*cough*

Ayan matched her pace to her visitor’s as she listened to Rico’s pitch with genuine interest…

As he talked she tilted her head in curious observation. The Caretaker-Prime couldn’t help but smile inwardly at the contrast between the two Corporate figureheads that she had now come face to face with in this galaxy.
Mr Vinda was the elder between the two , that much was obvious, but it showed through in his dealings with people.
His experience and the wisdom gained from it was clearly an edge the man had over Rico. He was relaxed, professional , courteous, and charismatic. No doubt his confidence came from knowing his strengths. He had smoothed out his creases long ago.

Ayan had observed this , and naturally found herself comparing the two men.

Her first impressions of Rico was different. He appeared edgy, and nervous, and his actions seemed kind of clumsy.
That said, the Corporate man had a kind of energetic , almost child-like enthusiasm about him, and aside from his nervous manner , Ayan was surprised to find she found it quite endearing.

He had a charm all of his own.

One also had to bear in mind the circumstances Rico had obviously had found himself in, perhaps his apprehensive manner was just a symptom of the kind of ‘trouble’ he had described moments earlier…

She found herself dwelling upon this for a moment, wondering once more what may have happened.

It was her responsibility to see to the welfare of the Astoria , and one had to consider the prospect of inviting ‘trouble’ onboard, after all, if trouble had found Rico once before, who could say it would not find him again?

The Caretaker dismissed these thoughts for the time being, and shifted her focus back to the man himself.

He had drive, obviously was not backwards at coming forwards, and he appeared to be more aggressive in his approach than Mr Vinda.
Ayan suspected this was probably mainly due to age. The younger were always more driven, and the desire to prove themselves had a tendency to burn brightly.

It was this factor, this was where Mr Belgardi clearly had the advantage.

He was younger.

Although there was evidently a lot Rico could improve on, the time for him to do so was most certainly there. Ayan could also tell he was determined to do just that.

Who knew what the future held?

Perhaps Belgardi Inc. would indeed find its turn to become the dominant corporate force in the galaxy.

After all, (Ayan remembered with wisdom)…


No empire lasts forever…

Corporate or otherwise…


In this regard, it made no sense to limit or perhaps hurt future prospects.

This was simple good business sense.


Ayan smiled warmly as Rico finished explaining his reasons for his visit, then blinked a little in surprise as he thrust a datapad in her direction.

She paused and looked at it blankly, as if caught off guard, then finally revealed her hands which had thusfar been ensconced in her sleeves and took it warily. Then perused its contents quietly.

After a moment she carefully placed it into one of her hidden pockets, then looked up to Rico…

“I like your proposal , its is always good to attract new business to the Station, and I would be honoured to show you around…”She said carefully, then smiled congenially…

“..but come, we can discuss the details over dinner, I don’t do business on an empty stomach…have you eaten?…”

(Ayan asked) looking up at the businessman with a mischievous smile…