[ Gansey’s eyes move over the boy. He’s reading everything very closely for someone who obviously has no interest in taking part. That means he’s got a different agenda, and that’s interesting in itself. The sheer volume of propaganda here tells Gansey that it’s obvious not all imports are singing to the Government’s tune. If they were, there’d be no need to make such a production out of it all. He lifts his shoulders. ]

If they carry on like this, they will be.

[ Fighting a hot war as opposed to a cold one, Gansey means. His fingers tap idly at the table. The official standing closest to them looks uncomfortable, and seems moved to talk to them. Gansey holds up a hand, and lifts one of the other briefing packs. This quietens the worker for now, and Gansey flips it open. He matches the volume of his voice to the other boy’s. ]

That’s the sensible approach. I will say, you’re reading all of these very closely, for a man who has no intention of participating.