by Trish Mercer
Chapter 16 ~ "Expectations? I didn't expect this!"
Two and a half weeks later, two men sat in a dark office of an unlit building.
"Question," began the first man, "now that the fort in Edge is fully operational, the wolf has secured his mate, and the Grasses situation finally ended with a-what was the description? 'A heart-wrenching burial'-"
"The letter from Chairman Mal to the officers expressing sorrow about the circumstances was a lovely touch," the second man nodded.
The older man held up his finger. "That was considerate, wasn't it? As I was saying, I believe it's now time to propose a new question: Is Shin too comfortable with his little successes in Edge? First the fort, then the woman . . . seems like he needs a challenge."
The second man smiled. "Comfort is never a good thing. People become complacent, which would be terrible for the captain. So here's a supplementary question: Does growth come from discomfort?"
"Ah, intriguing!" The first man rubbed his hands together. "Growth or failure? My speculation: When faced with discomfort he will fail, and magnificently. How could any man fulfill the expectations of a father like Relf Shin?"
His partner rubbed the closely-trimmed beard on his chin. "Then I speculate opposite of you, since Shin always surprises you. I believe he will prove to be a most protective, and even aggressive, wolf to protect his new pack."
The older man cocked his head. "Oh, really? You don't know Shin like I do."
The second man chuckled. "And I don't think you know him as well you think you do."
The first man's eyebrows went up. "And I think you've heard one too many stories about the great young Perrin Shin!"
The second man sat back, startled by his partner's adamancy. "Are you sure you're not taking this a little too personally? Nicko, one could surmise you're not entirely objective about-"
"Objective? I assure you that no one has more objectivity than I do!" Nicko Mal shouted. "I have a point to prove to Captain Shin, so I'm setting things in motion. Perrin's going to learn about discomfort!"
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