I had that same impression when Bren was telling the reader all about how he had so much fun with Tabini at his shooting retreat and they were getting "close" and it was something like friendship, the relaxing of formality - my brain went *blinkblink* This aiji has put intensive study into learning how to manipulate humans emotionally.

I bet he spent a LOT of time studying Vasaji(?not his name, but can't remember the spelling) and Wilson.

Oooh, and just this instant my brain hit me with: That brings a whole new meaning to Wilson's "just the same as the rest of them" comment to Bren!! Was Wilson-paidhi the subject of intensive subtle emotional-reaction-testing from the aiji-to-be? No wonder he seems bitter about Tabini's being "just like" all other atevi...