<P>On the way to the fifteenth floor, they passed several laser tripwires as well as guard posts. Their escort had to shout up to the next guard every time they approached. Tiberius silently hoped that he remembered where each one was. On the fifteenth floor, the escort led them down the hall a ways and into a large office, then left without saying another word.
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<P>The room itself was dimly lit, and most of the furnishings were of a dark blue color. Various plants were set around, and the floor was covered in blue carpet. At the far end stood a large wooden desk that was kept very neat in appearance. A couple of sheets of paper and a pen were all that lay on top. A mid-sized, somewhat plump man stood behind it with a gruff expression on his face. He said something in Japanese. The translator replied, bowed, then gestured for Tiberius to do the same.
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<P>"I have introduced us as representatives of Doctor Carson and expressed a wish to do business with Mr. Omatsu for the needed equipment to complete our construction. Now begins the negotiations. I can handle this part, but I will translate if you wish."
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<P>"No, I don't think that will be necessary," said Tiberius. He looked around briefly. "I thought this guy was a gang leader, part of the underground. What's he doing in a fancy executive office like this?"
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<P>"He is a business man," said the translator. Tiberius walked over towards the window that covered most of the outer wall as the two began their discussion. It started out fairly tense, but rapidly began to dissolve into more of an argument than anything else. He began to wonder if the entire trip had even been worth it. Carson echoed his feelings over the Infolink.
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<P>"I'm afraid Mr. Omatsu isn't being as generous as he has been in the past. It seems like he's demanding a price that I can't pay and won't budge on it. I need those parts. If he won't sell them to us we'll have to find another way..."
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<P>Tiberius felt rather frustrated at this whole affair. After everything he'd been through, it suddenly seemed as if the night had only just gotten started.
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<P>What have I been pulled into here?