‘Yes, I’m just not comfortable with signing the section that prohibits “discussion of all details and particulars pertaining to the employer, the voyage, the crew and the guests, in all circumstances, including in private and with familiars”.’ He had memorised the phrase, prepared for the pushback.
Agatha huffed, ‘Well it’s standard stuff.’
Daniel knew they weren’t in a position to find a replacement for him at this point, so he held firm. ‘I’d just like to be able to talk to my own mom about my job at Christmas without fear that I’m about to be sued.’
A pause on the other end of the line. ‘OK, well you’ve signed the most important clauses I suppose … no disclosure to the press, on social media, in public forums …’ Agatha seemed reluctant to concede, but eventually she did. ‘As long as you understand that Mr Chuck Regas deeply values his staff’s discretion at all times.’ With the emphasis that she placed on his name, Daniel understood that he was supposed to be impressed, but he had no idea who she was talking about.
‘Of course,’ Daniel said matter-of-factly. His understated response only seemed to annoy Agatha more.
Agatha tried again. ‘That’s Regas, of Pagonis.’
She might as well have been speaking in Greek; none of it meant anything to Daniel. ‘Understood,’ he replied.
Exasperated, Agatha continued with her spiel: ‘At various intervals, Mr Regas will be flying out some associates and other friends, but none of that is your concern. Victoria, ourhead stewardess, will of course be in charge of managing the crew. I suspect you won’t have many dealings with any of the staff apart from the first officer.’ Agatha sounded dismissive when she said ‘staff’, which Daniel found interesting, considering she was technically part of that category herself.
‘And Mr Regas will undoubtedly ask you to call him Chuck, but I would advise against that. It sets up a complicated dynamic, don’t you think?’ Agatha had the sort of piercing British enunciation that conveyed that she inherently knew ‘how things should be done’ and Daniel had no desire to upset the status quo.
‘Of course – I understand,’ he repeated, when Agatha was done.
‘We very much look forward to welcoming you to the team.’ The phrase sounded forced and stilted, but then Daniel’s response was not particularly convincing either.
‘Thank you, Agatha, I look forward to working with you all too.’ He hung up the phone and sighed. For now, he had a docking to organise, so there was no time to dwell, but he was pleased to have kept himself out of the most binding restrictions on that NDA. He suspected much of the younger crew would not be so savvy.
