NARRATOR: Beskin-Sashik Council Chamber...
BESTI: They paid how much?
ANTOSSA: Don't look at the number. Payment will be remitted as raw materials: three of these Oafan hulls everyone is talking about.
ANTOSSA: In pure PTU value we'll be getting about twice what we've collected in the three years we've been here.
ANTOSSA: If we need to fly, and that time has probably come, this will keep us solvent for at least two generations.
BESTI: Yes, but why did they pay that?
ANTOSSA: We have more important things to discuss than my full suite of economic calculations.
TESS: Antossa pulled a big number out of his alk-drip, and hey, who knew the Toughs had that much money lying around?
ANTOSSA: Tess. A word, please?
ANTOSSA: My job is easier if they think I'm a genius.
TESS: This was good wingshine, sir.
"His alk-drip has better answers than all the town's tree-teats put together."
ANTOSSA: I am quite sure that's not what they heard, but thank you.