[ New recruits, even from differing factions, get assigned to work together, it seems! Or maybe they don't, and this is just a wild coincidence or someone on their side has a sense of humor and assigned them together to make them miserable. Or at least make Astarion miserable. ]

Regulation did not stipulate otherwise.

[ Xenk meanwhile is happy to take on a quest. Idleness doesn't suit him, and while he doesn't have extensive knowledge of the seafaring life, he takes to it like a fish to water. He's really just good at everything, sorry Astarion.

He hands Astarion a bucket. See, he's accommodating! ]

The secretions from the slugs will help save many lives. Any viscosity that may cling to our hands will be worth the benefit they will provide others.