[ There's a lot that Claude could say to all of those questions -- while he keeps the truth of his own religion a secret, he's more than open about its philosophies. And his religion is more a philosophy than an organized religion anyhow; everyone in Almyra seems to adhere to it in some way, but it's less baked into their governance than a theocracy like Fodlan. It had taken an awful lot of getting used to when he'd first arrived, frustrated at how everything was dictated not through logic, reason, facts, but by an adherence to the Goddess' teachings.

But then he's distracted by Jim's question. He wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't think Jim had already known. Say what you will about that - he's aware that some would have harsher words with him for wanting to keep something like that close to his chest - but Claude doesn't really think it's anyone's business. It didn't stick. It survived. So at the end of the day, it doesn't matter too much.

He lifts the glass to his lips, thinking about the most delicate way of putting it. ]

Ah. Dreary subject matter for an evening in, [ he says, smile tight-lipped. ] I thought you knew. The fellow who got me was clearly working strategically with others.

[ But then, Jim and Spock hadn't killed anyone. So perhaps they were on their own team. ]

Technically, I died. But I popped right back a few days later, so I hardly think that counts.