Carnell quotes from Blake's 7

Servalan

(Presses a button on the intercom console and the walls are suffused by pastel lights, then speaks into the intercom) Send in Carnell.

(notes color changes) Supreme Commander.

Servalan

It's going wrong, Carnell.

Wrong? Ma'am, I'm mortified by your lack of confidence.

Servalan

If I lose Coser - and his invention - 'mortified' is exactly what you'll be.

I realise that.

Servalan

So long as you do.

A brilliant psychostrategist like me? Come now, Supreme Commander. How would I not?

Servalan

Carnell...(She walks from her desk, around the back of his chair to the other side)

Yes, Supreme Commander?

Servalan

(Runs her hand down his chest) You miscalculated Coser's breakdown.

He went a little sooner, that's all. The rest will be on schedule. You'll get IMIPAK. And when you do, no one will realise you've got it, because everyone else involved will either be dead or running away. (Grasps her hand but she walks away)

Servalan

Except you.

Should I be nervous?

Servalan

(Picks up the flower and smiles) Oh, you're the strategist - you tell me.

(Enters carrying a folder) Supreme Commander?

(Appears from the left and looks out the window at the starfield) Almost the only thing I never find boring: contemplating the infinite. Is there something I can do for you?

I was to report to the Supreme Commander, sir.

Too late, I fear. She's already on her way. "To what?" do I hear you ask?

No, sir.

Excellent. It was a trick question. Remember, the officer corps can forgive anything they understand. Which makes intelligence just about the only sin.

Have I your leave to go, sir?

What did you want to see the Supreme Commander about? Or am I being indiscreet?

I have a report for her. (Carnell puts out his hand for the report folder) It's confidential.

From an official psychostrategist?

Do they still call us that? I never really felt that did me justice.

My apologies, sir. I meant no offense.

I was offensive. Why shouldn't you be?

Sir?

Give me the report. (Flips the folder open, scans it briefly and closes it) Do you play chess?

A little, sir.

(Hands him the chess computer) Take it, it's yours.

(Accepts) Thank you, sir.

A small return for saving my life. But then, it's all I own. (brief pause) You have my leave to go now. (Officer leaves) And the other mistake I made was not getting an advance on my fee.

Servalan

(Into intercom, startled) Gone?

Welcome back, Supreme Commander. I apologise for not being here in person to greet you, but I think you'll appreciate my reasons. I overlooked the girl. Well, no, to be fair to myself, your people overlooked her. I know she was only a bond slave, but they should have realised she was gone rather sooner than they did. I might have adapted the strategy. Ah well, even a genius can make mistakes. Look at it this way, Supreme Commander, you haven't lost anything. Whereas I, well, I've lost my career, my position, the respect of my peers. Come to think of it, I haven't lost much, either. On the subject of losers, be careful of Travis. The catharsis he got by killing that first clone will have worn off by now. He's as mad as ever he was. But then, aren't we all? One last thing, Supreme Commander. I must tell you this: you are undoubtedly the sexiest officer I have ever known. (Servalan smiles and picks up the flower)