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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shadowdancer" data-source="post: 1931395" data-attributes="member: 515">Swann listens to the repair estimates from Vasilii and the report from Kevon on his calls. He rubs a hand across his face and says, "It doesn’t sound like Miss Clegg is after the cubes. We should find out what her offer is. If it’s something we can do without the ship, we could take her little job. It would give us something to do while the Keaven’s being repaired, and earn some money to help pay for the repairs at the same time. "If we can't do the job, or she is after the cubes, then we can always turn her down. And, if that’s the case, then I suggest we go with the least expensive repair option, which will involve some of us pitching in to help. "As far as the two Mr. De Salui’s, I like the idea about two simultaneous meetings in two separate places until we determine who is the real thing, and who is the imposter. It will spread us thin, but it will also keep our options more flexible." "I agree with Mr. Hellinic. Let’s meet with Ms. Clegg first, then we’ll arrange near simultaneous meetings with the de Salui’s," Kevon adds. Vasilii says, "Except that de Salui No. 2 is trying hard to set his own schedule on this. For my own opinion, he seems to be trying very hard to be the better option of the two. Maybe a little too hard, if you ask me." "We will simply not allow him to dictate the schedule," Kevon counters. "If he wants to meet, he will meet on our terms." Aidan says, "Kevon, you’ve an excellent point on setting our own schedule. We might throw him off balance, and get him to accept a change of schedule more easily, if I make the next contact and appear clandestine about it." "Not sure I follow you," Vasilii says. "We have no idea where he is, until he’s banging on our door. What’d you have in mind? Personally, I could support clandestinely tranqing the bugger for a couple of days, if that’s what you have in mind," he adds with an amused smile, then shrugs. "Well, if he wants to do business, threatening the delivery people is not the way to do it, especially if he wants any future deliveries of whatever’s inside these cubes," Vasilii continues. "He seems, at best, to be unaccustomed to the realities of interstellar commerce and travel, and, at worst, to be anything but a professional, at least in any profession you can discuss in polite company." Vargas says, "Some people just like to throw their weight around or need to overcompensate. Or he’s nervous. Maybe someone’s breathing down his neck. In any case, I advise caution — people backed against a wall can get dangerous fast." Aidan says, "Tranqing him is an enchanting idea. An enchanting idea to do to me at times when I’m being the fop as well. But no, at the moment that might be a bit extreme." Aidan grins rather madly. "I’m simply thinking that we might keep this second Sare off balance if he thinks two groups are approaching him." He ruminates for a moment. "Although, Vargas, your point about dangerous animals and corners is well taken. We should arrange something soon so that he doesn’t feel the need to take pointed action." "Yes, that pointed action could be in the form of an attack on the ship," Ian says, "or even an attempt to snatch one of the crewmembers to use as incentive to deal with him. We all should be on our toes anytime we are out and about!" "I think I should take point on Ms. Clegg, maybe with Mr. Hellinic as backup," Kevon says. "We’ll have to make sure we can get him reservations at the same restaurant. Ms. Smythe can be his ‘date,’ perhaps?" Vasilii looks at Kevon, than at Martha, then tries to sink back as far as he can into his seat while holding his fingers in his ears, waiting for the incoming barrage. Instead of exploding in anger Martha blushes slightly, then responds, "Umm, what about my work here on the ship? Won’t I need to be working on repairs?" She does avoid looking Kevon in the eye, though tries to be nonchalant about it. The lieutenant commander smiles a genuine smile. "I’m sorry, Martha. I didn’t mean to embarrass you," he says, using Martha’s given name for the first time that she could recall. "Since Mr. Hellinic is going to be my backup, he won’t stand out as much with a beautiful young lady like you ‘on his arm,’ so to speak, at a restaurant such as the one Ms. Clegg is suggesting we meet at." Swann chuckles and says, "I must be getting popular. I’ve had dates with half the crew since we got here. "But seriously, it would be a good idea to have some of the crew in the restaurant during the meeting, just in case." Aidan offers, "Perhaps I may be of service as an observer detached from the party? With luck, they’ve not observed me as associated with the crew?" Ian slowly eats his meal while listening to the discussions, eventually throwing his two credits worth in. "Lot’sa issues to deal with, eh? My expertise does not lie in the mechanical/electrical aspects of our needs. So unless we just need muscle to help with the repairs, I’d be better use dealing with the other issues," he says with a half grin. "I prefer speedy repairs, especially if things get a bit sticky here. But our funds may not support that route. "I think we should call the redhead up and meet her this evening, like she requested. Sounds like there are plenty of volunteers for that one so I’ll let y’all handle it." Ian glances at Swann and chuckles a bit. "Just be careful, some females are easily offended!" Turning back to the rest of the crew, Ian says, "I would prefer to go along with whoever meets with de Salui No. 2. He might get a bit agitated if the meeting doesn’t go the way he prefers. I agree that both meetings should take place during the same time frame if at all possible. Maybe tomorrow morning, at places of our choosing. And I have no problem letting Aidan speak with him next time he calls. I would like to listen and watch, though, just to see if I can ‘read’ him a bit." Aidan says, "Hmm, choosing between the potential black widow spider and the bull in the china shop? Yes, I think I'd take the bull each time. Although tricking the spider could be interesting. Nonetheless . . . ," he trails off reminiscently. -----Over the latish lunch, the crew hashes out options for dealing with their various callers and repair options. The tentative plan is for Kevon to meet with Holly Clegg with Martha and Swann in the restaurant as backup. The crew then plans to have split meetings with the two Sare de Saluis about the same time. -----Kevon calls Holly from the lounge. This time, Holly Clegg appears in a standard ship's jumpsuit and appears to be seated comfortably in a chair when taking the call. "Ah, Captain Holland. I was hoping that you’d call back soon." "Good afternoon, Captain Clegg. I will be able to accept your invitation for dinner this evening. Say, 1800 hours at The Grotto?" "Very good. 1800 at The Grotto sounds fine. I’ll make reservations for us. I’ll see you then." "Farewell." -----After Kevon finishes his call, Swann makes reservations for himself and Martha at The Grotto at the same time. The person accepting the reservations call does tell Swann that, while formal attire isn’t required, it is strongly suggested, and ship kits or jumpsuits are not accepted. -----Meanwhile, Martha places a call to Stork & Sons to accept their bids and inform them that the crew would like to help with the service work. The same young man who made the bid, Clay Stork, seems delighted that the crew will be helping. "Yahhhh, it’d be great if you help. We need you to move your ship, though, to our yard, Stork & Sons Berth 2 tomorrow morning. You should tell traffic control though, they get a little upset if you don’t." Martha confirms with Kevon before filing a flight plan for the next morning, and then goes about making sure the ship is ready. -----Saro marches Vasilii back to the improvised sickbay and essentially forces him into the bunk. -----A little after the calls are finished, the crew receives another call from Sare de Salui No. 2. This call is being placed from the berth door. "Damnit! I’m here to pick up my damn package. Again, I’m ready to give you twice the agreed upon payment, but if you don’t have my package ready now, you can bloody well whistle for that bonus." The berth door camera shows the stern, gaunt fellow dressed in gray casual wear scowling at the vid pickup. The fellow seems unarmed as far as can be seen on the vid pickup, but there are two Sydites* hovering over his shoulder. Before the call is answered, Ian quickly speaks to Kevon. "See if you can set up a meeting with him in the morning, maybe at one of the bars or cafes we have previously visited." Ian the positions himself so he can watch and listen to the conversation without being seen. Kevon nods to Ian, then thumbs the comm switch. "Mr. De Salui, you will conduct yourself with civility or we will take our cargo with us and you will get nothing," he warns. "There are certain protocols that we must follow, which includes a first meeting, at a public location — and without your hired goons. "You, and you alone, will join me for breakfast at Alaphar’s Café, and we will discuss your needs and proposal," Kevon continues. "Should we get any hint that you’re failing to heed the spirit and letter of these instructions, the meeting is off, period. Do you understand me, sir?" Vargas nods appreciatively before speaking very softly, "Nicely done." The gaunt man scowls at the vid pickup at Kevon’s warning and replies, "I doubt that you’ll take the cargo and forgo payment. Not when you have a damaged rust bucket. But, fine, we’ll play it your way. Tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. at your cafe. "I will be bringing my assistants, but they’ll stay outside." Saro mutters to himself, "Buffoons and goons. Why is everyone who wants to deal with us a buffoon or a goon, or both?" *Sydites are a race of large, genetically-engineered humans with four arms. They were created to serve as soldiers, and are often found working for individuals and organizations as "hired muscle."</blockquote>

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