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 of Vacuum Tube that he can engineer a surprising victory through a long-term project; in return, he seeks the baron's support. This combined with his expected popularity among fracas fans should be enough to advance him into the Upper caste. Despite Bart, the baron's son, dismissing the undisclosed idea, Mauser is hired due to the baron's need for experienced officers.