The office of Dionysius trade director was immaculate. It was not much different from their legal department offices. Except they liked flowers and paintings in these spacious rooms. Three chairs were set in a horseshoe across from the marble topped desk. Its tech screens built into the marble top, giving the entire workspace over to papers if need be. Only there were not that many of those to see.

Two rolled up, what looked like construction plans, were on the edge of the desk. A tablet rested right next to those. Two mugs cased in shiny stainless steel at the front of the desk. The man who sat behind it was the very definition of refined. Nails neat and polished. Just like his shoes. Gregory L?Vanis might as well have been cut out from a magazine. White shirt pressed, red and grey tie perfect, grey jacket cut just right. His dark hair had enough wave to give it a sense of luxurious softness, and it brushed along his shoulders.

It was almost revolting.

Her own attire was very different from when she visited Galinia. She was in one of the business dresses Jewell had purchased for her. It was a slim fitting green dress with nude pumps. Her hair was braided over her shoulder. Her messenger bag switched out for a purse. She was not used to having such a small item to carry everything she needed. It didn?t even have room for a book!

?It is good to see you so well recovered, Miss al Amat,? he spoke with the warm voice salesmen liked to use to set a person at ease.

Lirssa had seen the darker side of the workings of Dionysus, though. The way they manipulated to get their way on matters. She was not falling for it. ?Happens fast when get to use your nice med facilities.? She grinned the most perfect smile she could to him. She had years of practice and could match him false note for false note in sweetness and double talk.

?They are extremely good quality, I assure you. I made the agreements with the medical supply company myself. I?m exceedingly careful of what is brought on this ship.?

?Then I am flattered my performance last year was approved.? Lirssa set her hands on the arms of the chair, using that body position to assert herself as an equal in this negotiation. ?Twice.?

It was just a moment. A breath and then another, letting the sound of L?Vanis?s office hover around them. Sitting back in the chair, crossing her ankles, Lirssa continued, ?You see, I also understand the quality of services and products the Dionysus prides itself on providing.?

L?Vanis drummed fingers on the edge of his desk as he moved forward. ?We have no interest in the contracts you made with those on the Galinia.?

?Yes, you do, but not openly. I understand that." She waved the comment away, not wanting to linger in the debate of the secrets of the luxury cruiser. "There are other things to offer your clients. Garments, glassware, craftworks, all from across the veil. You could set your own price. Deal direct with House of Summer, and guaranteed best prices. The profits directly to Dionysus.?

When the minutes drifted from comfortable to less than, L?Vanis leaned forward. ?There will be a series of these negotiations, of course. We are in this sector for the next few weeks, so the timing is," he smiled, "interesting. I will write up proposals, board approvals, and naturally the legal department will want to look it over. It is the Fae afterall.?

?Naturally.?

?Please,? his voice brightening, removing some wariness, ?tell me more of everything being offered, Miss al Amat.?