He didn't respond to the teasing question. She'd already demonstrated other skills: tactical thinking regarding the communication codes, a level of subterfuge in getting him supplies (assuming, again, this wasn't all a setup, but it was a pretty well-founded assumption), and even her dejarik playing spoke of applicable talent.

To the real question: "Yes." Dare he say we welcome defectors just yet? That would really shout 'Rebels'.

Possibly to deflect a little—more possibly not—his thumb moved slightly on her skin. And he said a little more quietly, "And I'd vouch for you."