It was natural for both sides in a parley to want to feel as if they held the advantage. Typically, it wasn't something Zhi needed much to worry about; her usual transactions were clear cut. Her employers paid for a service. She was paid for her service. The end. But information -- there was a reason why Zhi had started pushing to broaden her own influence and reputation in lowtown and even higher.
"The way yer crew acts is part of yer own rep, innit?" The question was left offhand, Zhi's posture making it known she wasn't particularly interested in the answer. "Could be I made it me business t'talk 'bout yer crew. Always int'restin' talk t'be had once a ship makes port. Those o'us left standin' dockside when th'ships go out get all manner o'curious whenever one makes dock.
"Ain't none o'ye made on yer own, Cap'n."
She waited, leaning back in her chair. She kept her hands above the table, resting them there as if they belonged: as if that was how she always sat. Certainly, she seemed relaxed enough within the establishment, though she was by no means a frequent visitor.
"The way yer crew acts is part of yer own rep, innit?" The question was left offhand, Zhi's posture making it known she wasn't particularly interested in the answer. "Could be I made it me business t'talk 'bout yer crew. Always int'restin' talk t'be had once a ship makes port. Those o'us left standin' dockside when th'ships go out get all manner o'curious whenever one makes dock.
"Ain't none o'ye made on yer own, Cap'n."
She waited, leaning back in her chair. She kept her hands above the table, resting them there as if they belonged: as if that was how she always sat. Certainly, she seemed relaxed enough within the establishment, though she was by no means a frequent visitor.
