That was why Genma was sitting as formally as he could in the very traditionally Japanese room. Despite the chance to sit in a place that was this high class, he was sweating profusely, and looking as if he were trying not to wet his gi.
Considering the fact that he was sitting across from a high ranking member of the Salusian embassy who was flanked by officials from both races, he had a right to feel afraid.
"Now, it was rather impolite of you to try and steal like that," the embassy official murmured, "And from one of our trade representatives as well. You have caused a bit of an uproar, I'm afraid."
Genma swallowed convulsively, knowing how badly things had gone. But any excuse died in his parched throat, as he knew that they wouldn't work. For once, he could only blame himself, as he had known that it would be a bad idea even to have stolen from officials from another nation, and this was an interstellar problem. He'd known that he could get into trouble with one of these furred folk as soon as he'd learned of their existence, but this was much worse that any of his nightmares.
"Legally, we could throw you into prison for your acts, but I think that you would prefer to avoid that, am I right?"
The martial artist nodded slowly, knowing that in that he could at least tell the truth.
"Good. Well, I'm pleased to tell you that there is a way that we can make this incident... go away," the embassy official said as he gave a languid wave of his hand.
"There is?!" Genma blurted.
"Most certainly. All you'll have to do is pay a small price."
"What do I have to pay?"
"Your son."
"Huh?"
A smile crossed the Salusian's face. "Your son will be engaged to a young lady from my people. When they are of age, they will marry, thus creating a suitable joining of our peoples."
"They will?"
"Yes, well, you aren't the most... shining example of your people, but your son holds great promise. He's young, bearing the promise of future skill and strength, and is considered... adorable by those women we have watching him. By all indications, he will grow up to become a most exemplary young man, and will be a worthy groom to the chosen bride."
"Well... I try..."
"I doubt that. Your skill in your Art and teaching it is certainly admirable, but your parenting abilities are not. Still, would this be acceptable to you?"
"Just to engage my boy with some girl?" Genma asked, wondering if this would go better than he'd feared.
"Not just any girl. One of noble birth, and thus with a title of her own."
"You mean that?"
"I do. Now, your decision will garner you one of two possible futures. Agree, and you will be able to see your son's future wedding. Refuse, and you will spend the rest of your days in prison for nearly destroying needed vaccines on your way to stealing Salusian dessert products. The choice is yours."
"Ahh... I think that I'll agree," the portly human replied, as daydreams of being free and living on his daughter-in-law's inheritance filled his mind.
"I'm glad that you have seen reason. Now, we just need signatures, and we can put this matter to rest."
No one needed to force Genma to sign as he did so as soon as he got the pen in his hand, happy to get out of this squeeze with his skin still on his back, while:
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(Posted Sun, 17 Apr 2005 18:14)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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