[ That is saying something, and Genji's quiet for a few moments, staring at the bottle of water set in his lap as he considers that. It's a difficult way to live, to have to be constantly vigilant. Nor is it the sort of thing that should be done alone. Jack has Ana, at least. ]
I understand. I would like to offer my services if I can help in any way. For whatever it is that you're working on.
[ Genji has a basic idea now. Jack wants to find those people responsible for destroying Overwatch to enact his revenge. It's the sort of mission that can eat someone up; Genji would know.
If he's honest, there's a part of him that would like the chance to keep an eye on his friend. ]
[ It's true that Genji had purposefully walked away from Overwatch, but that's also because he'd still had so much he needed to sort through within himself. Now that he's done that with his master's aid, he doesn't think he can simply while his time away in the mountains of Nepal.
Zenyatta also wishes to accomplish more, and that is part of why Genji is here in the first place. ]
While I understand the sentiment, Jack, I do believe this is my decision to make.
[ He offers a small smile as he stands from the couch and takes a step toward his friend, bowing his head slightly. ]
[As much as he hates it, all of these Overwatch agents are adults capable of making their own choices. He might want to keep them out of it, but there’s only so much he can do, especially when they’re insistent. What’s changed now, however, is the fact that the two of them have been through a different war together. Jack finds himself not as adverse to help as he used to be.
He just wishes he could spare the rest of them.]
I just want you to know what you’re signing up for.
[He doesn’t fully expect to come back from this fight.]
[ Is Jack Morrison actually relenting? It's almost a shock, but Genji's also aware of what the two of them had gone through together thanks to COST. It had been a strange experience, something that could almost feel like a dream save for how real it had been and the fact that both of them remember it in crystal clear detail.
With this things shared between them that only two others also know of, is it any surprise that they've been drawn together? ]
That's fair. Perhaps you should give me some more detail, then. What is your next move? If you've planned that far.
[ It's hard to imagine that Jack hasn't thought at least a few steps ahead, given how diligent he is by nature. Genji also can't help but think of Gabriel. No doubt he fits in somewhere in Jack's goals, too.
While McCree might be the member of Blackwatch most fitting to deal with Reaper, Genji had worked under the man as well. He'll do what needs to be done if Reyes is truly beyond saving, but he also knows that it won't be so simple. ]
[But Ana isn't here right now, and attempting to communicate might jeopardize the mission. Still, Jack isn't about to bring Genji on board without consulting her, even if she has a sneaking suspicion that she won't have a problem with it.
He leans back a little in his seat, heaving a long-suffering sigh as if he's trying to figure out where he's supposed to start with this.]
I find strings, and I pull. Then I find the next one.
[It's all unfolding into a much larger conspiracy than he bargained for.]
[ Getting information out of Jack is a bit like trying to get blood from a stone, but Genji is far more patient these days. He has the right temperament, the sort of unblinking persistence that Zenyatta had given him. He likes to think that his master would be proud of him for trying to help this sad, broken man.
But then he takes a step back, giving Jack some physical space as he retreats with his words as well. ]
Or if you would rather wait until Ana returns to discuss this, I understand. I'm not going anywhere.
[ Not unless Jack tells him he must go, anyway, and that doesn't seem to be the case. ]
[Sometimes it's effective, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes they find the next string to pull--sometimes it just feels like Talon has their claws everywhere and anywhere. In local gangs to governments to corporations. No wonder Overwatch went down, when this is what it was up against, but it leaves him wondering how he's going to do better this time.
Maybe Genji is right. Maybe he can't do this alone.]
[ Talon has been a thorn in their side since Genji's days in Blackwatch, and it doesn't seem to have gotten any better. Without Overwatch's presence, they're essentially free to do whatever they want. Which is why it's even more important that they keep them in check now, however they can.
At the mention of Reaper, Genji slowly nods. That isn't surprising, given that Gabriel had been the head of Blackwatch, an expert in staying out of sight and off the grid. He may as well be a shadow, and supposedly he embodies one now too. ]
Understood. In that case, know that from now on that you have my blade.
[ He grips for the hilt of his wakizashi and nods firmly. ]
[Jack is quiet for a moment, as if he's debating what to say next. This offer for aid feels wholly undeserved, to say nothing of the fact that he doesn't expect to survive this. He can't ask this of anyone, but here Genji is, offering his aid.]
You know what's at stake, don't you?
[The last thing he wants is for ex-Overwatch agents to get caught up in all this, but he knows that he can't protect them forever. Jack made decisions for them once, and he won't be able to do it again. They won't let him, now that they know he's alive.
Still, he wants to make sure Genji fully understands.]
[ Genji feels a bit like he's listening to a broken record, and he heaves out a sigh, approaching Jack again so that he can grab and grip his shoulder, metal fingers digging in. The physical contact may not be welcome, but he needs to make a point. ]
You are not asking, Jack. I am offering. Will you continue to make me repeat myself?
[ A pause, then, and he removes his hand, crossing his arms with a small huff instead. ]
I know what's at stake. I am glad I get to do this on my own terms, rather than the arrangement I had with Overwatch before.
[ They'd saved his life, he'd killed for them. It hadn't been the cleanest setup, but this feels entirely uncomplicated to him. He wants Jack to see that. ]
[Considering what this is invariably going to lead to. He still feels guilty that even after Overwatch is gone, Genji is still getting caught up in their problems. Jack can't help but feel responsible for that, even if Genji is here out of his own free will.]
[ Genji nods yet again, not sure what else he can do to make Jack accept that he's going to remain at his side for the foreseeable future, no matter how difficult or dangerous it might get. Genji is no stranger to any of that, and now that he's completed his own personal journey, it feels appropriate to help someone else with theirs.
To take what he's been given, and transfer it forward. ]
We will wait for Captain Amari, and then form a plan from there. Is that agreeable to you?
[He still doesn’t seem convinced, but he has to remind himself that Genji is an adult, capable of making his own decisions. He can’t honestly see Ana refusing the extra help, either, though that can be a conversation they have when she returns.
It’ll only be a few more days, but the prospect of having to be here with Genji until then makes him a little anxious. It’s not like he’s really used to being around people anymore.]
I’ll send her a message letting her know you’re here. In the meantime, make yourself at home.
It's more than Genji had been expecting, honestly. Jack has become such a walled-off person, so resistant to letting anyone in. Ana would be the exception, so the fact that Genji of all people has managed to worm his way in is a marvel to him.
That's what happens when you get contracted by an organization to travel through space and time and try to change history together, it seems. ]
Thank you, Jack. I'll do that.
[ He moves further into the small apartment, mainly to get a sense of the layout, the bedrooms, and so on. It's modest, as expected, and when he returns back to the living area he nods to the couch. ]
[Though he wonders if Genji will believe that, coming from him. Jack isn’t sure he means it, not yet—he supposes that they’ll have to feel their way around each other for a few days, first. Internally, he tells himself not to do anything to purposefully sabotage it. Genji takes a few moments to get the lay of the land, and Jack tries to be hospitable.]
There’s an extra bed until Ana gets back. She won’t mind.
[After that, Jack can take the couch. He’s had much worse sleeping situations.]
[ Jack doesn't hesitate to speak on Ana's behalf, and while he likely is right about Captain Amari not caring if Genji uses her bed when she's not even here, he still feels odd about it. He would rather ask her himself, and more than that, there's the matter of manners and being a considerate guest.
He shakes his head. ] We can argue more about it later. [ It's still the middle of the afternoon, so Genji doesn't plan to wind down for some time now. ]
In the meantime, I think I may go get a better feel for the city. [ How long they'll be here Genji doesn't know, but he still feels the urge to stretch his legs (in a manner of speaking). ]
[He could send her a communication—and probably should, just so she isn’t surprised when she gets back, but at this point he has no idea if an unsolicited message would disrupt her cover. Better safe than sorry, maybe, or at least, better to ask forgiveness than permission. He has a feeling she’ll just be glad to see Genji alive and well, so Jack will bank on that.]
I have a feeling we’ll be arguing about more than that.
[Jack mumbles that a little as a sort of joke, but for now he seems to have resigned himself to the situation. Genji says he wants to go out, and that’s fine.]
Make sure to cover up. Don’t know who’s lurking around here.
[ It does seem likely that Jack is going to continue to be difficult even going forward, but Genji is prepared for that. After being the difficult one for so many years, he hopes he can employ Master Zenyatta's teachings of patience and understanding now.
He'll meditate when he gets back later in the evening, just in case. ]
Understood.
[ He pulls the hood up over his head, slides his face plate back on, and then draws up the cloth that he'd let hang around his shoulders to cover most of his face. He realizes just how much he could stand out if his body is seen, so he intends to be careful. ]
I'll be back tonight. Take care, Jack.
[ And with that he heads back out into the sweltering heat. Curious as he is to get a better lay of the land, he also figures that this will give Jack some time to himself, to come to terms with the fact that Genji is here to stay. ]
[A week or so passes--Ana gets in touch with him to let Jack know that her task is taking longer than she anticipated, and Jack tells her about Genji in turn. He's not quite sure what she thinks about it, but he has a feeling she's kind of pleased. She's always had a soft spot for the younger recruits, and Jack imagines she feels better knowing that he's not alone while she's away.
Still, he's not good at sitting idle. If Genji is going to be here for the indefinite future, then he might as well make himself useful. The two of them go on patrol--stakeouts, taking out low-level mooks, looking for signs of Talon activity, and of course, tracking Reaper. It's after one of these outings that Jack touches base with Ana again, and he tries not to think about how he might be getting used to this as he pulls a beer out of the fridge and makes himself comfortable on the sofa.]
Ana's going to be another few weeks, she thinks.
[He imagines Genji is suspicious of that already, so Jack sees no reason to hide it from him.]
[ All things considered, it hasn't taken that long for Jack to allow Genji to participate in his work here in Cairo. They already have experience working together from their time with COST, so it isn't that difficult to fall back into it, even if their goals and tasks are somewhat different now. Less rewriting history, more making sure that Talon doesn't get the foothold it so desperately wants.
Genji's aware that Talon has a presence in plenty of other cities the world over, but this is something. It's a start.
It is a surprise when Ana still isn't back after a few days have passed, and so Genji is grateful for the update when it finally comes. He's seated on the floor and giving his katana and wakizashi the daily care they need to keep their blades sharp and effective, but he pauses and looks up the moment that Jack says something. ]
That long? [ He hasn't asked for details on what Ana's doing, unclear if he's supposed to be let in on that or not. But at this point, it's impossible to avoid. ] Do we need to go provide some back-up?
[Every time Jack is apprehensive about drawing Genji deeper into his activities, he remembers everything they went through together as part of COST. Still, working in tandem with someone not Ana is taking some getting used to. He alternately finds himself thankful for Genji’s presence and wanting to be alone, but when Ana makes contact and says she needs more time, jack surprises himself when he feels glad to have someone else in the empty safe house.]
No, she says it’s safer if she finishes it alone.
[Jack can’t help but worry, because he’s already lost Ana once and he’s extremely not keen on having it happen again, but he also knows that she can take care of herself. At a certain point, there’s nothing he can do but trust her abilities and hope she comes home safe.
It’s nice, he has to admit, to not be alone with his thoughts for once.]
[ Genji understands that there are certain missions where it's better to take them on solo for the sake of not blowing one's cover or attracting too much attention. Genji knows how to be silent and unobtrusive, cyborg or not, so he would like to think that he could assist Ana without undoing the work she's already put in, but...
If Jack insists, then he'll take his word on it.
Jack isn't one to show emotion these days (or ever, in some ways), but Genji has to assume that he's concerned for Captain Amari. He'd already thought her dead the one time, and so it can't be easy to have her gone for so many days. If he can distract him from that, then he'd like to. ]
No, not at all. [ Genji shakes his head, sheathing his wakizashi to give attention to his katana next. Much as he might like to see Ana again, he's learned patience. ] Will we be staying here or moving on to a new location?
[ He knows it's generally not a good idea to stay in one spot too long, but Jack and Ana also seem to have established themselves here. He'll accept either answer that Jack gives him. ]
[For better or worse. Jack is starting to get antsy, which he's sure that Genji has noticed, despite his best efforts not to betray anything. All the time they spent together as part of COST has thoroughly negated his ability to keep a straight face.
They're used to each other, he's starting to realize.]
I'll let you know if that changes. Now all that's left is to figure out how to spend the time.
[ For now, is the caveat that Jack offers. Genji's become used to staying in one location after establishing himself at the monastery, but he's also used to drifting from place to place. He'll be able to adapt either way, and he hopes he can serve as some kind of grounding presence in Ana's absence.
When Jack implies a question, Genji tilts his head to one side, mildly surprised that he's being polled on what their next move should be. Consistent strikes against Talon seems to be a given, so Jack must mean outside of that.
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I understand. I would like to offer my services if I can help in any way. For whatever it is that you're working on.
[ Genji has a basic idea now. Jack wants to find those people responsible for destroying Overwatch to enact his revenge. It's the sort of mission that can eat someone up; Genji would know.
If he's honest, there's a part of him that would like the chance to keep an eye on his friend. ]
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[He knows, however, that Genji won’t be dissuaded by an excuse like that, so he heaves a little sigh before continuing.]
I’ve gotta figure out what happened to Overwatch.
[It feels so petty, now, given what they’ve been through, but it’s because of COST that Jack isn’t just rejecting Genji outright.]
But you shouldn’t get caught up in that mess.
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Zenyatta also wishes to accomplish more, and that is part of why Genji is here in the first place. ]
While I understand the sentiment, Jack, I do believe this is my decision to make.
[ He offers a small smile as he stands from the couch and takes a step toward his friend, bowing his head slightly. ]
I wish to help you. If you'll have me.
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[As much as he hates it, all of these Overwatch agents are adults capable of making their own choices. He might want to keep them out of it, but there’s only so much he can do, especially when they’re insistent. What’s changed now, however, is the fact that the two of them have been through a different war together. Jack finds himself not as adverse to help as he used to be.
He just wishes he could spare the rest of them.]
I just want you to know what you’re signing up for.
[He doesn’t fully expect to come back from this fight.]
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With this things shared between them that only two others also know of, is it any surprise that they've been drawn together? ]
That's fair. Perhaps you should give me some more detail, then. What is your next move? If you've planned that far.
[ It's hard to imagine that Jack hasn't thought at least a few steps ahead, given how diligent he is by nature. Genji also can't help but think of Gabriel. No doubt he fits in somewhere in Jack's goals, too.
While McCree might be the member of Blackwatch most fitting to deal with Reaper, Genji had worked under the man as well. He'll do what needs to be done if Reyes is truly beyond saving, but he also knows that it won't be so simple. ]
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[But Ana isn't here right now, and attempting to communicate might jeopardize the mission. Still, Jack isn't about to bring Genji on board without consulting her, even if she has a sneaking suspicion that she won't have a problem with it.
He leans back a little in his seat, heaving a long-suffering sigh as if he's trying to figure out where he's supposed to start with this.]
I find strings, and I pull. Then I find the next one.
[It's all unfolding into a much larger conspiracy than he bargained for.]
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[ Getting information out of Jack is a bit like trying to get blood from a stone, but Genji is far more patient these days. He has the right temperament, the sort of unblinking persistence that Zenyatta had given him. He likes to think that his master would be proud of him for trying to help this sad, broken man.
But then he takes a step back, giving Jack some physical space as he retreats with his words as well. ]
Or if you would rather wait until Ana returns to discuss this, I understand. I'm not going anywhere.
[ Not unless Jack tells him he must go, anyway, and that doesn't seem to be the case. ]
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[Sometimes it's effective, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes they find the next string to pull--sometimes it just feels like Talon has their claws everywhere and anywhere. In local gangs to governments to corporations. No wonder Overwatch went down, when this is what it was up against, but it leaves him wondering how he's going to do better this time.
Maybe Genji is right. Maybe he can't do this alone.]
Reaper has...proven elusive.
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At the mention of Reaper, Genji slowly nods. That isn't surprising, given that Gabriel had been the head of Blackwatch, an expert in staying out of sight and off the grid. He may as well be a shadow, and supposedly he embodies one now too. ]
Understood. In that case, know that from now on that you have my blade.
[ He grips for the hilt of his wakizashi and nods firmly. ]
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You know what's at stake, don't you?
[The last thing he wants is for ex-Overwatch agents to get caught up in all this, but he knows that he can't protect them forever. Jack made decisions for them once, and he won't be able to do it again. They won't let him, now that they know he's alive.
Still, he wants to make sure Genji fully understands.]
I can't ask you to do this for me.
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You are not asking, Jack. I am offering. Will you continue to make me repeat myself?
[ A pause, then, and he removes his hand, crossing his arms with a small huff instead. ]
I know what's at stake. I am glad I get to do this on my own terms, rather than the arrangement I had with Overwatch before.
[ They'd saved his life, he'd killed for them. It hadn't been the cleanest setup, but this feels entirely uncomplicated to him. He wants Jack to see that. ]
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[Considering what this is invariably going to lead to. He still feels guilty that even after Overwatch is gone, Genji is still getting caught up in their problems. Jack can't help but feel responsible for that, even if Genji is here out of his own free will.]
You can back out at any time. I won't blame you.
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[ Genji nods yet again, not sure what else he can do to make Jack accept that he's going to remain at his side for the foreseeable future, no matter how difficult or dangerous it might get. Genji is no stranger to any of that, and now that he's completed his own personal journey, it feels appropriate to help someone else with theirs.
To take what he's been given, and transfer it forward. ]
We will wait for Captain Amari, and then form a plan from there. Is that agreeable to you?
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[He still doesn’t seem convinced, but he has to remind himself that Genji is an adult, capable of making his own decisions. He can’t honestly see Ana refusing the extra help, either, though that can be a conversation they have when she returns.
It’ll only be a few more days, but the prospect of having to be here with Genji until then makes him a little anxious. It’s not like he’s really used to being around people anymore.]
I’ll send her a message letting her know you’re here. In the meantime, make yourself at home.
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It's more than Genji had been expecting, honestly. Jack has become such a walled-off person, so resistant to letting anyone in. Ana would be the exception, so the fact that Genji of all people has managed to worm his way in is a marvel to him.
That's what happens when you get contracted by an organization to travel through space and time and try to change history together, it seems. ]
Thank you, Jack. I'll do that.
[ He moves further into the small apartment, mainly to get a sense of the layout, the bedrooms, and so on. It's modest, as expected, and when he returns back to the living area he nods to the couch. ]
I can sleep here. I wouldn't want to impose.
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[Though he wonders if Genji will believe that, coming from him. Jack isn’t sure he means it, not yet—he supposes that they’ll have to feel their way around each other for a few days, first. Internally, he tells himself not to do anything to purposefully sabotage it. Genji takes a few moments to get the lay of the land, and Jack tries to be hospitable.]
There’s an extra bed until Ana gets back. She won’t mind.
[After that, Jack can take the couch. He’s had much worse sleeping situations.]
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He shakes his head. ] We can argue more about it later. [ It's still the middle of the afternoon, so Genji doesn't plan to wind down for some time now. ]
In the meantime, I think I may go get a better feel for the city. [ How long they'll be here Genji doesn't know, but he still feels the urge to stretch his legs (in a manner of speaking). ]
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I have a feeling we’ll be arguing about more than that.
[Jack mumbles that a little as a sort of joke, but for now he seems to have resigned himself to the situation. Genji says he wants to go out, and that’s fine.]
Make sure to cover up. Don’t know who’s lurking around here.
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He'll meditate when he gets back later in the evening, just in case. ]
Understood.
[ He pulls the hood up over his head, slides his face plate back on, and then draws up the cloth that he'd let hang around his shoulders to cover most of his face. He realizes just how much he could stand out if his body is seen, so he intends to be careful. ]
I'll be back tonight. Take care, Jack.
[ And with that he heads back out into the sweltering heat. Curious as he is to get a better lay of the land, he also figures that this will give Jack some time to himself, to come to terms with the fact that Genji is here to stay. ]
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Still, he's not good at sitting idle. If Genji is going to be here for the indefinite future, then he might as well make himself useful. The two of them go on patrol--stakeouts, taking out low-level mooks, looking for signs of Talon activity, and of course, tracking Reaper. It's after one of these outings that Jack touches base with Ana again, and he tries not to think about how he might be getting used to this as he pulls a beer out of the fridge and makes himself comfortable on the sofa.]
Ana's going to be another few weeks, she thinks.
[He imagines Genji is suspicious of that already, so Jack sees no reason to hide it from him.]
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Genji's aware that Talon has a presence in plenty of other cities the world over, but this is something. It's a start.
It is a surprise when Ana still isn't back after a few days have passed, and so Genji is grateful for the update when it finally comes. He's seated on the floor and giving his katana and wakizashi the daily care they need to keep their blades sharp and effective, but he pauses and looks up the moment that Jack says something. ]
That long? [ He hasn't asked for details on what Ana's doing, unclear if he's supposed to be let in on that or not. But at this point, it's impossible to avoid. ] Do we need to go provide some back-up?
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No, she says it’s safer if she finishes it alone.
[Jack can’t help but worry, because he’s already lost Ana once and he’s extremely not keen on having it happen again, but he also knows that she can take care of herself. At a certain point, there’s nothing he can do but trust her abilities and hope she comes home safe.
It’s nice, he has to admit, to not be alone with his thoughts for once.]
You don’t mind, right?
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If Jack insists, then he'll take his word on it.
Jack isn't one to show emotion these days (or ever, in some ways), but Genji has to assume that he's concerned for Captain Amari. He'd already thought her dead the one time, and so it can't be easy to have her gone for so many days. If he can distract him from that, then he'd like to. ]
No, not at all. [ Genji shakes his head, sheathing his wakizashi to give attention to his katana next. Much as he might like to see Ana again, he's learned patience. ] Will we be staying here or moving on to a new location?
[ He knows it's generally not a good idea to stay in one spot too long, but Jack and Ana also seem to have established themselves here. He'll accept either answer that Jack gives him. ]
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[For better or worse. Jack is starting to get antsy, which he's sure that Genji has noticed, despite his best efforts not to betray anything. All the time they spent together as part of COST has thoroughly negated his ability to keep a straight face.
They're used to each other, he's starting to realize.]
I'll let you know if that changes. Now all that's left is to figure out how to spend the time.
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When Jack implies a question, Genji tilts his head to one side, mildly surprised that he's being polled on what their next move should be. Consistent strikes against Talon seems to be a given, so Jack must mean outside of that.
After a brief moment of thought, Genji smiles. ]
I believe I still owe you a lesson in meditation.
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how many times do we have to teach you this lesson, old man
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