Captain Gutt



Everything was proceeding according to his desire. And what a great desire it was. The procession was enroute back to the main Agro building and soon these corporation people would see him in all his glory.

Soon.


He waived imperiously and at the gesture, a signal went up from the convoy to the Predator in orbit.

Tie Fighters began to drop from the hanger deck




Captain Yatta


Yatta looked at the invitation and gave a begrudging thanks to Gutt for taking him away from his aweful responsibilities.

He needed to be at parties wooing women and drinking much wine.


He turned to a Captain, "Sir, this.." putting a palm on his uniform, "simply will not do. Find me something appropriate on par with the exalted company that will be blessed by my presence."

The soldier went off to do his duty, familiar with the requests, motioning other members of his particular cadre to follow.




Captain Sansa


Sansa found himself milling about chatting here and there with the 'higher ups' of Garqi. It always amazed him how the rich on any world felt themselves sophisticated and 'in the know' of galactic polictics when, in reality, they knew nothing at all.

Concern over their quaint little planet, especially in light of their proximity to Bhindi Drayson's power base.

It was a good thing that she had bigger fish to fry.

He noted with amusement the entrance of Afdol Hilter and grinned slightly at the pomp of cheers. For before him was a man that needed such outward displays of affection.

As if he sought validation.

Now just what would he need validation against?


Then something captured the head of Agro's attention. The man pulled out a comlink and frowned. Sansa's interest picked up. Then, the CEO left as if his life depended on whatever it was that had arrested his attention so quickly.


Perhaps it did.


He purposefully began to head for the exit running into some stray leaves of a plant that barred his path. A gentle hand pushed them aside knowing the plant had broken his line of sight with Hllter. The man was gone.

After adjusting the plant to remove any evidence of Imperial damage (should there have been any) he continued out of the dining area and stopped before an open room that branched into many halls.

Keeps getting better and better.


He decided to pick a hall and begin milling about to see what was up.

Hilter had replayed the transmission three times, and though he willed his ears to hear a new message, the same sounds filtered from the transmitter, clear as a corsuca gem just retrieved from the depths of Yavin 4. Hilter moved to the transmitter, and deleted the recorded message. Inside the device a powerful electromagnet suddenly switched on, and de-magnetized the section of temporary memory where the message had been stored, making it irretrievable to even the most astute computer technician. It was a security measure for times like this one- times where Hilter had to do the most to keep his connection to, and the existence of the Union a secret.

The secrecy of the Union is paramount. The sum of the parts is greater than the whole.

The Union was a forum, a confederacy, a federation of groups with widely different interest, but increasingly common foes. Divided they would survive, but united, however loosely, under one banner, their collective weight enhanced their power many times over. The Union was the focus point for the targeting lasers, which lanced out into space and became the unstoppable superlaser. Unlike the Death Star however, no one ever saw where the laser's originated from- or that they ever combined before the main weapon fired.

That how it's supposed to be.

Despite the power of the organizations involved, the Union was still to fledgling to survive its total exposure. Especially if the groups support for the GLF was known. Brutus Nogoth's brainchild (and Hilter's hobby) had angered too many, very powerful people. Those elites who were most threatened- they would land on the GLF with both feet.

Hilter knew that without the Union, the GLF would sputter; without the funding and resources they provide the GLF would slowly starve and falter in the face of increased galactic pressure. The only way however for the Union to remain in its current form, was for the shroud of secrecy that shielded it continue to provide that protection. Ever high-ranking Union member he had met, from the Committee down, had stressed the Unions secrecy.

Until now.

Hilter picked up his com-link and commed Captain Marlicos.

Captain Marlicos

As he maneuvered his large frame in and around the smaller bodies in the conference room, Captain Marlicos remained constantly alert. He didn't relax at a party designed for that purpose for reasons twofold: 1) It was his job as head of security to be ready for any eventuality. 2) He was trying to avoid some particularly annoying Agro execs.

On the whole he liked the Agro management and especially Hilter Afdol. On matters of security the consulted him, and almost always accepted his decisions. He was paid extremely well, and his tiniest request for more funding, training areas anything was basically accepted. The reason for that was the GLF attack, and Marlicos new it. However, as much as he enjoyed his ability to provide true high quality security for Agro, his job was tempered by the fact that many of the Agro higher-ups looked at him with a reverence undue to his position. They groveled and flattered him in overt tones and seemed to try and upstage their fellows in going out of their way for him. Though their kindness was much better than hostility, the attitude was often plain irritating, and made him rather uncomfortable.

Marlicos had done a good job avoiding the worst of the executives so far, when something caught his eye. Captain Sansa, the Imperial Marlicos was convinced was the brains behind this little operation, had just been fiddling with a large plant near the rooms exit. Immediately alarms began flashing in the Captain's trained mind- alarms that shrieked even more shrilly as the Imperial casually exited the room. Forgetting his earlier quest to avoid obnoxious employees he began wading through the crowd to investigate the entrance; and was subsequently ambushed by a cadre of well-dressed men and women.

"Captain!! A pleasure, as always."

And a chorus of overly polite greetings followed the first and somewhere in the vicinity of 15 hands extended either to be shook or kissed, depending upon the sex. Already concerned with what Sansa had been doing, Marlicos suddenly found himself in the socially deadly quandary of wondering whose hand to shake (or smooch) first. Caught off guard, he smiled, and eyed the crowd of kiss-ups, trying to figure out what to do.

Then, as a saving grace, his com-link buzzed. Thanking whatever deity had smiled upon him, he put a look of determination upon his face and quickly announced "Duty Calls." That got him an unwanted series of "good lucks" "go get'ems" as he slid away from the crowd. Putting the com-link to his ear he heard the voice of Hilter Afdol.

"Please escort Captain Sansa to my office, I would like to speak with him."

His response was a quick, "Yes sir." and then Hilter cut the link.

Wondering what in the world was going on, Marlicos slipped out of the conference room and into the hallways, trying to see if he could find the Imperial in the surrounding vicinity...

Captain Yatta


Having stolen a civilian's land cruiser, he and a subordinate flew across the plains as fast as the hover cruiser could propel them. This was one dinner Captain Yatta would not be late for.




Captain Gutt


The Tie fighters hovered overhead as the entourage entering the vacinity of the Agro Incorporated HQ was completed. Captain Gutt's eyes roamed the face and body of the woman seated next to him as her eyes took in their escorts. She was a bundle of excitement and was clearly pleased at the attention.

For once, the glutton did not sweat.


For once, he felt totally in control.




Captain Sansa


The painting was off and as the hall monitoring system had surely captured Sansa's location, he felt he should rectify the situation before his solitude was invaded. His eyes took in the painting as his fingers crawled under the frame to straighten it. It was a landscape, probably of a location found on Garqi though there was no tag either on the front or the back to indicate who had created the work or what location it resembled.

Whatever it was, it seemed peaceful.

And then a detail stepped out at him. The fields of grain shown in the painting were of a variety that had been extinct for some years.

He wondered if the artist had a message hidden or if it was simply coincidence.


What was not a coincidence was the fact that Afdol Hilter was no where to be seen. That, in itself, told Sansa volumes about the comm the CEO had fielded.

If it had been a customer, perhaps a very important customer, Hilter would have simply stepped outside to converse. Such a call did not put either him or his employees at risk. No, the farther you go to take a comm... the more dangerous it is for you.

And this comm surely was very dangerous.

But dangerous how?


Sansa smiled.

The farther you went to take a comm the more guilt you would feel.


"Director Hilter would like to see you, Captain." came a voice behind him as Sansa turned from the line of paintings and holopictures lining the hall.


"Captain Marlicos, not enjoying the party, I take it." Captain Sansa asked rhetorically drawing his eyes to the larger man.


I wonder what it is like for you Corellian. I wonder how an experienced man can find satisfaction in a world dominated by the whims of rich children. And believe me, they are children. As inexperienced at their game as a newborn fawn.

How does your all knowing senses keep your mind sharp in an atmosphere of little people.


Sansa's silent gaze passed over Marlicos as a faint laughter of the dinner party was heard.

He shrugged his thoughts off and simply said, "By all means, Captain. Let us not keep Mr. Hilter waiting."

"Of course not."

Marlicos's meet Sansa's stare. Ever more than before Marlicos perceived the power of the Imperial's gaze, as if Sansa's eye's penetrated into the deep recess of his mind. Marlicos had very rarley had that feeling with anyone before. There had been a force sensitive once...

Was Sansa a force user?

The Empire, despite its aversion to the Jedi, had often been filled with forces users- and reports of Sith permeating its ranks were not uncommon. It was even widely believed that the Regent, like Palpatine before him master that mystical energy. Thus, while unlikely , it was possible Sansa was a force user.

At that thought he looked at Sansa, trying to discern any change of experssion as he came to this realization. As part of his training, and the training which he administered to his men, he had learned techniques to help him spot and cope with a force weilding adversary. He quickly remembered that it was highly unlikely that a talented force user who was probing his mind would outwardly express that fact with facial expression.

Marlicos took a breath as he began to lead Sansa to into an adjacent hall. Sansa was an Imperial captain. A subordinate Imperial captain. The chance of him holding such a (relativly) minor rank and yet possess force sensitivity was mind-bogglingly absurd. He was overreacting to Sansa's sharpness. In all likelhood he thought, it was because a good number of the people he dealt with everyday were so simplistic, so "normal" that he assumed anyone on a higher plane was automatically special. It had taken him a minute to remember that there were people in the galaxy besides himself who observed others, and were talented and astute. He just wasn't always in contact with those people on Garqi.

Though Hilter could be one of them.

The CEO of Agro had the same air about him that Sansa, did, once Marlicos stopped to consider it. He hadn't really thought of things like that however, because he wasn't suspicious of Hilter. However, if there was one man on Garqi who would be able to sucessfully deal with Captain Sansa, it would be Hilter Afdol.

The two rounded a corner and came upon a turbolift.

"Upward and onward." Marlicos said as the doors slid open and he stepped inside. They were only a short distance from Hilter Afdol. As they rode upwards on the lift, the distance continued to shrink...

*

Captain Gutt

Captain Ortho Gutt strolled into the dining area, his stormtroopers lining the halls from the entrance to where he would be mingling with the upper-crust of Agro Incorporated.

This day was a day of appearances and as such, he kept his weapons hidden. In a hunt, there was a time to brandish your arms and make strategy and there was a time to hesitate and look to your surroundings.

This night, Gutt looked to his surroundings and saw many things he liked and would possess. He saw a beautiful woman on his arms. He saw money lining the room that the people around him seemed to spend with ease. He saw opportunities in politics, bankrolled by a grateful company and a CEO, who while perhaps hating him, needed him.

It was a situation that Grand Marshall Kaine had explained to him at the onset. It did not really matter that Agro Incorporated was truthfully involved or not. Given that INS could paint a connection between Agro and GLF based on purely circumstantial evidence was all the motivation needed for bringing the company to heel.

But what if....


The idea, originally proposed by Sansa but made his, could work to everyone's benefit.


The company could be found innocent but lacking the proper means of planetary defenses, rather than allow an independent control, he would oversee the governorship of Garqi. Let Agro continue to run as before, being the cash cow in agriculture in their region of space and the money would continue to grow.

With the Predator remaining on station, perhaps Garqi would turn into a regular port of call for Imperial ships passing through.


With customs procedures and tarrif rates controlled by him, yes he and those allied with him stood to gain quite a boon monetarily.

Unless Hilter stood firmly opposed.

Then things might get ugly.

He banished such thoughts from his mind.


Captain Yatta


Walked into the headquarters of Agro Incorporated noting for the first time how opulent his surroundings were. He grinned knowing that he would have to ally himself with Gutt.

The man was riding high but it was time for Yatta to take his share as well.



Captain Sansa


"Upward and onward." the security man murmured as they stepped into the lift.


The man Marlicos seemed quite distant and reflective. Even the tone of voice he used with his murmur conveyed the fact that his mind was elsewhere.


A mischievous glint entered his eyes.


"Should I probe your thoughts or would you like to tell me what's bothering you?"

The entire atention of the parties had shifted to Gutt as he and his entourage entered the room. Gutt's girth drew much of the attention, but so did the gorgeous woman who was snugged up close to the Imperial Line Captain. The red, strapless dress seemed as if it was a few sizes too small, exposing the blonde's long legs and hugging her body in a most sensual way. From somewhere amid the croud there was a whistle. The faces of the Garqi employee's turned to disgust at such a base gesture, and as if to respond in a more dignified manner, a few began to clap. In mere moment the whole room had burst out in applause.

However, a shrewd observer would have noticed something about about the people whose clapping was reverberating off the ceilings and walls and becoming a thunderous echo. The happy expressions on their faces were laced with tension and even fear. Though it was hard to detect, it was obvious that the Garqi employees were not yet comfortable with the Imperials, no matter how jubilant they appeared.

As the applause began to die down, and the party began in earnest, the topic of conversation became the Imperial's enterance and Gutt's amazing concert. No one seemed to notice, at least for now, that Hilter Afdol was not present at the party...

Captain Marlicos

"Should I probe your thoughts or would you like to tell me what's bothering you?"

Marlicos turned his head to directly face Sansa, his statuesque stoicism faltering and allowing some who his suprise to show through. He regained his composure quickly, but wondered what Sansa wold make of his unusually emotional response.

"I was just pondering a few matters concerning the present situation." Marlicos answered evasivly.

Was such evasivness even effective?

Bursting through his emotional defenses, the repressed idea that Sansa was in touch with the force reared its ugly head anew. Summoning his considerable internal fortitude, Marlicos supressed it again.

If he already knew what I'm thinking, why would he be asking me?

Marlicos knew the answer to that question, but perferred not to remind himself of the answer. Instead he decided to contemplate his first estimation of Sansa. He had recognized the Imperial as a danger- much different from the blutsering Gutt. Force user or not, the latest barb he just shown Sansa was more dangerous than Marlicos had orginally thought.

"This situation is complex and challenging."

His normal authority had returned to his voice.

Then he added crypticly.

"Some of the problems it poses seem to be growing, and that is a cause for concern."

With that, the turbolift came to a gliding halt. The doors opened soundlessly.

"Mr. Afdol's office is very close."

Marlicos stepped out of the turbolift. He walked to a small junction fo hallways and turned right. Ensuring the Imperial had followed him he gestured down the lavish hall.

"Hilter's office is at the end of this hallway."

As Marlicos started walking, the nagging though of Sansa possessing force powers broke free of his will, and reminded Sansa of the possibility that maybe he didn't have to tell the Sansa where the office was...

Captain Yatta


The crowd stood in awe as Ortho Gutt made his way into the room directing his large bulk to the center, a most beautiful woman clinging to his arm.

Captain Yatta whistled in appreciation.


A nearby employee of Agro Incorporated turned to him with a look of disdain. Captain Yatta had seen such looks before.

"Hypocrite!" he whispered harshly with relish as his wife was nearby and in hearing distance. "I bet you treat her like the tart she is.." and the man's face turned red. His wife gave a shocked look but Yatta only licked his lips in front of her causing the couple to move quickly away.

Yatta quickly forgot about them, his eyes searching for an appropriate target.



Captain Gutt


At that moment, he felt he was king of Garqi. Knowing that such a circumstance could be in the future made his confidence soar. Of course, it all depended on how flexible Agro Incorporated really was.

Even that, however, could be dealt with.

He ate up the applause and began to speak..



Captain Sansa


I was just pondering a few matters concerning the present situation." the
security man had stated.

Sansa decided not to say anything at that moment and felt the lift reducing speed.


"This situation is complex and challenging."

A brief smile came to Sansa's lips but still he said nothing..

"Some of the problems it poses seem to be growing, and that is a cause for concern."

The doors parted and while the security man tried to assure him that Mr. Hilter's office was quite close, the Imperial stopped and turned questioningly to Marlicose.


"The Empire is here to investigate possible Agro involvement with GLF terrorist actions. Mr. Hilter seems adamant about Agro's innocence." His voice turned ironic, "If that is the case, then how can your problems grow? Why would there be ...concern?"


As he let Marlicose chew on that, they came to a hall and Sansa's escort informed, "Hilter's office is at the end of this hallway."


And so they walked down the hallway.


The door parted before them and Sansa was led into Mr. Afdol Hilter's inner sanctum.

Captain Marlicos

The Imperial Captain's words caught Captain Marlicos like body blow from one of the champion shockboxers who pounded each other into oblivion on Pavo Prime. Before he could fire back with his own counter punch, Captain Sansa slipped into Hilter Afdol's office, leaving Marlicos outside.

The burly Corellian stood motionless for a moment, staring blankly at the door. He had never been formally invited into the meeting, nor had he been told to stay out. He took a step forward, into the doorway, then reached out and closed the door.

If Hilter Afdol wanted to deal with Sansa, he could do so alone. For one, Marlicos didn't envy the task.

Still, his presence might be required. He stepped away from the doorwell, and leaned against the wall, wondering how Hilter would deal with the inquisitive Imperial.

Hilter Afdol

As Sansa stepped in, Hilter stood up from behind his desk. He noticed the Imperial looking around at his surroundings, imbibing the unusual decor of Hilter's office. The office was dominated by the desk, which rose up from the floor in a seamless transition. It's dark grayish swirling patterns looked like some form of polished rock, and matched the color of the office’s sparsely adorned walls. Despite the lack of trappings, the room was majestic in it's own way.

"Captain Sansa, it's a pleasure."

Hilter beamed his thousand-credit smile and stepped around the desk.

"I must say, this whole affair is very intriguing."

He motioned to a seat.

"So tell me, what do you think?"

Captain Sansa




Captain Sansa stepped into the room leaving the confused looking Captain of Security behind. As expected, the room was designed to enhance the power of the one seated behind a rather imposing desk. The spartan decorum hinted at both uncommon attention to detail and a capacity for not being tied down by distractions.

A typical CEO's office.


His eyes settled on the man before him and noted that the smile made the CEO seem more like a used landspeeder salesman than a leader of a galactic corporation.


"Captain Sansa, it's a pleasure." he began, stepping around the desk, "I must say, this whole affair is very intriguing."


Sansa raised an eyebrow but said nothing.



Intriguing? First it was complex, then challenging and now it is intriguing?


He was motioned to a seat and Hilter opened: "So tell me, what do you think?"


The man's eyes seemed to be mentally preparing a rebuttal to whatever Sansa would say next but what the other did not realize, was that Sansa's next words were already prepared well in advance...









"Kaine, what are we really after?" Ciscero asked as they both stared at the holographic projection of the galaxy, that particular sector of the galaxy highlighted and augmented.


"Bhindi Drayson's Protectorate is growing. It is becoming industrialized in it's own right and it's a good thing. It's her fleet that secures that sector as well as Braxant." Kaine turned to the Imperial Intelligence Agent, "This is no mystery, Ciscero. Our growth... our expansion has grown stagnant because we stretched out our tentacles and now is the inevitable period of fortifying, consolidating and preparing for our next drive."

"Our work on Abregado-Rae for instance?"

Kaine smiled. "We do have operations going on despite the lull in our Expansion Policies."

"So how does Garqi fit?"

"Not Garqi. Agro Incorporated." Kaine corrected. "And quite simply, the old axiom, 'the best lead army is the best fed army'is what comes into play."

"Grain?"

"So innocuous isn't it? But it is an integral part of a lot of military manufacturing being done in the Empire, and not as simply food or rations."


"So you want to nationalize..?"

"No. Not nationalize." Kaine shook his head. "Agricultural business is not the same as shipbuilding. Agro is not like KDY. We go in there and mess with them we are liable to lose the entire crop. The business goes under and the planetary economy falls. And those depending on Agro crop suddenly are without and the who region destabilizes."


"No. We are going to use them and they will comply. That is the key."


"But what if Agro is secretly funding the GLF?"


"They won't because doing business as normal will no longer be possible. The Empire will be watching as we will have assets on the planet protecting our interests. If they are and they wish to continue that dangerous line of work then they will have to move their operations off-world. And if an Agro funded GLF strike again, it only heightens the chances of real proof being found and once the Empire is on planet, our options for nationalization becomes much more palatable."


Ciscero grinned. "What if they don't want to do business?"


Kaine smirked, "Then they will be glassed. Such a surplus and an unwillingness to sell simply means they are putting themselves against us. Then, we destabilize the region and initiate martial law. A time-consuming and costly business to be sure but better than having an enemy in our midst. It's not a move I would prefer to make, but I will do what is necessary to protect Imperial interests."


Kaine turned back to the galaxy. "Brutus, if he's still alive, will have to find alternate sources of funding for his terrorist acts."





Sansa spoke. "My dear Mr. Hilter, I will not waste your time (or mine) by telling you what I think. I will tell you what I know and perhaps we both can come to an understanding that will not place both of us tomorrow in a situation where we carry out unpleasant duties.


I know that terrorists displayed the damage done to your fields.

I know that based on that the value of your stock went down, giving the false impression that your company was critically hurt.

I know that, instead of posting the losses that your competitors expected (to use as leverage in buying out your company), you posted gains.

I know you used those gains to purchase quite a bit of military hardware. Very expensive hardware, I might add as well as securing the personnel for your own private security forces.


I know that this adds up to the fact that the GLF did not do as much damage as they claimed. Only a facade.

And, so, I know what these circumstances look like to those enemies of GLF."


Sansa paused to let his words sink in.


"I know that Kaine wants your grain.


I know he does not wish to nationalize your company.

I know he does not desire to destroy your company.


But I also, know that he will not hesitate to do so if he feels it is necessary."


Captain Sansa smiled grimly and sat forward, watching the CEO very carefully.


"This is what is being proposed:


The Empire is willing to purchase not only your surplus but also initiate monthly orders for high quality product for distribution. The Empire, in ordering such large quantities, will take advantage of your company's incentive by only paying half of what your best customer pays for the product. In business, the more you purchase, the cheaper it gets and I can inform you that the Empire will purchase quite a bit.

As a result of this business association, I must caution you that any affiliation with any ... questionable groups will be prohibited. If you are caught, it would mean the nationalizing of your company immediately. Or, at the very least, dismantling and destruction of Agro Incorporated.

As a result of this business association, the Empire will begin the construction of bases surrounding your military assets as well as starbases, checkpoints and improved starports to ensure not only the quality of what the Empire gets but also to ensure protection of it's new associate, Agro.


The only cause of concern, really for you, is that Captain Ortho Gutt and Captain Yatta will be permanently stationed here as the Imperial Representative. He will be the liason."


Sansa grim smile turned into a shark's grin, "But knowing you, you can grease his wheels and all will go well. He's an ostentatious prick but loyal to the Empire and so tolerated.

He will probably be living a distance from you and so, only on official occassions would you have to endure each other's presence."


Sansa sighed. "If you refuse, which you are in a position to do, we will carry out our investigation tomorrow and, I can assure you we will find a link. One that satisfies the Empire enough to take action as a supporter of terrorism.

I advise you to remain in control of your emotions because the Empire (and Kaine in particular) usually take action to test the personality of potential allies or adversaries. If you keep your cool, chances are you will gain more autonomy within the Empire itself."

He sat back. "The real benefit to you is that you no longer need to spend for maintenance on your planetary weaponry and that the Empire is one customer that will pay."


"But what I do not know, sir, is.. quite frankly, your answer."


The Captain waited calmly and expectantly.

Hilter listened as Sansa delivered his message, his mind turning over everything Sansa said. Sansa's delivery pretty good for what Hilter slowly realized was a somewhat canned speech- someone else's words, or at least their ideas.

The fact that Sansa was relaying a message was the first thing Hilter began to mull over as he started to answer; but he decided it would be better to approach the matter at hand first.

"I see."

He shifted his weight forward onto his elbows, leaning on his desk.

"Well, it's obvious what's going to happen, regardless of my thoughts on the issue. One way or the other Kaine is going to get what he wants."

Hilter smiled, an obviously forced smile.

"Well I see no point for futile rebellion."

He gave a little chuckle, as if the statement struck a humorous tone.

"I think that we can reach a workable agreement. "

Hilter leaned back in his chair, and took a deep breath.

"A gauranteed contract for such a large order is actually quite a blessing. I'm certain that the Empire's military will provide first rate security for my company. And as long as we are avoiding nationalization..."

Hilter trailed off. Though it was obvious that he was somewhat unhappy with the situation, he maintained his cordial disposition.

"I would like to ask for a few small conditions if I may?"

Hilter was unsure if he was any position to bargain, but decided it couldn't hurt to ask.

"I'd like to retain Captain Marlicos and his men- perhaps the Empire can subsides them as auxillaries- and retain some sort of control over them. And I'd like to have the authority to sell some of our products on the free market. Also, if at all possible, I'd like the Imperial presence around the headquarters as subtle as possible."

Hilter looked at Sansa for a second then suddenly continued.

"I know, I know, you're just a messenger. Those details can be worked out later. For now.."

He leaned back on his elbows

"Tell me Captain Sansa, tell me what it's like to be a Captain in the Imperial military. And what do you think? Tell me, if you had the authority, what would you do in this situation?"