[The build of Rinzler’s noise doesn’t escape Alan’s notice, nor does its lessening, and he finds himself wondering what kind of reaction the program had been expecting. Anger, perhaps? Frustration is a better word to describe what Alan had felt being cut out of the loop those few weeks earlier, but that had been frustration at not knowing if Rinzler had a way to protect himself. Now that he knows that he does, it’s relief he feels, not resentment. More than relief, really.]

Whatever steps you’ve taken, I’m… glad they’ve kept you safe. [A small smile at the obviousness of the statement.] Honestly, when we first talked about it, I was worried that you didn’t have a plan at all. [Or that Rinzler’s coding was restrictive enough that he couldn’t have one. But if Alan is somewhat guilty for his assumption, it’s hard to miss the pride in his voice at being proven wrong.] It seems I was underestimating you.