[ Why does he want the Butcher to be aware of how well they're doing with their money? That doesn't make any sense. None at all. But for some reason, the fact that Aral Vorkosigan hasn't taken a look at the finances, and seen how much their investments have grown, feels like a vise around his neck. Stupid. If Aral Vorkosigan looks at the finances, he'll know a little more about the clone, won't he? He'll know the clone's aptitudes. And the less he knows, the better. The less he knows, the less likely he'll guess, and then the less likely it'll be that he'll come and torture and kill the traitor in their midst. It's good that he's disinterested.
And yet. ]
Gregor...did one of his unbreakable oaths on me. [ Shut up, shut up, stop chattering. ] So I'm - uh - compelled never to cheat you. Or steal from you. So you never have to be afraid of that. [ Why are you stuttering? Stop saying um all the time. ]
[He pauses at that, listening to the awkward, stuttering rush. There's quite a bit packed into that. How the conversation got there, and got him to agree without being offended at the implications... something Peter is used to or just a testament to Gregor's negotiating chops.
But why bring it up? What is it even validating?]
Would you have done it otherwise? [The question is even toned, but blunt.]
[ That's...a question. A question which actually takes a surprisingly short amount of time to answer. He'd thought that his capacity for hurting the Barrayarans and their allies was near-unchecked, but in truth he knows at once that: ]
Hm. [It wasn't the speed, or the answer that had the note of truth to his inner ear. But the reason. If he was a craftsman of this sort, no, he really wouldn't.]
That does explain why you would agree to such an oath. [A beat.] Send along a copy of what you report to Gregor. I should like to watch your work.
[There IS a startled pause on the line, and a bemused sound follows it. It makes sense, rationally. A business shouldn't have the ledgers available for anyone who just asks.
It's just not a road block he's USED to... There's a temptation to push, just to see if he can, but it being Gregor's territory makes it a bit more delicate.]
I'm not sure how you expected me to comment on financials I have no access to. But just as well. Let me know.
[ Is that...it? Really? He starts to relax, just a little, uncertainly. Tentatively. ]
Well, I thought that...maybe Gregor had already given you access. He, uh...He hasn't, right? [ A beat - ] Or Miles, I suppose. He is technically the head of the Dendarii.
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timeasmymeasure
[Voice]
Date: 2016-04-30 02:00 am (UTC)[ Why does he want the Butcher to be aware of how well they're doing with their money? That doesn't make any sense. None at all. But for some reason, the fact that Aral Vorkosigan hasn't taken a look at the finances, and seen how much their investments have grown, feels like a vise around his neck. Stupid. If Aral Vorkosigan looks at the finances, he'll know a little more about the clone, won't he? He'll know the clone's aptitudes. And the less he knows, the better. The less he knows, the less likely he'll guess, and then the less likely it'll be that he'll come and torture and kill the traitor in their midst. It's good that he's disinterested.
And yet. ]
Gregor...did one of his unbreakable oaths on me. [ Shut up, shut up, stop chattering. ] So I'm - uh - compelled never to cheat you. Or steal from you. So you never have to be afraid of that. [ Why are you stuttering? Stop saying um all the time. ]
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-02 04:51 pm (UTC)But why bring it up? What is it even validating?]
Would you have done it otherwise? [The question is even toned, but blunt.]
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-02 05:48 pm (UTC)No. I don't need to take money from all of you.
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-02 09:47 pm (UTC)That does explain why you would agree to such an oath. [A beat.] Send along a copy of what you report to Gregor. I should like to watch your work.
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-06 03:44 am (UTC)[ He cringes internally, anticipating some anger or explosion, as he replies: ]
I'd have to clear that with Gregor first.
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-07 03:54 am (UTC)It's just not a road block he's USED to... There's a temptation to push, just to see if he can, but it being Gregor's territory makes it a bit more delicate.]
I'm not sure how you expected me to comment on financials I have no access to. But just as well. Let me know.
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-07 12:34 pm (UTC)Well, I thought that...maybe Gregor had already given you access. He, uh...He hasn't, right? [ A beat - ] Or Miles, I suppose. He is technically the head of the Dendarii.
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-07 08:37 pm (UTC)[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-07 08:54 pm (UTC)[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-07 09:04 pm (UTC)I'll lay my petition. [He answers wryly.]
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-07 09:10 pm (UTC)Uh - oh. Yeah. Okay, good. Great. Thanks. That'd be good. That'd make things a lot easier.
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-07 09:23 pm (UTC)That will be all, Mr. Kane. I'll speak with you again.
[Voice]
Date: 2016-05-08 02:07 am (UTC)[ but please neVER COME TO THE OFFICE PLEASE if he never has to look the Butcher in the eye that will be a truly happy life ]