[different operating systems, are the words he'd use if he knew them. the compliance drugs are a bigger threat to their minds than the implants. and he'd heard tell of a monster fever, and drugs that replicated it--whispers in the safehouse, threads on the network that pass in the blink of an eye.

when she calls him popular he snorts. no one's ever done that before.]

I don't know if I'd say that, Your Grace. I came here knowing nothing so I looked for those I could stand to learn from. I tried to make myself useful so they'd want me around.

[he smiles ruefully.]

Sansa's better with people. Most of them knew her first. They liked her, so they were inclined to like me.

[this was more true on the clock than here, where he fought beside many of these people in the dream, or offered his help with one thing or another. he raises his eyebrows, twists his mouth.]

It's easier when you have someone to put in a good word.