I dunno. [ the cold and calculating objectivism, the clinical conclusions — this is a researcher, he thinks. ] Underestimating a living thing’s ability to screw you is gonna get you killed, you know. Everything evolves.

[ the guy is respectful enough that he can’t will himself to be mad — even if he’s playing cool it for the meantime.

but then his tail pieces through the robot’s steel shell — and sha-ming’s eyes stray seemingly boredly. he can’t look. ]

At least you play nice with your victims. [ a snort. ] You would’ve gotten more out of that thing if you kept it alive.

[ he says, having suggested he break it to start with. ]

You new here, Mister?