[The redirect works, in how it’s only a small distraction that branches away from the main concern, something that Markus might give the impression of having forgotten by means of his reply, sincere and considering.

But it’s misleading. He hasn’t forgotten. All a matter of easing back into it, an opportunity kept in his back pocket.]

That’s nice of you to say, though most of the credit goes to my base programming instead of anything out of actual experience.

[Android-turned-human muscle memory granting precise and completeness of movement. Basic combat knowledge, handling of firearms. “Experience” given, not exactly earned.]

How’d you feel about taking lead?

[How did he feel about the operation as a whole, especially the part where success was still marked by it crumbling all around them? There was never a chance to ask after the fact.]