Mm. Yeah. Good advice. There's been much to learn since my life path had an invasion thrown at it, and a lot of pretense to let go. I appreciate it, for what it is. I'm honestly not so bothered anymore, to be fair with you.

I'll just have to put the first burst on-target. We'll see how lucky I get. Could manage two volleys.

Will we be determining the cost now?

Right. So.

It supposedly doesn't shoot where you aim it, is prone to exploding spontaneously, and it costs so much that you could simply have a fresh gunboat hull made to order in drydock instead.

Could it be there was a reason I asked for a price, earlier? I figured it'd be expensive, but not "simply go lay down a warship instead" expensive. You do have me considering it.

You're going to be waiting at Allentown a long time if there's no room to lower that.

Ohh, you taught me, did you? That would've made this beyond perfect.

Eight-hundred thousand, my truly-kept word that I paid full price to the curious, and one free, discrete job for someone who needs a pathfinder. I know I still have the touch, after all. This money didn't come from Penny.

Understand though, this is subject to my availability. With how much time I spend on the ground, real advance notice will be needed if you wish to avoid delays. On the order of a week, at least.

Do we have an accord?

Pleased to see we've both found an agreement. That's one last miracle for the board.

I'll be there within the hour.