[ Cid laughs without humor. ] Easier for it to be 'voluntary' for now, I suppose. All they have to do is pluck us out of our homes and dump us here with no other means to make our way in the world, then see how long it takes for us to crack; maybe they won't get everyone, but I'm sure they get enough to make it worthwhile.

[ He doesn't think he's saying anything Steve doesn't already know, from the uncertainty in his tone alone. Cid sets the rest of the work aside and leans a hip against the stack of crates piled nearby. ]

Fresh from the well, eh? Well, you've got a good eye for it. It's been a while since I was this wet behind the ears. [ He can't say he's been enjoying it, either. Cid folds his arms. Summoned or not, there are two kinds of people who might seek out someone in his position, with very little to offer, all told. ] You've been here a while, haven't you? How long?