"Leaving the ball in your court is hardly a 'game', Daniel," he says with a snort. "And I gave you the floor if you wanted to discuss anything that was in there. You even said, in the letter, that it wasn't everything you wanted to say. It's not playing a game? To give you the space to speak your piece and listen to what you say. and what you don't say." A small snort. "I'm being honest. I'm not giving up every practical technique I know."

But he winces at the name. Because Jacobi is not the only one mourning her loss. Not. hardly.

"I'm not surprised," he says after a moment, "but... tell me about Hange. You. and Hange. Or you and me and Hange. Whatever's... relevant."