BeyHop Chpt 56

==Beyond Hope- Chapter 56 - Envy==
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===Challenges of funding a revolutionary Transit System===
Star League Council ChambersBoojam Orbit, Spider MoonKowloon System, Federated Commonwealth (Lyran State)3063
"I'd say you're lucky I'm willing to bring this to the Budget Committee," Duchess Elizabeth Ngo-Steiner-Davion argued. "I don't really have to. We've got the productive capacity to build both prototypes ourselves. This is a courtesy, to let the non-Federated Commonwealth members buy into the project… Which I have not yet built, because if you're going to get a share of the benefits, you're damned well going to take on a share of the risk."
"What kind of risks are you talking about?"
"It's going to cost upward of 250 billion Kroner. That's half a trillion C-bills for Comstar in the back there, to build each one, minimum. Look around the room. That's what each gate copy costs, if you have the industries to build it. For those of you who don't, it's a bit more, but I'll be sharing the engineering tech for that with those who sign on. That technology can be used for constructing compact, or even sub-compact, jump cores if the theory falls flat and it doesn't work."
Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao sniffed, "So basically, those who sign up are really buying a shipyard, with a promise to build gate copies using your designs and diagrams as the first project."
"Yes."
"What is the cost of subsequent copies once the infrastructure is in place?" the Capellan Chancellor asked.
"Depends on your Germanium sourcing, the quality of your Titanium and Selenium stocks, and how good your chemical industries are at isolating certain other rare earths. And how well you pay your engineers and workers," she shrugged. "So those costs are going to have to be worked out on a realm-by-realm basis. And they'll fluctuate based on your local contractors, how much you're paying them, and how much you trust them with that much fungible raw material and expensive tooling."
"So, raw materials and labor."
"Yes," she said. "I've already got contractors lined up for the beta site in the Federated Suns, and we've got the stuff staged at our alpha site. Which is not in an inhabited system presently, in case something weird goes wrong."
"How 'weird' are we talking?" Madame Centrella of the Magistracy of Canopus asked.
"Well, there's a fractional chance a hole into hyperspace that big isn't going to close on its own, so how weird do you think it can get? The math bounces between 'won't stay open longer than the power is applied' and 'won't close on its own'. One part of the experiment is seeing which one is true, if either is true, or if none of them are true. There's a non-zero chance it won't work at all, but that's the price of research. I will say this: if it works, gateway construction will significantly go up in price for anyone who doesn't sign on before we've run the tests. I will, without conscience or hesitation, gouge the living shit out of late adopters. We're spending a lot of money and the next two to five years on this. That's a shit ton of resources and I don't do that kind of work for free, never mind at a loss, if I don't have to. This isn't a Kowloon University program like Arthur's work with Alcubierre's warp theory, this is a Ngo Enterprises operation. That means it's strictly business, no milk of human kindness or ideals are involved."
"What are the potential benefits?" Captain-General Thomas Marik asked.
"Gateway one is somewhere near Kowloon. Gateway Two is somewhere on the far side of Broken Wheel. The entire span of the Inner Sphere is between them. If the theory holds up, a ship moving through Gateway one will arrive at Gateway two at the speed it passes through, about as close to simultaneously as you can get. Radio waves might propagate through as well. It's literally going to be that fast if the math and what we've learned about Kearney's Nineteenth Theorem are true. Basically bypassing what, four borders and three realms without interruption. An 'express route' which the math says has a near-infinite limit between them, provided they're open at the same time. If we put one over Huntress and another over, say, Terra, it would allow the Word of Blake to send forces to the Huntress occupation zone the same day they left the Sol system, without having to stop or change jumpships. Just 'boom', there they are. In short, breaking the 30 light year barrier without exploding a jumpship core."
Stunned looks circulated around the room… except for Victor, and to Elizabeth's surprise, the Word of Blake's representative.
"These costs…"
"Good work isn't cheap, cheap work isn't good. Ngo Enterprises is the parent company of Ngo Industries, and we have a reputation that I intend to uphold," she stated. "We'll do work with foreigners for this, but you're not getting cheap work, so you can't expect cheap pricing. The Federated Suns pro-rated their end already for the first pair of gates, and the Federated Commonwealth has already cleared their first payments. Customers will be served in the order of their orders, that's part of my family's policies going back to when Sofie Ngo was scavenging and repairing broken equipment left behind by the destruction of the Rim World wars in the 28th and 29th centuries."
"The Word of Blake would like to buy in." the Precentor spoke up.
"Fair, I'll have a contract ready for you by Wednesday, and that goes for anyone else who wants in, consult with your governments, or treasuries, and verify you can afford to buy in now, while it's less expensive, and let me know by Wednesday, that's a full 168 Terran Hours from right now, which should be plenty of time for you to make the call."
"Your Grace, if I may have a moment of your time…?" Mitchell Avellar asked. "Privately?"
"Sure, I've got a few."
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===Mortgaging costs===
"...difficulty in handling such a heavy cost… But I'm not an idiot. This is going to be huge."
Liz walked with the President of the Outworlds Alliance along the Balcony. "I get that," she said. "And saying it out loud in there, you'll be admitting you can't pay it."
He nodded.
"You're not an idiot, so you want it… if it works. Or you want the industrial tooling and assistance if it doesn't."
He nodded again. "Is there any way…"
Liz hmmed… "Mister president, there is always a way. How are your relations with Clan Snow Raven these days?"
"As you know, we've entered a military alliance with them, and granted them landhold on Dante."
"I'm going to lie," Liz told him. "And you're going to pretend it's not a lie. The lie is that you have a co-signer who is backing the loan, to cover your weak currency and low GDP, which stands to take a launch trajectory if this works out. The real financial backing, is…" she wrote a name on a piece of paper, then handed it to him, "You're mortgaging these five planets that are technically Outworlds Alliance worlds. They're your collateral."
He looked at the list. "Those… they're abandoned."
"Yep. See, Helena's warship? Has maps. Those worlds are Terran-like planets. Easy colonizer sites with only one or two minor problems… Well, except for Devil's Breath, which is an absolute hell-hole. Legally, your government holds title, so you're going to give Ngo Enterprises those five worlds as collateral with a low interest loan to finance your part of Gateway, and we'll be building it over Devil's Breath, because that's a place nobody sane would want to live anyway. If it works out, you can decommission that one and build additional sites over planets that are actually worth something besides their potential for raw materials."
"Are you offering anyone else this sort of deal?"
"The Taurians think they're getting one over on me," she nodded. "So does the Magistracy. They're both wrong, but it doesn't matter, since Yvonne couldn't meet my cash price either, so the FedCom are also giving up a world as collateral. I expect Tom Marik and Sun Tzu will come to me with similar offers, and I'll take them… but the public sees me hard-nosing a Lyran predatory deal, which keeps me 'on brand' as Duchess Headshot."
"What about the Word of Blake?"
"THEY and Comstar? They pay cash." Liz asserted. "I don't like Terrans, Mister President. So Terrans pay in cash."
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===Voice of the Forgotten is Heard===
Kowloon, Federated Commonwealth (Lyran State)June 3063
"Is the Council prepared to cast their vote?" Theodore asked.
"We are." Capital-General Thomas Marik stated.
"For the office of The First Lord, term from the end of 3063, to the end of 3067. We have Three candidate nominations, with seconds. The secretary will note this is in order of preference."
"Thomas Marik. Sun Tzu Liao. Helena Cameron, whom is not a direct member of this panel, but was nominated by a member in their stead."
Helena was first or second choice for nearly everyone.
Coordinator Theodore Kurita looked at the displayed results, then, "Helena, you've been privy to most of the business we have standing, so now you get to spend the next few months putting together your cabinet appointments. Congratulations."
“I will do my best to prove myself worthy of the trust placed in me by this council,” Helena said with practiced calm. “I doubt many of you will be surprised with some of my choices for cabinet positions when the time comes.”
"Next order of business for this term," Theodore stated. "The Star League Council will vote on the matter of establishing an inter-state authority to cover non-planetary based persons, or migrant persons, in particular spacer collectives such as the Jarnfolk, Free Spacers, and planetless persons otherwise not covered under State Authority. This will be an advisory position and limited to a Provisional level. Personally, I do not endorse this idea, however, Mister Avellar and Prince Victor have both spoken in favor of it in closed session, as has Lady Centrella, so we need to put this forward. Those in favor of opening debate in public for this measure?"
“The Free Worlds League is not opposed to discussing this matter, as we do feel there needs to be some sort of resolution in regards to how we interact with these people.” Thomas Marik was the first to speak.
“The Capellan Confederation already has a satisfactory protocol for dealing with such people, but we will not oppose others discussing the topic for themselves.” Sun Tzu Liao was next.
"Vagabonds, having a 'representation'? Stateless migrants? Are you sure, Chancellor?" Grover Shraplen rumbled. "This is like giving… like giving a Hobo a seat in government for being a Hobo!"
"There is already an organization," Victor Steiner-Davion observed. "Every member state has felt its presence, the Guild."
"The Guild is a MYTH!" the Taurian spat. "Children's tales. Next, you'll be suggesting we should do it to keep them from stealing children away-which never happened in the first place. Pshaw…"
The door hissed closed. "Actually, Mister Shraplen, we used to do that." Alicia Li doffed her helmet and moved to a seat near Helena's position, just behind the low wall separating the Council from authorized observers and staff. "I'm descended from children freed, that is, stolen from the slave markets of the Rim Worlds Republic… Sorry I'm late, did they make you the next First Lord, Helena?"
“They did, and thanks for coming.” Helena smiled.
"Wouldn't miss it, it makes being stuck down here worth it." Alicia looked back at the Council. “The truth is thanks to the Succession Wars, every member of this council has some dependence on Free Traders, many of which are nomads and stateless peoples. Some more than others to be sure."
Victor cleared his throat, "Thanks for having the former Admiral testify, Lady Cameron."
“I thought it important we get the perspective of someone who actually lives the life of such a people.” Helena nodded.
"Ivar's coming too, but he's got some business with the Silvermann yard before he can come down," Li commented. "For those who don't know, Ivar Koln Lothbrokssen is a Jarl of the Jarnvolk, and has one of these…" she held up a patch. "Which makes him a Pathfinder, that is, the kind of jump navigator you only read about in bad fiction. It's a highly respected position, at least, among Free Traders and Free Spacers. This council is discussing giving Free Spacers a voice in the Star League. He's probably got more knowledge of the issues than anyone in this room… Including me."
"But you can give us a basic breakdown."
"Within my experiences, yes."
It was about this time that Ivar and Rachel entered the chamber.
“I apologize for the interruption and delay. I had certain contractual obligations to meet,” Ivar said as he adjusted his overtunic.
Rachel was also putting her hair back into a ponytail with a hair scrunchie.
Helena giggled as she recognized the subtle signs for what they were.
“Who is our other guest?” Theodore asked.
“Jennings, Rachel Ann. From Hatter.”
“Another Rockjack perspective would be welcome, especially one from your time,” Theodore allowed. “But perhaps after Miss Li finishes. I apologize for all the interruptions, Miss Li. Please, shall we continue?”
“First Lord, I believe we actually made it to the part where you and the council were asking me questions.”
“Ah yes, so we were. As someone who has seen both sides of the issue, as a Spacer yourself and as an Admiral for the Star League Navy, what would you say the biggest issue for stateless and nomadic people is in this new Star League?” Theodore asked.
"Property Rights and legal status," Alicia said. "Specifically…" She nodded to Victor, "The habit governments have, of seizing the property of stateless spacers without compensation or due process, usually for arbitrary reasons outside of wartime, or with the excuse of wartime. There is a reason that more traffic into certain realms is not seen, despite the potential for lucrative business. People learn to stay away from them. But that is the biggest' issue you'll get everyone to agree on. It masks a larger issue, that most… planetborn… don't even think about."
"Which is?" Thomas Marik asked.
"Personal rights. In particular, the denial of those personal rights, even when those rights are observed for planet-borns."
“I see. And how would you solve these issues if it were up to you?” Theodore asked.
"But it isn't up to me," Li said. "If it were, then a fair number of member states would be quite put-out, particularly those that rely on, or use, a collective definition for 'rights' that is exclusionary, such as your Capellan Colleagues, or your own nation of the Draconis Combine… or the Lyrans, though the Commonwealth does it to a lesser extent."
“We have our protocols for a reason. It makes interactions much smoother when each Citizen obeys,” Sun Tzu countered.
"Citizen. Obeys," Li said. "See, we're both speaking in English, but there is literally no way we can communicate on this topic meaningfully, Mister Chancellor. The definition of 'Citizen' you use, is vastly different from the one that, say, Mister Shraplen's people use, or Mister Avellar's, or mine. I might as well be talking to a CLANNER as talking to you about issues of personal rights."
Sun Tzu looked… offended? Shocked? Speechless.
"As Jarl Ivar can testify, there's a basic disconnect. It's one shared by Rokkajakkah, Beltah, Jarnvolk and other generational spacer communities. 'No transaction is valid without mutual consent'. Chancellor Liao's system is based on a fundamental structure of coercion, with the State determining the validity of every interaction, and the Chancellor embodying the mind and will of the State. Which, Sun Tzu, is why most of the Free Spacers avoid your nation except for the heavy-duty risk-takers. Ergo, you would be deeply displeased at what I would do, if I had the power to do it, even though it would likely benefit a realm that struggles to keep their shipyards open."
“Yet there is a reason my nation endures and is even rebounding after a major act of aggression within living memory. We understand that without earning them and without responsibility, rights are meaningless.”
"That's because you're a smart leader, not because your system is suited to match," Alicia lobbed back. "See, coercion works in the short term. It's why nearly every government in human history resorts to it on a daily basis: it provides short-term, immediate relief, which makes life easier for the person in charge." She folded her hands. "The long term problem, is an invested class of middle-men whose careers produce nothing, who absorb resources, and who are invested in continuing the problems their 'temporary' positions were created to solve. If I recall, Mister Chancellor, the term used in the Confederation is 'Mandarin', and your mother purged thousands of them."
“Under the guidance of the Celestial Wisdom, we have seen corrections to many setbacks started over two decades ago. Without outside help.”
"Well over twenty years ago, but YOU have been having to solve those problems," Alicia pointed out. "Because you're saddled with a bureaucratic nightmare that requires YOU to do the leg-work. My point, is that the kind of people who become Free Spacers, Rockjacks, Belters? We don't… fit that. It's why we left the surfaces in the first place, we're happy to be neighbors, to trade, even to help once in a while. But it's not really the same thing, is it? To you, we're chaotic and ungoverned, maybe even ungovernable. I seem to recall Max had standing orders to harass Free Traders at every Capellan Port, because he feared they might be carrying ideas."
“Disease. Their free roaming nature means they come into contact with a great many people. Vaccination records must be proven and maintained.”
Her expression twisted into a grin, "And you don't recognize Fedcom Vaccination records, or Taurian, yet flagged vessels from those realms, each an occasional mortal enemy of yours, don't get the hassle that a Sinhoek Liner gets delivering Iridium Ore."
“Because despite being our mortal enemies at times, they do not migrate and have an easier time proving their good standing.”
"Good standing is something of a discussion topic among my people as well. If you make a habit of lying, or breaking your word, it gets around. Nobody does business with you, not for goods, not services, not even sex," she told him. "Ivar, back me up on this-your people, you avoid relations with liars and thieves, don't you?"
"Always."
She turned to the Chancellor, "See, the difference here, is that a Liao shipper? He can lie, it doesn't end up being a life-ending choice for him. Every one of us, our reputation is a lifeline that keeps us alive. It's easy to suffocate or starve out in the black, especially when nobody is looking for you, or willing to stop and render assistance… because your rep is shit."
“Ivar, is there anything you would like to add to Miss Li’s testimony?” Theodore spoke up.
"Mister First Lord, I can only point out, there are many factions among our peoples. Alicia is mostly correct in her summary, but it misses details. She is from the Free Stars faction, her viewpoint is rooted in an understanding of personal liberty and credibility, what most normal people would term 'honor', not the sort of hyper aggressive vanity the Clans practice…" at this, the Novacat and Ghost Bear stiffened, offended. "...But something basic: keeping promises, being truthful as a survival trait… one that not everyone embraces, even among our peoples."
"So, can one of you tell me what we should even be basing this on? HOW do we determine good standing from bad?" Victor piped up. "You say there's a reputation, how is it spread? Is there a list somewhere?"
Sun Tzu looked thoughtful, "Yes, IS there a listing? An authority, something concrete?"
Li and the Jarl exchanged looks.
"The Guild maintains a list of good standing," the Jarnvolk spacer rumbled. "And a list of shuns. This is… not a thing we normally discuss with outsiders."
“Perhaps that is part of the problem. Your people do have reputations for not being the most talkative and forthcoming. To the point, many often show signs of being bigoted against planet born people,” Thomas Marik observed.
"Some of us are," Alicia admitted. She looked to the Jarl, who simply nodded. "There's a history there. It's varied, individual to a point. No single incident, but some of ours have… terms… not endearing, for planetbound persons. And there's a phrase that most of ours learn as small children."
"Go on."
"’Gaia eats her children'. It refers to ancient Earth myths, the goddess of the Earth itself, mother of the gods and titans, in Greek myth, locked the titans away inside her belly multiple times, 'eating' them to protect her more… beautiful? Offspring. In Interstellar terms, it was a warning to avoid returning to the Sol system after McKenna's purges and the dismantling of the original Pathfinder Corps under those same purges."
Helena stiffened. Liz says that frequently.
“Hmmm, this is much to think about. Miss Jennings, do you have anything to add?”
“I may be the wrong person to ask. Most of my time out at Hatter was spent dodging the Rimjo…Rim Worlds Republic patrols and fighting for my people’s freedom from oppression. My views of those who wish to exert their will on us without consideration for our wishes or the realities of our ways of life are particularly dim.”
“Yet you were a known member of Helena Cameron’s inner circle until recently. Forgive me if I find this confusing, especially given where Helena is from,” Theodore furrowed his brow.
“Yes. It is true to an extent she will always be an outsider, but she respects our right to choose for ourselves and does not seek to oppress us. Plus, she is the best wing girl a Rokkajakka like me can ask for, and we had many fun adventures together. I only left her service because she did not need me anymore, and I was feeling the need to contract,” Rachel answered.
“I am convinced we need to give these people a voice. The question is who should it be.” Theodore looked at the three spacers in attendance.
“I have no interest in being stuck in the well. I refuse to do so,” Ivar preempted.
“Miss Li?” Theodore looked at the former Admiral.
“I’d prefer different career plans as well if at all possible,” Alicia answered. "Nothing against this lovely building, and Kowloon has blood ties for me, but… it's not home."
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===The Truth behind the hidden===
“Fine. I’ll do it. I’ve been hounded to join Rokkajakka committee since I retired. May as well join that and this one too now and my baby needs the gravity to develop proper.” Rachel nodded.
“She will serve all parties well,” Ivar nodded. “She will have our support.”
Theodore had a look on his face that clearly expressed a desire for more options before he simply nodded.
Victor looked thoughtful, "Jarl Ivar… I noticed former Admiral Li kept looking to you for instructions, and both witnesses here seem to… What is your authority, I mean, besides being a ship's Master?"
"I'm the current elected senior leader of the Pathfinder committee. I suppose that would make me a man who gets many, many, many issues brought before him to mediate. Rachel is an experienced spacer and she has a great deal of insight into… planet-bound nations and their affairs. I am certain the Committee will support her appointment to serve as our voice with the Star League."
“Just one small, little detail and we’ll all be fine with that,” Helena slipped over a Kowloon University enrollment form as filled out as much as she could for Rachel for some English classes, particularly for enunciation and public speaking.
The laughter filled Rokkajakka pidgin profanity that followed from Rachel was utterly incomprehensible to everyone in the room but Li and Ivar who also laughed.
Sun Tzu cleared his throat, "So you, Jarl, are the equivalent of a head of state, why have an underling-"
"The position is non-voting and advisory," the Jarl stated. "Ergo, an ambassador is appropriate. Should this become a voting seat, well… We would have to revisit the matter internally, and Moots are… complex to arrange. The last one held voted to refuse service to the Rim Worlds Republic in 2767, as well as voting to assist refugees fleeing the Amaris Empire. It passed by one vote, but the measure to join the war effort in other ways failed by two. The compromise was to allow individuals to make their own choice whether to join the war or not."
The Chancellor's eyes lit with victory. "So you do have a government!" he shot at Li.
"Of a sort."
“The only kind that works for us,” Rachel nodded. “One that knows only to interfere in matters of great importance or disputes. The rest they trust us to handle ourselves.”
“A true confederation, one that barely qualifies as a government.” Theodore understood.
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===Plans for the Future===
Kowloon Coast Guard Residential QuartersKowloon, Federated Commonwealth (Lyran State)3063
"...it's good to see you, Jarl Ivar," Elizabeth greeted the Jarnvolk leader at a transfer station in Kowloon's orbit. "I trust your journey was pleasant enough?"
"It was," he confirmed. "Your cousins send greetings from the deeps, and you are recognized for your help."
"My people owe the Moot and the Guild an incalculable debt of gratitude. I trust your business with the Silvermanns went well?"
"It has indeed gone well. The trade was more than equitable."
She had the blueprints laid out for Gateway 1 at the Alpha site. "Well, what do you think?"
"Hm. You don't think the Earthers will really let that be built, do you?" he cautioned.
"I'm going to make them pay me to build it," she asserted, then closed the image and handed him the data-chit. "For the Moot to examine and store a copy, lest the knowledge be stolen again, Pathfinder."
"I accept it on behalf of the Guild and the Moot." he took the chit. "You have other copies, yes?"
"Lots." 
"Good. That is one thing Carlyle got right when he uncovered Helm. We will do our part to make sure this is distributed wide and deep.”
"Your new ships, when will Silvermann have them ready for you?"
"I expect to pick them up in two years," he told her. "You ought to be building more for yourself, you know. Once we have our copies, we'll be modifying and building new longships using that technology."
"There are subtleties involved," Liz confessed. "We can't look too big, or we become the next target when the Terrans go insane again."
"A word of friendly warning, Liz. There is a Clan fleet bound for this end, looking to take from you the exotic matter facilities, and possibly to attempt conquest. They are six months out. We have confirmed it."
“Well they really should subscribe to the newsletters…” Liz shook her head. "The Moot is staying neutral?"
"The Moot refuses to meet in the present time, your Ancestral faction has enemies still."
"Thank you for the warning, Jarl Ivar," she said. "With six months, maybe we can stop it entirely without bloodshed."
"One may hope. But as something of a cynic myself, I expect you will have to fight them."
She offered a hug, they hugged. "Safe transits, Jarl Ivar."
She watched him go, then, she took a landing shuttle down to Ia Drang to hunt up Helena before she was due to go back to her estate on Spider Moon.
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===Word of the Emissaries===
Spider Moon Naval Shipyard - OfficesKowloon, Federated Commonwealth (Lyran State)3063
"...we have six months," Elizabeth finished. The bluish data chit she palmed into the player showed a simplified, strategic map with a red trace. "Clan forces, from the Homeworlds, headed here."
"Six months? That's… pretty late."
"I'm sure part of why it's late is that Jarl Ivar wanted confirmation first. They're going to be putting you in the First Lord's chair in six months."
“I know. One of my first acts will have to be to dealing with the fall out of this. Right now, time to rally the fleet. We can’t be caught flat footed if this does become a shooting match.”
"He vaguely hinted I should be expanding Kowloon's fleet. He even suggested using Arthur and Katherine's proposed modifications… but it's six months Helena. That's hardly any time at all, even if we started issuing recalls, most of the extant fleet would take longer than that just to get here."
"I need to take this to Theodore while he's still First Lord," Helena judged. "Does Arthur know?"
"Not yet. He's at the Alpha site, so we'll need Jane to message him off the network."
"Tell Arthur, then call your sister-in-law." Helena instructed. "I'll see about getting the rest of the League members a heads-up, and maybe ready to support the defense. Six months is an eternity if we use it correctly. Did the Jarl say which clan?"
Liz gestured to the display "He didn't, but they did on the file. Clan 'Star Adder'... who names these bozos anyway? Preteens?"
“Hell if I know. But that would make sense with what we know about their society. Nicholas really set up one hell of a house of cards there. They’re already coming apart after little over a decade.”
"Once more, unto the breach, dear friends," Liz shook her head ruefully. "Dammit."
“What now?”
"Every time, Helena," Liz shook her head. "EVERY time it looks like we're going to get a break, make real progress… something like this."
“Oh. Yeah. The way you said ‘dammit’ made me think another shoe dropped. To be honest Liz, I’m not sure how much more major war I have left in me if it comes to that.”
"This time, at least, you're not having to go fight on the front lines… If we do our jobs right, you won't have to, and maybe if we do them right enough, it won't be a war."
“It’s a Clan from the Homeworlds Liz, they only watched from a safe distance what happened to Clan Smoke Jaguar. We’ll have to teach them the hard lesson of ‘****** around and find out’. I can sense it.”
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