"Seems to be the only thing that is making me have to learn to swim, so I can't argue otherwise."

"I mean. Not knowing how to swim in a world that is mostly water is a good way to end up dead."

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I was meant to drown and you all are delaying the inevitable." 

"Delaying the inevitable is something we're very good at."

"Such a ragtag group of people, that could only be your purpose."

"Death is always inevitable. All you can do is delay it as long as you can."

"Gosh, you're being fatalistic today."

"I take it being fatalistic isn't a usual Circe trait then."

"No. It is. Just normally only about her own life."

"Oh, go fuck yourself. Tell me I'm wrong."

Anders loses his stroke and flounders for a minute, standing to correct himself.

"That was lap four by the way. Congratulations on failing to count."

"I...was actually enjoying it. It's quite nice."

"Do feel free to keep going by all means. Don't let me stop you."

“It’s relaxing. I get why people do it so often now.”

Circe smirks. "Glad you learned that."

“You’ll be less glad once I get a taste for the open ocean,” Anders jokes. 

"Ah. But taste for the open ocean is a boon when that's where you make your living."

“Ah, true. Though I’m hoping to remain not shark bait.” Anders goes back to floating, feeling a little more at ease, despite everything. 

"Deke's taking care of loading those supplies, by the way," Mischa says conversationally. "Riita's partners said they'd lend a hand."

"And Deke's letting them near the Shard? Have pigs started to fly?"

Anders turns himself so he can watch the conversation.

"No, but Deke also recognises when help is useful."

"Just because we don't want strangers on the Shard doesn't mean we can't recognise that."

Mischa looks pointedly at Anders.