"A lot of help you've been," Ishiah joked, after a moment's pause, before allowing himself to close his eyes. Though he was weary, in some ways, Trixa had still provided exactly what he needed. Directions too clear, too strict, he would have followed to the letter; on the other hand, being told that he wouldn't be able to predict every step along the way left him no excuse. He needed to be able to adapt on his own, better learn Caliban's idiosyncrasies.

He rubbed his fingers against his forehead, working out the wrinkles there.

"My hair is likely going to start going gray any moment now," he said lightly. "Perhaps that'll give me a more authoritarian air."