(Untitled)

[gabriel_tam]

The note had politely advised him that a meeting would be prudent, and Gabriel Tam learned some time ago not to disregard this particular individual's recommendations.

As a result, this evening finds him ensconced in one of the armchairs near the fireplace, reading a newspaper while he waits.

Comments

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan, who merely stepped out for a bit of what is politic to call 'fresh air', enters Milliways through the back door. Anyone else might be expected to appear rain-damp or windblown.

The Wolflord, however, is far more fastidious than that. Or so appearances would suggest.

"Ah. Gabriel. I trust you are here on business, at the moment?"

[gabriel_tam]

Gabriel raises his eyebrows.

"You might indeed, given the communique I received." He gestures to a nearby chair, then signals for waitstaff.

"What's your pleasure?"

[wolflord_andain]

Galadan's expression carries with it the barest hint of a smile, and as he sits--

"Wine, I believe, will serve well enough. I leave the particular vintage up to you."

[gabriel_tam]

He places their order, then leans back in his own chair, settling himself comfortably.

"Matters have not been ill, I may hope?"

He's fairly certain he'd have heard, if that had been the case.

[wolflord_andain]

"They fare well enough. Reports indicate few difficulties that fall under my purview--and Mary's progress as a student has been acceptable."

Galadan understates the case. A little. Gushing is not in his idiom.

"I do think, however, that it may be time to reassign responsibilities among your security staff, as it were."

[gabriel_tam]

"I'm glad to hear that, although I must admit I'm not surprised that she's doing well."

Ever the politician, ever the businessman, it doesn't take him longer than an instant to catch the weight in Galadan's seemingly innocuous words.

"Is that so?"

A beat.

"And what would you recommend?"

[wolflord_andain]

"I would advice promoting Magdalena, shifting the roster's of A and C teams, and forwarding all her reports to my data console."

One corner of his mouth quirks upward.

"It has recently been brought home to me that I have been remiss in my duties in Fionavar. Time passes more swiftly there than here, and I have been absent for--a good few years. Given that I should hate to have to put down a full scale rebellion any time soon--the time for action would seem to be now."

[gabriel_tam]

"I see."

He mulls that over for a few moments, although there's really only one response he can give.

"That's certainly understandable, although I hate to lose you. It's nothing too serious yet, I may hope?"

[wolflord_andain]

"I though it prudent to shift my responsibilities first, which is to say while I may have an idea of who would have attempted a coup while I was--absent--I cannot be certain which factions have made any move at all. And as recomnaissance presumes that my presence will go undetected--"

His smile is a spare thing, and full of teeth.

"I rather suspect that I will be set upon not long after my return."

He welcomes it, in some ways. It has been long and long since Galadan has felt the tearing of flesh between his teeth.

[gabriel_tam]

Concern sparks, and Gabriel leans forward, looking intent.

"I don't suppose there's anything I can do to assist?"

[wolflord_andain]

"While I do appreciate the offer, Senator Tam--"

And Galadan's voice, when he speaks, is dry as bone--

"The politics of the andain run more than counter to what I suspect you may be comfortable with."

[gabriel_tam]

"Very likely," he agrees, with an answering dryness. "Still, I felt I should make the offer."

[wolflord_andain]

"Though now that I think on it--"

One corner of his mouth curves ever-so-faintly upward.

"You might take pains not to overwork yourself while I am otherwise engaged."

[gabriel_tam]

"I'll be sure to make the attempt, at least."

He means it, of course.

He always does.

[wolflord_andain]

"That and a new data console may even do me some good."

The Wolflord is transparently amused.

"Shall I wave Magda, then, and inform her of her change in status? I suspect you'll get your own message soon after--another one of our contingencies."

[gabriel_tam]

"Shì a," he consents. "I'll see to it that Bajian is notified-- and Regan, of course."