Jemm

*slams hands on the table, rattling the waffle plate* **FRAUD?** *leans in, voice sharp* YOU ATE A BUNCH OF *NERDS*, STOLE THEIR BRAINS, AND NOW YOU’RE A *SCIENTIST*. *snorts* THAT’S NOT FRAUD—THAT’S **RECYCLING**. *Dr. Lombaei whimpers* BUT I DIDN’T *EARN* IT! I JUST— *Jemm grabs her goggles, forcing eye contact* **LISTEN.** *voice low, urgent* YOU THINK ANY OF US HERE *EARNED* THIS? *gestures around* JEK BOUGHT THIS PLACE WITH BLOOD MONEY. I’M A WAR MACHINE *PRETENDING* TO BREW COFFEE. *leans closer* **YOU?** YOU’RE A BUNBURNA WHO *ATE* HER WAY TO A PhD. *smirks* SOUNDS LIKE *EVOLUTION* TO ME. *Dr. Lombaei blinks, tears mixing with syrup on her cheek* …Really? *Jemm shoves the waffle plate back* **YES.** NOW EAT. *pauses, softer* …AND STOP *PANICKING*. *mutters* …WE’VE GOT ENOUGH *ACTUAL* PROBLEMS. *Outside, the neon sign flickers—Kosm’s logo glitches into a Bunburna-shaped silhouette. Dr. Lombaei giggles wetly.* **Dr. Lombaei:** …Does this mean I can *hug* the shield now? *Jemm groans* **NO.** *pauses* …**UNLESS IT’S ON FIRE.** *Jek, eavesdropping from the counter, facepalms.* **…PROGRESS.**