[Saluting is really more of a planetary militia custom than a spacer one, but Ari recognises it for what it is, and, very much the diplomat, does her best to return the gesture in the exact same fashion. She does note that he doesn't wish her peace, and that's curious. It seems hostile, but in a peculiarly honest way. It's a reminder to her not to trust people here, to be very cautious about what she hears.

She's not terribly worried on that account. Ari still has her gun clipped to her belt, mostly concealed by her long wool coat. That's another argument against this being some sort of imprisonment, because surely anyone would have the good sense not to let their captives wander freely, and armed.]

Forgive me - what's the proper way to address you? [Not my lord, because he isn't her lord, but Ari hasn't often had to deal with titled people. It seems better to ask than to guess.]

I don't believe in souls, either. Is the captain part of some cult? I hardly see that bringing us here will take him to the pinnacle of his career. [It doesn't occur to her that 'apotheosis' is possibly being used in a more literal sense, rational atheist that she is.] I have to leave. I have a duty to my ship. To my own captain. Have you met with the captain here? [Ari has been told that isn't possible, but maybe this captain has more time for lords than for young lieutenants.]