The CLT Foudroyent arrived to Eldorado Station about thirty minutes before noon. After a smooth landing, the usual docking procedures and changing the flight suit to an actual suit, fitting for a business lunch a bit more, Henri was by the entrance of the Tastes of Sirius just five minutes before twelve o'clock. A waiter approached him when he entered the restaurant.

Good day, sir. Welcome to the Tastes of Sirius, how may I be of your service?
Bonjour. I'm Henri Croix, First Chief of the Council, and I have an arranged meeting with Miss Hyakutake and Mister Zimmerman in about five minutes. - he introduced himself with just a minimal hint of a french accent.
Of course, sir, I'll show you your table. - and with that he escorted Henri to Table 1, where Katherine was already waiting for the "delegation".

Raymond was refreshing his memory of Hangar 3's inventory when a waiter alerted him to Henri Croix's arrival.

Sir, First Chief of the Council Henri Croix has arrived at the restaurant. He’ alone.

Raymond raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Good. "

He stood up and adjusted his tie in front of the office mirror, then pulled on the chandelier above it to open a secret door directly into the restaurant's kitchen. Raymond marched through it and entered the dining room the moment Katherine addressed Chief Croix.

“You honor us with your presence.” She bowed.

“Maître Croix, welcome to Eldorado. I’ve instructed my men to provide any assistance your ship and crew would require.” They exchanged handshakes while two waiters removed three of the six sets on the table. “I hope you had a smooth trip despite the ongoing mess in the systems north of here.”

Enchantée, Mademoiselle Hyakutake. - Henri bowed too, then offered her his hand for a handshake as well. - It's a pleasure to be here.

He then turned to the recently arrived Raymond Zimmerman to receive his handshake: - It's nice to meet you too, Monsieur Zimmerman. Although I don't think the freighter or my co-pilot I came with would require much assistance, few of the main reasons I like the Courier freighter is that it's small, fast and agile. - he explained. - So yes, I indeed had a quick and smooth trip to Eldorado. - he added with a smile.

Even though he was inspecting the restaurant ever since he entered, Henri was still looking around when they sat down, only to discover more and more details of the place. - I have to admit the interior design of the Tastes of Sirius is a quite pleasant sight to my eyes, the choice and arrangement of furniture is decent and the lighting sets a neat, calming mood.

“I thank you for your kind words, and hope that the menu will also be pleasing to your tastes.” Katherine gestured for a waiter to bring the menu with a hand sign, moving without disturbing her elegant Kimono. While it is being handed out, she adds: “Please sample as many courses as you would like. Dishes are served in all sizes. Would you like an aperitif?

"I'm glad you're still able to operate smoothly. Can't say the same for IMG, especially north of here, with all these blockades and embargos. I don't know about you, but even the Mollies have become suspicious of IMG ships. " While studying the menu, Raymond says: "But hopefully the final core upgrade will put an end to the Sabre-rattling. Speaking of which... that will also be an excellent opportunity to see transports bringing various goods and equipment from south and east Sirius to Eldorado. Goods and equipment for which Eldorado may not end up being the final destination, after all."

I've been thinking of having a glass of Veuve Cliquot Champagne, - Henri said while browsing the menu. - but then I saw you have Sake, so I'll have one of that, s'il vous plaît. - he turned to his companions. - I've heard a lot about the culinary wonders of Kusari in the past, but due to our relations to the Republic I barely had the chance to try anything out of that cuisine.

The array of food offered here speaks volumes about the amount of connections you already estabilished, Monsieur Zimmerman, it also makes me curious what other goods exchange owners on this station. - He looked at him, stopping for a moment, then briefly began browsing the menu and continued: - On the other hand I also found the list a bit lacking as well, given the opportunities, I can surely confirm the section regarding Gallic food and drinks could be longer, which then makes me curious what other goods you might be in need of.

Oh, this Stuttgart Speciality thing... - he inspected the name for a few long seconds - I'm afraid I'm not so familiar with Rheinlander cuisine or spelling, and the description is a big vague. How am I to imagine this one? - Henri looked up at the others for help.

“Spätzle are a short soft noodle specialty from Sol’s Schwabenland, of which the historic city of Stuttgart was the capital. They’re served with a gravy and cream sauce of mushrooms, chicken, pork, or fish. The dish is best described as “hearty” and “rustic”. Your compliments about my house’s cuisine honor me. Our recipes and connections for ingredients stem mainly from research for my thesis on “Nourishment Solutions arising from Scarcity and their role in Progress and Diversity throughout the Histories of Sol and Sirius”, as well as exchange programs within four houses. Some ingredients are only available in small quantities until now, but we are still looking for more steady suppliers such as the Council for when we open to the general public. Because of Gallia’s isolation and the unfortunate circumstances of the first… interactions… between our houses, my knowledge of Gallic cuisine is indeed limited to historic records. It would be my greatest honor to meet a master chef of Gallic Cuisine, even more so if we could offer him a position on Eldorado, if you know of such a person within the Council.”

“As for what more goods exchange owners on Eldorado, I would say: Anything goes, as long as it’s ethical and legal in Bretonia. When it comes to food supplies, there are of course more “universal” ingredients that may not be specific to Gallic cuisine, but which we would buy from the best bidder. There may of course be more Gallic food produce for recipes which we're not aware of, which you may wish to share.
Apart from the gold ore for sale here, there may be equipment and other raw materials that you may possibly need for your cause, such as components to build bases, factories, or weapons platforms. We’d be happy to make such things available to you here, in return for your deliveries. If someone indiscrete catches wind of it, we can always claim to need it for ourselves or for another buyer.”

As Raymong finished speaking, a waiter arrived with a tray carrying three glasses of Sake. While he placed the glasses on the table, Katherine said:

"If you are especially curious about Kusari cuisine, I would recommend a choice of Spring Rolls followed by Ramen or Shark Fin soup as entrées, and the rich Whale Hotpot or fresh Sushi as main course, depending on your appetite. You may of course sample all these dishes in the quantity that pleases you. As you seem to be also interested in southern German food, I recommend the Schwarzwälderkirschtorte for desert."

“Are you ready to order?” the waiter asked.

“I’ll take a bit of everything she said.”