Voices

“Perfect sense,” answered Dele

Talia chuckled, then grew somber. “I thought of that. Unfortunately, my physical presence is required for some aspects of this deal.”

Dele

Talia looked down at her drink. The greenish liquid seemed to mimic her murky thoughts, and she wanted to throw it out and get something clean.

But a thought touched her mind, a sweet one, and she looked up to see Arthur Malten, now dressed in a very conservative dark-blue suit. Even his eyes were smiling.

“You look lovely tonight, Talia,” he said. He turned to Dele

“You do,” she replied.

“Arthur Malten,” he a

“Yes,” said Dele

“Yes,” said Malten, grabbing Talia’s hands through her black velvet gloves. “I’m afraid I must take Ms. Winters away for a moment. Mr. Bester is here, and he’s in a very good mood, granting favors left and right.”

“Right this moment?” asked Talia hesitantly.

“No time like the present,” Malten replied. “At least that’s what I’ve always heard.”

“Haste makes waste,” countered Dele

Malten glanced at the Minbari. “I’m very decisive,” he told the ambassador. “When I see what I want, I go after it. I’m patient, too, if need be.”

“An admirable trait,” said Dele

But Malten was already whisking Talia Winters away.