"Aw, thanks, Steve," he answered smoothly. He'd figured out the banter and exchanges early on. "Not super busy. What kind of tinkering are you doing?"

Tyrus's eyebrow raised. He had heard about Malachai becoming an alchemist. He wasn't really sure what sorts of things Mal might start making, but he had to admit to some curiosity. Earthers seemed to pick up on these things fast. The Khshathra had made a combat-ready construct faster than he would have ever expected.