[ Cassian accepts that apology in the spirit it’s intended. People like them are so stingy with these vulnerabilities and honesties, carving off and offering only the smallest pieces of themselves as necessary. He knows what that’s like. (He still hasn’t said the word Ferrix to anyone here.)

So, relenting, with a compliment in turn: ] I can see that training in both of you.

I’ll be able to laugh about it eventually. It’s only the second time I’ve ever met new friends while tied to a chair.

[ Friends: a dangling implication there too. No hard feelings. ]