Belasý favored Anton with a mildly approving glance.  She'd indicated the problems, yes, but also proposed a solution.  It was important to know what might pose a problem, so one could make contingency plans.  It was to be expected that Command would overlook things.  They always did.

Maria was more abraisive about her concerns, but the woman seemed best suited to spy work, and Bel could tell she didn't take well to idiots.  [i]Good for her.[/i]  And then John asked if anyone spoke Russian.  Her expression tightened, but she tilted her head ever-so-slightly when Izkry looked her way.

"Belasý speaks Russian.  Well, I say 'speaks'...this might perhaps be generous, yes?"  He flashed a brief smile at the joke.  "But she knew enough to keep up with most conversations, when we were younger.  I imagine it's a little rusty, but give her a bit and she'll pick it back up.  She is a fast study -- Frauline Maria, if you teach her the cutlery and such I think she would be fine.  I am...less quick to learn such things.

"I might be able to pass as serving staff, if I must.  But I might do better as one of the valets -- I drive well, and then I could keep an eye on those coming and going, though it would be up to the rest to watch other ways in.  The biggest issue for me is my accent and my manners."  Izkry ran a hand through his hair sheepishly.  "My accent is decidedly Germanic, and I would never pass for upper class without a lot of work."