[Deckerd tumbles away like a discarded toy, fetching up hard against the far wall with a bang. Even as he bites back a pained noise, Deckerd finally allows himself to smile for the first time since coming aboard the ship, humorless as it is. This may not have gone precisely the way he'd expected so far, but close enough]

Maybe it is. Maybe it always was.

[Deckerd braces himself on one arm and turns that smile up at Antlers]

I came here in the first place because words can lie and deceive and twist the truth. Written or spoken. I needed to see your face when I spoke to you. Because that right there? [A short laugh, as Deckerd pushes himself back to his feet] I believe you. You didn't do it.