Page 12

When the door closed behind the last councillor, Cowes turned toward him, a grim expression on his face. “What were you doing?” He strode over to Rane.

Several of the other Olickie support advisers stood together talking. The conversation died as they turned their attention to him and Cowes.

“Nothing bad happened,” Rane said. “I resolved the dispute.”

“If you’d been focusing on Councillor Agrave, instead of staring out the window, it would never have gotten to that level. You almost ruined a whole day of negotiation.”

Rane glanced around the room. “Everybody was calm at the end of it. There was no harm done.”

“Because you got lucky, again. How many times do I need to tell you to concentrate on your work? Our role is to make sure the diplomats communicate, without tearing each other to pieces.”

Rane repressed a sigh. “I know that.”

“What happens if we fail?”

“We could extend the war.”

“Exactly. Or start another one. Some of these diplomats are looking for an excuse to continue the fight. We have to ensure that doesn’t happen. We are advocates of peace.”

Rane pressed his lips together and nodded. “I understand, but I need to feel calm if I’m to do a good job.”

“Then stay focused. Your energy was all over the place today. I could tell you weren’t engaged with Councillor Agrave.”

“He’s an arrogant Tolong. He’s called me boy too many times, like I’m his slave. Yesterday, he had me wait outside his living quarters for half an hour whilst he went to the bathroom. He’s a pain in my butt.”

“We’re not here to debate your diplomat’s bathroom habits. We’re here to keep the peace, keep their egos in check, and make sure everybody feels they get fair treatment. If someone is a dick, then deal with it. Don’t bring your personal grievances into this room when you are a support advisor. We’re here to help others, not ourselves.”

Rane glanced over to see Kwon watching. He gave him a sympathetic shrug. Last night, Kwon had warned him to be careful. Cowes was on to him and knew he thought Councillor Agrave was a pain.

Rane had dismissed his comments and his boss’s warnings. He could handle one Tolong with a superiority complex.

“If I have to tell you one more time about losing focus, I’m suspending you from the rest of the negotiations,” Cowes said.

“I won’t slip again,” Rane spoke through gritted teeth. He couldn’t afford to be suspended. If his mother heard about it, she’d be devastated. She already considered Rane an oddity because of his interest in art.

He was the first Olickie artist he knew of. Well, there was one other, but he wasn’t spoken about in polite company.

Rane didn’t fit in. His mother tolerated his art interests because he was exceptional in his ability to pull off negotiations in the most difficult of situations. He helped to restore the family name by doing this job.

Her acceptance would only hold out for so long. If he got suspended now that would be it. He couldn’t afford to risk that. He loved his family and wouldn’t be the reason they were the subject of gossip. They’d had enough of that.

“Do we understand each other?” Cowes said. “This is your last chance. You mess up tomorrow, and you’re out.”

“I won’t let you down,” Rane said. “I’ll be here. My councillor will have my complete attention.”

Cowes nodded. “Even so, I’ll make sure the shutters are down on the windows just in case you get dazzled by the beauty of space.”

Rane gave him a rueful smile. “That might not be such a bad idea.”

Cowes scrubbed a hand across his chin. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Find me someone who is less of an arrogant jerk to work with?”

“We work with diplomats, councillors, and all-round ego maniacs.”

“Still, an easier, less jerk-off of an assignment would be appreciated.”

“I’ll make a note of that before I give you your next assignment. No jerk-offs.” Cowes slapped Rane on the shoulder before leaving the room.