[ there had been a single, striken line from kaveh's well-worn sketchbook. kaveh still remembers it, the looping handwriting steeped in so much optimism and hope. 'our views are aligned, and they are complete'.

it seems inconceivable that kaveh has made it to now, the time of existence wherein that line has become a shared path which two men may walk to the very bitter end. kaveh's fingers twine with alhaitham's. he holds him there; he holds himself there. kaveh laughs. ]

Together. One, benighted end, but also the brightest way forward. I have far more faith in our ability to make them regret putting forth such an inane puzzle before us than their ability to stop us. [ kaveh's fingers squeeze. ] Alhaitham, I am furious.