[Tradeliners have their own way of doing things, but diplomacy necessitates respecting the customs of colonies all the way down the lines, even if they disagree with those customs. Ari's initial instinct, therefore, is to apologise for not treating him like a king - but she holds back, because she is listening, and it sounds as if he liked this man precisely because he didn't do that.]

Being the most powerful man on your planet isn't nothing, but it isn't everything, either. I know that, because my great-grandmother is Cardalek's majority shareholder. Its most powerful woman. [That's not something she'd tell everyone, and it's not something she'll volunteer the finer details of, not least because the situation is hopelessly complex, but right now she wants him to know that she isn't speaking in ignorance.]

It sounds as if this place has variety, if nothing else. Everyone here is probably an alien to me. You're right. I'll be fine. [She doubts it. He wouldn't have to keep repeating it, if it were true. But she's not his responsibility.]