When she is moved her head bobs as though in agreement, but she'd like to differ. An accomplice acquired by happenstance is still an accomplice. Cautioned as his judgement was he let the girl subscribe to his cause and hence recognized utility. In working toward a common goal their existences are intertwined.

"You already have."

It is his officers, she thinks, that must reconcile with the actuality of his decision. On the other hand, her enrollment in the fold is a flimsy vindication for doing what he did not hire her to do. There are still rules particular to an individual, but does she breach them? He humors her so-called misbehavior only to correct it piecemeal, which incrementally deepens her confusion.

Pensive she watches her collar rise under his thumb with her delayed, inaudible breathing. "No, you wouldn't, because you're complicated." The pilot's courtesy elicits a knowing if a touch contrite smile from the girl. "A bullet from a gun would say it all."

She takes his hand in hers and hooks her fingers in his glove and removes it without breaking eye contact or so much a blink. She settles his naked palm upon a triangle of skin where her collar had come unzipped, holds it, then guides his hand back of her own accord.

"You don't want to touch me, but hesitate and do. Have I forced your hand...?"