The Last Varren

Kirok's gauntlets began to grip the edges of the table. There was the faint sound of metal stress.

"M'preference is seven seventy-five, friend. In chits, if'n y'don't mind."

Well, it was a good try. Without responding, the drell pulled out the appropriate amount from his wallet - slowly, so that Kirok could count it - and placed them on the center of the table. Had the krogan been watching carefully, he would have noted that it was a marginal sum compared to what else was tucked away.

"Seven seventy-five." He leaned back in his seat and folded his legs, ankle over knee. "Your coffee is getting cold."

Submitting could have been perceived as a weak move, but it was difficult to tell with him.

The krogan shrugged. It was like watching a mountain shift.

"Eh, coffee sucks 'ere ennyways. Now, y'take good care o'dat varren, y'hear? These varrens is special, right? Y'won't be disappointed, long as y'treat 'em right. Plenny of meat every day, water 'em when y'can, an' give 'em 'nuff exercise t'build their muscles an' their scaly coatin'. Playfightin' is fine, an' trainin' is fine, but don't rile 'em up just t'get a meaner varren. All that does is make 'em dumb and kill th' predator instinct. Gotta hone that t'keep 'em smart. Alright?"

"I have done my research, Mr. Kirok," he explained. It was true. "Better yet, I won't forget it." Also true.

After a moment's thought, he added, "The loss of your business is a shame, the sauce was much more palatable when you were still the CEO."

Kirok shrugged.

"Eh. After th' first three centuries, y'find it's easier t'let go of shit. It'll come back 'round. Always does."

With that, Kirok pulled himself out of his chair, nodded curtly, and made for the door, varren pack in tow.

The din of noise faded with the departure of the krogan. Cerastes sat in silence for several moments, then, with practiced gesture, reached across the table and took the coffee for his own while the varren pup stared at him.

A final smile curled his lips after taking a sip. Ahh. Bitter as the root from which it was born.

Fin