[Lahabrea can hardly complain about someone else hiding their changes given what he himself tended to wear in public. If Jiang Cheng found this whole affair as utterly shameful as Lahabrea did, they would be of one mind about the matter, even if for different species. But there wasn't much to be done about it, and he certainly wasn't going to mock anyone else's forced change.

What it meant for the devices carried, on the other hand, was another matter.]

Is that so? I know not how they would handle considerable depths, but it should be simple enough to be certain water cannot get into the inner workings.

[Though it isn't ... yet.. volunteering that extra work; Lahabrea's dislike of pretty much everyone reigned supreme, but the calm politeness he's dealing with so far was a pretty solid contender for at least being unobtrusive.]

The base changes I intend should take a little under an hour. I have no objections to your remaining, but keep in mind it is delicate work and disruption may cause ... accidents.

[Something in his tone suggests he really doesn't think Jiang Cheng is suddenly going to jump up on the table and begin dancing or anything, but a blanket warning that needs to be handed out thanks to other, less savory types.

A hand is held out, palm up.]

Your device.