[ Looking mildly dejected, Alphinaud settles back down in his seat.

Perhaps it's that he's a lot more comfortable giving direction than he is sitting about and not making himself useful, but he quickly recovers with Clint's question and the comments that follow. ]

I'm afraid we've already had quite a lengthy conversation, one that granted me more than one full glass of water, in fact. This is my third.

[ He gestures to his glass. ]

I'd much prefer to avoid a repeat of that. But I agree — I can't help but wonder if Thomas is purposely limited in his responses.