Around, [ Bastien says, ] but not in this office, if he thinks he can install another ally here and get what he needs out of Byerly anyway, without the position. Not that threatening to withhold help is a good idea,

[ He swirls his water. He's considering putting his feet on the desk. It is a game, if he can convince these two dramatic doom-cycle-loving men to see it that way: puzzles of motivation and personality, exercises in imagining viewpoints. ]

because anyone with a cause like that wants a true believer. And you would never threaten to withhold his help with something like that over something like this.