[It's more of a slap in the face than she could even know. Than, irony of ironies, maybe anyone but Gaius -- not the Barge one but the one who knows him -- would know. He stiffens as though she actually did try to hit him, but luckily it's too easy to be angry and disgusted and that means he doesn't have to be hurt.]

And I suppose you stepped neatly in and took the bridge while we were all distracted. Or did you serve out your time and join back up with the Alliance?