I think all in all it went well, despite Ishta arriving late and unable to solve my problem whether or not I should take a drink or not. She came in what appeared to be a combat uniform, which set her apart from the other attendees. I have the impression that her attire was meant to convey a message, namely that she thought of this as a mission, a duty to be fulfilled despite disgust. Probably having me as a charge did not make the event more palatable for her. Nevertheless, I think she amused herself - she bid an outrageous amount on some vanity items. In general, all the bids at the auction were enormous, scandalous even, certainly if compared to non-capsuleer wages.
Miss Maleto was helpful in one crucial aspect, though. She introduced me to lady Ekaterina deSilvestris. Her ladyship was in the august company of commander "MantelGlobalIndustries" Adams. I knew him from my early capsuleering days, he kindly helped me to find my way around the many corporations then. He did suggest even back then I talked to lady deSilvestris, and to PIE in general, which I did.
Unfortunately, the introduction to lady deSilvestris took place just at the start of the official part of the auction, the bidding. And, she left, followed by the commander, at the end. They appeared to be in some hurry after her ladyship received a message. This left me no occasion for academic queries and discussion. But, nevertheless I am glad that we got acquainted.
I stayed for a while, and met Yvane Aselin-Duvaul, soon to be married into House Deritan, 9th in the line of succession to the Khanid throne. She appears to have lived in the federation and wants to get in touch with her Khanid roots, in view of her bethrothal. I will see what I can do to help her with studies on this matter. I will be a good lesson for me as well - back when I was young the Kingdom was separated from Amarr, so I am not too familiar with it.
