[ At this point, there's been a pause in overt violence long enough for some of this guy's exhaustion to sink in. Matt also has to admit to himself that technically, the dude's correct: this isn't extrajudicial kidnapping. The Regent told them to do it, and the Regent appears to set the laws of the land, so it's actually just ... normal-judicial kidnapping.

He's not sure if his new companion-slash-enemy is being sincere with what he says--if he really doesn't like cops. He could be dangling some form of conversational bait. But Matt doesn't think that's this person's vibe, exactly; a shove is nothing if not direct. Either way, he can't suppress a glimmer of optimism. ]

Right, [ he agrees cautiously. ] I'd say my skills would be better served on ... almost anything else. But maybe it'd be easier to do as a team.

I mean, I can't get any worse than I am now.

[ He's fully expecting to be turned down, but at least he's trying. ]