Note: Cloud Imperium should let us know the limitations on essays when they require them. Here is the original submission before I had to gut it to make the character limit. “Greetings, I thank you for taking the time to see me,” we shake hands and I take the proffered chair. “How can I help you,” the question rings hollow, but such is the protocol for meetings of this nature. “I was led to believe that your system is having a bit of trouble with terrorists infringing on your UEE established mining rights, destroying valuable equipment, seizing supplies, as well as killing innocent civilians,” that gets a reaction; I smile inwardly and remind myself to congratulate my team on yet another fine round of intel. “Well, please let me waste no more of your time,” I raise my hand to waive off any questions or denials. “I happen to have at my disposal the Joyful Holiday, a Drake Kraken, fully crewed and armed,” I watch their hard brown eyes go wide at the name of my ship. It’s an effort to keep my expression neutral and polite, but I manage. “Before you ask, please do not inquire where I might have obtained it, it is fully UEE registered and legal, and no you cannot purchase it,” I always have to add that last bit. After what I went through to get this Kraken I’m not about to let her go for something a meager as credits or influence. She is my lady and I’ll always treat her as such, as she has always brought us through even when she ought to have fallen out of the sky. I muse for a moment on how we can get attached to objects, but she pasted being a mere ship many battles ago. I hear the leather squeak from the overstuffed chair in front of me, “...but it is available for services to lease on a limited term basis so that you may ‘handle’ this situation as you best deem fit.” “We don’t work for terrorists, and despise that they take advantage of the law-abiding citizens of the UEE,” I assure, sounding a touch self-righteous. “We also understand that it is your right, if not your duty, to defend yourself and your ability to survive. We also recognize the hassle of dealing with the paperwork, the time involved, the lost revenue, and the increased scrutiny that will occur in dealing with this situation, and it pains us that additional lives will be lost during this time of trouble,” I plant the seed of urgency, being careful not to push too hard too soon. “Chances are, you’ve already sent a Herald out with all the required documentation that the UEE needs. You have, haven’t you,” it’s another needless question, but one that shows I believe my soon-to-be customer to be a “law abiding” citizen who is grasping at straws. “But the fact remains that you’re living on the edge of space,” I spread my arms out it’s a grandiose gesture and one that helps remind people just how far away they are any official armed support. “And it’s going to take the UEE some time to get here ...if they decide the incident merits any fleet attention at all,” I fertilize the seed of urgency with a touch of doubt. “After all one could hardly blame the UEE from diverting its resources at such a time.” “We are here now, and my crew and I are willing to put our butts in the line of fire to give you the opportunity to take control of the situation yourself, before it is too late.” Pride and self-reliance are handy tools to use on such a character. “For two weeks, we will put our experience to work for you. That includes our sensors, computers, navigation, piloting, expertise, and our advice, if requested, in high stress, battle-tested environments. You will be under no obligation or be required to take our advice, and we proceed as instructed by whomever you put in charge. You provide the ships and pilots for whatever type of mission you have in mind,” I begin laying out the general guidelines of our contract, details can be ironed out later. “I will warn you to not attempt any suicide runs, and tell you that my crew are trained and tested in battle with the Vanduul as well as the fires of the Hades system itself. If it is your best idea to send your constituents' sons and daughters off to be some martyr for the greater glory, I will thank you for your time and bid you good day,” I make a point to glance at the photo on the desk, and my patron’s eyes follow. I can see that the seed of urgency and doubt I planted have begun to take root. “Judging by the look of horror of that statement, and believe me when I say there are those who don’t respond that way, outside the reference list I just provided you, we handle all business dealings as confidential; there is no need to be concerned about what the crew or I think about your mission or what happens out there in the black,” my tone is that of a professional, giving the reassurance that anything ‘questionable’ will be done without judgment or fear of reprisal on our part. “What you really need to be concerned about is how your people will view how you acted, and what you did at this decisive moment in time, and know they will remember it during re-election time,” my tone is a touch softer providing sympathy for their difficult position, just I can see the decision settle into those once worried features. “Now, if you’re ready we can get down to discussing price ...after all your people are waiting.” Damn I’m good.