Herzsprung's end of the table was still empty, as the admiral remained near her desk further back in the room. Studying her current company intently after Nina looked daggers at Traudel. Who in turn appeared confused for a fraction of a second before understanding. She could not say anything except a few words and glare at Nina in an artificial attempt to appear hostile. "Typical Corsair hogwash, pay some res-..." Herzsprung proceeded to talk, shutting Traudel up in an instant. "Nothing to talk about? I beg to differ. Unless you are dead certain of that, in which case this dinner's outcome will inevitably add another exhibit to my collection." Pausing once to take in even the slightest change in expression. Traudel's eyes darted over to one of the bones on display and slowly back again, her lips pressed to a thin line. "One of us here clearly would not be in favor of this. Perhaps even two..." The old woman picked something up from her desk, then walked over. One gloved hand rests on top of the chairback, other one carrying a simple hand held device with a screen. Lines of text visible on it.
"Make no mistake, ... dear guest. She isn't here for my safety. I had plenty Corsairs for dinner already." The way it was worded, the way she said it and the way she looked at Nina made it abundantly clear - it was more than mere wordplay. Without taking her piercing gaze away, Herzsprung's free hand pointed at the already pre-sliced roast.
