"I um, ah need...
... a moment to consider the points you brought up, Administrator Demonbane. I may also need to consult my wife, the president, and key members of the legislative branch. My authority to make decisions is rather limited."
"I was preparing to offer symbolic support to the damn spiders not..."
Ricardo Valinsco's innermost thought leaked out under his breath before he caught himself. His horrible nervous habit or tick normally wasn't a problem, but when the "bodyguard" of the person he was meeting with had fleshy, furry satellite dishes for ears, it very much could be.
