Thorne rolls his eyes. "There was a time when people thought NSA was a conspiracy. Would you lump the people who thought NSA was real, in with the people who think the president is a reptilian?" He taps his foot on the ground as he gives Shiroihako a moment to think on that parallel.

"... but you're right. I do have something to hide from the Reapers. But there's a flipside to that, one you are forgetting: I have a reason to be worried about you, and the Reapers." He taps his chest for emphasis.

"Hence, I propose you a new deal: help me figure out who this merchant is, and what the local Reapers are doing. You can tell your old clients you're still working on my daughter's case, that's as good cover as any. In exchange, I'll promise to talk with my daughter and supply you with information, and if possible, equipment you are missing. "