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Disclaimer: All characters herein are copyright © Kitty White. This story may not be sold or used for commercial profit in any way, shape or form, nor may this story be modified in any way. This story may not be posted on any other Internet site without written permission of the author, nor distributed on print, magnetic, electrical or optical mediums.

Dramatis Personae

Blanche du Chat: Age: 30, Species: Domestic Feline

Raised as a Southern Belle, Blanche grew up in Savannah, Georgia, only child of a successful industrialist and his socialite wife. Sent to the University of Georgia to get her MRS. Degree, an economics professor discovered her talent for manipulating money and encouraged her to pursue a career instead of a husband. Her mother finds her incomprehensible, her father finds her somewhat intimidating, and as a result Blanche does not spend much time with her family. While investigating a possible investment opportunity, she met Artemis, rescued her, and has set up a think tank called The Idea Factory with her. Blanche is very self-sufficient. She is sometimes thought to be concerned with nothing but money, but she is extremely loyal to the few friends she has.

Artemis Drake: Age: Unknown, Species: Dragon (or so she was told)

Artemis is a fifteen-foot-long orange dragon, unique in this world. She was found unconscious in the New Mexico desert and brought to a military base to be studied. Once she had recovered and been taught English, the scientists studying her discovered that she was a genius. Capable in all areas of science, she is especially interested in computers and robotics and spends most of her research time involved in those areas. No one knows where she came from, or how she got here, not even Artemis herself. After fifteen years of being studied by the scientists at the base and exploited for her technical abilities by the government, she is discovered by Blanche, who rescues her through a combination of bribery, blackmail, and fast-talking. Artemis now runs the scientific side of The Idea Factory and has bought an apartment building in the rundown neighborhood around the Factory. Somewhat innocent due to being locked up for fifteen years, she has a rather direct way of fixing the injustices she sees around her. She loves children, finding their curiosity and honesty equal to her own.

Helen Waite: Age: 30, Species: Weasel

Counsel of Record for The Idea Factory, Helen met Blanche at the University of Georgia, which she was attending on a scholarship. After joining the same sorority, they became best friends, even collaborating on their senior projects. Blanche covered the financial end of a corporate takeover while Helen handled the legal aspects. After law school and passing the bar, Helen began practicing corporate law and quickly became known for finding loopholes in the most airtight contract. Having grown up poor, she loves the luxuries her success brings her and flaunts her money at every opportunity. Cold and calculating in the courtroom, only her closest friends know her slightly softer side.

Brett Gardner: Age: 35, Species: Lop-Eared Rabbit

Dr. Gardner was arrested when the ecological group he was associated with spiked trees in an old-growth forest, killing five loggers. As the only member of the group who could be found, he ended up being sentenced for five counts of involuntary manslaughter. An extremely talented botanist, Dr. Gardner had been corresponding with Artemis until his incarceration. Artemis sent Blanche and Helen to hire him to head up the botany research for The Idea Factory. Dr. Gardner is an almost fanatical conservationist, insisting on recycling and doing all he can to keep the planet green and growing.

Leroy Brown: Age: 42, Species: Orangutan

Dr. Brown was a promising organic chemist, working on less toxic fuel production methods until he insulted a highly placed general and had his funding yanked. Disgusted with the interference of ignorant officials, he became a bomb manufacturer, selling his services to anyone who could pay his price, provided they promised no innocents would be harmed. Recently, a bomb of his manufacture was detonated in an elementary school during class, killing and wounding many children. Horrified and disgusted with himself, he was prepared to turn himself over to the police when Blanche approached him and offered him a job with The Idea Factory. Dr. Brown is not the most sociable soul, and has a very sharp, very short temper, not to mention extraordinary strength.

More character sketches will be added as more main characters are added.