"We have an unfortunate public image," Gould said sadly. "We’ve turned our back on the Net, and we’ve been vilified for it. Repairing that damage would be your job in the long run, Mrs. Webster—it should suit your skills. In the short run, we have this Singapore crisis. There’s no love lost between us and our rival bank. But escalating warfare doesn’t suit either of us. And you are a perfect candidate for conveying a peace proposal."