~Sophie's Canaria Cafe~

[Ophiuchi]

"...and that was how Canaria's 'Dung Festival' became the annual 'Harvest Festival'. I still have to live down the dubious honor of judging the Dung Sculpture Contest, which they kept alive out of habit."

There were a few subdued chuckles from the other "rejects" from the Enclave Summit. Reggie' efforts to keep the mens' minds off the closed session at the Enclave had met with limited success. The tall gleaming spires of the Virulian Temple could be seen from their outdoor table; and Summers especially kept glancing away towards the compound, his anger still obviously near the boiling point.

They sat in silence for a few moments. Reggie motioned to their waiter for more coffee, and turned to the young Administrator.

"Dane, I have known John Henry for many years. I am certain that he and the other Zoner leaders will not leave you flapping in the wind, son. These are just the preliminaries, and the whole bloody process could go on for days, if not longer...

"My best advice would be to let the 'old hands' dance around the issues for awhile. Agendas will be revealed.. terms will be identified and discussed; and when the time comes, you will be better informed and prepared as to how best to proceed and make your case."

Reggie raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Summers, wondering if the young man had absorbed anything of what he had said.

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<span style="color:#339999">Reg Waverly * Moira &quot;Kentigearan&quot; Waverly * Fnordette Sophie Noir</span>



<span style="color:#66CCCC">Sophie's on the Square * Veranda Incognita</span>