Free Bandwidth by Angus Morrison Page A

urns, and ornate corbels on faux pillars midway up the walls. In the corners stood busts of august European statesmen.
    Another stern woman, maybe the receptionist’s sister, arrived to offer Pettrigrew coffee. “Black, please,” he said.
    He picked up a copy of The Financial Times from the coffee table just as a figure appeared in the office doorway.
    “Mr. Pettigrew?”
    It was Kuipers.
    “Please, come in, Mr. Pettigrew, sit down.”
    “Thank you.”
    “I trust you had a good trip?”
    “I did.”
    “Good. Now, before we begin, I must tell you that I am not a fan of your Mr. Cannondale.”
    “Oh?”
    “No, I’m not. And if you’re thinking of leaking that to the press, I’ll just deny it.”
    “May I ask why you have formed this opinion?”
    “No, you may not.”
    “In that case, you’re not going to like what I’ve come here to talk to you about.”
    Kuipers remained expressionless.
    “You are aware of Cheyenne’s intention to use satellites to fill out its network. We have made arrangements to supply Cheyenne with an initial bird.”
    “Who is we , Mr. Pettigrew?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “ We . You refer to we. I ask because it has never been entirely clear to me what your role is in Cheyenne’s affairs.”
    “ We is Cheyenne, whom I represent, Mr. Kuipers.”
    “Are you an employee of Cheyenne?”
    “Cheyenne has hired me as a consultant.”
    “But you are also a consultant for Aaron Cannondale and Lyrical, Inc., yes?”
    “I am.”
    “Mr. Cannondale appears to be quite anxious to help Cheyenne move ahead with the build-out of its infrastructure.
    “Well, the company is young. I don’t necessarily consider that rushing things.”
    “I would have thought that a businessman as savvy as Mr. Cannondale would understand the notion of patience in these types of affairs.”
    “Patience?”
    “ Let me put it bluntly, Mr. Pettigrew. I do not like Mr. Cannondale.”
    “You mentioned that.”
    “I like neither his arrogance, nor his presumption that because Cheyenne has received our blessing to conduct trials here in the Netherlands that he somehow has carte blanche with the future of this endeavor. I understand the American affinity toward getting things done quickly, Mr. Pettigrew, but on this matter I would advise that Lyrical err more on the side of delayed gratification than immediate conquest.”
    Pettigrew fumed, but he caught himself before he spoke. “Sir, you are absolutely right. That’s sound advice. I apologize for my abruptness. I know I can speak for all the principals at Cheyenne when I say that we are grateful for the opportunity to conduct our trials in the Netherlands. I think we all understand how potentially important this technology is. We have every intention of proceeding within the parameters laid out by the Dutch government.”
    “It is reassuring to hear that, Mr. Pettigrew.”
    “I can also speak for Mr. Cannondale when I say that he is anxious to work with the Dutch government on any steps that can be taken to ensure Cheyenne’s success, a success that Mr. Cannonale is eager to share with the Dutch people. On a larger, political level, we are, of course, well aware that the last few years haven’t necessarily been a high point in the transatlantic relationship, but the economic foundation of US/EU relations remains sound. Our view is that the more partnering we can do together on common interests the better both of our peoples will fare. You are aware of Mr. Cannondale’s recent plans to donate a new research facility in Utrecht?”
    “I am. Very timely, I’d have to say.”
    “In the interest of understanding one another then, we would like to secure satellite broadcasting rights in the Netherlands to fill out Cheyenne’s network. We have secured such rights from other members of the EU. Failure to expand with satellites will not only jeopardize Cheyenne’s current trial, but ultimately its ability to provide services once the trial has