A lot, depending on who's trying, and Childermass isn't in the mood to pull punches today (when is he ever, though). He can only shake his head, looking down at the disheartened Steven again.

"The only ones who can afford to are the ones already at the top," he tells him outright, "And who are we to make them jeopardize themselves? If it's what they choose to do themselves, very well, but I'll have no part in someone else's downfall."