Government officials are far easier to charm than I am.

[ and a laugh. ] You will eventually. I might put in a good word for you. You'd like her if you like me. Do you mind if I prefer calling you August at least in private. And you're a master at the humor, aren't you. Dark world.

[ oh she might be noticing. just a bit. ] The powers that be are rather possessive of people with your skills. Do you want me to guess your powers that be that might keep you on a medium leash?