All in all, the Major preferred to deal with his superior by trid. This was not an unusual attitude among UniOil personnel in the Seattle area, and Haesslich was well aware of it. The Dragon was, therefore, more than a little surprised when one of his secretaries buzzed to say that Fuhito was outside, requesting an immediate appointment. Such a break with both corporate decorum and the Major's own character suggested that something important was on his mind.