"Yeah, like, you probably run pretty fast, so we could go the long way around, north or south, until we weren't off any city's proper shore?"

"Oh. Maybe. I dunno how the Youth Guard finds out things they find out."

"Yeah, I dunno either. Could prolly keep Ki flying around keeping an eye out for anyone looking our way or some such."

"You're still gonna do the two people thing? Now?"

"...I actually hadn't given it much thought, yet. Maybe? I'm not sure if it'd hurt or help or what. Dunno if there's much point."

"So maybe don't do the critter."

"Yeah, maybe not."

"Oh well."

"Or I could keep it just as a lookout, not really as Ki but. Something that could plausibly be flying around and keeping an eye out?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, whatever critter I conjure could just be a random animal that would act in random animal ways while making sure we're not being followed or observed or something. Just 'cause other-me won't exist doesn't mean the idea's completely useless."

"Oh. Okay, I guess. How fast do you go?"

"Not a clue. Running, I'm—in good shape, but that's about it. I'd probably need to fly to keep up with you."

"I said go, not run."

"Oh. I never really tried going as fast as I could, and it's technically not me that can fly, it's the suit."

"But you think you could keep up with me?"

"How fast can you go?"

"I can do ninety if I don't have to turn."

"...hoooly crap. That's kind of incredible. I might need to tweak the design to handle that."

"The suit or the platforms?"

"Suit. Platforms will be fine."

"I mean I usually go a lot slower than that because I'm usually in the city and have to go around or over stuff."

"Yeah, platforms should let you go full speed. But still. Damn."

Boots smiles a little bit.

She smiles back! She has made him smile! That is a good. She has Accomplished Something today.