"Ah," he said, drawing himself up in his chair and deliberately setting aside his glass of water. He looked across the table at the ambassador and winced. "My most sincere apologies," he said graciously. "I have some business with this manager, rather pressing if I must admit." When he rose, he bowed at the waist - a gesture of respect and farewell for the Aluvean people. "Congratulations again on your great achievement."
He pulled his jacket from the back of the chair, swung his arms into it, and fastened the buttons quickly before offering one arm to the Junior Entertainment Manager.
"Shall we, Ms. Oswald?" he asked in a formal, courtly way. But as soon as his back was turned toward the ambassador, he mouthed, "Help me!"