It was a solid bit of logic, really, and Scotty himself would probably have used the same if he was in the same situation. The fact that he understood, though, didn't help keep him from laughing aloud. It was a light, quick, and none-to-soft chuckle, and he managed to reign it in quickly with a shake of his head and a broad grin.

"Lad, ya cannae git half a job on Risa," Scotty clarified, his grin wide. "An' in this peculiar instance, I cannae think tha' Captain would dispute yer' basic."

Scotty dropped his arms to his sides and pushed away from the wall, standing straight upright. He really wasn't much taller than the lad--must've been all his mother's family in him.

"Anyroad, I couldnae' live wit myself if I let ya' scarper off," Scotty added, "Probably in both figurative an' literal, if any of the mates round' here are example."