assume I'm successful at it. Step cautiously and tread lightly."
Edders and McReely both nodded and Fyrelm killed the garble. The three of them spent a few more minutes in pleasant conversation but only a precious few.
***
Josef Laird Fadding stared coldly at the man across the desk from him. Ken Tobart stared right back, unintimidated. Outremin stood to the side of the door, facing the men and glad not to be a part of the conversation. Or lack thereof.
"Your numbers are quite impressive, my Laird," said Tobart, finally breaking the silence.
"Less so than they should be. They will improve ere long."
"As you say, Laird Fadding. That is what concerns us."
"How so?" Alliance, convenience or otherwise, be burned! Fadding was ready to draw steel over Tobart's words and demeanor.
"Please, my Laird," said Tobart, "I mean no insult. The simple fact is that my friends and I have taken severe... consequences when our profits reach the point of excess. That tends to foster patience and caution, most especially given the nature of our business."
"Then perhaps you should have allied yourselves with House Binkor-Sud."
Tobart shook his head. "Doubtful, my Laird. They're bankers. They would desert the course at the first sign of trouble."
"Then you should make fabulous partners."
Tobart's mouth tightened but he kept his control.
"I think not, my Laird. We chose our partner well and with due and considerable deliberation."
"Indeed." Fadding nodded. "Then do not doubt, Master Tobart, the strength and resolve of the Great House of Varl. The other Houses are weak and willful, filled with sniveling fools who lack the stomach for true power and greatness.
"In the veins of House Varl runs the blood of the man who forged the Crown of Stars and defended to his death the worlds it enfolds. We will not fail! We will not fail to reward our friends beyond their dreams nor will we fail to reward our enemies with suffering beyond death."
"Your words speak well, my Laird, but what of the other matter? After we dispatched the first message we did find evidence that our secure net was compromised and data stolen. We do not yet know the full extent of it but any disclosure would be... most troublesome."
"That matter has been handled, Master Tobart. With finality. My agents discovered the traitors most quickly and pursued them throughout Crown space. They had no time to rest or communicate and they died in a most convenient fashion." Fadding shifted his gaze to Outremin. "Is that not true, Sir Beau?"
"It is true, m'Laird. Convenient, tragic and absolutely final."
"Excellent," said Tobart, "In that case I can inform my partners that we are clear for continued production and profit."
"Indeed." Fadding smiled with apparent sudden inspiration. "Message them by LINC, Master Tobart. Inform them of your positive news, certainly, but remain here. I would be most honored to have you and your party as my guests. That will give you a closer and more personal view of our... endeavors."
Tobart considered this. "I would love to accept your offer, my Laird, but certain elements within the League would not find our presence... tolerable."
"The League?" Fadding's smile turned markedly superior. "Do not concern yourself with such trivialities, Master Tobart. The League is of no consequence to you whatsoever, I can assure you of that personally! Even when our plans ripen and yield fruit you and your associates will be safe here. Heh. What better place to watch them unfold? Besides, I dare say House Varl can offer you accommodation far in excess of that to which you are accustomed."
"A most gracious offer, my Laird. Such a civilized break would be most welcome. Thank you."
Then Tobart stood and bowed.
Chapter 3. Sewer-Swishing
Piotr Wayne Karr, scion of the Noble House of Edders, watched with almost-indifference as a hard-muscled man with a scarred and disfigured face examined the documents on his cube.
"Dimarr, is it. Looking for work. According to
Edders and McReely both nodded and Fyrelm killed the garble. The three of them spent a few more minutes in pleasant conversation but only a precious few.
***
Josef Laird Fadding stared coldly at the man across the desk from him. Ken Tobart stared right back, unintimidated. Outremin stood to the side of the door, facing the men and glad not to be a part of the conversation. Or lack thereof.
"Your numbers are quite impressive, my Laird," said Tobart, finally breaking the silence.
"Less so than they should be. They will improve ere long."
"As you say, Laird Fadding. That is what concerns us."
"How so?" Alliance, convenience or otherwise, be burned! Fadding was ready to draw steel over Tobart's words and demeanor.
"Please, my Laird," said Tobart, "I mean no insult. The simple fact is that my friends and I have taken severe... consequences when our profits reach the point of excess. That tends to foster patience and caution, most especially given the nature of our business."
"Then perhaps you should have allied yourselves with House Binkor-Sud."
Tobart shook his head. "Doubtful, my Laird. They're bankers. They would desert the course at the first sign of trouble."
"Then you should make fabulous partners."
Tobart's mouth tightened but he kept his control.
"I think not, my Laird. We chose our partner well and with due and considerable deliberation."
"Indeed." Fadding nodded. "Then do not doubt, Master Tobart, the strength and resolve of the Great House of Varl. The other Houses are weak and willful, filled with sniveling fools who lack the stomach for true power and greatness.
"In the veins of House Varl runs the blood of the man who forged the Crown of Stars and defended to his death the worlds it enfolds. We will not fail! We will not fail to reward our friends beyond their dreams nor will we fail to reward our enemies with suffering beyond death."
"Your words speak well, my Laird, but what of the other matter? After we dispatched the first message we did find evidence that our secure net was compromised and data stolen. We do not yet know the full extent of it but any disclosure would be... most troublesome."
"That matter has been handled, Master Tobart. With finality. My agents discovered the traitors most quickly and pursued them throughout Crown space. They had no time to rest or communicate and they died in a most convenient fashion." Fadding shifted his gaze to Outremin. "Is that not true, Sir Beau?"
"It is true, m'Laird. Convenient, tragic and absolutely final."
"Excellent," said Tobart, "In that case I can inform my partners that we are clear for continued production and profit."
"Indeed." Fadding smiled with apparent sudden inspiration. "Message them by LINC, Master Tobart. Inform them of your positive news, certainly, but remain here. I would be most honored to have you and your party as my guests. That will give you a closer and more personal view of our... endeavors."
Tobart considered this. "I would love to accept your offer, my Laird, but certain elements within the League would not find our presence... tolerable."
"The League?" Fadding's smile turned markedly superior. "Do not concern yourself with such trivialities, Master Tobart. The League is of no consequence to you whatsoever, I can assure you of that personally! Even when our plans ripen and yield fruit you and your associates will be safe here. Heh. What better place to watch them unfold? Besides, I dare say House Varl can offer you accommodation far in excess of that to which you are accustomed."
"A most gracious offer, my Laird. Such a civilized break would be most welcome. Thank you."
Then Tobart stood and bowed.
Chapter 3. Sewer-Swishing
Piotr Wayne Karr, scion of the Noble House of Edders, watched with almost-indifference as a hard-muscled man with a scarred and disfigured face examined the documents on his cube.
"Dimarr, is it. Looking for work. According to
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