"Let my brother be envious, sure," Hiroki Shirogane teases. "He didn't even fall in love in you when he saw you! Can you believe it? Must be blind."

"Parents are welcome aboard IGF-Atlas anytime. Full clearance."

Some blue light, like a strange blue firefly, but not quite, suddenly lands on Ziggy's nose. It might tickle. And he might see a memory of a certain roleplay gaming session.

When the memory passes, Hiroki's smiling.

"Ziggy? I'm glad you came."