He values her bluntness. Even in times when the question, and the succeeding answer, are difficult to acknowledge; perhaps even especially then, as his instinct is to divert and she keeps him from doing so — though he will not always concede that point. "To be quite honest, I'm not sure."

He nods to an empty seat, and interlocks his fingers in thought. It is another moment before he continues.

"Starfleet Command has seen fit to send representatives to the Enterprise. I have been asked to send the ship to rendezvous with them at Starbase 4077."