Transcript For Strip 453

Panel 1
Back at the drawing room -- Seamus, Xie-Po, and Peng-Bo are seated in the overstuffed chairs, with Seamus and Pen-Bo's turned a bit to face the holoscreen. It is divided into 3 sections, one of them of which is filled with the head-and-shoulders of Hari Copperton. His name is displayed underneath. The others are blank silhouettes with the worlds 'AWAITING RESPONSE' laid over them. (Text is displayed both in Anglish and in Mandarese.)
Hari: So, I hear that Xu-Ke's nephews want to sell their shares in Project X to this Peng-Bo Shen fellow.

Panel 2
Closer shot on Hari's image on the holoscreen.
Hari: I am also assured that the secrecy provision in this contract has not been broken, and it will remain in effect even in the event Mr. Peng-Bo receives those shares.
Hari: So, he wants to buy a pig in a poke.

Panel 3
2-shot of Peng-Bo and Seamus.
Peng-Bo: I do not understand that idiom.
Seamus: Hari means that you are buying something without knowing what it is, in the expectation that it will be something valuable, but with no guarantee.

Panel 4
Medium shot of Hari's image.
Hari: Well, while you're waiting for the other two I have some questions for you to think about:
Hari: 1) Is Mr. Peng-Bo purchasing these on his own account, or as an officer of HuoJinGong?

Panel 5
Medium close-up on Peng-Bo, cocking an eyebrow.
Hari (OP): 2) All of the current shareholders, save for Xu-Ke's nephews, have sworn allegiance to the Zero Aggression Principle. Is Mr. Peng-Bo willing to do so as well?
Hari: I'm sure Seamus can recite the oath for you.

Panel 6
Now Peng-Bo looks levelly at Seamus.
Peng-Bo: Is this oath required by the contract?
Seamus: No. After all, Mr. Tong has not done so. He got in free under the inheritance provision.

Panel 7
Three-shot. Seamus lounges in his seat, Peng-Bo is looking thoughtful, Xie-Po is fidgeting.
Seamus: However, I daresay Mr. Copperton will not approve the transfer to you without an oath.
Peng-Bo: I ... see.
Xie-Po: This is madness!

Panel 8
Different angled 3-shot. Xie-Po looks defeated.
Peng-Bo: I suggest you order up some food for us, Xie-Po.
Peng-Bo: It will be at least another 12 huofen before we hear from the next shareholder, and another 11 huoke before we hear from the last one.

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