The Gravity Escapement (TWS)

Well while that's all very interesting, we're looking more for the human angle than the technical specs of his idea. What's his background like? Family? Work? Education? What gave him the inspiration for an alcohol powered autocar?

"I always thought we weren't focusing enough on alternative energy," Henry says, "always focusing on the Source, always centralized around the Source. We don't live in an age of artisanal, bespoke works anymore. Industrialization, mass manufacturing - that's the way of our future, and the future of the Empire. But, well... you can't build a reputation on things you're going to do."

You agree, tentatively. Don't most politicians build their reputations on promises?

"Well, they all answer to the Crown in the end. Better to be down to earth, better to be people of things you can hold and make work. You asked about my family?"

You nod, though you've done nothing of the sort. You realize, far too late, that Henry is the long-winded sort, and the chances of stopping him are about as high as that of you stopping Gloriana from turning.

> Ask about what he thinks about the big expedition.

You try anyway. How about McCloud's expedition? What does he think about that? This, surprisingly enough, cuts him off short. His face darkens.

"McCloud is a politician. McCloud, McCloud..." He stutters. "McCloud is not down to earth. McCloud is..."

He lowers his voice. He glances up to the great Hall, which you've approached much faster than you'd expected. When he speaks again, his voice is a whisper, barely above the noise of the cool wind.

"McCloud is a traitor."

He is reticent to speak after that.