[ It's been since Taravast that Marcos felt particularly useful to the group, so as soon as he hears about a diplomatic mission, he offers to go along without a lot of questions. He understands, in principle, what they're here to do, and he's made deals with less savory people before. There's a chance he can learn something while he's deescalating the situation, and if worse comes to worse, he doesn't need a weapon to protect himself.

So it's luck that he's the one picked out of the group to talk to the first mate. He barely scans the room he's brought to before taking the seat across from him. The man is making this all seem pretty formal, and so Marcos adjusts his posture and nods. ]

We appreciate your hospitality. [ No trace of sarcasm. How they've been treated upon boarding is really no different from what he's used to. ] The captain wishes to avoid further conflict. The gifts we bring are a promise of good faith.