[ He cannot fault Stanford for the caution, but there is another thoughtful delay before Ozpin responds. He has no interest in explaining the timeline discrepancies, fascinating though he's sure Stanford would find them. ]
Our relationship back on Remnant is rather nuanced. You will recall that we are in the midst of a war, and the other side seeks to divide our forces. Very successfully, as of late.
[ It is, once again, not reassuring to hear that - but Ford knows what it's like to have to work alongside someone you don't trust, particularly someone that may have been trusted in the past. The war is, of course, and added complication that Ford will be the first to admit he doesn't have all the context for - but the context he does have tells him plenty. ]
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Our relationship back on Remnant is rather nuanced. You will recall that we are in the midst of a war, and the other side seeks to divide our forces. Very successfully, as of late.
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Understood. I'll be careful.
And avoid inviting him to anything unnecessarily.
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On the contrary, I would like to foster a stronger relationship here than could have been possible back on Remnant.
I don't want to see those same divisions play out again.
Simply know that it is best to tread carefully around discussion of the situation at home.
[ A beat, and then: ]
Thank you for understanding, Stanford.