[A shadow passes over Markus’ face, indicative of the way his human heart feels like it’s clenching within his ribs. Connor and his endless enthusiasm, his earnestness and willingness to help, his doggedness that would have him journeying out to New Tokyo in a flash if Markus wasn’t around to grant him balanced temperance. He swallows and a muscle jumps in his jaw. He can see it so clearly, even now — Connor walking up to Gaby, asking what he can do, nodding and tending to each task handed to him with admirable efficacy.]

…Yeah. I— I’m going to miss him, too. He offered a lot to everyone here; always wanting to help, a brilliant mind coupled with boundless energy. Like a fire that wouldn’t go out.

[An inhale, and his words come on the exhale.]

I’ll ask around. There are still hoops to jump through on the business front, and it’d be best once things are just a little more settled, anyway. And… I’m no Connor, but if there’s anything I can get you, too, let me know. I don’t have old caretaker subroutines for nothing.