of lifeless packaging, i just need a fuse

"And how did an obliging fellow like yourself get to be dearest Monnie's lieutenant, at the first?"

She's sure she knows, vaguely; something about those old enough to know Guernica well but young enough to interface with the next generation, not part of his inner circle yet also not far enough out to be considered potential risk at later date - where else to find such a candidate than Ortiz?

Masha wants to hear it straight from the Ponio's mouth, still. Travis, for his part, just looks shocked to be asked.

"I'm just...dependable, I 'spose."

A perfect stalwart sideman, indeed.