[ Fitz doesn't think anyone else is of the opinion that he has his head on straight, so that startles another laugh out of him. It's generous, too, to allow him to ask the questions first, when Markus is the one most, ah, inconvenienced by recent events. ]

Yeah, yes, let's do that. [ Almost absentmindedly, he scuffs the dirt path with the toe of his shoe. It's something to do to keep from firing off rapid questions. Hard to select an opener, after all — to know what he's allowed to ask and what ought not be mentioned. ]

Were androids common where and when you're from? [ context, yes, that's what they need. ] And were you designed with — with a specific purpose in mind, I suppose.

[ He regards Markus then, watching his features under the changing light for signs of something. Discomfort, maybe. Tells. ]