​     A look of pure fury crossed Goldbody's features. Valtair had all but touched Adam, they were so close to him as he stepped on to the stage. Goldbody took a moment to look at the obviously physically very able man, although Adam was dressed in a snappy, three-piece suit. This was an aspect of the festivities that Gideon'd looked forward to for months, to perhaps be able to beat down some billionaire fat cat who thought he was invincible until he dropped broken and whimpering at Goldbody's feet. That would have been wonderful. That would've gotten him hard again, for sure. Under no circumstances was the most famous adventurer and mercenary in the world supposed to be on this voyage, and yet...and yet...

     But then Goldbody grinned. There's no reason for me not to thoroughly enjoy this, he thought.

​     "Welcome aboard, my friend," he said, and, as he did, he extended a short, stubby hand with short, stubby fingers. "I don't believe we've met."

     Adam extended his hand as well. "I am Adam Forwarder." 

     "Of course you are." 

     "Ready to mix it up a little?"

     "Absolutely." 

                                                  CONTINUE