[ Wash is unfortunately for Byerly both paranoid and the sort of man who knows what it takes to hold a lie, who's given away those little slips himself all the same. The fortunate thing is that he's also a man of incredible self-doubt, aware that he jumps at shadows, sometimes. Or all of the time.

He's not convinced. Not even remotely -- and he's making a point of not completely hiding his suspicion, just to see if he can try to rattle him enough. But he does find Byerly disarming, still, does keep finding himself wavering with how genuine he seems. ]

If I was useless, I'd make myself useful. [ A truth. Wash is by all accounts among his peers, mediocre. He is what he is through training, dedication, relentless, regimented discipline. ] But I'm sure that kind of life suits you -- everything's easier, when no one pays too much attention.