“Telling me I have to do what you say but you won’t use my people as hostages doesn’t comfort me, Asano. And even if you bring them out, this is still your domain.” “That’s true,” Jason said. “This situation is not built for equanimity. There needs to be a chain of command, and I need you all to understand that I am at the top of it. I don’t want to be a despot, but if that’s what it takes to get us to the other side of this, I will. Anyone who can’t accept that should leave now.” Silence reigned. “Good,” Jason said. “Now—” “Jason,” Phoebe Geller said. “I think we should discuss the
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