Mauser tells Baron Haer, the head of Vacuum Tube, that he can engineer an improbable victory with a gimmick he has been working on for a long time; in return, he expects the baron's support which, in conjunction with his anticipated popularity with fracas fans, should be enough to get him promoted into the Upper caste. The baron's son, Bart, scoffs at the undisclosed idea, but the baron is desperate for experienced officers and hires him.
Mauser informs Baron Haer, the leader of Vacuum Tube, that he can create an unlikely victory using a long-term project; in exchange, he seeks the baron's backing, which combined with his anticipated popularity among fracas fans, should be sufficient to advance him into the Upper caste. The baron's son, Bart, dismisses the undisclosed concept, but the baron is desperate for seasoned officers and hires Mauser.