At this point, Tzirret wished that he could hug Ma'tanza in return, but the shackles made that virtually impossible without pulling the stranger beside him. For now, he just leaned his head on Ma'tanza's arm. [i]"Maybe we could talk quietly for a while. That would help distract this one, he thinks."[/i] Tzirret suggested. Though, when Tzirret lifted his head again, he saw Bheja and gave a look of surprise. It did not take longer than a moment to realise that Ma'tanza's hug had drawn him towards them. [i]"Oh, sorry Bheja,"[/i] Tzirret looked to Ma'tanza again and spoke awkwardly, [i]"You should...probably let Tzirret go now."[/i]

Once they had reached a point of comparable comfort, Tzirret initiated the conversation, keeping it quiet. [i]"You were speaking of M'ibasa, yes? I do not doubt that he will be okay. This clan is kind, and M'ibasa will find someone he knows."[/i]

Idle talk between the three was joined by others in the hold talking as well, but no one dared speak louder than a murmur. Whenever there was the sound of feet from above, those talking would all fall silent and look up. There was a case for keeping sanity through conversation, but no one would risk attracting the attention of the crew. Soon enough, Tzirret became acclimatised to the cramped position he sat in and he did not suffer another panic attack. The worst thing, really, was the unsolvable urge to stretch out his bent legs and back.

[hr]
"Right," Gallus unfolded his arms and pushed off the door frame. "Colours, do you have something to do? I could give you an area to keep watch if you like. Or perhaps you could accompany the officers and keep an eye on them?"