The twinge of a smile, scroll rolled back neat. Cedric stoops up, toward the back shelves he'd indicated. A wonder things are together as they are, after the attacks; after months of no one at the helm. But wonders don't happen without work. So —

"Don't think 's a laugh," To want to succeed. To own proof. Something left behind, "You oughta be proud of this."

Another box hefted underarm.

"D'you see yourself keeping with? If we ever get a new Ambassador."

Dredged up from under some log of impeccable negotiators.