( he'd considered digging up that frock coat, dressing carefully, but had ultimately rejected the thought. it'd likely be obvious anyway, and he'd be surprised if rufus barma of all people, already a not-so-new arrival, hadn't yet seen his face over the network, stretching back for months. there can be value to such short-lived deceptions, but he hadn't seen the point of this one. besides, it puts him at an informational advantage, and he's sure they both realize it. )

Well! That's true of everyone, I suppose. ( he finally has a sip of the tea himself, though certainly not pointedly. ) Quite some time. I'd welcome you properly, but I'm sure the greeters did that already.