The Black Swans

[Mel Rose]

Her expression did not show it, but she felt a certain hint of satisfaction by finding a point of leverage. The pathways through the conversation appeared in her head, like a branching tree of decisions, of words to speak in order to achieve the desired result.

The satisfaction was adulterated, though, as he didn't tell her anything that she hadn't already known or strongly suspected. Xenos weren't a complicated riddle, their situation was clear and their application was more as a blunt cudgel rather than some nuanced instrument. Yet, this was far too simple. There must have been something more.

She recalled an article in a business netmag she picked up one day while waiting in the lobby of Hawaii. It advertised itself with the headline "Negotiation - The Art of Letting Someone Else Have Your Way". She remembered it mostly because, despite pretending to be clever, it was completely wrong. Negotiation, if anything, was the art of uncovering secrets. More specifically, of getting the opposing side to uncover certain kind of secrets. There were things Damian knew, but didn't want to share. There were other things that he realised he didn't know. And finally, there were the "black swans" - the things he didn't know that he didn't know, but that would turn out crucial to ironing out a plan that satisfied both parties.

She was after the black swans. But she was not ready to drop any offers yet or share any plans. There was still more exploration to do.

Feigning relaxation, she sighed wistfully. "Ah, Magellan. Those were the days. Biggest paychecks in my professional history, the yields on Royal Navy ships were ridiculously rich. It's unfortunate to hear you got your supply depot blown up, but I can assure you I did my best."

She paused for a second to gather her thoughts and plan out a calibrated question. "So, if I understand right, what you're after is a place to get supplies from the south of Sirius and to fence the goods you procure? It seems like you realise that if this place continues to have traces of Xeno activity, it won't get enough steam because, to put it bluntly, very few people like you, but if you withdraw, the Commonwealth might take it back."

She turned her purple eyes towards Damian. "Am I right?"

She fully expected the answer to be a "no". However, even if it were, she hoped an explanation would follow.

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Jennifer Haze Does Not Exist :: Filing Cabinet :: Swords into Plowshares
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