An incoming call in Twofi Kayfo's head notified him that a response to his request had come in from the Merchandising Coordinator. Along with it was a limited-time discounted offer to switch to a different communications carrier. He filed the ad for future reference, got up from his desk, crossed the office behind Sisi, who was reviewing the month's special manufacturers' packages for dealers, and sent a signal ahead to output the received file on the printer. Technically he didn't need a hardcopy, since the information could have been routed to him direct. But having something visual to proffer was better for presenting to customers. And in any case, peripherals, accessories, and paper manufacturers had a lobby that pressed the case against purely electronic forms of data transfer and record-keeping. Twofi checked over the file. The deal seemed straightforward enough. He took it through to Beese, the sales manager, for approval.
"It looks all in order here, Twofi," Beese agreed. "Book this one and you'll be eight points over budget two weeks early. That'll get you in the Million Uppers and to Biloxi in February for sure."
"A cinch, Beese." Twofi winked an imager flap, took back the papers, and went through the building to Service Reception, where the customer was waiting.
The customer's name was Alfa Elone. The message that Twofi received from the service clerk eight minutes previously had told him that Elone's Road Clipper would need a rebuilt or replacement main turbine. Twofi had run a check showing that Elone's credit was underused right now, and the package that had come in was a tailored suggestion as to what might be done about it.
"Emess Elone, how are you today?" Twofi's use of the casual Male Surrogate form of address was relaxed and friendly ... matching his disarming smile and proffered hand, which Elone had grasped before having a chance to think about it. "I'm Twofi Kayfo, from our customer assistance program. We're here to help you save money. Is it okay to call you Alf?" The thermal patterns playing on Elone's metallic features had the vigorous look that went with an active, open-air lifestyle ... in keeping with the customer profile. His white flared pants and royal blue shirt with silver brocade on the chest, cuffs, and collar were top-line designer brand, taken, with the imitation-silk-lined cloak and brass-buckled belt, from the popular series Captain Cutlass, which related exploits of olden-day human nautical adventurers.
Alf nodded. "Sure, I guess...."
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