Part 1
Ayeka closed the folder and lay it on her lap. Apparently, she had her work
cut out for her.
"I still say we should have taken Ryo-Oki." Ryoko grumbled. "And why do I
have to wear this thing?" She plucked at the hand tailored bisnuess suit she
wore.
"Its called Professionalism Ryoko." Ayeka said, trying to hide a smile at
Ryoko's discomfort. "We're supposed to present a proper businesslike attitude
when we arrive on Saradin." Turning to the small terminal built into the
chair arm she began inputting a series of commands.
"Yeah, and then what? Go up against the biggest criminal this side of Kain?"
"That is our assignment." She responded primly.
"I still say there's nothing to stop us from staying onboard when this crate
moves on to Daka."
"Tell me Ryoko," Ayeka said as she glanced out the window of the passenger
liner Jurai's Dream. "Have you ever been in the con game?"
"What? You mean pulling scams? Sure. First thing I got arrested for
actually." She shrugged. "I found robbing banks more exciting though." She
paused. "Why?"
"Allow me to offer you a proposal Ryoko." Ayeka said as she poured some wine
into a fluted glass and held it up to the light. "Stay with me on Saradin and
I will teach you to play the biggest con game of all."
"Oh? What's that?"
"Politics." Ayeka breathed reverently as she watched the light flicker in the
depths of the purple liquid.
"Politics?" Ryoko asked.
"The biggest con game there is. . ." Ayeka said as she raised the glass to
her lips.
"And I suppose you're a master at it?" Ryoko asked with sardonic amusement.
"I'm a Princess of Jurai." Ayeka said softly as a maniac glint appeared in
the depths of her eyes. "I was made to play it."
***************
When they exited onto Noa's Orbiting Space Station, they were met by a greasy
haired man.
"Ah Lady Ayeka, welcome to Saradin. I trust you had a pleasant journey?"
"Tolerable." Ayeka said. "I would like to get started immediately. Where is
the shuttle to the surface?"
"Bay three." He said automatically.
"Thank you." Ayeka said and swept past him. As soon as they moved out of
earshot she spoke quietly. "Lesson One Ryoko. Reading people. What's your
opinion of that man we just spoke to?"
"He's a footstool. Not to bright."
"Very good. Now watch closely." She glanced at the timepiece built into her
sleeve. "Three, two. . ."
"Why are you counting?"
"One." Ayeka finished. Almost as though on cue, the man shouted.
"Um, Lady Ayeka! Lady Ayeka wait a moment please!" A small smile crossed
Ayeka face and then quickly vanished as she turned.
"Yes?" She asked pleasantly. He held up a com unit.
"Lord Tenmark wanted to speak with you."
"The Vice President? Of course. Over here, away from the crowds." So saying,
she led them into a small hallway. The man held up a com unit and the head
and shoulders of a man appeared. He was powerfully built, with a short,
neatly trimmed beard and hard blue eyes.
"Lady Ayeka. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Saradin."
"Thank you Lord Tenmark. I hope to do my best to guide Noa towards prosperity
and new heights."
"Yes, that's what I wished to speak with you about." He cleared his throat.
"The position of President is largely ornamental. The Board holds controlling
interest and, if you'll forgive my saying so, you are more or less a. .
.figurehead. You'll be well taken care of though. A sumptuous mansion is set
aside and your every desire will be taken care of."
"How nice of you." Ayeka said, smiling and then looked down as her timepiece
beeped. "Oh! Excuse me Lord Tenmark. The stock report." She took out the
radio and clicked it on.
"And in Bisnuess news, an as yet unidentified individual has purchased
controlling interest in Noa. The massive acquisition, valued at nearly 3
million, is the largest hostile takeover ever committed by a single person."
Ayeka clicked the radio off and looked back at the com unit.
"I rather like the sound of 'Lady Ayeka'. 'Madame President also sounds good,
don't you think?"
"Yes Madame President."
"I'm glad we're getting along so well Lord Tenmark." She said and then tilted
her head as though something new had occurred to her. "You know, Lord
Tenmark, now that I've thought about it, I think I rather like the sound of
'Lady Ayeka, President and CEO'."
"It does have a nice ring to it."
"I think so. And one more thing. There is a Penthouse Suite at the
headquarters, isn't there?"
"Yes Madame President."
"Good. I think I'd prefer to live there. If I lived at the mansion you
mentioned, it would take me too long to get into the city."
"As you say."
"Good. I'll be at headquarters in 20 minutes. Have the Board of directors
there waiting for me. There's some things that I think need to be taken care
of immediately."
"We'll be waiting."
"Very good." Ayeka said as she reached over and switched the com unit off.
"And that, Ryoko, is how you perform a hostile takeover."