"I invited you," she said. "Please allow me to pay."

  I shook my head.

  "Really, Wanda," she said, holding out her hand. "You must not think I invited myself to a free meal."

  "I am happy for your company, Audra, and I will be happy for your company again tomorrow. But for political reasons, I must pay the bill."

  She pouted, sticking out her lower lip. I grinned. "I am far too old to be taken in by one lovely, pouting lip, Audra. Consider this thanks for giving me a lovely evening instead of going to bed with my headache."

  She sighed. "You already thanked me, but I do not believe anything I say will sway the check into my hand."

  "You are wise beyond your years," I told her. I had paid the bill before I realized she look frustrated. "Are you that upset I wouldn't let you pay the bill?"

  "I know to you I am a child, but I have been an adult for eleven years, and I do not care to be patronized."

  Confused, I thought back to what I had said. "Audra, I was not being patronizing. I was perhaps being playful. I very much enjoy your company, and I do not think of you as a child."

  "You are sure?"

  "Quite."

  "All right," she replied. "May I walk you home?"

  "You may," I said, and we both rose from our chairs. Audra followed me from the tavern, and as soon as we were outside, she took my arm.

  We were talked out, so we walked slowly towards the governor's manor. Together we walked to the door. On arriving, I asked her if she would like to come inside.

  She smiled. "Not tonight, Wanda. But I had a lovely time, and there is one last thing I would like to do tonight."

  "What is that?"

  She stepped closer, much closer, and wrapped her hands around my neck, her thumbs against my cheeks. She caressed my skin and then slowly pulled me into a kiss.

  It was a lovely kiss. I wrapped my arms around her and held her while we kissed.

  I wasn't accustomed to someone else leading, but I found I was happy to relinquish control to her. Audra controlled the kiss, and I let her. And it was long and lovely, and when it ended, we both sighed.

  I hadn't sighed from a kiss in a very long time.

  I opened my eyes and looked at her. She was studying me, our faces inches apart.

  "Shall I expect you at the same time and place tomorrow night, Wanda?"

  "Perhaps a little earlier," I said. "Can I call you to confirm?"

  She cocked her head. "Call me?"

  "Yes. I'll need to know your access code."

  "Access code? I'm sorry, I do not understand."

  "Your computer access code, so I can call you."

  "Oh. I don't have one. I don't have a computer. Do you believe you will not meet me tomorrow?"

  "I will definitely meet you, but I can't tell you the exact time."

  "Well, I shall arrive early and wait for you near our bench."

  "You don't have to do that!"

  She smiled. "I do not mind. It is a lovely place to sit."

  "I may be late."

  "Tell me, can you see the park from your office?"

  "Yes."

  "Will you see me sitting at the bench, waiting for you?"

  "Yes."

  "And do you believe you will wish to remain in your office when I am waiting for you in the park?"

  "You little vixen," I said, laughing. "No, I do not believe I will wish to remain in my office."

  "And so, my wait will not be so long." Then she closed the distance between us and kissed me a second time, more briefly this time. "Pleasant dreams, Wanda. I know I will have them."

  And then she backed away from me, and I watched as she turned and walked away, but then she looked over her shoulder, smiled, and blew a kiss at me.

  * * * *

  The next day at work was no better than the previous. I received another delegation. Fredric, Julette, and Marga were there along with three wizened women. They were introduced as Ina, Marta, and Naoma. I couldn't have told you their ages. Naoma spoke some English, but used Marga for most of what she wished to say.

  "We wish a peaceful settlement," Fredric said, speaking through Marga.

  "As do I," I agreed.

  "A proper understanding of our planet can take your people a decade or longer to achieve," he explained. "We do not expect you to do nothing for a decade. We again ask for two years for you to properly learn the planet and its people, understanding you will have achieved little more than a taste in that time."

  "You want me to do nothing for two years?"

  "Not at all," said Naoma. "We want you to visit the planet. Take the tour we have offered."

  "How long?" I asked.

  "Initially, perhaps six months. Then shorter tours every few months, maybe lasting only a few weeks."

  I shook my head. "That isn't possible."

  "Your previous governors found it possible."

  "My previous governors accomplished nothing!"

  "Your previous governors accomplished a great deal," Marta said. "You simply do not recognize what they have done as valuable. We would seek to prove you wrong."

  "Do you have a closed mind?" Ina asked.

  I didn't care for that question, and I turned to her hotly. "No. I have a full schedule."

  "This planet has been ignored by the empire for five hundred years," Ina said. "Will the galaxy explode if your changes take a few years?"

  "No, but my reputation is on the line."

  That drew some grim faces. "You risk so much for your reputation?" Fredric asked.

  "Two weeks. You asked for two weeks to build a presentation explaining why my expansion is so difficult to plan. I could spend those two weeks taking a tour if you were to promise to return my property when I return."

  "We will not return your property until we know you fully understand," Fredric replied. "At the very least, we require assurances you will not simply resume your planned expansion. We do not agree you need an expansion, but we would allow you to attempt to convince us. We, of course, would attempt to convince you it is unnecessary. But you must agree to no expansion without our approval!"

  "I can not agree to that! You could walk away and never approve anything at all."

  Like yesterday, we went around and around. Both sides were willing to compromise, but both sides wanted assurances the other side wasn't willing to give. They wanted assurances I wouldn't act without their approval. I wanted assurances they would allow me to act, and act on a much faster timeline than they thought was at all possible.

  Finally, they all stood up. "You have a language lesson. I believe your tutor will arrive shortly. If you wish to continue to negotiate, we will return this afternoon."

  I nodded, too worn out to answer. They let themselves out.

  The only good thing I could say was they were polite.

  A minute later, Foster told me Jean was waiting for me.

  "Ask him to be patient for just a minute or two, please. I will be right out."

  I initiated a conference call with Olivia Pearsons, Candice Myers, and the Gavins. They all agreed to speak with me.

  "You all think I'm wrong," I stated.

  "Yes," was the consensus. Candice continued with, "I am not surprised, Governor. You have always been very singularly-minded in your focus."

  "Does no one understand what I am trying to do?"

  "Governor," said Lars, "everyone understands perfectly well what you are trying to do. It's not that no one understands. It's that no one wants what you are offering. The Tresjolians have everything from the empire they want."

  "They don't know what they are missing."

  "Of course they do," Olivia said. "They are not ignorant children."

  "They are all so young. Even their eldest members are children."

  "That attitude is not going to help," Olivia said. "Do you think they can't sense you have such little respect for them?"

  "One size does not fit all, Wanda," Candice said softly, almost kindly. "Surely you know that."

  "Governor," said Shalysa, "when I first arrived, I tried to bribe them with gifts. I tried to give away the wonders of the empire. Consistently they asked how it was made, and they returned anything that wasn't produced using techniques they would allow on Tresjolie."

  "Why do they care-" I started to ask.

  "Because they are the least hypocritical people you will ever meet!" Olivia said. "They won't allow pollution on this planet, and they won't enable pollution on other planets by accepting the goods whose production caused the pollution."

  "They are not opposed to the technology?"

  "Not at all," she said. "They are opposed to how the technology is produced. But they are meticulous in tracing the path the technology took. If a device is made using a tool that was built using materials that were mined on a planet with an atmosphere, they won't accept it, even if the actual production of the device is clean."

  "That is part of the reason none of them travel off the planet," Lars added. "The landers are not made to their standards."

  "I think I know the answer, but I am going to ask. What do you all recommend I do?"

  "Give up on your plans. Understand these people like the way things are here and do not want the changes you want," said Shalysa.

  "Perhaps accept that you can't always get what you want, Wanda," Candice added. "Find another planet to govern. I do not believe your aspirations will thrive here."

  "You might like the planet if you gave it a chance," Olivia added. "But from what we have seen so far, we don't believe you're at all interested in enjoying life."

  "I enjoy life!" I said. "I enjoy it quite a bit."

  "Oh?" asked Candice. "When was the last time you kissed a woman?"

  I smiled in triumph. "Last night. And I am seeing her again tonight."

  That surprised all of them. Then I added, "Thank you for accepting my call."

  * * * *

  The afternoon session went much like the morning session had. I wasn't accustomed to negotiating from a position of weakness. Imperial security forces on Tresjolie were very light, and the Tresjolians knew it. They knew, and I knew, that if they chose to do so, they could easily overwhelm my security forces. Even if I could bring in new construction equipment, I couldn't protect them against a concerted effort.

  I was sure I could bring in more forces, but I wasn't ready to move in that direction. I wasn't even ready to threaten it. This would be easier if they would just understand I was trying to help them.

  So, short of threatening to bring in greater security forces and new equipment, my only bargaining chip was the group of people in custody. By all rights, I should have released them subject to a proper trial later, but if I did so, then I had little to bring to the negotiations.

  I didn't like holding such a weak hand.

  The Tresjolians, for their part, were clearly frustrated with me, perhaps as frustrated as I was with them. I saw many pinched brows before the afternoon was over, and it was clear I wasn't the only one in the room with tight shoulders and frayed nerves.

  "Today is Friday," said Naoma towards the end of the afternoon. "What can we do to secure the release of the men and women you have taken into custody?"

  "Return my equipment to me," I said. "In return, I will free them."

  "Will you drop the charges?" Fredric asked.

  "No. But I would do so if you promised no further interference."

  "You know we can make no such promises until you promise to expand only with our approval," Ina replied for the group.

  "The four individuals have been charged with several crimes," I explained, "not least of which is accosting me. They did no real harm, and I would be willing to show leniency if they were to show regret. But I do not believe they regret their actions. And I do not believe if I were to release them that they would return for their trials."

  "Is it not customary to allow your prisoners to be released in exchange for assurances?"

  "Monetary assurances, and then only when the individuals are not deemed a flight risk. I deem them a flight risk."

  "They do not deserve to be treated in this fashion," Fredric said. "They have families who depend upon them."

  "They should have considered that before laying hands upon me," I replied.

  "They were attempting to prevent you from making a grave error!" Julette said forcefully. "If you were about to walk into the path of a hungry swamp hog, would you not want us to lay hands on you to drag you from danger?"

  "I presume a swamp hog is dangerous?"

  "Only to foolish governors who ignore the warning signs," Julette replied.

  We glared at each other for a moment. In the end, nothing was settled. The four prisoners would remain prisoners for the time being. My equipment was not returned. I did not concede to their demands to halt my plans pending their approval of every detail.

  We remained at an impasse.

  * * * *

  Later, I found myself looking out my office window, watching for a certain dark-skinned, black-haired beauty. It was some time before I saw her. I turned around and there she was, standing on the path into the park, looking up at me. I didn't think she could see me, but she carried a soft smile, and I imagined it was for me.

  I needed her hands again. And perhaps her lips. I needed to forget this day, to forget this week, at least for a while.

  I settled my things and departed my office, letting Foster and Kylen know they could enjoy their weekend. "I don't even want you checking messages until Monday morning," I told them.

  "What if something comes up regarding the port?"

  "Everyone knows how to reach me personally," I said.

  And then I was gone, down the stairs to the first floor of the government building, then out the front door.

  Audra waited for me, her back to me. She was dressed in a different set of leathers from last night, form-fitting, again in black, but this time with deep green piping. From her hand dangled a package; I wondered if she had been shopping.

  I wanted her. I wanted her to make me forget, at least for a while. She was so young, just a child, but she was sweet and kind with a lovely body, and without the cynicism that arrives with the years.

  I stepped up to her and put my hands on her shoulders. "Good evening, Audra," I told her softly.

  She looked over her shoulder and smiled for me. "Tell me, Wanda, did you think of kissing my neck as you approached?"

  "I thought of placing my hands much lower on your body," I admitted.

  "Oh, but we do not know each other well enough for such an act," she replied, her eyes twinkling.

  "But we know each other well enough for me to kiss the back of your neck?"

  "I believe so," she said. "Perhaps you disagree."

  "Oh, I don't disagree at all," I said. "But I did not want to assume." But then I drew closer to her, my hands still on her shoulder, and when I bent my lips to the back of her neck, she bowed her head, accepting the affection. Then she turned and looked at me carefully.

  She took my hand. "Come, Wanda. I see the governor comes to me in much the state I found her last night." She drew me down the path into the park, and our bench was unoccupied. She gestured, and I sat, and then she was behind me, her hands on my shoulders. "You must stop making a habit of this," she directed.

  "Perhaps I do this intentionally so you will rub my shoulders." I moaned. "Oh, you have magic in your hands."

  "I will do this any time you ask, Wanda, but I ask you to stop needing it so desperately. I would rather do this because we both want me to, not because you are in such need."

  I moaned again, relaxing under the ministrations of her skillful hands. "Is there something wrong with needing you?"

  She bent down and whispered in my ear. "Perhaps I prefer to be needed in other ways."

  I laughed. "You have decided, then, we are to be more than friends?"

  "I decided that last night before I kissed you," she replied. "Tonight I wish to cement my intentions."

  "Oh?"

  She giggled. "Perhaps not the way you are thinking. I have brought you a gift."

  I rested my cheek against the back of her hand for a moment as she continued to work the stiffness and stress from my shoulders and neck, then I said, "I thought Tresjolians do not give gifts."

  "The giving and accepting of gifts carries meaning for us," she explained. "If I were to give this gift to a Tresjolian woman, she may be offended, but you should not be."

  "And why should I not be?"

  "Shhh," she said. "I will explain when you see the gift. But understand that the giving of a gift is not done casually."

  "I did not bring you something."

  "Gifts are not given in trade," she said. "And I wish to be treated as Tresjolian. You do not know what that means yet, and I doubt you can give a gift that will make me smile."

  That bothered me. "Is it so difficult?"

  "What would you give me?" she asked.

  "Perhaps... Flowers."

  "I know this custom. You would give me the gift of death?"

  "I would give you something beautiful to adorn your home."

  "You have not seen my home. You do not know what it needs to be adorned, and you would not understand if I explained. Not yet."

  "You would be angry if I gave you flowers?"

  "No. I would know you meant well. But the flowers would not convey to me the meaning you intended. They would not lighten my heart, even though they would be a gift from you."

  "So what gift should I give?" I asked.

  "I can not answer that. A gift should not be requested." She kissed my ear, which tickled. "Perhaps you are already giving me what I want."

  "What is that?"

  "Your time."

  I didn't have a response for that. Well, that wasn't entirely true. My body definitely had a response to her words whispered into my ear, but I wasn't going to tell her that.

  I sat quietly while she pampered me, there in the middle of the park, and I didn't care if anyone was watching. Her touch was magical. I wasn't casual about touch. Physically I tended to be quite reserved. But I found her touch pleasing, and it softened my heart.

  "Audra, what should I do about my prisoners? I can't simply let them go."

  She paused in her touch before resuming. "You know what I would say."

  "Maybe I need to hear you say it."

 

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