Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 71
Natti replied, "I suppose so. Is your dog here to check my briefcase?"
"No, but I'm sure one of the bots can handle it now that they know what to look for." When I said that, a bot I didn't recognize came over and scanned the ambassador's briefcase. When he was finished, he said, "Looks clean to me, Boss."
"Thanks."
Natti said, "That was pretty painless. I wish we had figured that out a week ago."
"Me too." We all headed out to the transit, and got a ride to the ready room. We went in and got started on another day's work. It didn't seem like any time had passed at all, before Stella came in with a cart full of lunch. We took a break and ate, and then got back to our busy schedule. Before Stella came back to ask if we wanted supper, Natti said, "I think that's all we have. Do you have anything you want to discuss, Commodore?"
"I can't think of anything. Will we have another signing ceremony tomorrow?"
"The Emperor would like to come over here this time if that's alright with you."
"I can't see why not. Anything special he likes to eat?"
"I doubt he'll be staying for lunch. He's as glad as you are to have peace, but he doesn't trust you any more than you trust him."
"That's understandable."
"I'm glad you see it that way. As much trouble as we've caused you, I can see how you might not be so forgiving."
"I can't say that I've enjoyed all of it, but so far we've gotten through it without too much trouble. I'm hoping that these agreements will give us a basis for peaceful interaction in the future. Of course, I was hoping that you would take me seriously about those sensor platforms."
Snappi said, "They haven't been taken care of?"
"Your spy ship has been out piddling around but it hasn't picked up the platforms yet."
"They said they were going to pick those up. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get that resolved for you, Commodore."
"I think they’re just trying to see if I actually do know where the platforms are or not."
"You don't think they believe you?"
"Apparently not, I suppose I should give them a demonstration."
"I'd rather you didn't, they might see that as a hostile move."
"My lead gunner is rather an artist. I'm sure he could come up with something that would remove the doubt from their minds without actually damaging anything."
Natti said, "I shudder to think what that might be, Commodore."
"Tex does like to show off."
We escorted them back to their ship. I said, "Let us know when the Emperor wants to come over tomorrow."
"I will. It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Commodore."
"And you, Ambassador." We shook hands, and he and Snappi climbed aboard the ship and left.
I looked at Nikki. "I suppose I ought to go and act like I'm running the ship. Do you have anything you need to do?"
"Would it be okay if I hung around with you?"
"Fine with me."
We headed towards the bridge. I asked, "Mind if we walk?"
"I suppose not. We have plenty of time today anyway."
"You sound like I'm going to torture you or something."
"No, but Murphy hasn't had a chance to play with you for a while. I'm afraid of what he might do." We took off walking towards the bridge. We were about halfway there when my comm rang.
"Commodore Wilson."
Jeeves said, "Boss, I have another training course for you if you have time to do it."
"We're headed that way. See you in a few."
"Okay, Boss."
Nikki asked, "Who was that?"
"Jeeves. He has a course he wants me to take."
"That doesn't sound too bad."
"No, it doesn't. Must be something else we’re supposed to find."
"You say the scariest things, Caveman."
"You worry a lot, Space Cadet." We made it to the ready room without any more interruptions. Jeeves was waiting for me. Nikki sat down to wait, while Jeeves lit me up. When I woke up, Nikki asked, "Are you ready to go bother Topper now?"
"Yep." We went across to the bridge, and Saucy announced, "Commodore on the bridge."
I replied, "As you were."
Topper asked, "Good to see you, Boss. How did negotiations go today?"
"Went well, Topper. We finished up everything that the Ambassador wanted to talk about."
"Good deal, Boss. Just checking up?"
"That I am. Anything to report?"
"The Squirrels haven't retrieved their platforms yet. Do you want us to do anything about that?" Just then my comm rang.
"Commodore Wilson."
"Commodore, it's Snappi. I'm sorry, but I couldn't convince the other officers that you knew where their platforms were. I guess a demonstration is in order."
"Funny you should say that. We were just discussing whether we should do that or not. I suppose now we'll have to."
"Can you try not to be too destructive?"
"I'm sure Tex can do something along those lines."
"I've seen his work before. I'm sure that he can."
"I'll pass along your kind words. Anything else you need while I’ve got you on the comm?"
"No, I don't think so. Be seeing you tomorrow."
"Tomorrow, then. Fly safe." I put my comm away. I turned to Tex. "Can you turn your turret lasers down low enough that you can hit each of those platforms, without doing them any damage?"
"Boss, I can tickle them all day long."
"Next question, can you do that with several turrets? So you could hit them all at once?"
"Boss, you do remember who you're talking to, don't you?"
"Sorry. Lost my head for a second. I'll try not to insult you anymore."
"No offense taken, Boss. Give me just a minute to set it up, and I'll give them a show."
"That sounds just fine." I turned to Topper. "Since we're firing, my ship."
"Your ship. Yes, Boss." I sat down in the big chair, and waited for Tex to get ready.
He said, "I have it set up, Boss. Whenever you're ready."
"Let me tell Snappi what's coming." Tikki had put a relay in her comm, so that I could call Snappi directly. It was so