[His hands flew up defensively.] NoNoNoNoNo. I never said we'd attack her--not directly-- Wait. Hold up. I guess I sort of- But--even a peaceful overture might be misconstrued as aggressive.

You want to ask nicely. And I- I appreciate that. I tried to chat up LACKEY during the time in the submarine. She wasn't very forthcoming. Soviet, American, I don't think the Porters actually have an alliance, so we can't blame LACKEY's politics entirely for that. And I think there's a lot we could learn if we can just understand how the Porter thinks. But there is information we want that I don't think asking nicely is going to get us--I think it's been tried. Sometimes you have to break a few eggs, even at the risk of frying your brain.

[He stopped and glanced suddenly at Hermann, as if there as an unspoken, cautious warning of ...Newton hanging in the air.]

Look, no matter how you toss it, if the Porter doesn't want to even discuss it...it's an attack and I think we have to be prepared for repercussions.

[He brought his gaze back to Charles, then down to his hands. He twisted his pinkie ring and let out a deep breath and, earnestly asked:] Do you think you can broker a discussion, because if you can-- I'd be willing to go that route.

[Looking up at his Drift Partner, head slightly tilted in inquiry: ...Hermann?]