This is a short beginning passage of a sci-fi story that is currently going through a major stage of revision. Enjoy.
Chancellor Mar Esta couldn’t hide his discomfort with his two guests. He had to remind himself that he was the most powerful individual in the area of Getsons Corridor. Despite this fact he found right hand inching closer and closer to concealed button on the upholstered arm of his chair that would send a dozen security robots bursting into the office.
He felt vulnerable, and didn’t like the sensation.
“This development will not interfere with the shipments.”
The words were more a statement than a question and Mar blinked as he attempted to determine which of the two in front of him had spoken. The Volurian representatives looked identical with their expressionless faces. Choosing to fiddle with some paperwork on his desk rather than make eye contact he replied.
“I have made arrangements to be sure the Unity task force is kept too busy to notice the discrepancies.”
A moments pause occurred before one of them spoke. At least this time Mar could see which Volurian was speaking.
“The task force is led by a Human.”
Now Mar understood the purpose of the visit. His mind worked to find a way to capitalize on this development. He knew the Volurians were wary of the humans. Although he was aware that a small number of human had migrated into his territory he had yet to meet one. By all accounts they could be as cunning as they were brutal, it had been the warlike species that had been responsible for the only major victory the Unity could claim against the Imperial Dominion. That same victory had brought the war to a stalemate.
This stalemate had put Mar into a tough situation. Getsons Corridor was initially a major trade route into territory now under Dominion rule. The Unity, of course, had put an embargo on trading with the Imperial Dominion and the economies of the Corridor had suffered greatly as a result.
Luckily Getsons Corridor was not of a particular military value and had remained largely untouched by the ravages of galactic conflict. There was practically no Unity military presence in the area so when the pair of Volurian representatives contacted him offering a lucrative deal he could hardly say no.
Mar was an Orn, a species known for their greed and lust for wealth. To the Chancellor this deal was not only a chance to protect the interests of the people he presided over but also an opportunity to increase his own financial portfolio. The Unity had largely ignored the worlds of the Corridor giving him another justification.
“I can keep them busy enough, of course its going to cost me a not insubstantial amount of credits.”
Mar rubbed together his stubby fingers, he could almost feel the texture of money between them.
“It would be better to eliminate them.”
Although the Volurians face did not change in the slightest from its frozen state, Mar detected more then a little suggestion in the tone of voice. This didn’t sit well with the little Orn at all. He was many things, but a murderer was not among them. Thinking quickly he cleared his throat before offering a reply.
“That, uhm, may not be the best course of action. It could draw more attention then we want right now.”
“They might send more humans.” Mar added after a moment, thinking to take advantage of the perceived Volurian fear of the species.
“That would be a very unfortunate occurrence for the people of this area.”
“I guarantee it won’t be a problem.”
Despite the confidence he spoke with Mar fought the urge to squirm in his seat. His finger was a hairsbreadth from the security button, and he slowly forced his hand away from it.
“Good. I am glad we understand each other.”
The two visitors stood up in unison. Silently they made their way towards the secret door that connected to a series of hidden emergency exits. They had entered by the same method as it wouldn’t do to have the public aware of his Imperial connections.
As soon as the doorway sealed shut behind the departing duo Mar breathed a sigh of relief. A moment later he smirked briefly as he took another look at the paperwork before him. The human representing the Unity would be very busy indeed. Certainly he couldn’t get into to much mischief with his ship stuck in dry-dock waiting for parts.
And Mar intended to keep him waiting for the repairs to be completed for a long time indeed.
