The office of Lord Cho-Lan was resplendent and tidy, to say the least. His desk was well carved and polished, surrounded by three chairs that were soft and clean, ornamentally made like most of the furniture in his office. Cupboards were filled with books and trinkets from far away systems, and a beast skull the size of Neil's chest hung upon the left wall. Behind the Lord was a vast window framed by gilded purple drapes, the window giving the holographic image of rolling hills and a distant waterfall. 

Cho-Lan was a heavy-set man, his eyes even more exotic than Sayeeda's. His outfit was as cultured and tidy as his office, though his face showed far less surety than his money and resources. Neil got the distinct impression that he believed the pilot's every word, but would be skeptical because he simply [i]didn't want to[/i].

"So, how many of these...'bio-ships' did you actually see, Mr. Edwards?" Cho-Lan asked, a raised eyebrow. 

"Look," Neil said, leaning on the desk with his elbows after having been scolded not to thrice already. He gestured helplessly. "Lord Cho-Lan, I appreciate the large sum of money you've wired us, but I wouldn't be sitting here complaining if there wasn't a huge problem. I wish you would appreciate what I'm trying to do here." 

"So..." Cho-Lan said with a smile. "the health of your Captain has nothing to do with you being here? Or the expensive beverages you're supping as you wait?" 

Neil sighed. "No, I'd be in the med bay. Listen, I'm sure you've dealt with a whole lot of bullshit, being a man in your position. Now, you can smell expensive bourbon on me, some sweat, but I doubt you smell bullshit on my voice. I think you know I'm telling the truth. You [i]paid me[/i] because you do. The least you can do is tell the planetary patrol, right?" 

Cho-Lan scowled, very reluctant to accept the logic that came from this very disrespectful young man. He hesitated before continuing, and finally replied. "If it will get your elbows off my desk." Neil immediately lifted his arms up as if God had called him from heaven, a profound look on his face, full of awe. "No problem." He said, lifting himself off the chair he'd scooted forward. 

"My servants will see you out." Cho-Lan said dismissively, waving him away. Neil awkwardly placed his hands together and bowed as he walked backwards multiple times, before spinning towards the door. 

Only to spin back. "Do you have any more bourbon by the way, that's some good ass stuff?" 

"Yes, take a bottle." Cho-Lan said back, snappily.

"Man, I have not had good drinks like that since I was on the Carminian orbital station." He began, grabbing a bottle and pouring a glass. "These two Haxoreth girls, twins I swear to god, the-" 

He stopped when he heard the faint voice of Sayeeda. It took him less than five seconds to continue, turning to Cho-Lan. "You know what? I've wasted enough of your time. I should go." 

"If you stayed any longer, I would have commissioned your ship." 
[hr]

It was in the manufacturing hall, in one of the less manned sectors did Neil finally reply back. He was halfway to medbay, but it was good to hear her voice. "You ok?" He asked, holding a finger to his opposite ear to better hear. He was glad his doctor got through with him quickly, though the ear he pressured still pained him somewhat. "What's going on?"  
[@Penny]