by James Luceno
Pedric Cuf stared at her. "I see. Well, perhaps I have made a mistake. It wouldn't be the first time a Hutt has led me astray."
"A Hutt," Shesh said.
Cuf laughed shortly. "And here I was, all set to launch into a discussion regarding the eventual disposition of"-he gestured broadly to the windows at Shesh's back-"all this." He stood up. "A pity we can't do business, Senator. I suspect we would have made a good team."
She watched him head for the door, then said, "Did I mention that I like your suit?"
He stopped and turned to her, his smile back in place. "Yes, it fits me like a glove, don't you think? Masks all my imperfections, truly allows me to blend in. I had it specially made by a company that's simply out of this world."
"Does the comp any produce a line of women's wear?"
"They offer an exquisite line. In fact, I'm certain they could supply you with outfits perfectly tailored to your needs." Cuf paused briefly. "That is, of course, if you might, on occasion, be willing to put business before politics."
Shesh waved Cuf back to the chair. "Politics is a practical profession," she said. "If someone has what you need, then you do business with him or you go without. And personally, I've always been more interested in business than I have in politics."
