You want to be in charge, to have the upper hand in every situation. That makes it easier to dictate terms. Payne noticed Joe begin to pace as he wiped out the glasses. A squeak could be heard occasionally as the towel moved over the glass. Payne looked at Willy for a moment, deep in thought.
Fighting implies a chance of winning.
He snapped his fingers. A hush fell over the room. Payne glanced at Joe, still cleaning the glasses. He had settled into one spot by the end of the bar. I can t speak for the aliens, Payne sighed.