Ves watched Marcella leave his office with a mixed expression.
For old times' sake, he refrained from pushing back too hard.
Yet his forbearance had its limits.
His relationship with the Bright Republic had gone through a sea of changes. While he was not yet the equal of Seniors in several ways, his specialty and his future potential was much more promising.
Ves thought that his allies would have recognized his new value the best, but evidently not everyone received the message.
He had to offer a rebuke to that old coot who was so used to treating people as pawns that he was already reaching the end of the board.
The fantastic sales of the Soldier product line and its increasing proliferation in the star sector already hinted at his great appeal.
