The Heartwood cut to the chase

So in order to get the aid she needed, this vital thing that would keep her going towards the completion of her mission, she had to join a pack of foreigners? The girl scoffed at the very idea. But... If it was the only way, then, what choice did she really have? Basilie was already plotting a way to get out of this arrangement.

She could linger long enough for her shoulder to repair itself, even just a little, and then run. Wait for the confirmation that she wasn't infected with anything, and then abandon ship. It would only be temporary, no matter what this blathering fool said; nobody could stop her from doing as she pleased.

So, play nice.

Alright. The girl breathed the words, her head drooping slightly from feigned exhaustion - well, she was tired, but this little bit was an act. Show the good old doctor that he's won, that his terms are agreed to, and you'll get all fixed up in no time at all. Which way is this caldera of yours?

Basilie knew how to bide her time - she'd been doing it all her life.