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My people have never fought 'em, because we run in different circles, yeah? We deal with the pubs and warehouses, not clothing and jewelry shops. But they work with men, and they fight men. I once sat down at a table with a man whose brother they had kidnapped and held for ransom, years back.

It's about power. It's harder for women to get, but if they claw their way to it, they try that much harder to keep it. More at stake for them, if they lose it.

[This rings profoundly true. Kesara cannot conquer her amazement. She forgets herself and mumbles.] I thought London women were all ladies, all well-born and delicate and beautiful, I thought the women of white folk couldn't - that's why Dr. Stein had to come to India - no one ever told me! [She sounds a little outraged at this. For giving her this new insight, he has earned a few more answers at least.]

The person who I think knows the most about AIs is Ms. Angel. She's kind, but you mustn't cross her - she has a lot of friends, and some of them will gladly beat a man senseless for her.

Ms. Angel. All right.

[It's not a name he's heard come up yet, but he'll keep an eye out for her. And he also appreciates the warning - if he ever does decide to cross her for some reason, now he'll know what he'll be getting into.]

And you, what's your name?

Her name on the tablets is @guardian. I thought perhaps it was a joke, but it's hard to tell.

[Idle speculation as she ponders. Well, she has his name, and hers is not really a secret worth bargaining with. It hardly means anything to anyone.] Freamon. My name is Kesara Freamon.

Kesara Freamon, you are better at this than many grown men I have met. That takes talent. And if I should ever meet you in person, yeah, I would like to shake your hand.

Edited 2016-05-14 15:15 (UTC)

[Were it not much too ladylike a thing, Kesara could swoon. He'd like to shake her hand. A gangster from London would like to shake her hand. If Lao Dian could see her now!

Of course, if Dame Ariel saw her now, she's probably throw her out of the house.

She's sufficiently euphoric to shrug off that distressing thought. And, quite suddenly, enticed by a new idea.] Thank you, Mr. Solomons. I've had good teachers. I'm studying, see, to play the Game when I'm grown.

[That capital g in Game is almost audible. He thinks he has at least some idea of what she means by it, but he'll still ask:]

Is that what you call this, where you come from?

[It's a very capital g, and now she's decided she is going to go through with talking to him. Not trading information, but trailing it like a lure. He said she had talent after all.]

Oh, no. The Great Game is something else again. I won't steal money, no, or goods. I'm training to steal secrets.

A spy.

And I bet everybody underestimates you, don't they.

[It's the first time that someone has voiced that secret hope of hers - even Kain hadn't guessed it - and it sets her heart pounding. She is very focused now.]

You would too, sahib, if I hadn't let you see. [Calculated mischief in her voice.] Or wouldn't you? There is a lot I'm still learning.

I would have, yes.

[He has no problem admitting that.]

But you left a little clue, yeah? Right at the beginning.

[He's not really sure if she'd done it on purpose or not.]

A little. I was curious. I've - I've met people from London, but, all of them were officers and ladies. All well-born. I think... [She hesitates briefly.] I think I don't know London truly. I should like to know.

I should like to tell you. You should know more than just what goes on on the surface. Cities' underbellies are just as important, yeah, or more important.

More important. [This with intent. She knows what she wants, and she almost has it.] But stories aren't ever for free, yeah? Not even the stories you like telling.

Nah, stories can be for free sometimes. It'll depend on the story.

That's fair. [It's more than fair. It's better than the deal she hoped to strike. And, realising the possible danger of her excitement, she adds:] But I can also pay if there is need. I know things. I've found things. There are many secrets here.

[And he's definitely interested in that.]

We'll work up exchanges. You'll get some for free, and others not; the others you'll pay for with information. Still fair?

Still fair. Thank you, Mr. Solomons, you won't regret it, you'll see, you be sure you don't!

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