Act 1, Scene 4 Summary

Back in Gross' office, Ballas and Pillar are waiting, and Hana is combing her hair as Gross comes back in. Ballas asks whether he's prepared to be more reasonable, as Hana asks repeatedly whether she can go and get the chocolates. Gross and Ballas argue about whether an order can be issued to stop the advance of Ptydepe. Ballas tells Hana that she can go, and then once she's gone, Ballas tells Gross that the higher-ups are in control of what happens to Ptydepe. He says he has no choice but to sign the order authorizing its continued use. Gross says he won't compromise his principles, but Ballas tells him that's exactly what he will do. He threatens to use the written authorization for the purchase of the logbook as proof that Gross abuses his authority, which would cause Gross to...