Dick wrinkled his nose at Lex. "Thanks for the vote of confidence there, Lex. I actually had absolutely no intention of taking the lead on that for exactly the reasons you state." Though if he did take the lead, he would hope he'd phrase it slightly better. "I'm more suited for the fifth group. Especially since I'm not returning to the negotiating table. After what I said, it would weaken our position. And given that they know anything we do agree with has to go through me, my absence is far more useful."

He leaned forward over the table. "All right. The break up sounds good to me." Still agreeing with Lex. This was hell, right? "For the record, I will be kept informed of what each group finds."