[ That slight twitch of his mouth does give Wash a touch more assurance. But only so much. Byerly, too his mind, is clever enough to turn on a dime. It just depends on what his motivations really are -- which for now, at least, seem to genuinely be Sonia. To Emperor, to Country? There's value on that knowledge, maybe, but people can twist loyalty in all sorts of ways. ]

Maybe you should've thought about the price before making the deal.

You asked me here, Vorrutyer, and mind that we're supposed to be working together on this. You know what I can do. [ Well, for the most part at least. He tips his head back against the tree he's leaning against, watching him carefully. ] What do you think you'll need, from me?