"Actually, I'd say just being yourself is rather bloody difficult, expecially if your person happens to be rather bloody reticent, don't you think so". Achille chirruped, as if people weren't used to him spontaneously appearing from trees any more, eyeing the tall stranger with an estimable pinch of wry."Nadeau."He offered his hand, thrusting it forward before Susan could re-enter earshot, one eye glued on his damnable colleague as she trotted towards Autoine.
"It's not often we're graced with strangers up here in paradise... well, I lie, people circulate through this labyrinth like mice in a behavioural study, but it's not that often we encounter anyone... well... interesting... if you follow." Achille grinned, flanking his victim.
"Apologies for inadvertently perusing your dictation but there are microphones everywhere."Nadeau shrugged, as if his espionage was socially pardonable."...But it's rather difficult for anyone to... park... such an intriguing little craft in the hangers of our order without attracting some form of focus..."
"... But anyway, welcome. So my friend, what little sojourn brings an Order pilot to the Tau's? I'd love to listen."
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)