[ That's a good enough answer, and a good question. As long as Natsuno isn't coming up with half-baked ideas of city to city solidarity, Krouse thinks he's up for participating further in this little side project. He tilts his head and gives a little hum of approval as he lays the straps out in neat rows, a fastidiousness that doesn't actually accomplish anything except to look organized.

It's a new habit. He's noticed how much he does it every now and then, and then stops thinking about it. The fact that everything on his kitchen counters could be lined up to a ruler without moving a thing doesn't mean anything. It just keeps his hands busy. ]

I'd want to know if their city works like ours.

[ 'City'. He's still not sure that's what he'd call it, but then again, it's not like he's coming up with anything better. City it is. ]

I want to know how this city works. Having some points of comparison could tell us how consistent the rules are.

[ And that's what it comes down to. The rules of the game. Once he knows what they are, he'll know what he can do with them. Or so goes the hope. ]