"If there is one person among you Vandals who looks brighter than the rest, it's you." Calabast suddenly gestured to Ves while holding a bubbling cocktail. "Mr. Larkinson. Ves. I've met several mech designers, and I do say you're a cut above the others."
"Thank you, Miss Calabast." Ves replied stoically. "I do wonder why I've caught your attention. I'm just a mech designer, you know."
Calabast smirked at him. "Don't put yourself down. Compared to those spineless nerds who will never amount to anything in their lives, you've got the air of a leader. I see that your current posting as temporary head designer has done you good."
"An outsider like you shouldn't know stuff like that." Ves replied with sharp eyes.
"You Vandals are lousy at keeping secrets, especially when you are all running around the Harkensen System. It's like you are telling Vesians like me to watch you all. Well, we're here now. If you have something to say to us, speak your words."
