Yes. [His voice is quiet and careful.] Glory to the Empire and Her Imperious Condescension.

[The crackle of psionics is ignored. The fact that Signless or any of the other hivemates the Helmsman live with is ignored. None of that matters. Darkleer stays focused on the troll in front of him.]

Have there been any recent changes in your routine, Helmsman?

[Gently, he runs his hand across his cheek, cradling his head.]