[Cat compliments set aside for now, the circus is less an awe-inspiring sight for Stephen, and more something that makes him uneasy. There is nothing out of the ordinary on the surface—ignoring the usual oddities expected from a circus, such noise and eccentric energy—but he can sense it. He can feel it, threading through the crowd and tents and booths, clinging to the underside of everyone’s footsteps.]

Darts without a target. You’d think ADI would know how to utilize its resources better. I have a feeling we’re still wildcards to them, and they’re happy to observe at a distance to see how well we do.

[The closer they get, the more prevalent that feeling grows. Stephen frowns, as though it’s trying to stick to him, too.]

Do you feel that?

[Fear. Quiet, low-burning fear.]