Transcript For Strip 1580

Panel 1
Exterior view of Causa Sui and Dryhaven.
Murphy (from Dryhaven): I hope you can understand our reluctance to share a drive technology that can span intergalactic space ...
Murphy: … And perhaps bring an invasion fleet to our home.
Shlack: Yes, Captain Murphy, and I hope you can understand our intense interest in such a technology.
Panel 2
Medium shot of Shlack, making his pitch.
Shlack: After all, we are vulnerable to an invasion from your government.
Shlack: I think we have a valid interest in leveling that playing field, no?
Shlack: At any rate, you might consider that we might be able to help you repair your failed drive mechanism.
Shlack: The price of our assistance must be your trust.
Panel 3
Hugo and Murphy exchanging glances.
Hugo: Well, Captain, it looks like they have us over a barrel.
Murphy: Indeed they do. What do you recommend?
Hugo: That we trust them … as far as they'll trust us.
Panel 4
Shlack and Hugo etc.
Shlack: What do you mean by that?
Hugo: I need to take a look at your drive and control systems, to ascertain whether our technology is compatible with yours.
Panel 5
Shlack and Hugo, with Murphy cocking an eyebrow
Hugo: There's a reason we don't have a warp drive on board, for shorter-range travel … the technology is incompatible with our transwarp conduit systems.
Shlack: Transwarp conduit?
Hugo: It's how we travel across and among galaxies.
Panel 6
Shlack stands up. Murphy is looking sideways at Hugo.
Shlack: I suppose that's reasonable. But we'll be watching you closely.
Murphy (thoughtsend): What game are you playing now?
Hugo (thoughtsend): I call it, 'we all get to go home.'

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