Negotiation skills.
It was a typical negotiation room. There was a simple, central table with chairs arrayed around it in groupings indicating the various factions involved. Papers were stacked at each grouping: proposals, counterproposals, maps and lists. There was a small, refreshment table set up to one side with servers doing their best to seem invisible.
This was the backdrop of a subtle drama as two groups of beings (one vaguely avian, the other thickly furred mammals) jockeyed for power over each other. It was genteel...on the surface. But inflection and gesture carried reems of meaning beyond the words actually said.
It was quickly becoming obvious that war might be declared if the mediator didn't show up soon to call things to order. Finally, the door opened to admit an imposing figure in a human encounter suit. The Ranger paused for a moment, collecting a report from his Ship. A slight stiffening in his posture was the only outward sign he gave as to the nature of the news he recieved.
"Good morning, gentlebeings," he said. "I apologize for my tardiness, but it was unavoidable."
"Well, we must all make allowances in the cause of peace, Anla'shok Raeburn," said one diplomat, his tone oily as a smile lifted his moustache. "I can only hope such accomidation would be reciprocal."
The Ranger nodded toward the being. Ship had told him that Yavel had not withdrawn his ships and his manner said he would not do so without much...perusasion.
"Indeed, we must all be flexible toward the greater good," he said aloud. "In that light, I have taken the liberty of calling in another negotiator to assist me. May I introduce the Lady Ako."
He moved to the side of the door to admit a cloaked and hooded figure. However, neither the cloak nor the hood could disguise either her slenderness or her inherent gracefulness.
"Please do not be shocked," the Ranger said with a trace of amusement. "She means to do you a great honor."
This was the backdrop of a subtle drama as two groups of beings (one vaguely avian, the other thickly furred mammals) jockeyed for power over each other. It was genteel...on the surface. But inflection and gesture carried reems of meaning beyond the words actually said.
It was quickly becoming obvious that war might be declared if the mediator didn't show up soon to call things to order. Finally, the door opened to admit an imposing figure in a human encounter suit. The Ranger paused for a moment, collecting a report from his Ship. A slight stiffening in his posture was the only outward sign he gave as to the nature of the news he recieved.
"Good morning, gentlebeings," he said. "I apologize for my tardiness, but it was unavoidable."
"Well, we must all make allowances in the cause of peace, Anla'shok Raeburn," said one diplomat, his tone oily as a smile lifted his moustache. "I can only hope such accomidation would be reciprocal."
The Ranger nodded toward the being. Ship had told him that Yavel had not withdrawn his ships and his manner said he would not do so without much...perusasion.
"Indeed, we must all be flexible toward the greater good," he said aloud. "In that light, I have taken the liberty of calling in another negotiator to assist me. May I introduce the Lady Ako."
He moved to the side of the door to admit a cloaked and hooded figure. However, neither the cloak nor the hood could disguise either her slenderness or her inherent gracefulness.
"Please do not be shocked," the Ranger said with a trace of amusement. "She means to do you a great honor."