With Zaheer imprisoned, the Red Lotus had for the time being lost both its spiritual and tactical leadership. As a businessman, Lau viewed this not as a setback, but as an opportunity.

"We are an obtuse and unreliable sort, aren't we?" Lau agreed with an amiable nod. "Don't doubt the power of philosophy, though. Even you, my friend, with all your strength, can accomplish only so much. But dreams can move an entire nation... therefore, we must be the people who move dreams."