[ Vangeance, meanwhile, hasn’t touched his tea yet, hands resting on his knees as he listens. Even in a casual setting like this his posture is proper — back straight, head up, a little aristocratic and formal in a way that’s deeply engrained — and it’s only the slight shifts of his hands that gives an indication of what he’s thinking. Specifically, his fingers curl loosely into his palms as Natori speaks about the specific bond he shares with his shiki, the very bond that’s banned it entry from the island. ]

I see. [ そうか。 He’d been looking at Natori’s face, a small part of him distracted by the shifting lizard, but a much greater part of him simply was focused on the conversation; he dips his gaze in thought after that placid response. ] A ‘complete consciousness.’

[ His fingers snag into the fabric of his pants, just for a moment, before he loosens his grip; it leaves little wrinkles in the white fabric. The mask hides the way his brow furrows, but the thin purse of his lips makes it obvious he’s mulling over the matter; he’s quiet for a moment longer before finally responding. ]

... I may owe you an apology. In truth, the obstacle I’m facing isn’t the barrier, but something slightly different. I cannot guarantee my assessment is entirely accurate, but my ... [ Another brief pause as he searches for the right words. ] ... companion appears to be ... bound. Forced into a deep sleep. Though the Administrator may have simply used different methods to address the same risks — mine would also qualify as a ‘complete consciousness.’