It's the first time Eames has been surprised all conversation, though it isn't the profession itself. What catches him off-guard is the honesty, and that, he supposes, is mostly because he deals in so little of it himself. It's enough to make him wonder if he ought to be upfront, too, which in turn leads him to question whether or not that would count as villainy. There's no holding of one's past against them here, but he is enjoying this, and would hate to spoil it over something as silly as a profession. Besides, it could be more fun this way, pressing her for questions and leading her along. There's no gain to be had, but it's the most like himself he's felt in a good long while, almost like he's studying someone for a job.

"Well then," he says, eyebrows arching, nothing but impressed. He, too, is barely paying any attention to the cards, but it's something he can afford; the movements of the game are second-nature, and it's not as if there's any real loss to be had. At least it isn't the first time he's heard about space travel. "That sounds like it must have been a hell of a job."