[ Bastien nods, matter of fact. Nothing to be embarrassed about. He’s looking out the window.

He blows on and swallows a spoonful of the soup. Makes a murmuring sound of approval. Thinks. ]

We should find out.

[ He looks at By, now. ]

We could start with your good cousin. Or your sister. Anyone. And if they don’t have answers, we can start working our way to the rotten core until we find them.