"Are you liking the upgrades?" Declan asked conversationally. He was always easily inclusive of Ren, treating him like a person as deserving of respect as any living biological being. He had a lot of experience with artificial life.

"Let's get a picture together on the cliff over the center before we go. The sun always looks amazing reflected on the water past the ruins. Like emeralds and amber. We can take our helmets off long enough for that. I think it'll look extraordinary with your hair this color," he reached out, cupping a hand against the side of Aoba's helmet with a nod before turning to lead the way.