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Rane rubbed his chin. “That’s unusual. You’ve never had problems before. Let me guess, you’re not meditating enough?”
“Jerk,” Kwon muttered. “I’m doing everything I’m supposed to do. I came to eat this as a last resort. We’ve been negotiating all day. If we don’t get things figured out, it will all be over.”
Unease stirred through Rane. “Over how?”
“A new battle and on this side of the wormhole. That’s where we’re heading.” Kwon dumped his spoon into his empty bowl. “I could do with another one of these. How about you?”
Rane shook his head. His appetite had vanished. If these negotiations failed, the aliens involved wouldn’t hesitate to start a fight. They’d be prepared if talks broke down, and there would be troops stationed not far from Prodigy. If war was declared, they’d come straight here. The station was vulnerable.
“If you want me to, I can help.”
“That’s not a great idea,” Kwon said. “Cowes is already tearing out his hair in frustration with the situation. If you get involved, it could make things worse. He curses your name every day.”
Rane grunted. “Then he shouldn’t have suspended me.”
“I’m not disagreeing. He overreacted.”
He shrugged. “I’m partly at fault. Hanging around with that idiot diplomat had me picking up bad habits.”
“We’ve dealt with idiots before and handled them well enough. There’s something about this particular Tolong that’s different. Nobody is immune to our ability.”
Rane scrubbed a hand down his face. “Just say the word. I know I can influence him. Maybe that’s all you need, another Olickie in the room pushing things along. It could be strength in numbers that work in this negotiation.”
“Thanks. I’ll put in a good word to the boss and see what he thinks. Cowes is desperate, so he could be willing to try anything.”
“You think he needs to be desperate in order to reinstate me?”
“He’s pissed at you. You give him grief.”
“Thanks for making me feel like an unwanted loser.”
“You brought that on yourself. You showed Cowes up by almost letting a fight break out.”
“Not intentionally.”
“That doesn’t matter. He’s determined you’re not going down the same path as your dad.”
“As if I would. He failed.”
“You’re not far off, my friend.”
Rane scowled. “Maybe when things get to a crisis point, he’ll realize his mistake.”
“And maybe I’ll get the next dozen of these desserts on the house. You’re going to have to do something special to get him to forgive you this time.”
Rane slumped back in his seat. If he could fix this mess of a negotiation, he might be forgiven. He wasn’t ready to turn his back on his work with Cowes just yet.
“I’ll fix things.”
“How?” Kwon asked.
“Leave the details to me. I can’t let Cowes look like any more of an idiot.”
Kwon’s expression was doubtful. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“Not possible. A few tweaks and everything will be back on track.” Rane would show Cowes he still needed him. He’d solve the problems with this negotiation, and everyone would walk away happy.
Chapter 13
