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"So the Empress wants more money," Dr. Sabbatine says.

"It's good to hear from you, Doctor!" Control says, without a flicker of sarcasm. "How much will Her Majesty need?"

After an uncomfortable pause, Dr. Sabbatine says, "She expects 682 solidi worth of valuables this time."

"You better be telling the truth about everything we find going into trust for our return!" Alexius says. "I'm not fixing this thing only to be handed thirty solidi and a pile of transportation bills."

"The Empress has given me her word," Dr. Sabbatine says, keeping her voice carefully neutral.

"Beginning the transaction," Control says. Even she sounds frustrated by the monetary demands the Empress has placed upon your company, but she wastes no time loading your valuables into the rift.

"I confess that you are starting to impress me, Crowchar," Dr. Sabbatine says as Control makes the transfer. "At first I regarded you as a mere soldier, but now if, upon your return, you need a recommendation to some other kind of research institution—one safer than your current one—I shall furnish it!"

After a short delay, the doctor says, "Ah, everything has arrived. I must speak with the imperial accountants."

You can hear the worry in her voice. Your performance here determines the doctor's fate, too. There's a long stretch of silence. Controllers work to maintain the rift generator. One tries to explain to you how the Specular's dented brass control surfaces work.

"Well?" Alexius says, foot bouncing as he awaits the Empress's verdict.

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