Years of social training and business instinct override shock, and later he will be thankful for it.

"Mr. Rosse." Gabriel smiles cordially at the screen, still half-shielding Regan as he draws her closer to his side.

"Xièxie nĭ. We're certainly pleased to be able to serve the Alliance as best we can, although of course there are still those who might disagree, of course."

It's not unlike walking a tightrope, although this one's deadlier than most, he's sickeningly certain.