Page 22 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“Chapter four looked particularly interesting...”

The office door chimed. Sarith Vask stood in the entrance, his usual entourage notably absent. Instead of his typical elaborate displays, he carried a single data crystal.

“Ms. Bishop.” His plumage lay flat - a sign of humility I’d never seen from him before. “I understand you’re not accepting new clients, but I hoped...”

“Mr. Vask.” Camden’s voice held professional courtesy, nothing more. “This is unexpected.”

“I’ve been... reviewing my previous approaches.” He held out the crystal. “This contains records of anonymous donations to the station’s lower level education initiatives. And several trade agreements benefiting smaller merchant houses.”

I tensed, but Camden’s slight head shake kept me in place.

“That’s... commendable,” she said carefully. “But if you’re trying to buy your way-”

“No.” His feathers rippled with what looked like genuine distress. “I observed your other clients. Watched how they... connect. I realized I’ve been approaching this wrong.” He gestured at himself. “All of it wrong.”

“Even pompous feathers can learn!” Rina’s voice drifted from above.

“We’re documenting his character development!” Risa added.

Vask looked up, startled. “Are they always...?”

“Yes,” Camden and I answered simultaneously.

He actually laughed - a short, surprised sound. “I see why you rejected my complaint about their recordings.” His plumage settled into calmer patterns. “I’ve been watching their channel, actually. The episode about authentic connections was... enlightening.”

“Told you the educational series would work!” Risa called down.

“Viewer feedback indicates a 47% improvement in interpersonal awareness,” Rina added.

“Starting a redemption arc spreadsheet!”

I growled softly, but Camden’s lips curved. “The twins’ methods are... unique,” she admitted. “But often effective.”

“I’m beginning to understand that.” Vask’s stance shifted to something less commanding. “I’m not asking to be a client. Notyet. But perhaps... advice? On how to be worthy of becoming one?”

It was well done. Almost too well done. But something in his manner...

“Genuine,” MIRA’s crystals pulsed softly. “Behavioral analysis indicates significant shifts in social interaction patterns.”

“We could start with coffee,” Camden suggested. “In a public space. Discussion only.”

“With security present,” I added firmly.

Vask nodded, accepting the conditions without his usual flourish. “Thank you. I... thank you.”

After he left, Camden turned to me with raised eyebrows. “Thoughts?”

“Could be manipulation.”

“Could be growth.”

“The twins’ channel actually helped someone?” I couldn’t quite keep the disbelief from my voice.

“We’re very educational!” Risa protested from the ceiling.

“With excellent cinematography!” Rina added.

“Speaking of education...” Camden plucked the newest dating guide from my hand. “Chapter five has some interesting points about second chances.”

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