Robert Asprin – Tambu

“That’s an interesting story,” Tambu said after a moment’s silence. “I’ll look forward to seeing it in its final form. I don’t agree with all your observations, but, even if I took exception to the entire story, you would be allowed to leave. I granted you an interview and a newsman’s immunity, Mr. Erickson. There were no conditions about whether or not I would like what you wrote. If I had wanted my own opinions printed, I would have simply written the article myself and released it to the news services.”

“But you still controlled what you did and didn’t tell me,” Erickson pointed out. “I remember that earlier in our conversation, you stated that anyone being interviewed would slant the facts to create a certain impression. Would you tell me now, off the record, how much of what you’ve said was exaggerated or downplayed to further your own image?”

“You’ll never know that for certain, Mr. Erickson. But if you’re willing to believe me at all, accept that I have not knowingly slanted anything. You see, I feel that actions and reactions have been colorful enough without exaggeration. Then, too, there’s the fact that I sincerely believe your article will not affect me or the fleet in any way-positive or negative. Our supporters and decriers will accept or reject different portions of your accounts depending on their preformed conception of our motives and activities. Perhaps if I truly believed your article would change people’s minds, I might have become concerned enough to lie to you; but as it stands, the truth can be no more damaging to the fleet than any fabrication.”