Isamu just sighed. That really was the root of it, wasn’t it. What made it so personal (and perhaps also so offensive) on both sides.

“… yes.”

But while Isamu honestly wished to make amends, he also wanted answers. Or at least to follow the thought exercise to a logical and satisfying conclusion. If the hypothetical experiment wouldn’t work, why wouldn’t it work? Why wouldn’t it be visible on an Anthean brain scan? Is the device they used not sensitive enough? Is it measuring the wrong thing? It was like an itch he needed to scratch. And maybe that was why Ziggy kept saying he was acting like an addict…

“Oh! I beg your pardon…” the outstretched hand pulled him back from his thoughts. “Isamu. Isamu Uchiwa. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”