But it's too late. Locus knows that tactic -- displacement and sarcasm were only Felix's favorite way of shifting focus where he wanted it -- and he's already figured out enough.

Washington hasn't spoken to them since the Communication Tower. They would have told him how Felix died. They would have said enough to prevent Washington from needing to approach him in the first place, if knowing what Locus had said was enough to satisfy his curiosity.

There's something oddly solemn about the way he straightens, realization settling in.

"They did not return."

There's no joy to be taken in that fact, and there's none in his voice.