At their feet, Ci grumbles. Cullen places a hand on her neck.

"I don't know what you mean, Cassandra." Calmer. "I can't read your mind. Nor can I reliably anticipate your every move. Please say what you mean to say."

If she's got a weakness, Cullen thinks -- and it's a big if -- it's this: thinking too fast, assuming everyone follows the line of it, and then not providing enough detail for everyone else to follow through. Which then results in Cassandra snapping, when whoever she's speaking to doesn't respond the way she anticipates.

Hence, Cullen knows, his presence. It's a good trait for an investigator and an enforcer. It's a terrible trait in a military commander.