( in the silence, McGillis's eye wanders: the irregular edges of Gaelio's hair, an overlong lock of which falls between Gaelio's eyes, unmistakably mirroring the lock between his own; the scars... the scars, great, branching, reaching from somewhere else along his body, likely sustained in a cockpit. Gaelio seems older or perhaps more mature. the set of his face is changed, worn.

when Gaelio returns to the present, McGillis momentarily follows his gaze. almost tentative, he lowers his arm. it isn't like Gaelio to avoid a subject, but if his suspicions are correct... McGillis sympathizes. he shifts his weight, turning to Grimgerde and Kimaris, hand once again on his hip. )

That's obvious, Gaelio. ( the beginnings of McGillis's casual humor returns. ) I accepted SUPERBIA's offer and became a privateer. ( a pause, weighing his next choice of words. his attention turns to Gaelio. ) We can use Fortuna to reform Gjallarhorn in its current state.