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[ctrl_z]

"This is Ekko. Get back to you when I can."

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[ctrl_z]

A lightly amused sound at the first part, and at Gliss, he reaches up to pet her. If accepted, of course.

He makes a face at the words that follow.

"Not exactly the kind of distraction I was hoping for."

Ugh. He really needs to get used to this sort of bs, huh...

He looks at the cat for a few moments, considering, before he says:

"Firelights."

[major_rawne]

It was fun. I bet we could do it without being hopped up on all that energy, too.

[deuceoftears]

"Play the game. It's good for her and it's good for you," Jedao tells him as Gliss rings softly in pleased acknowledgement, then settles in with her cool titanium paws draping down to make gentle biscuits on Ekko's shoulder, while she makes a low singing-bowl like hum that seems to be her version of purring.

"If you can get to level 30 I'll give you a gold star."

[ctrl_z]

The reactions from Gliss manage to earn a little smile. He looks to Jedao with raised eyes, then gives a baffled little noise of amusement.

"You do realize there's nothing like this from my world and I only just started getting used to it, right?"

Nevertheless, he leans forward to get into position.

"I don't suppose you'd let me look at the guts sometimes?"

He's a nerd, so getting to figure out how things work is much more exciting than any game.

[deuceoftears]

"There's no time limit on the prize. And also there are 255 levels."

So, there's that. The plinky music comes on: absolutely classic arcade Tetris.

"Have you opened up your communicator yet?"

[ctrl_z]

I know I stand no chance against you on flat ground, but have you ever gone freerunning in a city?

[major_rawne]

Not at all. I barely know what freerunning even is.

[That's the one where you climb up buildings, right?]

[ctrl_z]

"Guess I got time, then."

Talking while playing is going to be even more challenging, but he'll give it a shot.

The question gets a snort.

"Yeah, and it's about as sensical as the stuff in here."

Ekko hadn't known whether to be disappointed or amused.

"The game machine like that, too?"

Private Text

[anashthetic]

[At the exact same time as they're sending Jinx a very similar text:]

So. What's the deal with you and Jinx?

[deuceoftears]

"This whole room is. We're not supposed to make the mechanics of the barge work. We're just here to give her...effort, attention, interaction. Care. The details don't matter, but treating it like it matters, matters."

Or at least, that's Jedao's best theory after three years working here.

[ctrl_z]

[???]

what do you mean?

[anashthetic]

Well, you see, I've got eyes and have seen you two interact more than once?

[ctrl_z]

[smdkghss]

i mean
i don't know

[anashthetic]

[Not even trying to deflect? Gosh, this kid...]

Then let's start with something a little simpler.

She called herself your murderer, once. Is that true?

[ctrl_z]

[He is not remotely used to being in this sort of a position, and it shows.]

yeah.
to be fair to her, we were both going in to the fight with the intent to end things

why are you asking?

[ctrl_z]

Well, then how about we call a raincheck on the race proper and I give you a little firsthand demonstration in the Enclosure?

[ctrl_z]

"Hmmm," Ekko responds, focusing on the game for a moment.

He loses on the first level, makes a face, then starts again.

"I'm definitely more a mechanics guy. Won't say it isn't cool, though. The whole "living ship" thing."

[anashthetic]

You two don't have the relationship I'd expect to spring out of that situation.

[Did Ash actually say 'I almost murdered my girlfriend before we started dating' in that original conversation? Yes, but it's different, okay.]

[major_rawne]

Sure. How dangerous is it?

[ctrl_z]

it wasn't always that way.
we were childhood friends.
but stuff happened. and people change

[anashthetic]

Very specific of you!

[deuceoftears]

"The precision helps," Jedao promises. "And...yeah. I think she's cool too." His voice gets a little warm and soft as he says it; Jedao isn't just proud of his work or intrigued at the concept. He cares about the barge like she's a person he loves.

"Did you build stuff before?"

[ctrl_z]

He'll take Jedao's word for it. There's a brief glance at him at the tone.

"A few things. I'd show you my mace, but I don't have it with me. My hoverboard, too."

He sounds a touch sad when he says it - they're not just his inventions, but parts of him. Even if he can, very begrudgingly, understand why he couldn't have the former back.

[deuceoftears]

"What, like - a morningstar?"

The only mace he knows is Zerxus's.

[ctrl_z]

i'm not here to just serve our story on a silver platter to anyone who asks.