Achille grinned at the Aurigae’s sudden change in tone, about as subtle as a substantial brick being dropped on one’s toe. Well, you’re only learning from the best cheri, good to keep it like that Oui?
“Ah, the biodome. It’s a remarkable thing that to keep an area like this so lush and verdant you need to pump it full of chemicals. Leave this place to nature even for a second and all sorts of unplesantries would occur. Trees would uproot themselves. Environmental controls would go, pfft…” He made a snapping gesture with his wrist. “…Like so. We, apologies, I, wouldn’t be able to breathe. To grow a new Eden in the middle of the ether is not an easy task by any estimation…”
It was at this moment Christoph brushed him. Charmed I’m sure. Achille smiled, capitalising on the newly vacant chair; sinking into the plush. “Well my dear Yiriam, you would be correct in surmising that this station consumes a laborious amount of that irritatingly trademarked product; the unspeakably Libertonian chemical tripe FloraGro on a regular basis”… *pauses to breath* “…and any form of outsourcing to your people would be most desirous. Since this stations grows flora, it appears only apt oui”? Achille flourished, his showman’s grin tweaking up a degree.
“Perhaps I digress. And yes my dear, any offer of contract between our… intriguing peoples should always be on the board. Something as complex as inter-racial diplomacy was never solved through mere…” Achille paused to prize a wineglass from a waiter’s plate, whispering something in his ear as he did so “…Social call. I admire your discretion at attempting to enter partnership with our fraternity and I proffer you the same offer at any available time, cheri. Unity… can only make us stronger. Both of us”.
“But of course, the necessities of capitalism…” Achille released a theatrical sigh “… it is only expected that you would wish to derive some form of financial benefit from our contract, as indeed, do we all. So let me lay forth my offer madam, and see if you find it fitting to your... specialist requirements.”
The waiter had returned. His tray contained a notable absence of wine but rather Robert’s PDA, which Achille immediately liberated. “If you care to look here madam…” He gestured, pointing to the device. “…The total revenue for a complete trip to the Freeport from planet California Minor would lie at 2253 Sirian Credits per cubic tonne, to be transferred immediately as soon as the fertilizer is unloaded. This my dear, is the minimum we can offer the Aurigae for the service. So, to make the offer even more tangible, let me add a premium…” He lowered his voice. “…What I am prepared to do, for you, for the Aurigae Union, is to offer the Aurigae full and unrestricted birthing access at Freeport ten, plus the utilization of particular Commonwealth research facilities…”but not all of them cheri, “…If you so desire. Aurigae, as one of the Commonwealth’s new-found suppliers, would be free to purchase ships from the Commonwealth, I.E., light craft of Sirian Zoner origin, and in return we’d be collectively happy to supply the Aurigae with any niche materials you may be requiring for the purposes of colonisation, and I freely invite the Union to participate in Commonwealth supply convoys if you so choose…” He took a sip of his wine. “That’s quite a package Cheri”.
“I trust this suits the Union. Remember my dear, you scratch our collective backs, and we’ll give you a deep-tissue massage in return. Such is the way things are. Now please, feel free to take me up on my offer before I’m forced to render it differently”.
He slumped back in the chair.
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)
![[Image: XTF1d6x.png]](https://i.imgur.com/XTF1d6x.png)