The jet landed with a mild thump. Jeffery looked out at the dust devils and heat mirages on the land next to the runway. The United Arab Emirates was a hot dusty place and the financial capital of the Arab Peninsula, flush with oil revenues and skimmed war money. Aiesha, his host country national guide and interpreter, was seated across the aisle, wearing much more conservative dress than the little to nothing she had worn during most of the flight. Her inflight duties included stress relief which she performed admirably to Jeffery's gratification, several times.
Total Woman Industries was happily rolling along. The technical and business aspects were running smooth, just like the machine they manufactured. Their expansion required capital. Banks and brokerage houses demanded details, reports and assurances before committing funds. Issuing stock to outsiders involved the SEC. All well and good but it was time consuming and risky. Trade secret details of the operation could leak out to competitors. Jeffery wanted confidentially and trust. He had come to these wealthy private venture investors who were less intrusive. He was scheduled to meet the Emir this afternoon to solicit his financial support.
In the meeting room of the Emir's Grand Palace, Aiesha was seated slightly behind and to the left of Jeffery interpreting the Emir's questions. The Emir was attended by his closest advisors, namely his younger brother and his three sons. The five listened to Jeffery, now a better pitchman since Francine had coached him in Cannes.
"The TWI Electric Car will outperform, outlast and cost less to run than any car on the market. The rare earth alloy electromagnets in the wheel motors perform better. It will outlast our competitor's car because we have fewer moving parts. It costs less to run because rare earth alloys in the batteries recharge faster and discharge slower. The car is manufactured to the highest standard of fit and finish eliminating potential corrosion spots and airfoils. The whole car weighs less due to carbon fiber and other lightweight materials. The aerodynamics alone will add mileage by reducing air friction. The car is superbly balanced with the power plant located in the trunk. All the moving parts are permanently lubricated. She's always ready to go."
The Emir liked what he heard and his advisors were nodding their heads as well. Jeffery felt good about the prospects. They discussed terms and conditions. The Emir was not interested in too many collateral guarantees. He had contempt for international courts and their fruitless deliberations. The Emir's special collection branch within his security forces was much quicker and more efficient in collecting bad debts. Regular payments would be timely and complete.
Jeffery agreed to the transaction and the Emir directed his advisors to draw up the details for his and Jeffery's review and signature. The documents would be ready the next day. The Emir clapped his hands once and gossamer clad serving girls brought refreshments: bitter cardamom tea mellowed by bites of sweet dates and cakes. The discussion turned to domestic issues.
Was Sheldon married? Yes, happily to a special Total Woman graduate that he loved dearly and who provided for his total wellbeing at home and even when he travelled. The Emir volunteered that he had four wives, as allowed by the Koran, Allah's truths given to the Prophet Mohammed, Blessed Be His Name. Each wife had given him a strong son, the three older ones here and the fourth away at school. The Emir also kept a Harem, not official wives but concubines. Man cannot live by four women alone. Jeffery said he understood.
The Emir asked about Jeffery's accommodations for the night. Jeffery was booked at the Intercontinental Hotel. The Emir guffawed; a tawdry place for such an important guest. That would not do; Jeffery would be the Emir's guest that night. Aiesha would remain with him as his guide and interpreter. It was settled. The Emir dismissed his advisors and the serving girls, all except for one who lingered as he touched her hand. Jeffery departed the room with Aiesha, a backward glance showing the serving girl standing alone with the Emir's hand rummaging between her legs.
Outside they were met by a eunuch. Aiesha and he spoke and then he led the pair to their room. It was sumptuous: silk pillows, a huge bed and attached bath with precious metal fixtures. Jeffery's luggage soon arrived and Aiesha settled them in. They walked the sculptured adjacent garden. Attractive females in light translucent clothes sat on benches, read books, chatted or moved through poses of yoga, tai chi or something. Jeffery became aware that he was the only male about. Aiesha asked the eunuch Jeffery's question.
