"Life-changing."

"Would you share it, someday?"

"Are you asking me to evangelize at you?"

"I think it'd be interesting to hear."

"Well, if you're sure..."

"I am."

Then he will begin talking about matters of faith.

She listens with apparent fascination. 

Always nice to have an appreciative audience.

(And maybe the distraction will lower her guard...)

(Not as far as he can tell, at least.)

Well, he'll keep the conversation going until River and the captain make their decision one way or the other.

The decision seems to involve River coming into the room first, staring at their would-be passenger. 

She stares right back. 

"Hello, River. This is Miss Lily Serra, Lily, this is River."

"Hello."

Squint. "Hi." Then, suddenly: "I think you're okay."

"High praise."

"Is that so?"

"Oh yes. It could be much worse."

"I can get really vicious."

"Then I'm thankful to have been spared that."

"And that means we'll be happy to offer you passage."

"Something I'm even more grateful for."

"Let me show you to your cabin."

"Lead the way."