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"One." replied Baron Rostov, and his hostess put a single lump of sugar in his coffee. Miss Booles added just the right amount of cream, and handed the cup to him most elegantly. She was a modern, liberated woman, she had demonstrated that in subtle ways all through the introductions and lunch. But now she was serving coffee in a most traditional way. It was not obligation she was showing in this ritual, but honor, and the Baron enjoyed the ritual all the more. Bob Packar, her male associate, had likewise been most assiduous, creatively assiduous, in fact. The two made quite a team, and the Baron could feel his normal reserve evaporating in the relaxing atmosphere they had painstakingly established, and in the flood of sincere flattery these two were showing him now.
Coffee in hand, at the end of by far the best conducted "get acquainted" lunch he had ever experienced, the Baron said, "Sarah, Bob, it's time to get to point."
Bob also recognized that the moment was at hand, without hesitation he said, "Baron, you are an enthusiastic supporter of the spur on the Trans-Balkan railroad that will open your valley."
"That's correct. I feel it will bring great benefits to the people of the valley, as well as increase the value of my holdings."
"And you're aware that the Kalchonikov family is also supporting this project?"
The Baron frowned slightly and gave his coffee an extra stir, "I was aware they could benefit, but I hadn't heard they were active supporters. Given their conservative views, I'm surprised to hear it. Frankly, the fact that I'm supporting it, should have been reason for them to keep their distance. Are they being trouble?"
"Oh no, far from it. They have been investing money and favor in the project."
"Who specifically?"
"Ludwig himself!"
The Baron was neutral to that news, "Ludwig no longer leads the family, he listens, then speaks for the family. Who has his ear on this matter?"
Bob looked a little taken aback at the Baron's insight. He paused, and Sarah answered for him, "The person who asked us to make contact with you: Johanne Porter." Sarah smiled openly.
The Baron looked at her sharply. "Johanne Porter? I'm afraid I don't recognize the name, is this a man I know?" Sarah nodded. "He's now Treasurer of Trilateral Industries."
The Baron continued stirring his coffee for another fifteen seconds before he spoke, "Thank you. And, by the way, you've done your job most excellently. I'm willing to listen a bit longer, instead of walking out on you out right now for mentioning him. What do you know about your... employer?"
"He's a most pleasant man." answered Bob, "He forewarned us there was bad blood between you, but didn't give any details."
"He didn't," said Sarah, "but we did our own research. There's a long history between your families, isn't there?"
The Baron sipped, and spoke, "Our families, the Rostovs and Kalchonikovs, share the valley. Historical accident kept the valley split long after it should have unified -- the valley became the border between nations, religions, ideas... many things. My family protected one side, their family the other. For generations this has made us enemies, and pawns of others who are enemies. Yes, the bad blood runs deep.
The Baron sighed, "Of course I expected some Kalchonikov interest in this project, but I'm surprised... Mr. Porter, turned out to be the one. But... I reminisce. What is it that Mr. Porter wants?"
"He wishes a say in the route. He would like it to run over Black Pass."
"That would be of some benefit to the Kalchonikov's, yes, although not as much as Impaler Pass. But, if I recall correctly, my engineers told me that crossing Black Pass would be much more expensive than either Impaler or Mission Pass. Why Black?"
"It's close to neutral to the two families. Mr. Porter is offering the extra financing this will take, and continued Kalchonikov family support for the project." said Bob.
"I will give it my consideration." said Baron Rostov, and he finished his coffee.
"This could be a step to reconciling the families." said Sarah, "Times are changing, and families which don't change will be swept before the tide." she smiled, and the Baron felt a curious warm breath blowing over his heart. Perhaps... Perhaps... Perhaps the time for a change between the families had come?
"Thank you, Sarah, Bob." he shook their hands, "You've certainly turned this into a day of surprises. I will be back in touch." The Baron walked out quickly.
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