The cheerful little intro to Asking Alice opens up with a montage from previous shows and the announcer’s resonantly pleasant voice, “Today on a special Asking Alice, Dr. Winters meets with Free Company Commander Nadir Ibn Al Dahabi.”
The camera opens on the pair in the lobby. Despite a fairly dramatic height difference, the two seem comfortable around one another. Alice’s smiles and gestures seem more relaxed than they were during the Bancroft interview. Nadir’s chiseled, dark features have an appealing uplift to them with the tiny blond doctor nearby.
Alice smiles brightly at the camera, “Thank you for tuning in. Nadir Ibn Al-Dahabi has been a specter of the security industry for decades now. He has stepped up, filled in, and closed gaps and vulnerabilities for some of the biggest corporations in the Sol System. Taking command of Free Company has put some of the most powerful tools for that purpose at his disposal, and we’re going to talk about the changes that have come, and the direction forward.” She smiles up at Nadir with sincerity. After all, Nadir is one of her closest friends, and there's no way to really disguise that kind of comfort, "Thank you so much, Commander, for taking the time to talk with me today," She moved around the space with him, "I know it was a tough decision to resign from MGM, but I'm glad to see Free Company flourishing to the point that it needs your full time attention. What's that been like for you?"
Nadir moves easily with Alice in the space, his voice accented, but clear. He nods to affirm, “Of course Dr. Winters, It is my pleasure.” He moves smoothly into answering her question, “Mr. Rexen was vital in helping me pick up the legacy of the former Commander Remmington, so of course there are emotions attached. While my contributions to the company remain, and I am grateful for the opportunity, it is time to focus on the future. Mr. Rexen is a dear friend to me, but his team is more than capable of standing on their own." He speaks with his body as much as his words. "So, I've withdrawn Belltower Security Solutions' contracts. We will instead be diverting its assets into formal contracting services: bounty, security and escort."
Alice picks up a pink Gigabites drink from a nearby surface as they walk, "I'm glad to hear that things are still on good terms, You and Cervantes Rexen have a good history that's been profitable for you both. What does the coming year look like for you and Free Company?"
Nadir seems to notice the cameras less as the pair walk and talk, the conversation’s authenticity is elevated for it, “We are redoubling our efforts in community outreach and protecting society’s most vulnerable. The past couple of months have severely impacted the whole of the Sol System and we want to help them get back on their feet after the most recent tragedy.”
He continues, pausing briefly to look down at Alice, “We’re going to open a soup kitchen at Queen’s Arms, and have agreement from Genetectic to provide clinic services at that site as well, making basic healthcare accessible, and offering employment opportunities as well. It may take some time to organize, but we want to give back.”
Alice nearly beams at the mention of Genetectic, “I’ve been made aware of that, and I’m looking forward to that as well. You and I have a good tradition of working together for humanitarian causes, even as far back as refugee camps on X-17, and I’m genuinely pleased we’re both in a position to make significant impacts.” She continued as they paused, “Speaking of, how has Free company’s Relationship with Vulca changed?”
Nadir expression opens with genuine affection, “Your support has meant the world to us, Doctor, and continues to be of great benefit,” Then, his expression quiets, “For years we’ve worked closely with Vulca Group, and we know their operations are flourishing elsewhere while we handle the remains of X-17. It pains me that there is nothing left of the site, but this is a setback, not a surrender. We’re seeking new research contracts and I’m pleased to announce Dr. Reed has taken an employment offer with Free Company after years of service with Vulca Group.”
Alice visibly brightens at the mention of the name, “Oh I’m pleased Dr. Reed with with you. I’ve always been rather fond of working with her.”
Nadir nodded down at her, “We will be resuming operations on Earth. Our recon pilots are scouting for new outpost locations in between our expansions to Nu York, Mega LA and New London. There is much work to be done. We are hopeful and excited for the future, not only for our company, but for the betterment of us all.”
Alice holds that genuine smile, and in a gesture of utter defiance to Bancroft taking her hands, she offers hers, palm up to Nadir, clasping his cybernetic fingers with hers through a brief comfortable contact "I'm pleased to hear it, and no doubt the system is happy for that as well. Free Company has a solid reputation for fulfilling their contracts efficiently, and for creating a positive impact. I'm looking forward to seeing how things develop. Nadir, thank you, for talking with me." She gave it a beat, before focusing on the camera, "Thank you for tuning in. Next broadcast, we'll be meeting Wayne Thomas Russell, candidate for Governor of Luna, and learning how the recent revelations on the Shadownet have impacted his campaign. Be good to yourselves, and each other." She gave it another beat before the camera cut to the credits and list of sponsors.
✓ ᴠᴇʀɪғɪᴇᴅ [N. Ibn Al-Dhahabi]>>: Thank you once again for your time with my interview, Dr. Winters. It was a pleasure to speak with you on these matters.