The Personal Touch

"So, we're agreed then?" Mr Addams looked up from the contract, and at his counterpart sitting on the opposite side of the table.

Mr Zachary nodded in reply. "Most definitely."

"Then that leaves us just the formality of signing the contract."

"Indeed."

The two executives signed the copies of the contracts in front of them, then exchanged their papers for the other one to inspect.

"All satisfactory," Mr Addams remarked as he signed his name to the second contract.

"Most satisfactory indeed," Mr Zachary replied as he did likewise.

"Then we are done." Mr Addams placed his copy of the contract into his briefcase, before sitting back in his chair. His posture was more relaxed now than it had been.

"Oh yes." Mr Zachary smiled and nodded. "Call me old-fashioned, but I do prefer doing business this way. Meeting face-to-face is much more satisfying than a video conference."

Mr Addams inclined his head slightly in agreement. "Indeed. There are so many things that one takes for granted when meeting in person. Body language, and so forth. These things cannot be picked up on otherwise."

"And please, do not get me started on the subject of virtual meetings." Mr Zachary wagged an admonishing finger at Mr Addams. "I hope those never come to be the norm."

"As for those ideas about having software agents to manage business - how could one be sure who they were dealing with? The concept of trust in an individual would vanish."

"Folly. Sheer folly."

The two executives looked at each other in silence for a moment; then Mr Addams stood up. "I am afraid I have to go. There is another meeting that I am due to be at." He extended a hand across the table. "It has been a pleasure doing business with you."

Mr Zachary stood up and returned the gesture. "Likewise, Mr Addams. Likewise."

There was a barely audible clunk as one metal hand came into contact with another.


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