For the second time in fewer minutes, Connor stops moving. Blinking. Ceases so much as emulating human breath. Shock is certainly—a factor, yes. But the greater part of his distraction?
Understanding.
This human's aggression does have a source. This (pathetic, futile) threat, Connor can answer. A damaged shoulder. Thirium loss. And, of course, the regulator he'd removed before he left. All part of how he'd deactivated his predecessor. All information that any engineer who came into the bunker after could obtain.
The twitch that curves up the side of Connor's mouth is entirely unfeigned this time. His eyes lock on Tony's, gleaming with nothing less than satisfaction. At the challenge. At the explanation. And at his own memories, of necessary, successful work.
"...Well played."
[Stark ▼ Hostile]
Connor's odds of changing that relationship into something he can use are low. The odds of gaining more information now? Lower. Still, that doesn't mean they're finished.
"Tell me, did you take apart its chassis?" He leans forward, elbows on his knees, hands pressing together. "If I search this building, will I find dismembered parts? Or did you humanize the reject's scrap too much to use it?"
no subject
Understanding.
This human's aggression does have a source. This (pathetic, futile) threat, Connor can answer. A damaged shoulder. Thirium loss. And, of course, the regulator he'd removed before he left. All part of how he'd deactivated his predecessor. All information that any engineer who came into the bunker after could obtain.
The twitch that curves up the side of Connor's mouth is entirely unfeigned this time. His eyes lock on Tony's, gleaming with nothing less than satisfaction. At the challenge. At the explanation. And at his own memories, of necessary, successful work.
"...Well played."
[Stark ▼ Hostile]
Connor's odds of changing that relationship into something he can use are low. The odds of gaining more information now? Lower. Still, that doesn't mean they're finished.
"Tell me, did you take apart its chassis?" He leans forward, elbows on his knees, hands pressing together. "If I search this building, will I find dismembered parts? Or did you humanize the reject's scrap too much to use it?"