Family as double? Shuos have certainly done worse in their time, and she's willing to chalk it up to eccentricity. Her mental file gets an underline for the statement "Istradez is not Mikodez," which he nicely confirms in his next breath.

Infiltration-adjacent has a nice ring to it, and Reshad nods. "It's the analysis and administration that makes the stars go 'round," she says.

"I've had just a bit of the food. It's phenomenal." This statement is entirely sincere, providing a benchmark. "Did you try the things with the curry in them yet?"

"It has been a pleasure." This smile, too, is entirely sincere. Reshad finds herself hoping that this won't all go to pot; that maybe she can talk with Istradez more, some time.