Record:Lumber!
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[Grand Magister Loqa Pili sits at the end of a table in a well-furnished room, a cup of tea in his hand. He awaits the arrival of Hagzâtâ Řiselan as he listens to the muffled noise of the city outdoors.]
[Řiselan enters the room, followed by two uniformed men carrying guns.]
Pili: Ah, I was unaware we would have guests. I'm quite well, and I hope much the same for you. My colleague informed me of your troubles with the air during your last visit; I have made sure that this room is equipped with top-notch ventilation.
Řiselan: Thank you, yes, the air was quite difficult to get used to the last time I was here. As for the men, they're just here for security, if you wish they can stand outside.
Pili: No matter, your men may stay inside. Now, I'd like to get to business. Your island has an abundance of lumber, and ours has many resources to spare. What do you wish to trade in exchange?
Řiselan: On my last visit your colleague mentioned that your island has access to a resource known as "silicon". It's my understanding that it is important to producing electric machines. Being able to manufacture our own electric components would help us modernize our island without relying on Deysachin's help.
Pili: Yes, it must have been Voti, may he rest in the stars, who informed you of silicon. It truly is a magical thing, perhaps the most efficient semiconductor in the world. I hope you understand how valuable this material is.
[Pili pauses for a moment.]
Pili: I'm not too fond of the Deysachni myself, to tell you the truth, but that's neither here nor there.
Řiselan: I cannot deny that they have helped out our nation, but I wish they would not meddle as much in our affairs.
Pili: Right. Now, valuable silicon. Tell me your desired rate of exchange.
Řiselan: Hmm. One shipment of silicon worth 10 times its weight in wood? Would that be sufficient?
Pili: Hm. You have much to learn. Silicon is at least fifteen, perhaps twenty times more valuable than wood in density.
Řiselan: Hmm, well how about we round it up to 18?
Pili: Eighteen? This is what, and I mean no disrespect here, many in my circle would refer to as an outright scam. I'm quite sorry, but I would be much more enthusiastic if the ratio could be increased to 20 at the very least. It's only an, ah, eleven percent increase in price. Could I offer you a cup of tea?
Řiselan: Well I suppose we have more than enough lumber on the island for that, and it would be good to clear out some of the heartland. 20 it is. I'll take that cup of "tea" if it's not too much trouble.
Pili: Perfect, perfect! I'm so glad we could come to an easy agreement. I look forward to the mutual growth of our islands.
[Pili pours Řiselan a cup of tea from a lidded pot on the table and hands it to him. Řiselan takes a sip.]
Řiselan: Is it usually this bitter?
Pili: Ah, well, no, but I prefer the taste. It is supposedly popular for the young people of this nation to drink their tea infused with an abundance of sweeteners and flavorings. I wish not to stoop to this level.
Řiselan: I'll keep that in mind on my next visit.
[There is an uncomfortable silence.]
Pili: Well then. Thank you kindly for the discussion, and of course for the offer.