[ Lying convincingly is very easy; telling the truth when it matters is far more difficult. She hasn't been trying to hide, and if he is providing a convenient bridge for her she may as well walk over it.

Dead weight in her stomach or no. ]

There is another matter of some importance to me. [ The formula of talking to a Superior Officer serves her well, especially since she really, really does not want to do this. But she needs to do this. ] It relates to why I survived the shipwreck, and where I've been the past few weeks.