Celosia Trading Company: Visitors [OPEN]

"Mr. Lox...bring me the shipping registry, if you would."

The clerk bowed slightly and went up the stairs, returning shortly with the book. He leaned down and whispered something into Zandrophin's ear.

"That'll be fine...good work. Raise the Velox, if you can..."

Lox bowed slightly and returned to his desk, beginning his work on his newest task. Zandrophin returned his attention to Mariko and the registry...still trying to peace together what he wanted to say at first, but once he got rolling, everything fell into place.

"I can have a shipment sent your way...in the middle of the week...each week....if you'd like, Miss Yamada. Your herbs can be here on those mornings...but the other supplies will only come every other week, and that delivery has to happen in the evening, to allow time for transport. Allow me to explain why, because I think you deserve to know...and may even appreciate the reason: The captain you met before goes by the name of Drok; he's master of the Velox. He has specifically requested that, in the event we set something up, he would dedicate his ship to serving your needs. You see, both of his children are in the medical corps helping people in this war with Unova. His son is a medic on the battlefield, for both Pokemon and soldiers...and his daughter assists families who are displaced by the fighting. He told me that you remind him a lot of both of them, and he says he would be honored to help you on your quest to offer help to those of this island, if you'll have him."

Zandrophin took a sip of his tea before continuing,

"I can assure you he is highly recommended...he's been with me for many years. He will get you all the supplies you need, and he will never be late.  He's an honorable man, as well...if he is late, for some outlandish reason, not only will he do his best to inform you before hand, but he will either demand a lower payment, or give you your supplies for absolutely nothing upon his arrival."

Another pause,

"Now...with transport and scheduling hopefully resolved...we can move on to the other important point: pricing. 250 poke for each ton. That's the current market average, but I am willing to consider negotiation, being that you've proven to be someone who can pay on time, and possibly in advance. In addition, I'm willing to charge the same amount for both types of shipments. Normally, the general supplies would cost around 350/ton...but I do not mind charging the same rate for both...gives me less math to have to calculate."

*NOTE: I didn't just pull these numbers from anywhere...I assumed the distance from my suppliers to Asemon was about 200 miles...and to ship a tonne of pharmaceuticals 200 miles by sea is around $294 currently...so I've taken a few liberties for ease of computing (it's not really a make-or-break thing [since I'm not really planning on keeping a fully accurate record in-thread]...just wanted to cover my bases)*

Zandrophin shrugged his shoulders at her unwillingness to accept free goods...charity was something he could never really understand. However, he was willing to accept her terms.

"Ah, yes...a payment schedule. I am very flexible with this, but my go-to policy is either pay-on-delivery or at the end of the week, whichever works better for you. If you feel another payment plan will suit your needs to greater effect, let us discuss that now."

Zandrophin stood up and walked over to the bar to refill his tea. He handed Mentus a spoon to play with, the Abra quickly began to twist the metal instrument into an assortment of shapes.

"I wanted to thank you again for coming back by here, Miss Yamada...I had hoped I would've been able to help your business move along by providing supplies, and here we are, discussing just such an arrangement."

"Done...the end of the week. I thank you for that choice...it makes it easier for me to keep the numbers straight in the books."

Zandrophin shook his head a bit at his guest's sarcastic remark.

"I am always interested in finding new deals to work out. Interconnection amongst businesses brings prosperity to all parties involved, especially the way that I do business; I'm all for mutual benefit. The more businesses I open up my suppliers to, the more people that can be given the services we all provide. Take my building, for example. It is a trade business, to be sure, but this space also serves as a hotel and a store for trainer supplies."

Zandrophin stood up and paced in the seating area, gesturing widely with his hands as he spoke.

"Here's why your clinic is important. The more help I can give to local businesses such as yours to help them be successful, the more people who will come to this area, and hopefully will use the other services I provide here. In turn, I will direct them to any and all services I am aware of, and I hope you will do the same. With your clinic on that list, you can expect to see many more people there, if only just to see the facility itself. I've found that people are willing to stay in a place longer if they now there are adequate medical facilities for them."

Zandrophin walked over to the bar and poured himself another glass of tea. He leaned over the bar, looking Mariko in the face as he concluded,

"Word of mouth is a powerful tool, Miss Yamada, and I can assure you...I am very skilled at helping it move along."

Zandrophin waved a dismissive hand towards the bird. He knew his tone could be misinterpreted out of context...that was something he'd accepted a long time ago.

"If it helps, consider me as another of your neighbors, Miss Yamada. In fact, if you could spread word of my company's services on your end as well, that would be appreciated. A deal like this should be mutually beneficial to all parties involved."

He walked back over to the seating area before continuing.

"If I'm keeping good track of this process, I do believe that the only thing left to do is sign the paperwork, if you're satisfied with our arrangement. Do you have any further questions or requests, or shall I have Mr Lox retrieve the forms for our signatures?"

Zandrophin clasped his hands together. Things were progressing well.

"Bon. Mr Lox?"

The dark man behind the desk looked up, his smile beaming.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Get me forms T-3, R-7, P-19, and D-13...as well as the Addition Packet...just in case."

Lox bowed quickly and rushed up the stairs to retrieve the requested forms. Zandrophin returned his attention to Mariko.

"I hate this part, to be honest...but protocol is protocol."

In a short while, Lox returned with the paperwork, which was an impressive, 1.5-inch thick stack of paper. He bowed to both Mariko and Zandrophin before returning to his desk. Zandrophin gestured to the stack of multicolored paper on the desk in front of him.

"Miss Yamada, what you see in front of you are the Transportation-3, Requisition-7, Payment-19, and Delivery-13 forms. The first allows for Captain Drok to remain as your permanent transporter, unless you see fit to have him replaced. The second allows for you to write in your own requisition orders should your needs change; you can deliver the order to me, and I will have it processed. The third solidifies your payment plan, which we discussed earlier. Finally, for the fourth form, you need to specify where you want these supplies delivered to so they can be where you want them, waiting for you. Here's a pen."

He pulled out a silver pen with "Silph Co." etched in very small letters on it. Inwardly, he frowned...he could've sworn he'd gotten rid of that pen...

As Mariko began to fill out the forms, Zandrophin addressed the packet that was also on the desk.

"This is the Addition Packet, in case you were wondering. This packet has the paperwork in it to, if you feel this may be necessary, allow me to assist you in expanding your clinic...basically giving you a new building. This is completely optional...and can be brought up at any time. I just wanted to bring it to your attention."

I'm glad I don't have to fill out that paperwork...those are some of the worst forms we offer.....so many small things.

She's going through them with a fine-toothed comb, Sir...I wouldn't worry.

As Mariko finished the paperwork, Zandrophin made a sweeping motion with his hand in regards to the packet.

"Take it with you, if you desire. Just be sure to bring it back if you change your mind on the expansion."

He took back the paperwork, checked it over, and signed his portions of the forms. After he'd finished with the pen, he spun it quickly between his fingers and placed it back in his jacket pocket.

"Now then....I do believe that is everything. Did you have any questions for me?"

Zandrophin lowered his head in understanding.

"Busy people beget busy lives, Miss Yamada. I may not have any questions, but I do have another small advertisement. I don't know what kind of clientele you receive, but Rose can aid just about any ailment, and Mentus and I can sort out even the most troubled of minds. So...should you need an extra pair of hands, flowers, or a bit of telekinesis...send word our way."

Zandrophin straightened up and bowed deeply,

"I thank you for taking time from your schedule to meet with me, Miss Yamada. May your mind be clear and your heart be focused. Farewell, until we meet again."