This guy’s got a lotta nerve, I’ll give him that.

“Bargaining Table”

By Joseph Manno

At first, T’Laris was too incredulous to be angry.

"You lack the experience, the endurance… and, in all likelihood, the… intangibles to make an adequate showing. Spare yourself humiliation."

Undaunted, King replied, "Yes… but I'm willing to learn. Here’s an opportunity for us to… be ambassadors of good will."

He wiggled his eyebrows. “And it will be good.”

Then, she was too amused. The lad did have his appeal.

"The answer is still no. I am, however, flattered—much to my own surprise."

“So we can at least… continue our negotiations… Ambassador?”

Still smiling, T’Laris went back to her drink.