No one had spoken to Elías like that in years. Did the man not know Elías could have him killed?
But try as he might, the Sañiran could not muster anger--twenty years ago, such a thing would have driven him into a rage, but now Elías finds Casper's honesty refreshing, and wonders how the hell Casper managed to climb the political ladder. He finds himself wishing he could have a real conversation with the man.

But more than that, Elías realizes that the Ji-leh conflict is an excuse. If Bill were to die, like this, with the whole world watching, the effect would be disastrous. It would cripple the space program of every country, not just the UCS. And the thought of leaving the man up there to die sickens Elías to the core.

He breaks the silence: "Mister President, Sanctus will not help you. They probably won't even help Ji-leh. Sanctus has withdrawn from the world." An exaggeration, extreme but apt--although Elías fears Sanctus far more than he lets on--he fears they have become desensitized to the horror of war, hidden within their walled cities, whispering to their machines.

"If you won't accept my offer, Mister Kassner will die and your people will crucify you for it. Agree to my terms, Casper, please."