[He lets the words settle into the silence, sinking deep, adding nothing more. He hopes it resonates in its own way, even as he gratefully takes the offered hand, hefting himself up with Jason's aid.]

I'm not one to disagree. [He shifts the strap of the bag to settle balanced across a shoulder.] When there's change to be had, for the betterment of those around us, compliance is just another four-letter word.