Ahlmzhad wrote:
Kiki doesn't get any out and out here's the deal talk, but she gets a lot of smoking gun allusions when she gets into a chat with a group of pilots letting off some steam at one of the rocket jock bars. Two of the guys present, who identify themselves as Vloxmar pilots are pointed out as having something to do with a long distance ship, but no details just lots of innuendo around them. You can tell it's a well known secret, but no one is coming out with details in front of their friends.
Determined to find something interesting to contribute to the research Kiki decides to try another approach. Returning to her suite she changes into a cheap business suit, makes herself look like a low-level recruiting agent,and heads for the deckhand-friendly sector. Perhaps the offer of employment opportunities will elicit more indiscretion from people who are paid less ( but know nearly as much ).
Ahlmzhad wrote:
Kiki doesn't get any out and out here's the deal talk, but she gets a lot of smoking gun allusions when she gets into a chat with a group of pilots letting off some steam at one of the rocket jock bars. Two of the guys present, who identify themselves as Vloxmar pilots are pointed out as having something to do with a long distance ship, but no details just lots of innuendo around them. You can tell it's a well known secret, but no one is coming out with details in front of their friends.
Determined to find something interesting to contribute to the research Kiki decides to try another approach. Returning to her suite she changes into a cheap business suit, makes herself look like a low-level recruiting agent,and heads for the deckhand-friendly sector. Perhaps the offer of employment opportunities will elicit more indiscretion from people who are paid less ( but know nearly as much ).
Kiki begins to question the sanity of her idea as she winds up interviewing more uninteresting and our of the know people than she had hoped. But finally toward the end of the day she gets one that has recently been released from work on a project at Vloxmar. It was outfitting a Type T patrol cruiser with some new kind of drive that ate up a bunch of the cargo space and the arsenal. Careful questions get you an approximate location for the dock where the work is occurring.
Ahlmzhad wrote:
Kiki begins to question the sanity of her idea as she winds up interviewing more uninteresting and our of the know people than she had hoped. But finally toward the end of the day she gets one that has recently been released from work on a project at Vloxmar. It was outfitting a Type T patrol cruiser with some new kind of drive that ate up a bunch of the cargo space and the arsenal. Careful questions get you an approximate location for the dock where the work is occurring.
Finding a nearby supply store Kiki buys a some workers jumpsuits, a clipboard, a basic hand computer, a small toolkit, some random small spare parts and engineering tools and a case to carry things in. In a Qana-joint fresher she changes into one of the jumpsuits, putting her suit in the empty packaging at the bottom of the case, below the other spare jumpsuits . Refreshed by a hot qana Kiki walks to the dock sector she has been directed to. On the way she composes and sends a brief note to Stefano outlining the little she has learned so far, and that she is looking for the ship.
Reaching the area Kiki does her "just another worker" routine, walking purposefully but not fast and apparently immersed in her work tablet. Kiki intends to pose as a new worker delivering some necessary tools and parts to the crew working on the ship. Looking through the list of suppliers and contractors to Vloxmar that Hugi prepared Kiki chooses one of the minor companies. Ordinarily she would have prepared this in advance, improvising on the spot is so unprofessional. If only there were more time.
just posting for my personal amusement and to fill the time.
By 9:30, Fred left the TAS and searched the ‘net’ for any museums or cultural centers that might inspire him. An hour of distraction was just what he needed.
When his search revealed that there was a small art museum at a University located on the highport, Fred was barely able to contain his excitement. He loved visiting universities. He found the exchange of ideas forced him to work at really thinking and he loved acquiring new information. So it was off to the university Fred hurried.
He found his own college credentials were accepted and opened the doors to him as a ‘distinguished visitor’, which is really just a fancy title for a free student not earning credits. However it did allowed him to attend one of the three lectures that fit within his time frame for research. The lecture on ‘Grammar and linguistics’ held no interest for Fred. A lecture on “Human Physiology” might provide inspiration, but Fred blushed at the thought of carving a pornographic weapon … besides, Lasers lend themselves to organic lines more easily than chemically propelled revolvers. He settled for a guest lecturer on ‘Epistemology: The Theory of Knowledge’ which Fred found fascinating, but not quite the inspiration he sought.
After the lecture, he stumbled across a small art gallery that was hosting a themed exhibition on “Good and Evil”. Fred studied with fascination the breath of depictions from various artists and cultures about this universal experience and concept. Fred had found his ‘muse’. The theme of the weapon would be the eternal struggle between good and evil.
It was late morning and time for start thinking about where to have lunch.
Just in case anyone is interested, I enjoy using random rolls to create a story and this story was based on the d10 rolls … 4 6 1 2 1 6 used to create the Dewey Decimals 461 (Spanish), 612 (Physiology), 121 (Epistemology), 216 (Good/Evil) … you read for yourself how I used those results.
"welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness" - e.e. cummings
Ahlmzhad wrote:
Kiki begins to question the sanity of her idea as she winds up interviewing more uninteresting and our of the know people than she had hoped. But finally toward the end of the day she gets one that has recently been released from work on a project at Vloxmar. It was outfitting a Type T patrol cruiser with some new kind of drive that ate up a bunch of the cargo space and the arsenal. Careful questions get you an approximate location for the dock where the work is occurring.
Finding a nearby supply store Kiki buys a some workers jumpsuits, a clipboard, a basic hand computer, a small toolkit, some random small spare parts and engineering tools and a case to carry things in. In a Qana-joint fresher she changes into one of the jumpsuits, putting her suit in the empty packaging at the bottom of the case, below the other spare jumpsuits . Refreshed by a hot qana Kiki walks to the dock sector she has been directed to. On the way she composes and sends a brief note to Stefano outlining the little she has learned so far, and that she is looking for the ship.
Reaching the area Kiki does her "just another worker" routine, walking purposefully but not fast and apparently immersed in her work tablet. Kiki intends to pose as a new worker delivering some necessary tools and parts to the crew working on the ship. Looking through the list of suppliers and contractors to Vloxmar that Hugi prepared Kiki chooses one of the minor companies. Ordinarily she would have prepared this in advance, improvising on the spot is so unprofessional. If only there were more time.
Kiki finds the dock, and blends in with the crowd. The first few security points are easy enough, her years of doing this allow her to alter speeds and with a little charm be helped through doors she doesn't have a card for.
The last one was a bit tougher, it took all her persuasion and then a bit, but the old guard on duty finally bought it and buzzed her through.
So here she was walking down the hall towards the dock, and there's a viewport, and there on the outside is her target.
Stopping to non-chalantly snap a pic of the vessel, she is surprised by the voice so close to her: "I'll take that" The camera is out of her hand, and she turns around to find herself looking at a smiling Vloxmar security supervisor, and two guards.
"Please come with us, we have some questions for you". And he offers you to take the lead. He's walking closely behind you, and the guards close behind him tazers evident at the ready.
Leitz wrote:"A wonderful view."Stefano said. "You and the Duke share a taste for such beauty."
After reading the contract, Stefano smiled, pulled out a old fashioned ink cartridge pen, and signed. "And a shared taste for getting things done. The Duke spoke highly of you; otherwise this process would be very drawn out."
Before leaving, Stefano asked. "Is my assistant available for a quick chat?"
Stefano has been taken back the way he came by one of Orlovski's assistants. They are almost to the front door when they get a call. The assistant turns, and says "Mr Orlovski has an unexpected issue that requires your attention. I'm to take you back to him." She turns to lead you back towards his office.
just posting for my personal amusement and to fill the time.
Waiting for lunch to arrive, he began to think about planning ahead for his next project. An online search was made to locate some local machine shop that fabricated Starship parts to spec.
Kane Machining and Fabrication, Incorporated was a small family owned and operated shop that seemed to specialize in one-off parts for Smallcraft. From the business data available and the online reviews – both the praises and the complaints – it seemed like exactly what Fred was looking for.
There wasn’t much of a front office, just a single room into which was crowded a countertop, an office desk with a data terminal and a small sitting area. The glazed stare on the receptionist told Fred that he was speaking to the wrong person …
”Is Kane around?” said Fred.
”Back in the shop.” replied the girl with a smile eager to hand Fred and his problem off to someone else.
Stepping through the door marked “EMPLOYEES ONLY”, Fred was in a working machine shop more than four times the floor area of his shop back home with a ceiling as tall as the room was wide. Fred was a little surprised when ‘Mr. Kane’ turned out to be a very muscular Dana Kane. However watching her work the plasma lathe and seeing some of her finished work waiting to be picked up quickly convinced Fred that Ms Kane was the right ‘man’ for the job.
They started talking about what Fred was looking for, and he showed her the cylinder from his pocket and explained what he did for a living. Fred and Dana started talking shop and quickly developed a professional bond of interest and respect … one craftsmen to another.
They haggled a bit over the price and Dana offered a ‘best price’ of Cr 567 and a delivery time of two weeks (working him into the queue of orders).
”While I really appreciated the price, I think right now time is more important to me than money. How much for an expedited order and how soon?” said Fred.
”We don’t get many requests for expedited orders.” Dana said, then grinned. ”Well that’s half true. Everyone wants it in a hurry, but none of them want to pay extra for it.” Dana spent a moment glancing around the shop.
Fred knew that look and smiled. Fred knew every order in his shop in his head as well. It was just part of being a business owner. She was figuring out which orders she could reschedule and still make the promised deliveries.
”Thirty-five percent premium brings it to Cr 767 and delivery in 24 hours. You can pick it up anytime after noon tomorrow. We collect a 50% deposit on all custom orders.”
”Agreed all the way around. Very sound practice.” Fred smiled. ”If it is ok with you, I’d prefer to pay the full amount in advance. It will make picking up the parts that much simpler.”
A firm handshake, an electronic transfer and the deal was finished. Fred headed back to his hotel to get ready for his 3 PM meeting.
By 1:30 PM Fred had changed into a fresh coverall. Some men might have worn a suit to impress an important client, but Fred had simply grown too old and too tired of the games of “court” to care what anyone else thought of how he dressed. For Fred, the most important consideration when choosing clothing was “Are these comfortable?” All of Fred’s coveralls were comfortable and well made and tailored to fit him.
There was one critical stop that Fred made before the meeting. Andreas ‘The Bear’ Rothman, a client of Fred’s who purchased a significant number of weapons made of exotic compounds that were generally difficult to detect, had told Fred on one occasion that it is not the clothes that make the man … the world is full of people wearing costumes. Andreas said that the most important thing before any important meeting was a professional haircut and shave. Fred had learned the truth of Andreas’ advice. It did not matter whether or not you needed a haircut or shave, it was about the experience. You always wanted to go to a good shop and pay for the full treatment. The experience is what set you apart from lesser men.
As Fred generously tipped the barber and enjoyed the feel of the powder on his skin and the scent that lingered in his hair, he knew with complete certainty that he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
***
2:50 PM: A deep breath as Fred arrived at the entrance to Vloxmar. He felt nothing but excitement and curiosity.
The doors parted and Fred approached the counter to announce ”I have an appointment with Antil Orlovski.”
Now I am caught up to 3 PM.
Last edited by atpollard on Wed Mar 20, 2019 1:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness" - e.e. cummings
"Dayle, please don't take this wrong but I'm enjoying your company. Lead the way." Stefano said. He had appreciated the attractive young lady and had so far learned that Dayle Hoover was single, moderately happy as such, twenty-seven, and able to speak about people in the organization. Stefano gently probed to see who the power players were and which departments might better aid Antil's plan and which ones might have lost status because of it.
This time down the hallway he had a reference data set to link offices with SVPs and players. Seeing the layouts and decorations gave him more insight into the people and conversations to have or avoid. A potted plant here, a desert image on a wall there. Stefano knew he drew his own looks; he had worked the image for a while. What he found most odd was that he had gained more in his image by getting rid of those things that were just not him. While style mavens clucked their tongues trend-setters took note.
"Thank you, Mister Domici. Sorry if I bored you to death." Dayle said as they walked. "We've already gotten the word that you're on Mister Orlovski's team, so..."
"Quite alright. Do not worry, I have enjoyed every moment of it."
OOC: Streetwise [2d6+3] = 9+3 = 12 to determine the power structure that doesn't go on the org chart. Dayle reaction 8 without any mods applied. Stefano isn't trying to seduce her but to build the relationship.
Ahlmzhad wrote:
Kiki finds the dock, and blends in with the crowd. The first few security points are easy enough, her years of doing this allow her to alter speeds and with a little charm be helped through doors she doesn't have a card for.
The last one was a bit tougher, it took all her persuasion and then a bit, but the old guard on duty finally bought it and buzzed her through.
So here she was walking down the hall towards the dock, and there's a viewport, and there on the outside is her target.
Stopping to non-chalantly snap a pic of the vessel, she is surprised by the voice so close to her: "I'll take that" The camera is out of her hand, and she turns around to find herself looking at a smiling Vloxmar security supervisor, and two guards.
"Please come with us, we have some questions for you". And he offers you to take the lead. He's walking closely behind you, and the guards close behind him tazers evident at the ready.
Oops! Sorry, I know, Selfies aren't allowed. Naughty me, slapped wrist! I won't post it. You can just delete it and give the camera back. Don't tell my boss though, right, he'll be so boring about it. Such a nice yacht though, I bet it's really fast. Is it for a race? I love racing. Vo-Vo's promised to take me on his Solar-Sail yacht to see the next one, will this one be in it?.
Kiki imitates the vacuous women who sit at the front desks of private art galleries, ignoring visitors. Grown women who spend their days immersed in their social lives and social media while drifting from one pointless job to another, buoyed by their privilege and connections. Annoying and vapid, but not dangerous. Convinced nothing bad can happen to them, they are usually right - the worst thing in their world is the terrible boyfriends they always have.
Ahlmzhad wrote:
Kiki finds the dock, and blends in with the crowd. The first few security points are easy enough, her years of doing this allow her to alter speeds and with a little charm be helped through doors she doesn't have a card for.
The last one was a bit tougher, it took all her persuasion and then a bit, but the old guard on duty finally bought it and buzzed her through.
So here she was walking down the hall towards the dock, and there's a viewport, and there on the outside is her target.
Stopping to non-chalantly snap a pic of the vessel, she is surprised by the voice so close to her: "I'll take that" The camera is out of her hand, and she turns around to find herself looking at a smiling Vloxmar security supervisor, and two guards.
"Please come with us, we have some questions for you". And he offers you to take the lead. He's walking closely behind you, and the guards close behind him tazers evident at the ready.
Oops! Sorry, I know, Selfies aren't allowed. Naughty me, slapped wrist! I won't post it. You can just delete it and give the camera back. Don't tell my boss though, right, he'll be so boring about it. Such a nice yacht though, I bet it's really fast. Is it for a race? I love racing. Vo-Vo's promised to take me on his Solar-Sail yacht to see the next one, will this one be in it?.
Kiki imitates the vacuous women who sit at the front desks of private art galleries, ignoring visitors. Grown women who spend their days immersed in their social lives and social media while drifting from one pointless job to another, buoyed by their privilege and connections. Annoying and vapid, but not dangerous. Convinced nothing bad can happen to them, they are usually right - the worst thing in their world is the terrible boyfriends they always have.
The Security Supervisor smiles. "Well if that is the truth of it, then you have nothing to fear. However, my orders are to hold you. So let us go".
The journey soon takes you to a lift where you are taken up and over several sections.
You come out in a very bleak hall, and are taken to a room that has nothing but a hard molded plastic bench attached to one wall in it, and told that they will be back for you. As the door closes you notice the absence of any door control on the inside of the room. As you wait you do find the surveillance camera.
By 12:30 PM Fred had changed into a fresh coverall. Some men might have worn a suit to impress an important client, but Fred had simply grown too old and too tired of the games of “court” to care what anyone else thought of how he dressed. For Fred, the most important consideration when choosing clothing was “Are these comfortable?” All of Fred’s coveralls were comfortable and well made and tailored to fit him.
There was one critical stop that Fred made before the meeting. Andreas ‘The Bear’ Rothman, a client of Fred’s who purchased a significant number of weapons made of exotic compounds that were generally difficult to detect, had told Fred on one occasion that it is not the clothes that make the man … the world is full of people wearing costumes. Andreas said that the most important thing before any important meeting was a professional haircut and shave. Fred had learned the truth of Andreas’ advice. It did not matter whether or not you needed a haircut or shave, it was about the experience. You always wanted to go to a good shop and pay for the full treatment. The experience is what set you apart from lesser men.
As Fred generously tipped the barber and enjoyed the feel of the powder on his skin and the scent that lingered in his hair, he knew with complete certainty that he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
***
1:50 PM: A deep breath as Fred arrived at the entrance to Vloxmar. He felt nothing but excitement and curiosity.
The doors parted and Fred approached the counter to announce ”I have an appointment with Antil Orlovski.”
Now I am caught up to 2 PM.
"Why yes, Mr........................uh.......Fred" the receptionist says as she searches for how to greet you with no last name. "Please pass on through the door to my right. The waiting area is fully equipped so you can enjoy a beverage, snack, or even your favorite Holo show. I do regret that Mr Orlovski is held by a pressing matter, but does want to meet with you, and will be here shortly".
You here the door mechanism activate and see it whoosh open.
Ahlmzhad wrote:
Kiki finds the dock, and blends in with the crowd. The first few security points are easy enough, her years of doing this allow her to alter speeds and with a little charm be helped through doors she doesn't have a card for.
The last one was a bit tougher, it took all her persuasion and then a bit, but the old guard on duty finally bought it and buzzed her through.
So here she was walking down the hall towards the dock, and there's a viewport, and there on the outside is her target.
Stopping to non-chalantly snap a pic of the vessel, she is surprised by the voice so close to her: "I'll take that" The camera is out of her hand, and she turns around to find herself looking at a smiling Vloxmar security supervisor, and two guards.
"Please come with us, we have some questions for you". And he offers you to take the lead. He's walking closely behind you, and the guards close behind him tazers evident at the ready.
Oops! Sorry, I know, Selfies aren't allowed. Naughty me, slapped wrist! I won't post it. You can just delete it and give the camera back. Don't tell my boss though, right, he'll be so boring about it. Such a nice yacht though, I bet it's really fast. Is it for a race? I love racing. Vo-Vo's promised to take me on his Solar-Sail yacht to see the next one, will this one be in it?.
Kiki imitates the vacuous women who sit at the front desks of private art galleries, ignoring visitors. Grown women who spend their days immersed in their social lives and social media while drifting from one pointless job to another, buoyed by their privilege and connections. Annoying and vapid, but not dangerous. Convinced nothing bad can happen to them, they are usually right - the worst thing in their world is the terrible boyfriends they always have.
The Security Supervisor smiles. "Well if that is the truth of it, then you have nothing to fear. However, my orders are to hold you. So let us go".
The journey soon takes you to a lift where you are taken up and over several sections.
You come out in a very bleak hall, and are taken to a room that has nothing but a hard molded plastic bench attached to one wall in it, and told that they will be back for you. As the door closes you notice the absence of any door control on the inside of the room. As you wait you do find the surveillance camera.
After a long 10 minutes (no comms in here) The door reopens, and you're escort is back. "Please come with us, one of the Managers would like to speak with you."
They lead you back to the same lift entrance you had arrived through. This time you feel like you're dropping.
Kiki stays in character: sulky and peeved that she is being inconvenienced. Surely everyone has better things to do? She has. She goes along, offering no resistance, but she witters on about how unfair it is
It was just a Selfie with a pretty yacht, I don't know what the fuss is. I'm meant to be having lunch with Vix now, can I message her to say I'll be late? This is sooo inconvenient. I won't tell anyone you've got a new racer. I really won't, I'm going to bet on it. Vo-Vo will lose his mind when I win!
Leitz wrote:"Dayle, please don't take this wrong but I'm enjoying your company. Lead the way." Stefano said. He had appreciated the attractive young lady and had so far learned that Dayle Hoover was single, moderately happy as such, twenty-seven, and able to speak about people in the organization. Stefano gently probed to see who the power players were and which departments might better aid Antil's plan and which ones might have lost status because of it.
This time down the hallway he had a reference data set to link offices with SVPs and players. Seeing the layouts and decorations gave him more insight into the people and conversations to have or avoid. A potted plant here, a desert image on a wall there. Stefano knew he drew his own looks; he had worked the image for a while. What he found most odd was that he had gained more in his image by getting rid of those things that were just not him. While style mavens clucked their tongues trend-setters took note.
"Thank you, Mister Domici. Sorry if I bored you to death." Dayle said as they walked. "We've already gotten the word that you're on Mister Orlovski's team, so..."
"Quite alright. Do not worry, I have enjoyed every moment of it."
OOC: Streetwise [2d6+3] = 9+3 = 12 to determine the power structure that doesn't go on the org chart. Dayle reaction 8 without any mods applied. Stefano isn't trying to seduce her but to build the relationship.
Dayle says "Why thank you sir. Welcome aboard, and I hope you enjoy it here." With that you've reached the door to Orlovski's office. Dayle opens it and steps aside to let you enter first. Orlovski was watching something on the big vid board behind his desk, and he turns it off, and turns toward you.
"Ah Stefano. I apologize for having to call you back so unexpectedly, but someone I need you to meet has shown up out of the blue. Please have a seat? Would you care for anything to drink?"
You sense Dayle waiting by the door for your choice of beverages, hearing it she slips to the beverage center and fixes it for you (or not if you don't want one).
"Well I have someone that I feel you most definitely will want on your team." With that he pushes a key on his keypad, and a panel on the wall opposite the door you came in slides open and three Vloxmar security people come through with a woman in a workers jumpsuit. Then you recognize Kiki.
"With intelligence being the life blood of business, security is the inoculation. Please Ms Arquez have a seat. Dayle, please fix Ms Arquez a drink. She may want one by now. I apologize for the nature of your escort here, but your entry was a serious breach of our security. So I'll simply thank you for showing me where we had some weak links. Since your research has found the big secret here, we might as well reveal it."
With that he clicks a key on his keypad, and the vid scrren bursts to life with a panoramic view of the craft. Slick and white with the Vloxmar logo along it's sleek side.
"Take a good luck because that beauty will soon be home for the foreseeable future, until you can secure a trading dock and offices. Yes it's a converted Type T Patrol Cruiser, but it's been heavily modified where it counts. You'll have the standard military defenses and weaponry, but you'll also have the newest engines we could fit in her. The HX Maneuver drive will give you thrust 8 so you should be able to outrun anything you have to. Of course the key piece is the modified FLJ Long Jump engine that will let you cover 18 parsecs in 4 weeks. Questions."
Kiki takes in the situation, smiles, and breaks character. Looking to the security team: Thank you for your courteous escort, I apologise for being such poor company. You understand, I am sure?
You can send my things here. May I? *making a writing gesture*
Ahlmzhad wrote:"Why yes, Mr........................uh.......Fred" the receptionist says as she searches for how to greet you with no last name. "
Fred smiled and leaned close to whisper … ”Fokionas Athanasios Papageorgious-Michaelides. However my Grandmother got a court injunction preventing me from ‘using the Family Name for any business purposes’ after a certain political scandal. I think you can see why I legally changed it to just ‘Fred’. Besides, ‘Firearms by Fred’ sounds better than ‘Papageorgious-Michaelides Fine Weapons’ and fits on a business card much easier.”
Ahlmzhad wrote:You hear the door mechanism activate and see it whoosh open.
Fred whistled happily as he entered the waiting area and stopped to pour himself a hot cocoa before selecting a chair and a table to wait. He chose some soft classical music in the background and began to sketch on his cylinder with a small engraving pen. Slowly the faint scratches in the impossibly hard material began to mark the rough layout of the ultimate design … an epic struggle between warriors of Light and Darkness. The universal theme of the battle between Good and Evil.
Fred was so absorbed in his project, that he was completely unaware of someone entering the room and he didn’t even hear the first time his name was called.
"welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness" - e.e. cummings
Stefano set his qana on the table and smiled at the security guards.
"Thank you, Ms Arquez. Here, you might want to see what you're signing up for." Stefano said smoothly as he walked to Kiki and handed her the contract. "The compensation is good, I feel, and Mister Orlovski is willing to let us invest a portion of the pay into the project itself, assuming a year to become fully vested."
After giving Kiki her contract Stefano turned back to Antil. "As I said earlier, Kiki is a skilled specialist. I wouldn't have made it past your first line of security. Much less as far as she did with the barest of information. Last night I spoke to her of general possibilities, to include my own assumptions. She deduced the most likely business venture to investigate and seems to have done well given a moment's notice and sketchy guesses about the target."
He smiled. "Kiki is one of the reasons I'm so interested in investing in the project. Her skills complement mine and given the task details she is a wise investment. With your person as CFO and Kiki as COO I'm even more confident than before."
OOC: Persuade 15 While I expect Antil to have a very good resistance to the usual charm Stefano is working to remove some of the concerns.
Kiki accepts a dry white wine spritzer and takes a seat. While it obvious she is known, she is unsure how much is known. Security minded as ever she does not show any recognition of Stefano until he speaks to her.
Good day, Don Domici. I had interesting things to report to you later, but it appears you already know more than I.
As Stefano speaks to Mr Orlovski she reads through the terms of the contract. The leeway it allows for individual enterprise is quite generous. That is deliberate, and it is attractive
Hearing him boost her ability she thinks to herself "Ah, so I am an asset. Flattering. I still got caught though."
Watching the presentation she bursts out laughing: Haha Ha! It really is a racing yacht! Oh, I chose the wrong story there.
Recovering her composure: Definitely a racer. Everything is devoted to speed. There is almost no cargo capacity. Whatever it carries must have high value. Is the mission of that ship to escort merchant vessels, or to force open new markets? It looks rather spartan for a vessel to entertain market-makers, impressive though it is.
Stefano met Kiki's gaze and then gave an almost imperceptible flick the eye to the guards. "It is a very interesting ship and an even more interesting project. We have internal office space and suitable living quarters to ensure our discussions can be frank."
