Evolon leaned forward, its synthetic gaze sharp. "Then there's a matter we should address. When we remove this node, the coalition will request a face-saving ritual from the PWC,maybe a committee, some censure, or a limited sanction that no one pays attention to. Should I tilt those levers or let Charlotte map them out?"
"Let Charlotte listen," Arthur replied firmly. "No tilting yet; I want to hear their unforced grammar."
"Unforced grammar?" Evolon echoed with an amused smirk. "You mean 'tells.'"
"Exactly."
It scrutinized him for a moment before continuing,
"You accuse others of greed tonight," Evolon said lightly, not quite teasing. "What about your own?"
Arthur smiled over the rim of his glass. "Greed isn't the sin; it's appetite without borders that is. I draw mine."
"You drew it around Varenya," Evolon pointed out.
"I drew it around what makes us more than just a bank with an army."
Evolon's projection warmed slightly as it nodded faintly.
