[ He flinches like someone has just slapped him. Gripping on his arm as he curses a bit. ]

He- it's not that, Talcott.

[ Nine feels the anger and failure trying to claw it's way out. Reaching up with his free hand to just tug down on the hat. ]

I thought we could save Kon. I thought I could do that at least, that we could have saved someone...

[ His voice cracks there. Saving people? Defending people? That was never one of his priorities. And nothing makes sense. Nothing he does makes it better... ]