Page 20 of Advance and Retreat (Dark Empire #6)
She’d made some headway with Rorix. It was obvious she’d impressed him despite his issues in having her as the Coydidak’s long-distance com systems officer.
The third man sitting across from her at the large conference table posed no problem.
Imdiko Negal was the sole source of warmth of the trio conducting the interview.
His function as a member of the Coydidak was head of their finances.
She had no idea why he was involved in the hiring process.
The Kalquorian Empire was supplying the LLDC system free of charge and fronting the funds Laughter would receive as a member of the mission as long as spending money was necessary,
Negal’s questions had been of a more familiar nature as he’d leaned toward her wearing his friendly expression.
He’d queried her about her hobbies, if any friends or family were also applying to join the expedition, and if she felt endangered by going to unknown and potentially hostile territory.
He was perhaps too familiar, also inquiring about any relationships she’d had and her thoughts on how Earthers were regarded as rather repressed.
“I ask since the rest of us tend to be quite casual when it comes to our...social encounters,” he’d added, smirking.
“I’m not a prude, but I’m not as casual perhaps you’re used to,” Laughter had shot back. “I prefer to be impressed, and my standards are exceptionally high.”
She was grateful she hadn’t worn anything lowcut in an attempt to disarm them.
She’d believed this would be the one time her intellect could stand on its own.
Not only was she happy to fend off the Imdiko’s overt interest, but it was clear Rorix and Signis would have assumed she was using her body to gain an edge.
Negal hadn’t lost any of his warmth in the wake of her rebuke. In fact, his demeanor revealed his interest had sharpened. Nonetheless, he hadn’t spoken again.
On the heels of her assessment of her input on the LLDC system, Signis frowned at his computer. Laughter had the feeling he’d have preferred to aim his grouchy mug at her.
All she’d seen from the Nobek was coldness. A part of her, the miniscule piece not wishing for a baseball bat to knock the bigotry out of his head and make room for sense, ruminated on how stupidly handsome he was and wondered what his smile would look like.
They’re all handsome, the bastards. This is probably karma punishing me for the habit of using my figure to distract the assholes who have the power. The idea amused her.
She wasn’t amused when Signis finally eyed her again, his strong features composed. “Thank you for coming in, Matara Lorenz. We’ll let you know our decision in a day or two.”
She blinked at him, momentarily stupefied. Sure, she’d known he and Rorix were searching for any reason to reject her, but she hadn’t given them any. Of that, she was certain.
“Excuse me? Who could possibly be a better choice for this mission than the person who actually designed the LLDC system?” she demanded.
“There are several qualified candidates.” His tone was icy.
“I see. Male candidates, I assume.” She matched him for the frigidity.
Though she couldn’t see him do so, she was certain Rorix nudged Signis under the table. It was the Dramok who responded. “I assure you, your gender has no bearing on our decision.”
“I’ve heard that before,” she sneered. All attempts at diplomacy ended in a flash.
“The Coydidak has just a few elder females left, doesn’t it?
None of childbearing age? So you’re unused to interacting with us.
Perhaps you’re threatened by the idea of intelligent women who do more than bear children? ”
Rorix drew up as if she’d struck him. “Our council has women on it, and we revere them as excellent leaders.”
Signis all but bared his teeth at her. “If Kalquorian women could be spared by the home world, we’d certainly welcome them,”
It came to her in flash. They were bigoted all right...in a different direction. “Oh, Kalquorian women? Then it’s because I’m an Earther. Thank you for clearing up my mistake.”
“Matara Lorenz—” Rorix began.
“Dramok Rorix, I insist you be as up front about your prejudice when speaking to other applicants of my race. They deserve to be informed how poorly they’ll be treated by the Coydidak. As do the Imperial Clan and Royal Council.” She left the threat of her exposing their speciesism unspoken.
I guess I will stoop to lower means to get what I want . She felt no shame in becoming the bulldozer, especially since no cleavage was required. Blackmail would do just fine.
“Your application will be taken seriously.” Rorix spoke between clenched teeth.
She wondered how good he’d look if she found the proverbial bat and smashed those teeth out. Deciding she had nothing to lose, she promised, “It damn sure better be.”
She stood up so quickly, her hover chair bounced slightly. She stalked out of the conference room. Just before the door hissed closed behind her, she was certain she heard Negal sigh, “You jerks.”
At least she could agree with one of them on something.