Civilized Discussion

[Charlotte Matsumura 0]

Seated on a balcony that offered a sweeping view of the capitol city, Gaius tr'Argelian swirled the remaining swallow of his khavas in the bottom of his cup. It was quite a bit like raktajino, this blend – not that he could ever say so. To imply that the Rihannsu culture had appropriated anything from the barbaric Klling'hann would do more damage to his survival than even the poor upbringing in his dossier. And, at the moment, he could little afford such insults.

 

His discussion with Major Khiy Aenikh had been amiable thus far. Conversation had varied from past experiences, to changes in the past ten years, and eventually to his activities over the past ten years. But the easy hospitality concealed a tight strain of threatening tension, just below the surface of their civilized discussion: Despite the comfortable chair and not-raktajino, this was still a debriefing. Gaius knew he was being tested. It was much later, when Aenikh dismissed his aide, that tr'Argelian knew he had passed.

 

"I do apologize for hijacking au, Gaius, but even au have to admit, this sudden reappearance after so long... No one knew what became of au," Khiy apologized at length. "It made for a very intriguing mystery."

 

"And for most, it must remain so. I imagine that our...friends... would find it very disagreeable if I shared my experience widely." Tr'Argelian drained the last of his khavas. "Though I'm sure some enterprising soul might find an account deep within the Galae archives."

 

Major Aenikh gave a wry grin over the rim of his cup. "If such a thing were a priority, I'm certain they could." He took a long sip of the warm liquid, appraising the mercenary as he did so. "Tell me, my friend, have au a place to stay, while here?"

 

Gaius shook his head. "Not at the moment. I hoped to make the trip brief – stir up a bit of, ah, business and depart as quickly as possible." He allowed his own wry grin, leaning back in his chair. "Why? Have au some work for me?"

 

"It's possible... but I must speak with an associate first. You'll stay here until I can confirm?"

 

"I would be honored. Thank you, Khiy."

 

Aenikh leaned in, offering a stage whisper. "When you meet my ailhun, you may not be so thankful!" He laughed heartily and shook his head. "Now, let us have more khavas, and discuss the latest rumors. Even away, I know au have eyes and ears."

 

Tr'Argelian smirked. "Oh, my friend, au have no idea..."

 

***