[ The question throws Eli for a loop, and he looks away from his ship accessing to spare Sola a glance, or a long look. Look, she's a good looking lady, and the frosty reception doesn't mean he still doesn't appreciate beauty when he sees it in front of him. At least Eli has the same to actually focus on the conversation at hand instead of getting sidetracked by attraction. ]

They didn't tell you? One of the guys on your ship knows a friend of mine... intimately.

[ Unlike some people he knows. He even does a little eyebrow raise on that last word, smirking slightly as he turns back to make sure his judgement of the ship is correct and he's not having them pay for materials only for it to call come out in the wash. ]

That friend happens to be my landlord, and after volunteering my services without asking me, did at least agree to reduce my rent for as long as it took to make up for the work I'm not being paid for.

[ Another look back at Sola. ]

I'm a nice guy, but I don't usually do my job for free.