[With Cree's subtle display of tension noted, Takasugi drinks. A toast to finding a sore spot in a man as fleeting as shadow. Caring for your men in the way that leaves you hoping for their longevity can be crippling.

So can underestimating 'simple refugees'.

But the man speaks to his understanding of that, so Takasugi takes no issue.

Not when the assumption that he's on the same path as the other evacuees leaves the liquor tasting acrid on his tongue.] I don't remember casting my lot in with them. [A blaze correction, his irritation only betrayed by a flick of his thumb across the brim of his glass.]

I'd rather have my chance at revenge too. [A man who sharpens the fangs of angry men, all in the name of moving forward, is a man Takasugi understands. A man he can work with.] Think you can give me that opportunity? [Of course, not directly, Cree's domain far smaller than the scope of space and an all-consuming storm floating through it.

But Takasugi isn't unfamiliar with starting from rock bottom.]