Marvelous is straining against his bonds, reacting to the conversation, or maybe to the scent of Sally's death on Basco, now that he knows enough to identify the smell. Basco smiles, approaching both his pets, and reaches up to caress Marvelous's jaw with one hand. Marvelous pulls his head as far away as he can manage from the touch, but the chains bind him, and at the end of his reach, Basco's hand catches up with him.

Holding Marvelous in place with the strong grip of his thumb and forefinger, Basco looks down to meet Joe's eye, taking in the extended hand with no small amount of befuddlement. His expression is a humorous one, if you ignore the dead coldness of his gaze.

"You're not a fool, Joe-chan," Basco says coolly. "Don't be so obvious." He turns his attention back to Marvelous, leaning in close to nibble at the once-captain's neck, with the delicacy of a lover's kiss. "She didn't serve a purpose any longer."