Sarah stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting the collar of her new suit. In the room, Buddy paced back and forth, speaking rapidly:
"Remember, when you meet Rosalyn Quark, smile, but don't overdo it. Handshake should be firm, eye contact confident but not aggressive."
Sarah nodded, her gaze sweeping over her reflection. Her fingers unconsciously brushed the small device hidden beneath her collar, ensuring it was still in place.
"Understood, Buddy," she said calmly.
Buddy stopped pacing and pulled two shimmering cards from his pocket. "Here, the auction invitations," he handed them to Sarah. "You have no idea how hard these were to get. I had to—"
"Thank you," Sarah interrupted, examining the cards closely. "How did Quantum Dynamics respond to the spatial pocket?"
Buddy's eyes lit up. "They're very interested! I think they might—"
"Specifics," Sarah cut in again.
Buddy hesitated, then quickly rattled off some numbers. Sarah mentally noted them, already calculating potential profits and risks.
"Oh, and," Buddy hesitated, "I've put up five million credits from my personal account to support you. Of course, this will be deducted from your future earnings."
Sarah turned to face Buddy, eyebrow slightly raised. "Terms?"
"Well... standard profit sharing, and—"
A knock on the door interrupted them. A team of stylists entered, carrying various tools and clothes.
Hours later, Sarah stood before the mirror again, looking at her transformed self. She flexed her wrist slightly, ensuring the gadget in her sleeve was still easily accessible.
"Perfect," Buddy exclaimed, "Now you look every bit the successful young entrepreneur."
Sarah didn't respond, instead double-checking the various devices hidden in her new outfit.
"I suggest you get some rest," Buddy said, "Tomorrow's a big day."
Sarah nodded, watching Buddy leave the room. Once the door closed, she sat at the desk and activated the hologram Buddy had given her earlier. Rosalyn Quark's image appeared in the air, and Sarah studied her carefully, mind already running through possible conversations and scenarios.
As the night wore on, Sarah's thoughts drifted to the elusive figure of Zephyr. She could almost feel the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place, but the final picture was still out of reach. Tomorrow's meeting was just one more step on a long, winding road that would eventually lead her to Zephyr.