Friendly Persuasion

[Charlotte Matsumura 0]

To the outside observer, the passenger in seat four was observant and well-heeled: He dressed respectably, spoke intelligently, and had a business acumen far surpassing the average. Aboard the commercial transport that brought him to ch'Rihan for the first time in ten years, those qualities were on display for all to see. He chatted amiably with the wife and mother seated to his left; was as courteous as society required to the attendants who served his meal and drink. When not engaged in discussion, he used the time to review what might have been shipping manifests and correspondence.

 

But the carefully cultivated façade concealed beneath it a very different man, one to whom scheming, lies, and death was a way of life. His father, Deletham tr'Argelian, perished under peculiar circumstances during his service to the Empire. This death left his wife, Isha, pregnant and penniless, with few alternatives to provide for her existence. She eked out a living as a seamstress, barely able to afford rent in the larger city. She was eventually forced to the more affordable, but much less secure Iuruth. It was there she died during an attempted robbery. Her son was turned over to a neighbor who offered to care for him.

 

During his youth, the boy had been exposed to many uncouth behaviors, among them prostitution, thievery, and smuggling. A loner from the start, the young tr'Argelian devoted himself to what education he could find -- on the streets and in the classroom. He studied classical arts, literature from second hand bookshops, while also learning well how to fight. As a young man, he worked his way through the ranks of a local criminal organization, eventually managing many of their day-to-day activities...until the Empire turned their attention his way.

 

His hybrid education provided him a background very much of interest to certain organizations within the government: In exchange for the continued freedom to operate, tr'Argelian would provide the occasional odd favor in service to the Empire. It was a good offer for someone of his ilk, offering a measure of upward mobility and profit.

 

But that deal had continued only so far. Eventually, tr'Argelian simply faded into the aether. Rumors of piracy, smuggling, and horrible deaths at the hand of his benefactors circulated among his former associates. No one, however, knew for certain what became of the unusual man from Iuruth following the Dominion War.

 

Thus, when a Rihannsu purporting to be Gaius Iuruth tr'Argelian boarded a transport in the outlands, it perked the interest of certain individuals. They followed his documentation through the wilds, bringing him closer and closer to the capitol planet. And when that Rihannsu – the man in seat four – stepped foot onto ch'Rihan soil for the first time in ten years, they were waiting.

 

"Gaius, my dear, dear friend," said the deep, authoritative voice of Khiy Aenikh. The Tal'Shiar officer gave a wide smile that did not quite meet his dark eyes. "Such an excellent surprise!"

 

"Indeed, Khiy," tr'Argelian replied. Another tall, imposing Rihannsu took position to his left. "Wonderful of au to offer such a warm welcome."

 

Aenikh bowed graciously, a significant glance directed to the man now flanking Gaius. "Nothing but the best for io of our most devoted servants. I was so very intrigued when word reached me that au had boarded a transport bound for home. Au have truly been missed, my friend."

 

"Something of a forced retirement, courtesy of our...friends... in other organizations."

 

"Then we must have a drink, and discuss your absence."

 

"I would be honored, Khiy, of course, but I really must –"

 

The major wrapped an arm around tr'Argelian's shoulders, exerting pressure, even as his compatriot stepped closer. "And I really must insist."

 

Gaius offered his companion a taut smile. "Of course. It would be wonderful to spend time catching up."

 

"I knew au would see it my way." Khiy released his hold on Gaius, waving his hand as he indicated the exit. "After au, my friend."

 

Flanked on his left and right, tr'Argelian readjusted his bag on his shoulder, and headed for the exit.

 

***