Tuesday, 19 November, 2125; Rosemont Beach, Bellevue, Seattle Metroplex
Veronica Dain was not a woman of means, but knew how to turn out well with simple clothes that complemented her fine elven features. She certainly did not appear out of place walking through the marble-tiled foyer of the Steins' Rosemont Beach home. They had both been greeted with handshakes and kisses and whisked into the smaller dining room. Lillian had taken a subdued approach to dinner - yes, catered in, but staff sent home once the meal was plated. Wine had flowed with the dinner, though no one was boorish enough to overindulge.
After dessert, Lillian whisked Veronica off to show off some new antiques she'd added to the banquet room, and Marcus invited the younger physician to his office. They sat on the leather Chesterfield and sipped brandy. Mostly they talked about a recent M&M at Overlake, with Marcus providing the behind the scenes skinny on a scandal that had left three promising young doctors - ork doctors - scrounging for patients in the Barrens. Then, as an afterthought, he said, "Oh, yes, you asked me to look into Redmond Reclamation. I called a few friends in real estate." Serge translated 'friends in real estate' into 'real estate moguls' and hoped to hear something he could use.
"They're pretty much what the name says, a REIT focused on revitalizing cheap Redmond real estate. Their sponsor is Greater Seattle Properties, which in turn is an MCT subsidiary, but I'm told they're pretty arm's length from the parent. And yes, it's Redmond, so they're doing what they have to do in some places to civilize it. Nothing beyond the norm for any corp with an eye where it should be - on the bottom line and shareholder returns. And certainly nothing illegal. Can I freshen your drink?"
Once he'd done so, he asked, "So what's your interest? Looking to invest?"