[ It seems Steinbeck has a good handle on what he's doing, so Julius decides to not interfere in case he makes it more difficult for the other man. He watches the pods sprout and grow without as much as a single change in expression, tilting his head with a slight air of curiosity. No revulsion, only acceptance, as if this was as normal as grass being green. ]

To some extent, yes. They allow me to interface with technology, in their current state.

[ The vein looks a bit dangerous. ]

I can look into that, however. [ And - ] Does it hurt you to use them?