Having a level of familiarity with the people you're trying to convince is always helpful. It makes the prospect of compromise a little less terrifying.

[ still . . . shattering sounds -- ominous?? and he pauses, before he decides to just ask for clarification. ]

When you say shatter, you don't -- what does longer than average mean? And by 'Diamond,' I assume you mean the actual gemstone of a diamond? The 'gems' are stones?