Two exactly the same shipshandler companies. Provide exactly the same ship supply services. The prices are the same.
For the past hour, I've had two young, pretty women in my cabin actively running an advertising campaign. And each one is passionately trying to convince me that the company she represents is better.
I can only sign a contract with one of the companies. My head is spinning. My ship's mate comes into the cabin. Brought the papers. It's a lifesaver for me.
- I'll tell you what," I say to him:
- Sit down. Read the supply contracts carefully. Think about it and sign a more acceptable one on my behalf.
He takes the papers from one of the women with only a glance at them and signs them. The women immediately bid me a polite farewell and walked out. One has a smile from ear to ear. The other has her lower lip dragging on the deck.
- And why did you like this company and not that one? - I ask a very reasonable question.
- What does this have to do with the company? - He's either playing dumb or he really doesn't know what he's being asked.
- Well, you signed the papers to this woman and not that one, didn't you? - I'm getting angry. He nonchalantly collects the papers:
-This one has bigger boobs.
- Yes...! That's a good point! - I slump back in my chair in a daze. I grab a cigarette from the table, but the lighter doesn't want to light.
- Two!" he corrects me.
- What, two? - I don't understand anything anymore.
- Two valid arguments," he elaborates.
- Money! Economy! A woman should have boobs, not pimples, -
he puts the papers in a neat little folder and leaves the cabin.
That's it! That's how young people are in the Navy these days.