Negotiating a Deal

BAM!

The interrogation room door burst open as a formation of guards marched in, splitting off with practiced precision. Each moved to a corner of the room, securing their positions, while two remained at the entrance, stepping aside and standing at attention to allow passage.

Dreznor didn’t flinch. His eyes stayed closed, his expression calm, as if the sudden intrusion meant nothing to him.

A man in richly adorned garments entered, his posture regal, each step deliberate. Authority radiated from his very presence. He took the seat across from Dreznor without a word.

A tense silence followed before Dreznor finally opened his eyes and said, “I greet Your Excellency,” in a tone of respectful acknowledgment. The man before him was the planetary leader—the most powerful individual on this world, whose distance from the central government gave him near-sovereign control.

“Let’s begin with introductions. Who are you?” the man asked.