"Ahem. Since we are speaking plainly, I will do my best to answer you in kind. Before I do, though, I must insist that this discussion be kept in the strictest confidence. Your generous invitation gift is more than adequate compensation for the knowledge which I will impart to you, so that needn't be a concern.

"Let me first begin by informing you that your question has valid answers in at least three different fashions."

"I am certainly a man with whom you can do business, but, of course, you will make your own decisions. As warning, Estevan and the Planar Trade Consortium are my enemies. 'King' Shemeska is currently a silent partner, forced upon me by the circumstances with the PTC.

"I have been in business before, on my home Prime. While I don't always follow *all* the local regulations, I am always forthright in my dealings. After all, if you continually fleece your customers, you don't keep them! And repeat customers, I've found, are the heart of a business. But I digress...

"As I said, I have been in business before. This extension to the Planes was not planned. So, in answer to another version of your question, I am a transplanted 'Clueless.' Exposure to the Planes has certainly broadened my horizons, as it were. Even once I complete the geas which brought me here, I will remain in business. So, you needn't worry about a short-term relationship situation, unless that is what you desire."

"Yes, I realize I am dancing around what must be your true issue. But, sir, you must realize that it is hard to express one's character, and remain truthful. My beliefs surely color my perceptions of my own character, just as your own would color yours. I will admit to falling prey to less than, shall we say, 'good' impulses. A recent crisis in my personal life, however, has truly brought me around.

"Put simply, this is the 'sort of man' I am. My word is good, and if you are numbered among my friends, my life is in your service. My business dealings are honest, if not always 'legal'. I always charge a fair price; marked up for my own profit, but not set to gouge my customers. As I said, repeat business is where the heart is. I am a strict but generous employer.

"From a planar perspective, I will deal with anyone. I am no longer a 'Clueless' in perspective, nor was I ever in business. I know which deals are hollow, and I know how to tweak a contract to 'legally' repay a double-cross.

"As a customer, you can be assured high quality; timeliness is always unknown when travelling the Planes, but you can always expect the best efforts of me and my staff.

"As a partner, the books are always open for review at the end of the month, although who controls what share of the business is always concealed for everyone's protection. I will always hold controlling interest.

"Finally, my services are personally available in the event of any situations where normal goods and services are insufficient."

"What sort of man am I? I am a friend, a businessman, and a Fated, in that order."

--Rogan Dannerson, during an interview with a prospective business partner

Authored by: Ken Lipka E-mail me: krlipka@yahoo.com

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