“The Herald believed such a solution unlikely.”

Thot goggles up at Ellis from the hammock of his lap expectantly, both paws reaching now that his hand has stilled, webbed toes groping along knuckle and bent bone.

“Given the dire and time-sensitive nature of the threat it represents, I believe a tiered approach controlling for multiple contingencies is both logical and necessary.”

Richard holds firm, a shade of warning to the slant of his brow. They both know there are other people he can ask.