Someone's more than a little competitive, more than a lot protective of their friends, and less than totally sober. Prime Great Ideas time. Fuck with the empath mage, Jim. What's the worst that could happen here?

"An awful lot of the art depends on who exactly you're trying to gain influence for, doesn't it? In my case, I'm often putting the Federation and especially Starfleet's best interests in mind when I'm working."

Though the mischievous glance he shoots her over his glass hints that that may not be the only interest he is capable of serving.

"And who do you pull the strings of society for I wonder?"