Well, as I am his only engineer in Vatheon, I have administrative access to him. He generally must tell me any and all information I request of him, particularly regarding himself so that I can properly deal with him as my duties require me to.

[It's easy to look nervous and subservient; the former is genuine even if he isn't used to being so open with his emotions and the latter is an act he has perfected after sweeps of it.]

But recently, he refused to respond towards some of my inquiries and was acting quite unusual. The only person I knew of whose authority surpasses mine was you...

[Was. Past tense.]