[ too convenient indeed, but an accident shouldn't be ruled out earlier. maybe the enma -- at least the ones in six's position for the time being -- are just as in the dark as the rest of them. ]

The wrong place at the wrong time. But the underground is the kappa's home, isn't it, little one?

[ the kappa is by no means little, at least in their species' standards, but they nod nonetheless. their drink has been drained, delicious as it is, and they just look down, not sure what to do from here on out.

shylock looks at them and sighs, then turns to six. ]

I'll take your word that no harm will come to them should you take them away from questioning. My kind may not have a rigid moral compass, but we do have standards. [ he did decide on taking the kappa in by sheer whimsiness, after all. he's unpredictable that way. ] If the Department decides to punish them all regardless... well. You'll have to hear from me.

[ he smiles. ]

Do we have a deal?