(Untitled)

[gabriel_tam]

Gabriel is in his study, ostensibly going over a sheaf of files that need review before the next Parliamentary session.

What he's doing instead, however, is twirling a pen back in forth in his fingers, and paying absolutely no attention to the open document on his desk.

He's looking at a picture of River, taken just before she went to the Academy

Comments

[wolflord_andain]

There is a knock at the door, sharp and quick.

There is nothing timid about the Wolflord, even when he is being polite.

[gabriel_tam]

"Come in," Gabriel calls, glancing up from the image and toward the door.

[wolflord_andain]

"I do hope I'm not interrupting?"

Galadan's tone is both arch and amused.

He's also carrying a thick set of files.

[gabriel_tam]

"Not at all," he says, quite cordially. Gabriel nods at the files in Galadan's hands.

"It appears that you've been busy."

[wolflord_andain]

"I've revised a few of the more outdated security procedures."

Again.

His mouth quirks at the corners.

"I do hope your security forces will have less difficulty in implementing these."

[gabriel_tam]

"I suspect that Bajian Li will see that there's no objection."

Dryly said, as though there's nothing to be concerned about. Gabriel seems slightly distracted.

His gaze drifts back to River's picture.

[wolflord_andain]

"Will he."

Galadan's attention at this moment is focused on Gabriel.

"Well, if you're certain."

His voice is very dry.

[gabriel_tam]

"Between the two of you, I have every confidence."

He glances back up at Galadan, a crooked half-smile on his face.

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan merely raises one eyebrow.

[gabriel_tam]

He folds his hands together on the desk in front of him and looks blandly back at the other man.

[wolflord_andain]

"I wonder, have you spoken to Mary of late?"

It has all the earmarks of an idle inquiry.

Save, of course, that Galadan is clever, and Gabriel has not been entirely unobvious.

[gabriel_tam]

"Actually, I have."

His eyes have narrowed a bit as he focuses on Galadan.

"As have you yourself, I take it?"

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan nods fractionally.

"Of course. And River, as well."

His voice is still very dry.

[gabriel_tam]

"Ah."

Silence, for several seconds, in which Gabriel's glance returns to the picture.

He's still staring at it when he says,

"Mary is unhappy at her new school."

[wolflord_andain]

"I believe she plans to run away to Milliways, yes."

[gabriel_tam]

"She said something of the sort."

His glance flicks back to Galadan, and then Gabriel sighs and waves his hand at a chair.

"Sit down, won't you?"