Transcript For Strip 458

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, the middle of which is filled with the head-and-shoulders of Alideh Satrapi. Her name is displayed underneath.
Adileh: It's been too long, Seamus, although I thought I wouldn't be seeing you again for another several weeks.
Adileh: You're looking much better, by the way.

Panel 2
Closer shot on Alideh's image on the holoscreen.
Alideh: Mr. Peng-Bo, I understand you're willing to pay Mr. Po's heirs 12 million augrams -- I mean, Jinke, for their shares in our project.
Alideh: Without knowing much of anything about it.

Panel 3
2-shot of Peng-Bo and Alideh's image on the screen.
Alideh: I'm not sure whether you're very clever or a world-class fool.
Alideh: Nevertheless, I may agree, if Seamus gives his endorsement, and I have your guarantee you are buying in on your own account and not for HuoJinGong.

Panel 4
Medium shot of Alideh's image. She is winking.
Alideh: It will be interesting to see how Dr. Diamondi responds.
Alideh: Be well, Seamus, and don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Panel 5
Two-shot of Xie-Po and Peng-Bo, the latter cocking an eyebrow at Seamus.
Peng-Bo: This is twice now I have heard a reference to HuoJinGong, in an adverse sense.
Peng-Bo: Why is this important to your partners?

Panel 6
Looking past Peng-Bo at Seamus. Behind him, the butler approaches with a cart laden with covered food-dishes.
Seamus: Don't take it personally, but we generally prefer to avoid ... mercorp entanglements. Even with Muc Ar Foulain. We like our independence.

Panel 7
The butler has set a tray with a covered dish in front of Seamus. It hovers in place as the butler lifts the cover off the dish. Seamus looks approvingly at the food.
Seamus: Also, there is some, ah, discomfort with HuoJinGong's policy of treating androids and other sapient AI constructs as property rather than persons ...
Seamus: This looks very good, thank you.

Panel 8
Three shot, Xie-Po reacts with some anger, while Peng-Bo is poker-faced as the android waiter sets a hover-tray in front of him. Seamus digs into his meal.
Xie-Po: Arrogant nonsense! If not for HuoJinGong there would BE no androids!
Peng-Bo: Xie-Po, please. Dr. O'Murchadha's candor is informative.

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