"I see. I believe your name is Chancellor Sheridan? Your Excellency, please, regarding your stock markets..."

The Senator continued to speak to the Stoinian delegation, introducing other Core Senators and business leaders from the capital. They spoke of economic and industrial matters.

---

Constantinople, Ryccian Empire
Arstine Palace Hall
A Window

"Wow, oi have never seen one of dese 'en real life!"

"Senator Klaest, whatever are you doing with that monocular?"

"'Esn't 'et obvious? Oim watchin' that Executor destroyar 'en der sky"

"...Senator Klaest, I am aware of your...pedestrian dialect, so I shall not inquire as to why you are showing it. Why are you not attempting to obtain the attention of that King?"

"Oi tought 'et was obvious. Oi have no 'enterest 'en der Stoinians. Mei planet is of no 'enterest to dose people. We export crops, we ain't needin' minerals or agricultural products right now. Besides, oim not hier for dat, Senator Purshev. You want me to vote against dat bankin' bill, eh? Why would a teeny world like me beautiful Serida do dat?"

"Senator Klaest, whilst Serida may not have much relation to this bill, this is in the national interest. The Banking Regulations Act of 1031 ADR constrains the financial sector excessively, and thus, for our national prospe-"

"Ahem"

"It seems I wasn't clear, Senator Purshev. Why would Serida vote in favour of this bill? I mean, I wasn't invited to this ball just because little worlds such as mine are important to the Stoinians. I know what's going on"

"For a pedestrian Senator from the New Territories, he is quite clever"

"I have been observing your economic reports, and I am certain that Serida could see an increase in purchases of agricultural products by certain interested companies"

"Hmm...interesting indeed. Well, I'll go back to see that dreadnought"

"Do we have your support?"

"Aye, oi can assure Serida's vote"

"Very comical, Senator Klaest. I believe they are calling me over to the Stoinians. Proceed with your dreadnought-gazing"

"Cheery lock, rich boy"

---

Constantinople, Ryccian Empire
Arstine Palace Hall
The Stoinian Delegation

"...So I see Cornucopia is quite the hub for trade", said a Senator from a wealthy world.

"Gentlemen", said the capital's own Senator Argarri, "I have the pleasure to introduce Senator Purshev, Constantinople's delegate to the Imperial Senate"

Purshev was a corrupt chap, but he was subtle about it. So far, he had dodged any serious accusations. He was a skilled - and rotten - politician, being one of the many making deals behind the scenes. Lucky that the Stoinians knew nothing of this.

"Greetings, Chancellor Sheridan, how do you do? Care for a glass of some Constantinople fine wine?"