The metal hand of opportunity

[Hans von Goeben]

While the trio was walking through the great halls and chambers of the lucurious vessel, Hans patiently listened and only commented his hosts' tour with friendly nods and smiles to Geoff's statements and presentations.
Zeal was keeping a close eye on Goeben; observing his reactions and what he was doing while her husband wandered in front of his guest. She was nosey about this geek's exposure to such a
... high-class display of property.

Curiously enough, Hans did not look annoyed at any time, and his reservation in words and questions was not the result of boredom or a sign of good manner, but appearently sheer interest.
He seemed to prefer letting his host talk and explain the things onboard rather than commenting every sentence to mime mentioned interest, so he wouldn't stop the flow of information.
Neither was enviousness the cause of his hush. The biometrical data and facial scanners didn't register any signs of this emotion.

This circumstance was one which Zeal did not plan for: It is widely known that nowadays Freelancers, especially scientists, do not count as the rich ones of their profession, since they are only some kind of "rented" specialized workers and researchers, which cheaply fill the companies' gaps of employees if needed. This guy here has to have some good side-jobs, considering he owns a fancy yacht, plus his reaction towards the wealth onboard the liner.

'A fishy Freelancer...', she thought.

Much to everyones' joy, Geoff decided to end the tour with a relaxing stay in the most stylish room of the liner: The salon.
After almost half an hour of looking at every corner, the wooden doors of the salon open and welcome the visitors with a comfy, red divan in which front a great table with many beaverages is placed. Truly, a nice view after such a long walk!

"Please, Hans, take a seat and tell me what you would like to drink! I am sure we can please every kind of taste in the bar...", Geoff smiles as they are walking towards the table.

"Oh, thank you! In that case...hmm...", Goeben's view wanders over a large variety of bottle shapes and labels, "...I'll take a classic Long Island!" , he smirks and sits down.
Half a minute of silence passes while Geoff is mixing the drinks and Hans is looking around the fancy room.

"So, Enfield...", taking the offered drink out of his host's hand, "...I am honestly impressed by your liner. You own one of the best I have seen around Sirius so far...even compared to The Hawaii in Sigma 17! I didn't know the BDM pays so well that their agents were able to fly such beauties...!"

For the first time, a different tone swings in his voice; the sound of sarcasm. And to emphasize this intention, Hans shows a quick, wolfish smile before taking the first sip of the Long Island.