[Of all the things this stranger could've said, at least it's something that gives James a bit of context, or at least lets him assume some. It also shakes him out of his momentary lapse in composure, and he blinks once before drawing himself a little more upright.]
I am, yes.
[His voice is fainter than he'd like it to be, but he'd rather sound a little worse and better hide his shortness of breath than the other way around. And he remembers his manners, belatedly, and steps aside to allow Freddie in; he doesn't seem dangerous and it's cold outside, so it's only polite to at least not make him stand in the doorway.]
Did one of the lieutenants send you here?
[They're some of the few of know where he lives--it's not out of secrecy, just a relatively recent change--and likely the only ones who would've referred to him as 'captain', so it seems a reasonable guess. It might also explain the uncertainty, perhaps.]
no subject
I am, yes.
[His voice is fainter than he'd like it to be, but he'd rather sound a little worse and better hide his shortness of breath than the other way around. And he remembers his manners, belatedly, and steps aside to allow Freddie in; he doesn't seem dangerous and it's cold outside, so it's only polite to at least not make him stand in the doorway.]
Did one of the lieutenants send you here?
[They're some of the few of know where he lives--it's not out of secrecy, just a relatively recent change--and likely the only ones who would've referred to him as 'captain', so it seems a reasonable guess. It might also explain the uncertainty, perhaps.]