[ Security has never been Balthier’s forte unless one counts finding ways to work around it. Better to work above the open air, able to succeed or fail all on his own merits—that he has others along with him just makes it all the more interesting. For all that he has no claim on Basch, he certainly has no intention of letting the man mistake that for a lack of interest. He pushes himself up to his feet, stretching briefly. ]

Let’s walk. [ And he starts off, lightly touching the inside of Basch’s elbow in passing. His fingers linger only briefly, but he keeps walking. ] I’ve got an excellent whiskey stashed away in my room, and you may well have earned a drink by the time I’m through.

[ He’ll lead the way, speaking in low, careful tones, only falling quiet if they stray too close to the local folk. His posture is straight and carefully relaxed both, not giving anything away. ] At present, we’ve been given a lack of surveillance and a certain freedom of movement, but one can expect to be watched on both the ship and their facilities. The researcher in charge has entirely too much power, and apparently dabbles in dark magicks with necromancy as the least of it. Best to not engage him until we’ve an edge. I am developing another contact in their organization.

[ He is not, however, interested in making this a conversation. This is an update. ]

Day-to-day, concerns are often prosaic and commonplace to the point that some seem to forget the threats are there entirely. Yet, even if you’re watching for them, suddenly— [ His expression darkens before he can master himself again, and his tone turns particularly cavalier. ] It is not just our hosts that will show bursts of unusually enthusiastic hospitality. I fear our association may besmirch your good name in the eyes of the resident... ‘bandit’ hunter.

[ And for a moment, though there’s much more to say, he seems to run out of words entirely. ]