Chapter 453

The Deputy Minister was looking the worst for wear. Dato’ Zin was in a beautiful brown and grey woven batik shirt but it hung loose on him – and not in the ‘we love in a tropical country so skin-tight shirts just show the sweat more’ way – but as though he had lost weight recently. There were dark bags under his eyes and his tudung was a little askew, his greying hair greasy and too long for a career politician.

When they came in, he struggled up and offered a hand, the other attendants in the office standing as well. They went through the ritual greetings and introductions, Arthur idly wondering if he should get a business card too.

What would it say, though?

 

Arthur Chua

Damn Lucky Tower Climber

Head of the Benevolent Durians.

Yes, really, durians. We’re spiky. Get over it.

 

Or maybe…

 

Arthur Chura

Durian Wrangler

 

A subtle elbow in the sides of his ribs brought Arthur’s attention back to the meeting which had droned on for a time over how everyone was grateful for the meeting, how the e-mails and hard work and documents before them and blah, blah, blah…

“As you know, the government would like to buy shares in the Benevolent Durians,” Dato’ Zin said, and tapped the paperwork set before him. “We’re happy to see that you are partnering with some outstanding Malaysian companies.” A pointed look at Casey before turning to stare at Rick who smiled back, neutrally. “And, of course, foreign investment has always been important in the development of the country. But don’t you think that what was offered to us, as your government was a little… small?”

“Five percent seems more than enough, since you will not be contributing additional Climbers to the Clan, at least not on a direct basis.” Part of the agreement – and one that Mel had argued with him to hold out on till they had gotten what they wanted – was that they would accept any potential Climbers into the Clan who passed their tests. That Arthur had always intended to do that was entirely irrelevant to the actual negotiation process, especially since no one on the other side except maybe Manager Chin had actually believed he was that naïve.

“And no chance of increasing the allocation more than the five percent,” Dato’ Zin complained.

“That’s the same deal as they got,” Arthur gestured.

“They’re just… people. We’re the government,” Dato’ Zin said.

“We’re not trying to become a government-owned business though,” Arthur pointed out reasonably.

“We could order you to give us a higher percentage.”

Arthur bristled, but before he could speak, Casey put a hand on his arm. He leaned back as she took over at the pre-arranged signal to continue the discussion.

“If you do, we’ll take you to court.”

“You won’t win,” Dato’ Zin said, confidently.

Casey raised an eyebrow and the deputy minister lost a touch of the confidence he exuded. He understood how corrupt the entire system was, how people like the Chin’s had managed to get their tentacles everywhere. Even if the judges might not want to directly oppose the government and higher-ups, they could do a lot to delay proceedings. And that was assuming they just did not rule against it entirely, choosing judicial exile for bags of cash.

“Even if you did, we can probably hold you up for a very long time.”

“And that’s not to mention all the different problems you’d cause, forcing the Durians to sell to you.” Rick took up the other side of the argument, smiling grimly. “Not even thinking about the other Malaysian Clans – few as they are – but what happens when international guilds and Clans want to come in? What if they want to establish branches in the country.”

“There’s nothing-”

“Stopping them from doing that. It’s a new thing, you might not have seen it much; but the biggest branches are setting up local Guild branches in new country’s. All upright and legal as full corporations.”

“The EU,” Manager Chin said, clarifying the point for Dato’ Zin who looked a little confused. “They started making noises about putting in laws forcing that, so they can tax the guilds properly. The bill itself is still in the process, but the biggest guilds are getting ready already because of the kind of complexities this might cause.”

Dato’ Zin frowned. “They’re not local organisations though. We won’t do the same thing.”

“So you say. But how much are they going to believe?” Rick tapped the table. “Especially when they’re being told differently by people they trust.”

“You mean you and your parents.”

“Exactly.”

“This is now how we conduct business here,” Dato’ Zin snapped at the American who seemed unconcerned by it all.

“It’s the way I was taught.”

“And I was taught how to work with you all.” Casey leaned forwards, meeting Dato’ Zin’s eyes. “You’re not a Climber, are you?”

“Of course not.” He snorted, waving a hand down his body. “You think to bribe me by suggesting I could pass the Tower?”

“Not you. But you have two children, don’t you? One of which is only a little past the optimal age. I hear he trains quite a lot.”

“It’s the look,” Dato’ Zin said, defensively. “The women like the muscular body.”

“We do, but that’s not just it, is it?” Casey tapped the table. “When we talked to him, he was quite excited about the idea of doing the Tower. With a bit of assurance that he could get through – or at least, have help.”

“My wife would kill me.”

Arthur raised a hand. “While we are not confident of getting anyone through or even significantly increasing their chances, he’s not that old. Give me a year or two, and that’ll change. The Clan will be more settled – preferably with help from the government – and the Seal itself will be stronger.”

“You’ve got a healing seal too, don’t you?” Manager Chin said.

“One of the abilities helps with healing, yes,” Arthur replied, uncertain about the non-sequitur.

“That’s rare, isn’t it?” Dato’ Chin said.

“Rare and good. Those parties and Guilds with a healing aspect see a higher rate of survival for their people.” The manager frowned then. “Though they’re often not at the peak of the rankings. Sacrificing durability for damage has drawbacks.”

“But still…” Dato’ Zin fell silent and Casey shook her head, telling the others to keep silent while they waited for him to finish thinking. Eventually, he let out a long sigh. “We need to make a deal, but I can’t take 5%. I just can’t.”

“Well, I think there can be some degree of leeway.” Casey smiled, leaning forward. “Let’s talk about that, and what else we can do for the government and the Clan. Because we all want it to be a success, don’t we?”