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[The moves themselves change, but the underlying tactics remain the same. He doesn't overstretch himself, but he's certainly one who likes to control the board rather than a certain piece of it.]

I had wondered if you wouldn't find this sort of thing boring, honestly.

The company helps. And I like winning.

[ Confident even after her previous loss. She studies his movements on the board and starts encroaching on his territories, slowly. ]

I'm hoping to disappoint you on the latter.

[He shifts tactics slightly, drawn out into a careful offense, trying for the weak spots in her lines.]

[ She lets out a light snort as she takes care not to shore up her defenses too much. That would only leave more openings and besides, she'd rather entrap his pieces where she can. ]

Going to make me spend my first paycheck on lost bets?

Never.

Second, perhaps.

Ha ha. You're lucky I'm not the type to twist expense reports.

Just so.

[He gives a bit of a grin at that, and studying the board... Musters an offense to push through her line, risky, but the only option left with the slow circling.]

[ That had been the move she'd been waiting for. She smirks to herself as she pulls what would normally be a risky maneuver and for some reason isn't against the rules of this damn board game to ensure her victory. ]

[There's probably four or five more moves, if he really wished to struggle and prolong it.

But the board was easy to read now. He leaned back, rubbing at his face ruefully.]

... I should have seen that.

[ She sits back in her seat, content to have won at least that bet. And she has a stronger profile on his playstyle, so she doesn't anticipate difficulties if they continue. ]

We can go again.

Let me know when you've a taste for wine. Though there are tasting bars for a wider variety of spirits. Vodka, beers, any number of choices.

[He considers the board, and then Tex carefully. He clears it and starts setting it back up.]

Beer would be preferred. [ And likely easier on his wallet. ] You guys keep plenty of wine in the house for me to try.

[ He's already setting up the board, good. ] What's the bet this time?

Hmm. Your turn to set it, I believe.

[ What does she want from him? She studies him carefully before finally deciding, ]

I want an upgrade to my current set weaponry. Or improvements made to my armor. I know there are techies here that can do it, sometimes for free, I just haven't done the legwork. You're going to have to pick what you want.

[He considers, rubbing his chin. There really isn't much losing there. It would be good to test out any talent they get for the Dendarii and better outfitting their armswoman.

He nods.]

The highlights of the next mission free.

Good choice. I was thinking of doubling the fee next time.

Consider me warned.

[If nothing else, he learned from her strategy last time, his opening moves are cautious.]

[ Hers are more aggressive, though not stupidly so. She has a better idea of his counter-maneuvers now and thinks she can reasonable guess his responses. ]

Good. I wasn't going to start giving you a discount because of the whole lord thing.

[He's slower to move now, testing how quickly she counters... and finding her already blocking avenues he could use.]

Hm. Should I have Cordelia ask? [There's a bit of a half smile to that, though the delivery is deadpan.]

[ She doesn't even look up from the board as she replies. ] I'll make sure to charge her double, since you'll both be watching it.

Ruthless, absolutely. [He doesn't make his move yet, just leans back studying the board.]

Are you complaining? [ She raises a brow as she watches him, rather than the board. He's got a good poker face, she'll give him that. ]

Against good sense? Never.

[Only a Barrayaran equates ruthlessness to common sense. After another beat, he reengages the game... the strategy this time certainly holds the ghost of his previous one, alike enough to call them neighbors, but it's goals ran a bit different, chewing at Tex's lines in bites and retreats.]

[ So that's what he's planning. Hm. She takes a moment to consider the board, run through potential scenarios, before starting to rearrange her play to require him to take riskier maneuvers should he wish to continue that little game of his.

This round isn't over yet, but that doesn't stop her from teasing, ] Good. I have to say, you handle losing well.

[He's holding out well, but the beginning of the end can be seen in his eroding defenses.]

A little early to call it, is it not?

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