Upon stepping through the entrance the first thing that grabs the eye is the sight of a large fountain sparkling like a huge mound of gold. The other side of the fountain can be seen in the reception area staffed by alert, well-dressed young men and women. Over the general noise of people going about their business can be heard some very calm music that appears to emanate from all around. One of the young, female Staff approaches and hands you a welcoming soft drink and then guides you to the entrance of the grand plaza. You pause for a few moments as your visual senses are overwhelmed by the sheer luxury of the interior design of the Nebula Grand Plaza. Your eyes soak up the intricate designs on the walls, the plushness of the seats, and the sparkle of the crystal glasses on and around the place.
A tall, good-looking woman, slightly greying, possibly around middle thirty of age enters from an, up to now, unnoticed side door. She is followed by, what only could be, two personal bodyguards and a secretary. She walks up to a lady, that you noticed was in the main entrance hall when you first arrived, whispers something into her ear before heading towards a private corner. Another young girl approaches you and this time hands you a sparkling crystal glass with your favorite drink in it and says "Compliments of Sara Tanaka, the CEO of Nebula Technologies Inc., she wishes you that your time here will be pleasant"... The girl turns and walks away leaving you to your thoughts. You started to feel warm, comfortable, and welcome.
»»All types of weapons are not allowed »»Cardamine and similar narcotics are not allowed »»Your personal belongings are not the Plaza's responsibility »»Smoking areas are labelled by red signs »»Violence will not be tolerated »»Obey the Plaza's security personells at all times
The golden obsidian doors opened, A young lady rushed to the door and greets Ms. Tanka then followed her footsteps towards what seemed to be an office. A security guard opened the office door and Ms. Tanaka entered, accompanied by the young lady who grabbed several dossiers of papers on her way. The security guard closed the door and stood right next to it in silence.
»Sara - How are you my dear secretary, how is our daily business report »Maria - I am fine thanks boss, We are on a good rise, the markets are flourishing *She grabs a cup of coffee* »Sara - Did you the document the daily report or are you late, as usual, *Sara lowers her glasses and looks at Mariah with a slight smile* »Maria - *Feeling nervous and starts stuttering* No, no no boss, I have been here since the early morning and I am ready with the report »Sara - Well I will read it at the main office later, I do not want to get busy with work when I am here, and I am expecting some visitors »Maria - Who is coming Ms. Tanaka? so I can arrange the required arrangements. »Sara - It's Sakura and Hina so no need to arrange anything, just sit here and calm down *She points at her personal massage chair*
Maria sits down while Ms. Tanaka got busy with several video conferences.
Through the fancy double glass walls, Maria can see a large side of the bar and the lounge.
The golden obsidian doors opened, A man in a tuxedo entered, and was approached by one of the lounge's waitresses. The man took the drink and gave a wide smile to the beautiful waitress then moved into a seat next to the bartender. Two persons walked away after finishing their meeting, and as it seems from what they are wearing, they are employees of Cryer pharmaceuticals.
»David - Good evening, A dry martini, please »Bartender - Right away sir, one moment, please - *He starts to prepare the requested drink* »David - *Took a sip from his drink and started asking* - What's happening here, do you got anything for me »Bartender - *Cleaning some glassware* - I might have heard some rumors, if you are interested. »David - I am all ears my friend - *He smiled and requested another shot* »Bartender - Alright, I heard that Cryer pharmaceuticals are trying to synthetically derive Cardamine from the Alien Organisms. Cardamine is naturally harvested by the Outcasts within the Omicron systems of the Edge Nebula. If Cryer can reproduce it at any of its facilities, but in a milder and more socially acceptable form, then all the Cardamine addicts in Sirius will be able to switch to the new legal version by Cryer. The Stabiline drug is a direct result of that research - It allows Cardamine addicts to survive, but it doesn't cure their addiction. Nothing can, given it's a physical mutation that the addicts undergo. »David - If that is true, then the world is about to witness a great change. »Bartender - Some rumors say that the Cryer pharmaceuticals employees and scientists are using the nearby research installation to produce the Stabiline.... but I never told you anything, right! - *The bartender leans on David's ear so no one nearby can hear what he is saying* »David - Indeed my friend, Indeed. We never talked before, and i never saw you - *He stood up and smiles while leaving*
David grabbed his cell phone and his wallet after leaving a good tip to the bartender.
David walked away and left the Plaza to the docking bays, He jumped into his transport ship and launched away.
The three senior pilots saunter through the doors to the plaza, pleased with themselves on a job well done. The convoy of eight heavy transports were challenging to coordinate, but careful planning ensured they all arrived with their cargo together, like a meticulously rehearsed dance. As the pilots first take in the view of the plaza, they are momentarily taken aback.
»Essie - Guys, I’m not sure if we are properly dressed for this place. *She looks furtively at the trios worn flight suits* »Ryan - Relax will ya? *He shrugs dismissively* »Owen *Nods at Ryan in agreement* - I’m sure it will be fine. After all, the dock master was thrilled to receive the entire contract at once. We deserve a little break. »Essie - Are we sure the new pilots can handle themselves without one of us looking after them? *She glances back toward the elevator to the docks* »Ryan *He turns to face Essie and places a gentle hand on her shoulder* - You worry to much. All ships are docked and powered down. They only have to unload the material and sit tight. Let’s have a drink and look around.
The trio moves away from the entrance and deeper into the plaza. They are openly astonished at the opulence of the place. The interior is constructed of the finest quality material, high end monitors display advertisements for the latest technological innovations, and the tempered glass of every tabletop surface are polished to a bright reflective sheen. The lighting from the fountain is cast all about, covering the area in a dazzling glow.
»Owen *Whistles loudly in wonder.* - Boy, they sure spared no expense on this place eh? »Ryan - Doesn’t look like it. Jeez… it’s fancier than HQ. »Essie *Points at various people moving around* - Everyone here is certainly dressed to impress. We’re still in our flight suits guys. Should we..? »Ryan & Owen - No »Owen *Exasperated* - You don’t have to always be about business you know. »Ryan - Yeah calm down. C’mon. Let’s go to the bar and check it out. A drink will make you feel better.
As they enter the bar and restaurant, a splendidly dressed waitress quickly approaches and greets them warmly.
»Waitress *Beaming* - Hello my friends! You’re part of the Universal convoy that just arrived right? Table for three? Or would you prefer seating at the bar? »Ryan - We’d like a seat at the bar please. »Essie *She fidgets nervously* - I’m not sure. We’re representing the company and we... *She looks around, then down* »Owen - We’re transport pilots Essie, It’s no shame that we look like it. Leave the politicking to corporate will ya? »Essie - I’m just not sure… »Ryan - Oh all right! *He turns to the waitress* - We’ll take a table miss. Preferably one in a dark corner it seems.
The waitress leads them through the seating area. As they pass the bar, Ryan and Owen stare at it in longing wonder. Every square inch of the bar is colorfully lit and clean as a whistle. Behind the counter, the bartender deftly pours drinks, the tumblers twirling around in his hands as he moves here and there, his every movement seemingly choreographed to perfection. The bottles of beverages on display are arrayed in rainbow hues, the light glinting off them like constellations in motion. They arrive at a small table in the corner of the room, where they sit down, the waitress hustling away to the next customers.
»Owen *Perusing through the menu* - Dude! They’ve got Sidewinder Fang! »Ryan *Leans over Owens shoulder* - Exotic specialties…Reactor Core Rum? Plasma Charge Pina Colada?
*Both men are grinning widely* »Owen -Tachyon Tacos? Neutronic Noodles? »Ryan - Meltdown Macaroni? Calamity Cordon Bleu?
*Ryan & Owen chuckle and guffaw heartily, clearly delighted* »Essie - Guys... I'm sorry. Nevermind. »Ryan *Sighs dejectedly* - One drink. That's all I ask. I promise we'll go back to the ships after. »Owen - Just humor us a bit. When you've been cruisin' the lanes as long as we have, you'll want a drink every now and then yourself. »Ryan - Trust us. You shouldn't worry overmuch about your performance. Hell, you're responsible for completing 65% of this quarters contracts. »Owen -You'll be the boss of us before long. Don't burn yourself out is all we're saying.
The trio remains at the table for the next hour, where Essie is convinced to partake of a second drink. The eventually saunter away much like they entered, eager for the next lucrative opportunity.
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