"Of course not," he says. "But I can. Hence the value of my approval."

He idly examines the mixture in his glass, the colours gently refracting.

"It would be in our mutual interest for me to remove Steven from his current location. In exchange for your service, I can have him brought to Virgo and kept safe. And, you already know the sway I have over the rest of your comrades...imagine the things you could prevent. All with one choice."