[ there's a split-second where jesse can practically feel some current in the air change, an abrupt and electric tension. it feels awfully like that moment where a man recognizes his face from the posters, dreams of the digits on his bounty, and goes from cold to hot like the sun climbing inexorably up over the desert.

but then the moment passes, and the dog is just butting its head into jesse's hand. it's his metal hand too, and it's always charming when an animal doesn't see a difference. that goes for regular folks too, in places where synthetic limbs run a little rare. ]

Lucky indeed.

[ he scritches the dog behind the ears, smiles. ]

Got caught in a blackout earlier too. That one was a good hour or so, so unless yer friend's feelin' limber, we might have to give the waiting game a try.

[ his voice by now is very distinctly a heavy texan drawl. ]