broca

...I hope Chiave doesn't show up this time.

Broca stands by the handrails, letting his mind go blank, feeling the wind rip through his hair.

He resolves to think about nothing until dinner.

By then, Chiave should hopefully have given up.

But things rarely go as planned.

A hand taps him on the shoulder.

Why, Chiave?

Chiave is standing behind him, holding several designs in his hand.

I've been thinking, bro. You made so many designs, so I should show you some of mine.

That's why I drew a couple just now. Wanna take a look?

That's not what I need, bro.

Then what do you need?

Nothing. I need nothing from you. I just wanna mod this drill on my own, maybe get creative with it.

That's the part I don't get. Why do you have to do it on your own?

Because—tch, how do I explain it to you?

Just say it. I won't laugh.

That's not the problem.

There are just some things I can't say out loud.

Well, how am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?

I'd have thrown you off the deck by now if we weren't bros.

Fine... 'cause I think the designs are nothing special. Like a kid's doodles.

I'm just messing around. It was never meant for anyone else.

And now you know.

So that's what this was about.

I knew you lacked confidence, bro, so I guess it's not too surprising.

But you've been at Rhodes Island for a while now, and everybody here knows what you can do.

Be confident.

...That's not really it, but thanks anyway. Don't often get to hear you say something nice like that.

I wasn't done.

Besides, I think your ideas are great!

Which is why I've made up my mind—

I'll show your designs to the folks in Engineering. Getting their approval would be a huge for you, right?

Wait, that's not...

Hold it right there, Chiave! I'll skin you alive!

Damn, I'm too late.

The plans on the workbench had disappeared.

I'm gonna request a new lock first thing in the morning, and I'll never give Chiave a spare keycard again!

Where'd he go—

Oh, right, of course, Engineering! Gotta keep my cool.

Phew—that was a long mission.

Finally, time to relax—

Aosta! You're back!

What's the matter?

Chiave's making a presentation in the Engineering Department. He's telling everyone to stop by.

Huh?

Vulcan.

Nothing good ever happens when you show up.

Hah! I brought lots of interesting designs today.

Look at these—

Thank goodness, made it in time.

C'mon, Broca, don't be so shy.

It's not what you think—

Stop pretending, I know exactly what you're thinking.

Merda, the hell you do—

Everyone's gonna see your designs today!

Absolutely not!

Er, what happened?

Aosta! You're back!

I came because I heard Chiave was giving some kind of presentation.

So why does it look like you two are about to start punching each other?

Listen, Broca/Chiave is—

Alright, I see what's going on.

You be the judge, Aosta. Who's in the right here?

I'll hear you out first, Broca. What do you want here?

Chiave.

What's the matter?

I finally get it.

The only way out of this mess is to beat you up so bad you're stuck in bed for three days.

Hmph, getting cocky now, are we?

You forced my hand.

You do know what you're saying, don't you?

I'm dead serious.

...Alright then, bring it on!

Cazzo!

I didn't do anything to piss Broca off recently, did I?

Nope.

Does he not want to be bros with us anymore?

You're overthinking it.

Well, there are a lot of interesting folks on Rhodes Island. If he wants to go solo, I guess I should give him my blessing.

It's not like that.

But—

We've come all the way from Siracusa together. I can't let the team fall apart that easily.

If he's getting any ideas, he's got to beat me first.

And I'll give it my all to stop him!

Right, Aosta? Why are you giving me that look?

I'm just thinking that nothing's changed with either you or Broca after all these years.

That so?

Yeah. Lasagna's on the lunch menu. You wanna fill up?

I'll get a few more drinks.

Hell yeah! Can't beat a bro up on an empty stomach!

You've eaten, haven't you? I'm not pulling any punches today.

Neither am I.

There's still time to back out of this.

No. We're doing this, Chiave.

Because you'd never give up on 'helping' me if we don't, would you?

Of course not! You and Aosta are my bros. I can't just leave you alone.

You're saying you don't need my help? You don't need your bros anymore?

...You and Aosta are still my bros for sure.

Then let us help you!

Er, could you keep me out of this?