[Gretin]

Slade considered for a few moments, then nodded,
"Very well. Such an alliance could prove productive - but I'm hesitant to say 'partnership' until I can accurately judge how trustworthy you are. As I'm sure you will understand," he added.
"But I'm curious as to why, when we have clearly co-existed for years now, you chose to make this move now. And I'd like to know how and when you learned of me, as I'm sure I have never seen you before. Care to elaborate?"

Olivia and Daniel were now paying close attention to the conversation, and Silvia had finally realized who Slade was, though she still had no idea who Fisher was.