"No."
"I respectfully decline."
"Truth is, I don't think am suited," Rean said.
"The responsibility is nice and all."
"I wanted this."
"No."
"I thought I wanted this back then."
"Now I see that's just not what I want."
"I say this respectfully but...."
"It's too small a goal."
Michael couldn't hide his agitation.
You could tell he was visibly frustrated.
He was disgusted, and it showed.
"I would like to nominate someone else."
Michael dropped it.
He cooled off.
'Was this Rean acknowledging him?'
Well, no.
'What's this guy doing?' Michael thought.
'Could he be pitying Michael?' Shom thought.
'No, no way.'
'That's too unlikely.'
'It's definitely something else.'
'What is it? I can't tell. He's different these days.'
'Less predictable.'
'Not as unstable, just volatile.'
"I'd nominate Zeta instead," Rean said calmly.
"What's with you fucking Icarans and my sister?" Michael yelled out.
"Calm yourself," Shom immediately followed.
