. Hunters again. “I uh…hadn’t fully disclosed that since Joey’s parents and I had spoken to you to them just yet, Mr. Hunter…”

Mr. Hunter chuckled, running his hand through his hair and Tonya did her best to suppress her laughter. “I promise that I am much better at this than it is seeming…” he said as he poked Tonya playfully. “Okay…look, I know I’m being a bit casual with this, and I admit that for the record. That being said, given how Joey’s parents are and how immediate this all is, I figured you all needed a bit of humor and relaxation. After all, it’s not very often we have cases where Limbo is a driving factor, and even less infrequent that it is for a high profile person like you, Joey.”

Mr. Hunter straightened up in his seat and adjusted his collar as he took on a more serious tone. “The Calhouns have agreed to be as cooperative as possible with this process so long as it isn’t made public. Thus far they have assured us, from their end, that the staff members that are aware of your condition and the manner in which you had been treated have signed not only their own non-disclosures, but are also going to be signing ones from Generitech as well in order to ensure it meets our standards as far as legal agreements go; I know it seems a little redundant, but we want to ensure there is no wiggle room in the event that this does go public. So long as everyone that’s signed the agreements doesn’t leak any information, they can’t be wrongfully terminated by the Calhouns. On top of this, should there be an accidental disclosure through means such as an unaware party overhearing a conversation about the subject, the Generitech NDA will provide an additional non-retaliation clause, just to be safe.” 

Tonya spoke up as loud as she could so the Largies and Joey could hear, in addition to the recording device. “Also, just so you know, these recordings are solely for legal assurance and case integrity. You’ll have our full confidentiality in all other aspects.”

Mr. Hunter nodded in confirmation as he slid some forms over to Joey, Roni, and Mr. Hale. “I will need your signatures as well. Joey, despite the fact that you will be a little and will be following laws that govern littles, your rights as a normal United States Citizen still currently apply, which also means that if you let slip how your mother and father were treating you, that you could be held legally accountable. The goal of all of this, everyone, is a smooth transition and no retaliation. So long as the Calhouns don’t push back, there is no reason that this should be hindered. Could you please sign these documents? Mr. Hale, per your instructions, Tonya has already called your wife and received hers and Sandra’s verbal agreement on a recorded line”

The three had already started signing when Roni and Joey looked up at Mr. Hunter and then to Tonya, who smiled warmly at them. “It was supposed to just be Mrs. Hale,” started Tonya, her voice just loud enough for the occupants of the room to hear, “However, Mr. Hale had mentioned that Sandi may have been aware of previous instances regarding Joey and his parents. I wanted to be as thorough as possible. Your sister is very sweet and more than willing to comply with us. I was almost afraid she would force your mother to drive here herself to make sure she could check on you, Joey”

The two teens rolled their eyes as they finished signing the documents, while Mr. Hale let out a sigh. “I swear Roni…you girls would fly a rocket to Mars if it meant making sure someone was doing okay”

Roni blushed with embarrassment, but before she could say anything, Joey interrupted, his tone joking and jovial. “Don’t worry dad, I’ll make sure the children stay grounded. What’s a big brother for, after all” 

Roni elbowed Joey as he laughed, squeezing as much enjoyment out of teasing Roni as possible, while Mr. Hale could only roll his eyes, remembering him doing as much to annoy his sisters at that age. Mr. Hunter and Tonya also smirked at this before Mr. Hunter collected the signed documents and set them aside. 

“Now then, these are the forms for the adoption. They all follow the new standards for future littles in order to follow an expedited adoption. Once signed by the adoptive parents and the parents that are terminating their rights, Generitech will stamp it with approval and it will be sent directly to the county courts for official approval and notarization. Additionally, included in these forms is that there were no charges pressed but a mutual agreement that the Limbo statues had been violated but the charges were never officially filed in favor of the expedited adoption and relocation of Joey. It completely skips the bureaucracy of adoption and the potentiality that the Calhouns will try to reclaim Joey as their own, all done in favor of the future littles right to be safe and to be loved. Now, it is important to note that Generitech, more specifically Chloe Gracewood, would also technically be considered a parental guardian to Joey once these are signed, but it’s more of a formality, similar to the one regarding Ms. Gracewoods guardianship over all unclaimed littles. All it really means is that, in the event of needing further care and supervision upon their reduction, the Little can stay in their facility during that period. Ms. Gracewood guarantees protection and compassion for all littles that are under her care at every facility that Generitech owns. That being said, once the official claim for Joey by Roni is made and goes through, that right will be waived upon the completion of and graduation from Generitech Guardian training” 

Mr. Hunter said, pausing to allow the three a few moments to absorb everything he laid out for them. Generally speaking, the forms were all basic adoption papers, but it was important for all Generitech Lawyers to explain where they differ, especially the part about, from an extremely technical standpoint, having a legal guardianship connection with Chloe Gracewood. After all, most people never get that kind of notoriety, and it is usually 50/50 on whether or not they love the idea or feel uncomfortable about it. However, with a client like Joey Calhoun, it could be the rare case of indifference. The teenager, though, seemed kind of relieved, though, even a little excited by the fact. Mr. Hunter smiled seeing his eyes light up as Joey signed the paperwork and watched Mr. Hale do the same. These Limbo Statue adoptions are always such a depressing process, thought Mr. Hunter as he ran through all of the emotional moments he’s seen since starting with Generitech, but this one, Joey seems to actually be going to the family he should have been with all along.

The three looked over the forms, though Roni was a little in over her head. She knew she was smart, but something like this was something that her father and more-so Joey, were more aptly ready to handle. Once they looked like everything was in order, both Joey and Mr. Hale gave their signatures and gently slid the paper work over to Mr. Hunter, careful to avoid Tonya. 

Mr. Hunter gathered the papers and slid them to the side before pulling another stack of forms for the trio to review, who looked to be exhausted. Sensing this, Tonya shot a message to Mr. Hunter’s Generipad, who looked up again and nodded in agreement.

“You know, this last forms kind of a tricky one to get through for those vulnerable to Smallara” sighed Mr. Hunter, as he thought about the other moments where Homo Parvus being had a hard time with actually coming to terms with the fact that they were signing acknowledgment of their this form acknowledges the legal change in rights due to their future size, a step that can be tough for those vulnerable to Smallara. “Let’s take a 10 minute break. Tonya, can you stop the recording and make note of the time?”

“Sure thing Mr. Hunter. I’ve already got it marked down” she said with a proud smile.

“You know you’re the best paralegal in the whole building?” said Mr. Hunter with a large smile. “RIght, let’s all go to the lounge for a little bit, shall we?”

Before Mr. Hunter could pick up Tonya, though, Joey cleared his throat. “Actually…I uh..was wondering if Tonya would be okay if I talk to her…alone” he asked quietly, glancing at Roni to make sure she understood he actually wanted to be alone.

Mr. Hunter gave him a knowing smile. It was a pretty common request. Almost anyone that would be a little always wanted to talk to one. He looked down at Tonya, who gave Mr. Hunter a thumbs up and a smile. “Tonya is okay with it. Mr. Hale, Roni, if you would both follow me, we have an excellent lounge, big screen television, massage chairs, the whole works”

As the three exited, Roni took one last look at Joey as he moved his chair closer to where Tonya sat, curious as to what they would speak about.

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Lethal Ledgend
23 days ago

1) “rang a bell that was able to get everyone’s attention” How is the bell loud enough to cut through their talking but quiet enough to not damage her ears?

2) “Tonya Harris” is she by any chance related to a Dayton Harris?

3) “you are verbally agreeing that all cases regarding the homo parvus being that is currently present will be handled exclusively by Generitech and its legal associates” if it was anyone but Genritech that’d be a huge red flag.

4) “their teenage metabolisms kicking in at the site of the cart” Been there.

5) “Here Tonya, I brought you a couple little drinks, a few thai peanut flavored pellets, and one of the gourmet lunches for you just like you ask” good to know Tonya’s taken care of.

6) Genrigym is an acceptable addition to the Genritree

7) “the 5-inch tall little that was sitting on the desk” HOLY SHIT! she grew an inch since the last chapter.

8.1) “Despite her size and relative distance, Joey was able to see her features clear as day” oh, more symptoms?
8.2) “and gave him a knowing wink, well aware of what was going on with Joey right in this moment.” Definitely more symptoms/

9.1) “I am, sat right next to a Little, and it’s…as if I’m next to a person” spoke Roni’s internal monologue” Man I’m glad that was just her inner monolauge.
9.2) “how wrong it is that anyone could look at a Little and see a wild animal” actually they look at Tonya and see a domesticated animal, Joey’s the one whom they call wild.

10) “Having a little present for cases regarding the Limbo Statue and expedited adoption cases really had a disarming and calming effect on those that were seeking legal assistance” That makes sense.

11) I like that Hunter is respectful of Tonya and what she can do, what she achieved before infection.

12) “but she still wasn’t fully comfortable with it happening in a professional setting.” That makes sense, it’d look unprofessional as fuck.

13) “Okay…look, I know I’m being a bit casual with this, and I admit that for the record” too formal in the beginning, too casual now, he’s not having a good day.

14) “The Generitech NDA will provide an additional non-retaliation clause, just to be safe.”  I’m really getting my faith in Genritech restored lately.

15) “Largies” so Didn’t feel like using ‘Tallie’ or ‘biggle’ then did you? lol I like it.

16) “I was almost afraid she would force your mother to drive here herself to make sure she could check on you, Joey” good on ya Sandy.

17) loving the Legal exploration you’ve added into this story.

18) “Ms. Gracewood guarantees protection and compassion for all littles that are under her care at every facility that Generitech owns” Nice to see you incorporating that part of the Law into your story, and so well I might add.

19) “they were signing acknowledgment of their this form acknowledges the legal change in rights due to their future size” that would be fucking brutal.

20) “Almost anyone that would be a little always wanted to talk to one” That makes a lot os sense.

21) “We are definitely going. I already let my boyfriend know I’d be late coming home.” So is Jessie Tonya’s guardian, like a Mia and Bryce situation, or just her handller who’s trying to give her a personal life, Like a Dr Wilson and Lisa scenario?

DAVID
23 days ago

its interesting concept of you smallara world is similar to being handicap. I used to be 6.1 feet tall and 245 and a very successful aerospace engineer but I got hit on my motorcycle one day and my hole life changed over night like what happens to the victims in you stories. im now under 4 feet tall in my chair so i have to look up to everyone and its hard to reach stuff. People treat you different like all your education and life knowledge doesnt bmatter anymore. Y

DAVID
Reply to  DAVID
23 days ago

it will be interesting to see how Roni and Joey handle their budding relationship because at their age they are on the path for sex interactions because they I believe love each other and as a handicap person you have to handle sex differently then when you are normal so it will be interesting how they learn together how their relationship evolves and how they beat the hurdles in front of them to have a normal relationship. I remember when I was in my teens, my girl friend and were exploring everything because everything was new and hormones lol.

Asukafan2001
Admin
Reply to  C M
22 days ago

In universe canonically sex between a fully sized human and a little is considered taboo as they view the littles as a different species. Where even by those who generally believe they are equal, It’s considered universally recognized littles are biologically divergent from atypical humans.

Doctors and nurses do get additional training and schooling. seminars, etc. before they work with littles as there bodies are different yet similar. if that makes sense.

While there have been moments like Mia and a guy hooked up in one episode and it was insinuated Sara and Chloe hooked up when she snuck into Sara’s room that night. It has been traditionally excluding the little.

This is for a couple reasons. One is that the story is grounded in a degree of realism and while some things are stretched further then others in the realism deparatment. A principle I’ve lived by is no one is superman/woman. There is no magical force that allows them to survive situations that they shouldn’t. If sara threw jordan against a wall like a softball he would die.

So its doubtful a little would survive such a situation even if they weren’t smushed flat they would probably have limbs broke, or become unable to breathe after a point unless as while there body does handle low oxygen situations better and they can go longer on less oxygen a complete absence of viable air would still affect them similarly as it would a person. They can still drown, and the internal muscles of a person can still squish them.

The killing or murder of a little is treated seriously as well. If a guardian wants to ruin there lives tehy should do that. However, the inverse is also true a little caught lying about that is equally punished. The punishment for murder in this world quite cruel so people generally don’t murder.

So there are some difficulties which make it more difficult in situations where even if both parties wanted too.

The overall idea behind that is that it creates conversations and interesting issues that need to be resolved. As if there was a relationship between a little and a person they would need to workout how they would handle that type of situation.

But I would never discourage it from being explored or ways indirectly it could be explored.

Romance, love stories, pretty much anything is game in universe as long as its handled with the seriousness it would deserve.

Asukafan2001
Admin
Reply to  DAVID
22 days ago

This is a really interesting take. While I agree with you I don’t think it can be applied to the world of smallara as a whole as much like in reality how each person views a handicap is different.

I think for Roni and Joey it is very much a handicap situation in good girlfriend Mallory and gavin have said similar take but I think so much of it boils down to the person and values they have along with their morals and personal views.

I do agree with you that it will be interesting to see how CM handles Joey’s adaption to being a little once hte metamorphosis happens.

Asukafan2001
Admin
22 days ago

I Really liked this chapter

  1. I liked the depiction of Tonya. i liked the cooler they are brought her and the use of little pellets. It was nice to see that she enjoyed them as that is kind of what i generally go for. As little pellets aren’t bad but they also aren’t a steak dinner.
  2. I did think of Dayton when you mentioned Tonya Harris. But Harris is also a very common last name. I haven’t read lethals comments yet but I feel like he will bring this up.
  3. I enjoyed reading the legal aspects of this and how Roni was kind of just following her fathers and Joey’s opinion as she was out of her depth.
  4. It did make me curious on if there will be a period of time that Joey is a little but Roni isn’t trained as a guardian. As it would be interesting to see Joey in a temporary facility or something like Kelli as he waited for Roni to finish training.
  5. The Generigym is a nice addition. I liked the idea of Jessie and Tonya working out together despite the size difference.
  6. Really curious what Joey and Tonya’s discussion will be about.
  7. Also curious what Roni’s sisters will think about their new brother it was briefly hinted at here.
  8. Overall really good work with this. The attention detail and the level of connection to the rules of world continue to surprise me. This has been a fun read form the start and Its wonderful to see more people finding it now that its not hidden in the comments.
Lethal Ledgend
21 days ago

Ignore this, I just can’t figure out how to delete coments

Last edited 21 days ago by Lethal Ledgend
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