"Ah, yes — my apologies. Emet-Selch, sir." Howl answers merrily, not the slightest put off by his grouchy, flat response. More like Eminent Sulk, right?? No, that would be pushing it — especially when he's here to ask his input on something. "The cruise has been good, then, I take it?"

Now that he has the man's attention, he stands up straight, hands on his hips. "I've just heard the most bizarre rumors through the grapevine, and I was curious about your take on it all. Have you heard about all this business with the Shards?"