...I like you, Shale, I really do. Think you've got a good head on your shoulders, and I trust that about you a lot. For a lot of reasons. Hope maybe you'd trust that about me, too.

[ he reaches up and absently knocks a hand against his own chest, against his armor over his heart. their shared story, even if it's distant, is important. it's something vax has come to rely on over and over, here. ]

...You're willing to listen, like your friend said. Yeah? If nothing else.