Flying Business Class: Science-Fiction

The contortionist brought her leg up behind her head, brought the other one up there to match it, and switched to walking on her hands across a tightrope. Polite applause greeted her display, despite the amazing feat and her attractiveness. The faces turned from their conversation to watch briefly, and then returned to discussion of business over the best food and drink available on the station. Watching, the manager shook his head in despair. "I just don't know what to do," he said. "I could have a galactic-level orchestra in here and they wouldn't see it as anything more than background music." The owner put his hand on his shoulder. "It's all right. You tried your best. A contortionist," he mused. "Even when I was in the busiest business deal, i would have taken a while to watch that. These people have forgotten how to enjoy themselves. " "Well, sir," said the manager, turning slightly so his back was to the patrons, "that's our job here, yes?"

Inspiration: I was thinking about the circus.
Story Potential: High. Tentatively.
Finished Length: Short story.
Notes: For some reason, I want the owner to be female. Oh, and yes, they're on a space station above a planet that has been presenting a diplomatic problem. All its inhabitants are extremely focussed on business (think Japanese salaryman culture taken to an extreme without the drinking). This means that they have started initiating hostile takeovers. Which has in turn alarmed a large number of people. The conclusion has been reached that they are like this because of their one-track minds, so these two are part of a team sent to see if the culture can be redirected before more damage is done.