Tutopans are placed in their careers according to stringent psychological and aptitude testing.”
Janeway told Tuvok, “Let’s go find another one of these handpicked agents.”
“You don’t understand—the Kapon is under my jurisdiction.” He quickly added, “If you’d like to take your seats again, I shall see what I can do for you.”
Janeway feigned reluctance as she sat down.
“Now, let me see,” Andross said briskly. “What sort of computer were you interested in?”
“It’s a processor,” Janeway corrected. “The unit which selects programs from the memory and interprets them so as to direct the movement of data through the system, transforming input into operational instructions. It incorporates five FTL nanoprocessing units, controlled by modules of optical transtator clusters.”
“Hmmm…” Andross murmured, his eyes moving imperceptibly from side to side as he accessed information through his desk. “I can give you a new FTL processor by the end of this quarter, at a total installation cost of 6.300. What is your current credit balance?”
“I don’t intend to purchase new hardware.” Janeway leaned forward as if to make sure she was understood. “If that’s the sort of help you’re going to provide, we aren’t interested.”
“I see.” Andross tapped his finger thoughtfully against the edge.
“Since you’ve been caused some distress by the salvage procedure, I’ll reduce our price to 5.300 and not a ducet less.
You can’t beat that for brand-new hardware.”
In the silence, Tuvok calculated the time expenditure thus far, and concluded the logical course of action was to persist even in the face of such irrationality. The alternative was to begin the entire procedure over again with another agent.
The captain was apparently aware of this fact, and attempted another line of inquiry. “You obviously received our processor from the Kapon.
Can you tell us where is it now?”
“As with any salvaged goods, debris is sent to rendering for scans to determine its viability.”
“Could you trace our processor to its current location?”
“I could try…” Andross said hesitantly. “But you’d be better off accepting my offer.”
Janeway looked him right in the eye. “Agent Andross, I suggest you locate our computer processor immediately, or we will be forced to bring this to the attention of your superiors.”
“Of course.” His expression remained affably nondescript. “I’ll conduct an inquiry into this matter right away.”
“I would appreciate an answer from you within the hour.” Janeway rose again, this time making it clear it was final. “If we don’t hear from you, I’ll take my request elsewhere.”
“Certainly,” Andross said pleasantly. “And if I may, allow me to have my clerk summon a private transport to return you to your ship. I must say, you both look quite weary.”
Janeway appreciated the luxury of returning to the ship in an automated car instead of fighting the crush in the expressway.
But she knew it was to Andross’s advantage that they didn’t stop at another agent’s office on the way back. Andross reminded her of used-starship salesmen she’d encountered before—far too self-interested to be trusted. She didn’t even risk discussing the interview with Tuvok in the car; it was possible that Andross was recording their activity in order to glean an advantage in their negotiations.
So she enjoyed the ride for what it was worth, dialing up a vegetable beverage for Tuvok from the dispenser, and choosing a protein mixture for herself. She needed the energy after combating all these inanities.
When they reached Lobby 58, a group of Yawkins were waiting in the lift depot to return to their ship. Yawkins were ungainly, green-tinged humanoids, and these individuals were noticeably darker than usual.
The noxious fumes emitted from their neck gills made Janeway retreat from the depot.
Tuvok followed her. “Is something wrong,
Janeway told Tuvok, “Let’s go find another one of these handpicked agents.”
“You don’t understand—the Kapon is under my jurisdiction.” He quickly added, “If you’d like to take your seats again, I shall see what I can do for you.”
Janeway feigned reluctance as she sat down.
“Now, let me see,” Andross said briskly. “What sort of computer were you interested in?”
“It’s a processor,” Janeway corrected. “The unit which selects programs from the memory and interprets them so as to direct the movement of data through the system, transforming input into operational instructions. It incorporates five FTL nanoprocessing units, controlled by modules of optical transtator clusters.”
“Hmmm…” Andross murmured, his eyes moving imperceptibly from side to side as he accessed information through his desk. “I can give you a new FTL processor by the end of this quarter, at a total installation cost of 6.300. What is your current credit balance?”
“I don’t intend to purchase new hardware.” Janeway leaned forward as if to make sure she was understood. “If that’s the sort of help you’re going to provide, we aren’t interested.”
“I see.” Andross tapped his finger thoughtfully against the edge.
“Since you’ve been caused some distress by the salvage procedure, I’ll reduce our price to 5.300 and not a ducet less.
You can’t beat that for brand-new hardware.”
In the silence, Tuvok calculated the time expenditure thus far, and concluded the logical course of action was to persist even in the face of such irrationality. The alternative was to begin the entire procedure over again with another agent.
The captain was apparently aware of this fact, and attempted another line of inquiry. “You obviously received our processor from the Kapon.
Can you tell us where is it now?”
“As with any salvaged goods, debris is sent to rendering for scans to determine its viability.”
“Could you trace our processor to its current location?”
“I could try…” Andross said hesitantly. “But you’d be better off accepting my offer.”
Janeway looked him right in the eye. “Agent Andross, I suggest you locate our computer processor immediately, or we will be forced to bring this to the attention of your superiors.”
“Of course.” His expression remained affably nondescript. “I’ll conduct an inquiry into this matter right away.”
“I would appreciate an answer from you within the hour.” Janeway rose again, this time making it clear it was final. “If we don’t hear from you, I’ll take my request elsewhere.”
“Certainly,” Andross said pleasantly. “And if I may, allow me to have my clerk summon a private transport to return you to your ship. I must say, you both look quite weary.”
Janeway appreciated the luxury of returning to the ship in an automated car instead of fighting the crush in the expressway.
But she knew it was to Andross’s advantage that they didn’t stop at another agent’s office on the way back. Andross reminded her of used-starship salesmen she’d encountered before—far too self-interested to be trusted. She didn’t even risk discussing the interview with Tuvok in the car; it was possible that Andross was recording their activity in order to glean an advantage in their negotiations.
So she enjoyed the ride for what it was worth, dialing up a vegetable beverage for Tuvok from the dispenser, and choosing a protein mixture for herself. She needed the energy after combating all these inanities.
When they reached Lobby 58, a group of Yawkins were waiting in the lift depot to return to their ship. Yawkins were ungainly, green-tinged humanoids, and these individuals were noticeably darker than usual.
The noxious fumes emitted from their neck gills made Janeway retreat from the depot.
Tuvok followed her. “Is something wrong,
Similar Books
