Dark wings, Dark words.

[Rodent]

Cauthon listened attentively, as Leonard's voice got more and more fervent and desperate. He'd been a field captain as long as he could remember, and a very significant part of the job was ensuring that his command was....loyal. He concentrate on Leonard's facial movements, for that was where any untruth would reveal itself. Leonard started and finished...Cauthon found nothing.

The man had come of his own volition. That was a point in his favor, and scanning equipment had detected no signs of infection on him. That only left indoctrination, and Cauthon did not feel that this man was false. Not that there was any way to be sure, but it was his judgement. His hands tightened into fists, an involuntary reaction when a hard decision was to be made...he exhaled, and unclenched his fists.

"So you used to be a Gunboat Commander. If you haven't noticed, we aren't exactly in a position to reject anybody with skill, so perhaps something can be done about you."

There, the hardest part was gone. Cauthon rubbed the signet ring on his left hand, a fox startling two ravens into flight neatly engraved on it. It was an old token.

"But before you get out, you'll need to tell me all you can. About the Cult, about their dealings with the Outcast general populace and the nomads...and of course, anything you know about Altair or Nomad intentions. The more forthcoming and truthful you are, the better it will be for you."

Cauthon said the last in a steely tone, and held the other man's stare for a long moment. If there was any obfuscation in this man, it'd come out sooner or later.