Private dignitaries lounge...
"While we always look forward to visits from our friends at Vinda-Corp, I must confess, Mr Bayern, there seems to be more to this visit than just pleasantries..."
Ayan looked up at Richter expectantly, her piercing eyes scanning his as if looking for clues...
Richter smiled inwardly, he had been informed the Care-Taker Prime was a shrewd customer and although he had spent only a few hours with her company onboard the station, being shown around, he had not been disappointed.
The Vinda-Corp executive had found that very rarely did people live up to their reputations, and as such it had been satisfying to find the Station's manager an exception to this.
Richter had been looking forward to getting onboard the Station since its very first appearance, but due to a variety of reasons, this had been the only time he had actually managed to make it, and it was for business.
The businessman reflected upon recent events for a moment, and found his mood lighter. He had been quite upset initially at being overlooked for the top job at Vinda-Corp, by Miles , but he had since calmed down , once the old man, Vinda, had explained his reasons.
Besides, it wasn't all bad, he had been promoted to Mile's old position and was now in fact, number two on the corporate ladder at VC, all in all ,that wasn't a bad achievement, and his pay reflected this.
Even Richter had to admit, this thought was a good cushion, plus he was now sat onboard the station with a woman whom he found positively charming. Even though, Richter suspected, that was all part of her job description, all things considered, he had to admit, things could be a lot worse.
The Vinda-Corp exec leaned back into his chair and smiled wryly...
"I was told you were a sharp woman, Ayan" He said in reply...
Ayan simply smiled at this compliment, and waved her hand as if batting it away, prompting Richter to smile and continue...
"Yes, my visit here is for two reasons, the main of course, is to assure you that despite the recent changes at the top it is still very much business as usual at Vinda-Corp, and Mr Johnson, who as you know is Mr Vinda's replacement as our new EXO , wishes you to know we still value our friends and our interests here onboard this amazing station you have here..."
He stopped for a moment to take a sip of tea, his host had graciously provided for him, before continuing...
"The second is of a more delicate business matter, mainly , to ensure the safety of our assets with regards to our own Casino, the Bonadan Lounge, and also on behalf of the new Republic, the Bank of Bonadan"
Ayan nodded slowly at this and seemed to listen even more intently...
"It can not have escaped your attention that the entire galaxy is in a state of crisis, and sadly, war it seems is inevitable. As such, Mr Johnson has instructed me to consolidate our liquid assets onboard the Astoria, and to ensure their safe return to Bonadan, purely as a matter of precaution."
A slight frown appeared upon Ayan's face as she listened to Richter speak...
"Yes, I am quite aware of events taking place outside of our Station, a most worrying time, we have been following the news-feeds very closely " Ayan replied Solemnly...
"But I assure you" she followed up quickly "We are quite safe onboard here" Ayan finished flatly...
Richter nodded as she talked..."While I am sure that is the case" He replied carefully as to not cause offence "You can understand our precautionary measures, and of course , hopefully when things calm down we can review the measures after"
Ayan leaned back into the silk inlaid seats within the private booth and nodded slowly...
"Very well, how soon do you wish to enact these new measures"
Richter frowned a little at this as he answered..."With immediate effect, or as soon as it is feasibly possible "
It was Ayan's turn to frown...
"Are you sure you wish to do this in one go? we are talking about..." She paused for a moment as if swiftly calculating the figures involved and failing... "....a lot of hard currency, Mr Bayern, would it not be better to take it in smaller installments?"
Richter shook his head as he replied "Normally I would agree with you but the galactic situation has forced our hand, and we have to act quickly, which brings me to another delicate matter"
"Oh?" Ayan looked up at the businessman
"We can handle the security outside of the station, in fact I will be escorting the assets personally, in a dedicated freighter with a very large escort provided by our friends within the Republican Navy , but its the security onboard the station we are more concerned about, would you permit us to provide our own security team and escort the stock to our ships?"
Ayan frowned at this, and her face grew stern...
"No. As you know, no foreign soldiers, or security teams are allowed or permitted on the station, Mr Vinda himself knew this when he agreed to the terms of our business arrangements. ALL station security is handled by our own Police force, and while I sympathize with your predicament I cannot allow exceptions, this I am afraid I must insist upon, but I can assure you Mr Bayern, our Police force are both trusted and capable"
Richter of course already knew this, but they both knew he had to ask anyway, and he nodded slowly and sighed...
"Very well, you understand I had to ask" He said with a rueful smile...
Ayan inclined her head, understanding perfectly well "And you understand, I hope why I cannot allow this"
The Vinda-corp businessman laughed and nodded slowly...
"Then, in that case, I must ask another a favour of you Care-taker Prime"
Ayan smiled and nodded, pre-empting his request...
"Consider it done, Mr Bayern, but it will take at least a couple of days to accommodate your request at such short notice"
Richter nodded again at this... "I understand" he replied, his tone serious.
Ayan rose, and placed her hands within her robed cuffs and bowed slightly as she spoke..."Then if you'll excuse me, Mr Bayern, I shall make arrangements with Security now, please remain here and enjoy our hospitality" And with a flurry of golden silk she made her way out of the private lounge..
Richter smiled and bowed his head a little in thanks, and watched her leave realising with a smile upon his face that he had a few days to kill...
....Don't mind if I do.