Oh- Oh, sorry, is that what that came off as? Nahhh, wasn't the intention, buddy! Just giving you the lay of the land here. If I was doling out death threats— [ He points a finger at Akemi like a gun ] It'd be with my hands around your neck. I don't threaten.

[ And this is probably why the guards were dismissed, since technically, this kind of threatening from a sector manager is frowned upon, but maybe Jack was something of an exception here. Whether it's reputation, skill, or something else, it seems like he's able to get away with a bit more.

Though there's certainly a hint to that with a subtle shift of his expression when Akemi says "obsolete." There's interest in Jack's expression that's a bit less casual. There's investment there, but his expression is still schooled and careful. He doesn't seem shy about expressing himself, but there's still no illusions for him that he's dealing with someone potentially dangerous, and certainly someone he considers below him. Any criminal would be, after all. ]

Sure, comes down to Joy. Joy makes the friggin' Quad go round, so, y'know, can't escape it, now can you? Especially- I mean, especially not after ending up here. Assuming you leave, no university is gonna take you back, right? Shame. Sounds like you're super into that research. And, I mean, might be total bullshit! But what do I know?

[ Jack sets the datapad down on the table as he turns it off, apparently not needing it anymore. ]

But. You really believe in that research of yours? I mean, scale from one to "would ironically die for it," how important is it to you? Just curious.