"It is very strange," Bastien agrees, in the tone of someone who considers strange a compliment, most of the time. "But not magic. It's electricity and—things. Things anyone could build, if they learned how."

He spares another glance at the unconscious man on the street, which turns into a longer look. He steps over to turn him onto his back and make sure he's breathing, while he continues:

"I hope you've arranged for someone to be able to know if something happens to you. If you are out here alone and not using your phone," as smoothly as if he'd been raised saying it, "it might take us a long time to realize you have gone missing or been injured or something."