As much as her words, her demeanor appeared to have some effect. AAnn rage gave way to plain irritation. “Vya-nar,” muttered Thessu. “By the-sand-that-shelters-life, if your concern iss only for the health of otherss, then it iss to be commended.”
She ran her right index finger over an apparently bare portion of her desk. If she pressed down in a certain place, a hidden alarm would sound and various protective barriers would spring into being between her and her guests.
“Much as I would like to accept your compliment, I’m afraid that I can’t. While I am truly interested in your health, as long as you are here I was also hoping you could provide me with some information on other matters.”
Jallrii’s pupils narrowed even farther, the protective inner transparent eyelids flashing shut over both eyes. It was purely a reflex action, since there was no blowing sand in the room. Indeed, both AAnn would have welcomed an intrusion of intimate airborne grit.
“What other matterss?” he hissed warily.
“From time to time certain minority extremist elements among the Sakuntala lose control of themselves and vent their cultural frustrations against the Deyzara. As you know, we are in the midst of one such regrettable period. Only this one is different. A great number of Sakuntala are involved and there has been considerable damage to property as well as some loss of life.”
“Deplorable, truly,” Thessu declared, adding a gesture Matthias could not decipher along with an elegant double flick of his pointed tongue. It snapped against the inside of his mask.