This was different from how James remembered the man. Other than him being older now, obviously not a gangly teenager just having lost his parents, he was cockier. Arrogant, even. It triggered an urge in him to show deference, as was his proper place, but he shoved it deep down and merely followed along as if he had all the right in the world.

"I'm sure you've been told before that it's not for you to question these inspections. They're no inconvenience, surely, unless you have something to hide?"

Steve might be surprised at how easily the taciturn and emotionless James of the last few days had shifted into this new persona. Inflections, body language, tone, everything that perfectly portrayed a man in charge, doing his job.

"You'll remember, I'm sure, how unpleasant those sort of questions can be if they need to be asked."