"I can't disagree," Darlington says. "Though I'd rather not make a habit of property damage, if I can help it."

The other man's calmness feels as close to familiar as Darlington thinks he might get; it's not a lack of fear, or a suppression, just a careful shuffling of it to the back while an academic curiosity takes its place. Trying to reason why only makes his head ache, and he sets the question of it aside. The details the other man gives are interesting, and important, a distraction and a puzzle to mull over instead--and yes, the idea of that, too, settles comfortably in his chest.

"Six hours, give or take," he says to the question. "And I'm as confused by how and why as anyone else I've met thus far." He lifts one hand, studying the sharp, slightly curled claws at the tips of his fingers. "Well, maybe a little more than some."