[L's mind, its own large hadron collider, speeds along with those revelations and all the myriad implications. Is being right the triumph they want it to be? Was he actually right to help with this and enable it?

He nods at Paul's thanks, picking up on the softer note that was formerly absent. It's something he recognizes, though he's heard it very seldom in his life. At least, not directed towards him.

However seldom he inspires tenderness, people who deal with him come to know his value. Not many others could remain cool under pressure and pick up a magical language overnight, after all.]

If it's prescient... is it fair to say that it has at least as good an idea of what's coming as you do?

[He goes to fetch the notebook, careful to avoid the blister on his hand, handing it over to Paul.]

You might not be able to choose whether or not you're hit.