[ 9S knows that frown well. He’s sure he’s seen it more times than he can remember. Meanwhile, he thinks he can count the number of times he’s seen her smile on one hand. She's a bit too good at being serious. ]

We’re not straying. We’re just… taking a detour, that’s all. [ It’s not like he intends to leave the area. If he tried that, he’s sure her pod would happily accuse him of desertion. ] Maybe not even that. It’ll be easier to survey the area from somewhere higher anyway.

[ He moves a little further, jumping onto the edge of one of the foliage-covered outcrops, wishing he had been built with a couple more inches in height to his name. Finding his footing secure, he turns around, offering her his hand. Not that she needs it. ]

Ten minutes. You can keep count.