Visualize Your Future Wealth Potential

25th of Faith, in the 5th Year of the Reign of Yale Redwater, back on Alshain Magna

It was a remarkable human capacity, the ability for individual happiness to pop like soap bubbles.  Just a few weeks before he had been among the Houses of the Galaxy, eyes aimed at the next election, at power, and despite some problems it had gone more well than ill, and he now had two new allies, though these were bonds that could be strengthened.

He had a niece, perhaps he could find a marriage for her...and he was making more money.  There were a million paths open to her now, if only she could use them.  If only he didn't have to deal with bullshit.  He looked up, his smile pleasant at Vincent, as unkempt as ever, and asking HIM for money.  He had a thousand things he could spend the 25,000 Solars on, let alone the profits the mines were starting to bring in.  Even if it didn't take money to make more money, he could donate it to a thousand causes he would view more worthy than the religion of 'Sathraism.'

"So, uh, Your Grace, what do you say?"

"Why," Salamah said in his even voice, "Do you not spend your own money?"

"What do you mean."

Salamah smiled and said, "If you can think of a profitable business-plan in whatever field you wish, I will give you the money, incorporate you under me, and allow you to put a certain portion towards your religious...goals."

It was that simple.  Either Vincent backed down, and at least that was done with, or he made Salamah a lot of money and was actually useful, after all.

Vincent seemed sobered but said, "I think there are some bulk-trades that might make some profits...not a massive amount, the southern area, it's..." he shook his head, "I-I'll do it," he coughed on the table and said, "Ugh...sorry, been feeling off, think I caught a bug.  But..." his eyes alit and for a moment he was almost compelling, "A chance to see the stars, the galaxy, and make money to help Sathraism.  I might even start some Missions."

"Missions?"

"To spread the word, but only if this only works out!" 

Salamah stared at him.  He smelled like he had forgotten to bathe.  Vincent did that sometimes.  Well, what could he say, "If you get me the proposal, I'll look through it, and sign it."

He was as good as his word, and so was Vincent.  Like his cousin or not, they were family, and Vincent was a smart man--when he wasn't pissing everyone off.

Cast:

Duke Salamah Laurent, age 49:  The exasperated if polite head of the Laurent family, his ethos of "family first" is often frustrated by his dislike of so many members of his family, though he'd never show it, he's too socially cued-in.

Vincent Laurent, age 37:  The enthusiastic, often unwashed, somewhat unattractive Cousin of Salamah, he found the Faith of Sathraism and has tried to convert everyone he's met to it--and failed.  He is now the head of Mercantile.