Wil
and Matilda lead an expedition to Iyundo, a remote and nearly
forgotten planet far from known space. To their surprise, the
Galactic Marine ship, Hannibal, also arrives with Aisulov, head of
the Galactic Committee on board. Knowing that they have to follow
John Riley, to stop his diabolical scheming, they realize they will
need the help of the Marines. This necessitates talking to Chairman
Asilov, who isn't known for his affability. In fact, the Vandaran
tends to play political games in order to gain advantage over his
opponents. He hasn't counted on Wil.
Aisulov
liked long, uncomfortable silences. He wanted to see how people
handled them. Some grew very agitated. He noted his observations
without betraying any emotion in his face.
Slatterly
looked annoyed. The woman was harder to read, but she was mildly
uncomfortable in his presence. VanLipsig was an enigma—his face and
eyes showing nothing except what he wanted Aisulov to see.
Slatterly
was an open book, with all his emotion in his face and mannerisms. It
was obvious to Aisulov, however, that the Guild captain didn't care
what was thought of him. He got the impression that the man could be
quite unreadable if he wanted to be.
The
woman must be regarded very beautiful among her own kind. Aisulov saw
characteristics that he knew most humans considered desirable. His
eyes lingered appreciatively on her breasts, allowing a slight leer.
It was a terrible breach of protocol, but he wanted to gauge her
husband's reaction.
Matilda's
gaze dropped to Aisulov's lap, lingered there a moment, and traveled
back to his face. A slight raising of the right eyebrow communicated
volumes. Captain VanLipsig intended for him to know that she was
completely unimpressed with his attributes.
Oh,
she's good, that one. She plays the game like a man.
Wil
said nothing, sizing up Aisulov with a blank expression. He saw a
politician who liked to play mind games. It amused him, but he didn't
show it. Aisulov must think they were all below him intellectually.
It was a characteristic of the Vandaran people to underestimate the
intellect of their human contacts. Wil had used that to his advantage
in negotiations many times. Aisulov might have heard stories about
him, but he hadn't heard everything or he wouldn't now be playing
games.
Silent
Time was an age old technique for someone who wanted to establish
himself as the one in charge and give him the upper hand in
negotiations. Wil could play the game as well as Aisulov, so he
waited, sitting unruffled in his seat, gazing at the old moose as
intensely as he himself was perused.
Marc
looked like a thunder cloud. Wil knew he was annoyed with Aisulov's
game, but he also knew Marc to be playing a game of his own. They'd
done this often enough from the age of ten or so. It was their form
of "good cop and bad cop." Marc played the overly
excitable, hot tempered, agitated fellow who's impatient and ready to
explode.
Wil
sat quietly, sizing up the situation, coming in for the kill when the
other party was occupied with Marc. It had done them in good stead
many times and it was interesting to see that they still fell into
the old pattern. It felt right, like a comfortable chair and well
worn boots.
One
last lingering look at the woman, and Aisulov swiveled his chair
abruptly, facing VanLipsig. He'd tried everything he could think of
to make the fellow drop his guard or show a chink in his armor. So
far, nothing. Aisulov could be subtle, but he was beginning to think
the man was too stupid for sophisticated techniques. He changed
tactics.
"Tell
me, Colonel, how is it that a man of your skills and reputation has
allowed a toadying sycophant like Riley to slip through his fingers
three times now? I should have thought a man like you would've
captured him or at the very least killed him by now. Yet, here we
sit." His broad gesture encompassed the entire universe.
Wil
allowed himself a tight smile that didn't reach his eyes. He knew
Aisulov was trying to embarrass him, which he found most amusing. He
might have told the old man to save his breath, but it would be a
waste of his own.
Aisulov
liked long pauses, so did Wil. He waited a full minute before
replying. His face betrayed nothing, he spoke in an even, modulated
voice, his gestures and words chosen with care. He shifted in his
chair, leaning back and sliding down slightly. His lackadaisical
attitude was intended to mildly offend Aisulov and he could see a
flicker of annoyance in the old Vandaran's face.
"It's
true, Riley got away from me three times. However, I put it to you,
Your Honor, how many other men would've gotten this far in the
pursuit?"
Aisulov
was decidedly uncomfortable. He didn't answer for a little while.
When it was obvious that Wil expected a reply, he muttered. "None,
Colonel, as we both know."
Wil
nodded, spreading his hands in a gesture of openness and honesty.
"I
further put it to you, Your Honor, what other man could possibly
track him better than I? While it is true he got away again, this
time incorporating an ages old device, unused for millennia, I
believe
I
know his destination. In fact, my wife had the forethought to
download information from the console before it was consumed by
flames. At no small risk to herself, I might add."
Wil
paused again, waiting for Aisulov to make all the appropriate noises
of gratitude. To have to thank a woman was decidedly beneath his
position, but humans considered their females equals. He had played
the game so far, he must continue to do so. He thanked her as briefly
as was polite.
Matilda
inclined her head respectfully, but didn't give him the added honor
of cocking her head to the right as she should have to one whom she
considered an equal.
Aisulov
was incensed, but decided she simply wasn't familiar with the customs
of his people. He overlooked the slight, but at the same time, it
rankled.
Matilda
smiled to herself. Having dealt once or twice with Vandarans, she was
perfectly aware she'd insulted him. Let the old boy cook in his own
juice. Stare at her breasts and leer, would he? She could play the
game almost as well as Marc could. She hadn't come this far in her
career by the age of 28, not to have learned a thing or two. Wil
glanced at her and she caught a millisecond of a twinkle in his eye.
©
2017 Dellani Oakes
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