"Bring in the pizzas!" shouted the Pizza Baron happily. The crowd of well dressed politicians roared. Not one of his guests had tasted pizza since the Fall of civilization as they had known and loved it. Some were young enough that they had never seen a slice of the popular party food.
"Perfect!" "Delicious!" "MMMMMM!"
"The Feast Of 10000 Pizzas is a success!" whispered the Pizza Baron to his main advisor.
"Yes Sir, Mr. Rupert."
"Once they are full, I will start the party so I can mingle - and get some business done. Let's not forget the real purpose for this feast!"
"I know that you will be able to procure everything that we need, Sir."
"I had better, or this little culinary adventure will be my downfall!" he said, despite being confident that this plan was pure genius.
"Why hello Mr. and Mrs. Preda! How are your oilfields producing this year?"
"Fine, fine! I only wish we had a pizza field too, this is the best meal I have ever had!" said the Oil Baron, smiling.
"Mr. Preda, would you be interested in a trade - one that would benefit both you and your region?"
"Of course, I always want the best for my people."
"As I understand it, you have more than enough heating oil to supply your people for several years, even without drilling. But a late storm wiped out most of your wheat crop."
"Yes, this is true, Mr. Rupert."
"No more of this Mr. Rupert business, we are friends aren't we! Call me Danny. I want to help your people to get through the winter.
"Why thank you, Sir - uh, Danny."
"I will trade you enough wheat to see you through, in exchange for a year's worth of heating oil. And I will include one pizza a week for you and your lovely family. Both the wheat and the pizza will be of the finest quality, of course."
"It's a deal, Mr. - uh, Danny!" said the Oil Baron, shaking the hand of the Pizza Baron.
And so the evening went. Deals were made, and pizzas promised as part of the package. The Pizza Baron had done his homework well, and knew exactly what each of his guests had, and just as importantly what they needed.
By sweetening the deal with a rare treat such as pizza, he managed to get the necessary resources for as little as possible. Instead of haggling for more, their minds were on obtaining a steady supply of those delicious pizzas.
The chef was watching the party from the kitchen door, smiling. "Now I can go back to making normal food! No more hunting down rare ingredients!" he said to himself.
All too soon the party was over, and the guests sent home with a slice of leftover pizza each. The atmosphere had been similar to the old awards ceremonies, where nobody wanted it to end. The extra slice made parting a little easier.
"Mr. Rupert, is there anything I can do before I go home?" asked the Pizza Baron's loyal advisor.
"Yes, please tell the chef to get busy on the next batch of pizzas! We have a whole continent full of Barons to feed! "
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