[ Nikolai's wonder is a little surprising, but mostly charming. James smiles without even realizing it, equal parts amused and quietly jealous. Space was never this marvelous, mysterious place for him; it was a way to get power, and to get away. He can't remember ever looking out the observation deck of his ship and finding himself speechless with the beauty of it all.

A very small part of him wishes he could have that, just a little bit of that innocence and fascination. He promptly drowns it out with a decent gulp from his drink. ]

Took us a few millennia to get there too, so you never know. [ A shrug. ] So are we still playing or are you ready to admit defeat?