SECONDARY QUEST - Notheing Ventured, Nothing Gained.

Par took the measure of the man; old, courteous, clearly intelligent, but would brutal honesty work this time, with him? Finally, he ventured.

"Well, it's...variable. You see, I have an interest in photovoltaic equipment," photovoltaic being the academic word for Solar Technology, "especially that which can be miniaturized in order to fit a barge. I also have an interest in batteries, ones that can be hooked up to photovoltaic equipment in order to power a barge by night. In fact, I can even boast that I managed to rig such a craft, and I myself came to Orleans there." He then showed Ney his surprisingly calloused hands, proof that he had indeed been handling tools.

"Basically, power and energy are...fascinating, and I want to know how they work in Orleans, so as to improve my craft."

"But, if there's a monopoly on technological knowledge, or a ban on selling technology on anyone who might reverse-engineer it, I would like to know." Par planned to use this to segue into topics relating to politics, and from politics to the French Revolution, and after that, to use rational argument or bribery, as well as make a few promises, in order to get his allegiance...

[@Ordure], [@Ulstermann]