ladies and gentlemen, as we prepare for takeoff on today's journey, i'd like to share a fascinating piece of research on our flight topic: salt. while salt might seem commonplace, it has played a central role in many cloak-and-dagger tales throughout history, often underplayed for its strategic importance in trade and warfare. our flight today will metaphorically restore to the beginning, where the value of salt rivaled gold and was at the heart of many secretive missions and negotiations. so, buckle up as we embark on this intriguing adventure, foregoing any turbulence for a smooth and enlightening ride.