IN a previous scene, Avasarala, the Deputy Undersecretary-General of the United

Nations, used the basis of her long-time friendship with Degraaf, the UN
Ambassador to the Martian Congressional Republic, to leak news that Mars had
shared stealth tech with terrorist group OPA. This led to a panic stock-taking of
stealth inventory, exposing the Martian production facilities that had previously lent
them a strategic edge over Earth.

DEGRAAF
At least you had the respect to stab me in the chest.

Avasarala presents a bottle of wine to Degraaf

AVASARALA
They sell it at the shop on 25th and 8th.

DEGRAAF
You know what I love most about Mars? They still dream. We gave up. They’re an
entire culture dedicated to a common goal, working together as one to turn a lifeless
rock into a garden.

We had a garden, and we paved it.

AVASARALA
They couldn’t do any of that without the knowledge of centuries from Earth. Earth
must come first.

DEGRAAF
I have no choice about that now. My diplomatic credentials have been revoked. I’ve
been banned from Mars for life. Apparently, I’m an alarmist who caused the MCRN
to expose classified stealth technology hubs. (DEGRAAF sighs) Craig called the
realtor about selling our house this morning.

AVASARALA
We may have stopped a war. For a while, anyway. If you like, we can drink it now?

DEGRAAF
I was looking forward to drinking our wine, watching the sunset over the Mariner
Valley.

Do you remember… you were very young, a couple of us played cards at your
house?

AVASARALA
I remember I didn’t like to be excluded.

DEGRAAF
Well, you always lurked on the side, quiet, obedient but watching. Finally one night,
you demanded to play, and, well, we’d had a few, and… you were, I don’t know…
However old that is. (DEGRAAF raises his hands up to his chest)
We let you in. You didn’t take any hands, but you clearly understood the
fundamentals. And when the deal came to you, you called your game. Tennessee
three-finger hold ‘em. Your father took it very seriously. He asked you how to play.
You said, “we each get five cards.” You dealt them out, then you pointed out to the
far end of the yard, and you said, now-

AVASARALA
Whoever gets to the tree first, wins.

DEGRAAF
You dropped your cards and were halfway there before anyone else realized what
was happening. I’ve never seen your father more proud.

See, here’s the thing. I was terrified for you, I didn’t know why. And now I do. You will
do anything to win. Just like your father. That’s what got him killed.

I won’t play with you, ever again.

DEGRAAF stands up, leaving in contempt.