Inclusion by R Thomas McPherson

Author:R Thomas McPherson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: R Thomas McPherson
Published: 2022-10-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15 Jennings

“MY OFFICE,” SAID TED.

"Your office." Rick was feeling the ease of the new gravity suit. It seemed like the more he walked around, the more comfortable it got. Rick said, "I've got some bad news as they headed to Ted's office."

“Oh no, what happened this time?”

"I've been promoted to an ambassador."

Ted laughed. Seeing the look on Rick’s face, he stopped and said, "Sorry."

“It’s not funny. The more I try to get away from all of this, the deeper I fall into the mess."

“Yes, it is funny. Don’t you see what’s happening?”

“What are you talking about?” said Rick.

“Of all the people Hobbs gave chances to, you are the one he chose to replace him. He is grooming you to take over when he leaves us. I think he made a great choice.”

Rick thought about that. If it had been anyone else but Ted had said that, he would have dismissed it out of hand. Rick realized that wherever he had a weakness, Hobbs dumped him in the middle of a situation that made him stronger. Yes, he made mistakes along the way, but he was learning. Hobbs let him fail so he could understand. Rick believed that Hobbs would have kept him from making any serious mistakes. He felt that because Hobbs had not stepped in and stopped Rick, he must be going in the right direction. He had the last thought as Ted opened the hatch to his office.

Once the hatch was closed, Ted said, "So, what's the problem?"

Rick sat with a thump. “Hobbs has given me permission and authority to make a treaty with the Croth.”

“Okay, it doesn’t sound like a problem to me.”

"It is a problem because I don't know what to do."

“Ah, that’s odd,” said Ted. “You are from the Wilson Corporation and don’t know how to negotiate?”

"I interrogate; I don't negotiate."

"Then let me give you some advice," said Ted. "The art of the deal is simple. You have something they want. They have something you want. Each party is trying to get as much as possible while giving as little as possible.”

“You make it sound so simple. Things are a lot more complicated than that,” said Rick

"Only in your mind. It is that simple. It all comes down to value. What value does the Croth have to offer us.”

“Weapons,” said Rick.

“Good. What value do we have to offer them?”

“I really don’t know.”

“Okay,” said Ted, “Let me ask you this. Before Nash's trial, what would you have given for a safe haven when you were on the run?”

Rick thought about the question. During that time, Rick was in a constant state of worry. He was worried about being killed, but he was also concerned about Bannic's safety. Above all, he was worried about failing. While what Ted was saying didn't indeed apply, Rick could see the point in the current situation. "Do you really believe they are that desperate?”

"Yes, I do. From what I understood from the conversation, they have been chased and harassed for a long time.

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