|
"You simply won't find a politician who works harder for his people than I do."
- Governor Hurst, I'm here on behalf of Peter Brennan. "Well then, you've been quite busy making a name for yourself, haven't you?"
- So, you've heard of me. "Heard of you? Of course, how could I not?"
- Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. "It's okay, you can drop the act with me."
- "So look, I admire a go-getter like yourself. You're not in trouble unless you make trouble, and I don't think you're the type. I know you're not really Mr. Brennan's assistant. I don't know exactly what you're up to, but I have little reason to suspect you're up to no good. So, let's cut to brass tacks, what can I do for you?"
- How do you know so much about me? "Word travels fast around Cydonia, and it's my business to know these things. Frankly, I'm not worried about you. As long as you play your cards right, it'll stay that way."
- [Diplomat] Look, we both deal in government. Let's talk about Mr. Brennan's shipment and why you're holding it. "Why sure, anything for someone with your... distinction. Look, Mr. Brennan owes an absurd amount in unpaid taxes, so we've held up his shipment at port. No doubt, you'd agree this is fair. However, I also suspect you're someone who'd be willing to do a little quid pro quo on the quiet and help me with my own problem."
- I'm looking for Mr. Brennan's personal shipment. He said you might know what happened to it. "Oh, I know exactly what happened to that shipment. However, I suspect Mr. Brennan neglected to tell you that I'm holding it due to his immense backlog of unpaid taxes. Then again, he may be unaware. Look, I'll tell you what. I'll release that shipment for you, but I'm going to need a favor first, since you seem to be adept at keeping quiet."
- "See, my personal spacecraft was stolen, likely by Crimson Fleet pirates. I need someone to find it. Then I need that someone to destroy it. Discreetly. I need tight lips on this."
- Why is it important to destroy the ship? "Well, this is a tricky situation indeed. Not to get bogged down in details, but assuming this is the work of pirates, it's best to destroy the ship and everyone on board. Makes it cleaner for insurance purposes."
- If your craft was stolen by pirates, why not ask SysDef? "A few reasons. I don't want this mired in their process. Also, it's a bit of an embarrassment for a sitting governor to lose a ship, so I'd rather that not get out. I'm sure you understand."
- [Gangster] Got it. This is one of those "no questions asked" gigs. I'm in. "Ah, so we have a mutual understanding then. Likewise, I'll keep quiet about your little deception. Let me point you at the ship's last known location. And, I'll trust we'll both be quiet about it. Nothing leaves this room."
- Deal. I do this for you, and you get me that shipment. "Then we have an agreement. I'll send you to the ship's last known location. Remember. Not a word of this leaves this room."
- I don't understand. It just seems strange that you're asking me to destroy your ship. "I'm not asking you to understand my reasons for this. I'm asking you to do a job, and in exchange, I'll give you what you want. And in my generosity, I also won't be reporting you to your superiors or hauling you off to jail for your fraudulent activities. I assume you understand that much.
- How do you know your ship was stolen by the Crimson Fleet? "... Look, I got a ransom note. It was analyzed, and Crimson Fleet is the best bet. Everything fits their profile. I'm not going to sit here and instruct you on the intricacies of piracy in the Settled Systems. I just need you to trust me and do the job I asked of you."
-
After dealing with the pirates:
-
"I sure hope you've taken care of our little problem."
"It's good to see you. I'm eager to conclude our business together."
- I'm back. Now, let's talk about your end of the deal. "Did you take care of my little problem?"
- How about you pay me a little extra to keep this all quiet? "I'm already giving you what you want, per our agreement. Hmm. Tell you what. Here's a little extra to keep you happy. But you should know, if I hear any rumors about this, I'll know exactly who to hold accountable."
- Are you sure you can't spare more credits than that? "Don't get greedy. I'm willing to resolve this amicably. I suggest you do the same."
- I found your note to the pirates. Seems like it'd be real bad for you if people knew. "Hmm. I see how it is. Tell you what. Say you really do have this alleged note and were thinking of using it against me. If you're so inclined, I'll take it off your hands instead, and compensate you far more than releasing Mr. Brennan's shipment of goods. Then, you and I part ways and never speak of this again. Do we have an understanding?"
- Why'd you work with the Crimson Fleet anyway? Why not hire a private force? "Come on, don't make me have to explain it to you. *sigh* Private security leaves a paper trail. Obviously that's not a good look, so I had to go where that's not a concern. Hence the pirates. Hence you. Got it? Now about about that note?"
- No deal. I like the idea of having leverage on you. "You're trying my patience and I'm starting to think you're just bluffing. If you ever want to see that shipment, then you know what you have to do."
- Actually... I don't seem to have the note on me. "That's what I thought. You don't have anything. You can either put up or shut up now. Either way, my patience is growing thin, and you wouldn't want to risk losing that shipment, would you?"
- Deal. Take the note, and I'll stay quiet. "You know, you were supposed to destroy the ship, not board it. And, even though I don't take kindly to blackmail, you're making the right move by agreeing to keep this matter under wraps. The way I figure, no one will believe you without proof anyway now, so this exchange will see to it the real story stays between us. Now, take Brennan's package and your compensation, and get out of my damned sight."
- Fine. I did what you asked. My job here is done.
- I found your ship, but the pirates got away. "Great. Just great. *sigh* Okay, look. I'm sure you did your best. But, since you didn't hold up your end of our deal, I won't give you what you want unless you financially compensate me for wasting my time."
- Are you really asking me for another "contribution?" "Come on, I thought you'd know how this works by now. And, given the circumstances, I'd expect you to understand how forgiving I'm being."
- Are you asking for a bribe? "Of course not. We don't use the B-word here. No, this is a contribution. In turn, this money will benefit all of Cydonia. "
- I need some time to think about this. "Sure. Well, hurry it up, because I'd like to take care of this sooner rather than later."
- Actually, I found this note you wrote to the pirates. Sure looks bad for you. "But you said the pirates got away. *sigh* I see what's going on here."
- [Give Credits] Okay, I'll play your game, Hurst. Give me the package.
- "If you can't afford what I'm asking for, I can't give you what you're asking for."
- "Good. Now I'll be able to afford some real help. Here's the package. You can get out of here now."
- I destroyed the ship. Whatever it is, your secret is safe. "Good. I'll release Mr. Brennan's shipment to you, as promised. I'll even defer his taxes, as a little bonus. You really helped me out of this bind. Don't take this the wrong way, but I hope I'm never in need of your help like this again."
|
