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Harnley Industries

When Alexander Harnley emerged from the hedge in 1979, he landed on his feet. One year later he'd killed his fetch and taken its place, laid the groundwork for the company that bears his name and generally secured a good place for himself. This is not to suggest that there weren't stumbling blocks; like many that emerge from the Hedge in groups, Alexander started his life among the Freehold as a member of a motley cobbled together from the people he'd escaped with. Except for his own efforts and those of a few other promising individuals, though, that Motley seemed to be going nowhere fast. Once the requisite Year and a Day passed, thus, Alexander and those he'd managed to recruit said their goodbyes to their former companions and left to forge a Motley on their own. Alexander expected his old Motley too fall apart in a few more years, but was hardly disappointed when it managed to find some capable leadership and pull together in the form of Skys Motley. In their own way, the departure of Alexander, Louis and Elena spurred their fellows on, such that they refused to meekly fall apart. They had something to prove, and a grudge to hold, after all. The rivalry between the two motleys is still strong to this day though mostly friendly.

Most of the Motley's time is spent in the operation of Harnley Industries, which focuses most of its business efforts in the twin worlds of consultation and software development. The company specializes on providing unique tools that allow any client to increase their efficiency, cut costs while keeping up quality, and provides guidance and advice to allow any corporation to meet any challenges that might develop in the 21st century business world. The members of the motley own the majority of the corporations share, and are at the heart of the corporations success in more or less every way, from making sure they have the best people working with them to getting in the field and doing the work themselves. In addition to their contract and consultation work, Harnley has begun bankrolling some speculative software development, attempting to fill holes in the marketplace with software custom developed by his corporation in the hopes of making his corporation a name in the business world. Most of his efforts in this field, to date, have focused on telecommunications software designed to create a next generation workplace that redefines the word "Home Office".

In terms of the Freehold, most of the motleys contribution have been in the financial. Sometimes these are sizable checks made out to the Society or its leaders, and other times they're generous donations of equipment to the Courts or their members. In particular, Harnley offers free custom-designed professional quality networking software to any member of the Freehold that wants it and has donated a number of computers to the freehold commons. None of this is to suggest, however, that the members of the motley do not give of their own time and expertise when it would be appropriate. While the motley is not as active in the community as some, they try to show up to social events and are always available for free consultation if the various leaders of the Courts need their unique advice. Outside the Freehold system, both Alexander and Laura are active members of the Winter Court, donating money and real estate for winter cottages while relying on the larger court for information on when to keep their head down.

Members of the Motley

• Alexander Harnley (Wizened, Oracle - Winter Court) is the leader of the Motley and the Company by dint of his personality, his personal resolve, and his Kith. The rest of the Motley trust his gut feelings and generally go with him on things, and he's seldom wrong in his choice of direction. Mr. Harnley has a keen organizational mind and is a natural problem solver who is always eager to apply himself to his clients problems, but also not the least bit afraid of delegation. This is good, because while he likes to be involved, Alexander also knows that a certain amount of distance is a necessity for him. While he would never abandon his company, he knows when to keep his head down and often operates at two or three steps removed for weeks at a time. After all, the CEO is supposed to be somewhat distant. That's expected.
• Louis Tinnley (Fairest, Muse - Spring Court) lurks in the Human Resources department, and is personally responsible for hiring everyone who works for the company. He has assistants and a secretary, sure, but every single interview he does personally. Thankfully, the Company is still small enough for that to be realistic. Even once you're hired, Louis is not out of your hair just yet. Mr. Tinnley is a well known face to the various employees, always available if you have a problem and constantly sticking his neck out for others. He tries to engender a close atmosphere in the Corporation, and foster a truly enjoyable working environment. There's nothing he hates more than having to fire someone, and takes any desire to leave the company quite personally.
• Elena Logos (Darkling, Palewraith - Winter Court) is the head of the Corporations most important department, as well as its lead programmer. Crisp and professional, she expects perfection from the employees that work under her, assigning tasks with firm deadlines and expecting results. Despite that, she makes sure to know the capabilities of everyone in her department and assign projects accordingly. When that's not possible, she's careful to factor that in and put a little wiggle room in the schedule, while making it clear that getting something done ahead of schedule is appreciated. Most of her time is spent in her small windowless office tucked in a corner near the servers, where its nice and cool. She doesn't like to be disturbed while she's working, and seldom is.
• Laura Burland (Wizened, Chateline - Autumn Court) joined the Motley a bit after it formed, but was employed there from the day Harnley Industries opened its doors, sitting at the top of the Managerial Department and heading up the efforts of the various consultants that work for the company. While Laura prefers fieldwork herself, she spends most of her time making sure everything in the company is running well, and plays the heavy to Louis Tinnley's smiling face. He's the boss everyone loves, she's the superior that everyone fears. The sound of her stiletto heels coming down the hall is downright distinctive, and brings with it an increase in productivity that makes her smile. She knows everyone by name, never forgets anything, and is never fooled by excuses.