6-266: Administration Bureau Executive Conference Facility

“Some parties less than others,” he takes another nibble at his olive, “I am here because the Bureaucracy cannot be seen to snub the Vizierate, so I have an invitation.  Equally, the Vizierate cannot be seen to snub the Bureaucracy, so I must attend.  If I attend I must satisfy others that I am furthering the Vizierate interests.  So, no-one will speak to me for fear that they let something ‘slip’, and I will find a reason for the Vizierate to take an interest in their Bureaucratic maneuverings, or Lizards!, use my veto to upset some plan of the Governor’s.

“However, very occasionally, some delightful person will see fit to interact with me and I may find something more interesting than the real bonus of these parties, which is the excellent food.”

He finally puts the olive out of its misery and gives Winta a small smile with his eyes, but not his mouth.

He raises his voice so Aston can hear, even though he’s obviously listening, “Do you think I have done the situation justice in description, Undercrat?”