"That's right, missy, don't let me hear you cracking any non-business related jokes," I say, because, okay, expecting there to be no jokes is a bit much. I'd be a hypocrite, anyway, I'm big on the humor as defense mechanism and combat strategy.

Although hopefully no combat strategies are going to be needed, this time.

"And there's our creepy caves to the creepy transport to the creepy city. So, I am an innocent science-girl and you are my bodyguard detective, yeah? For ITF purposes."