[ For all that his dreams hinged on believing, or wanting to believe, in certain core commonalities between all people— his mind nonetheless identifies and defaults to the differences.

And thus far, the only commonality Claude has identified in all people is that they hate the ubiquitous other. Just the same.

"Thus far"— as if there would be anything else, anything further. Rather, there would be, but for the Claude(s) chosen by Teach. Dangerous and futile to do anything but take comfort in that, feel anything but relieved some iteration of him made it. ]

I hope the bar isn't so low that a good memory constitutes cleverness.

[ A laugh in his voice, if not so breathed. Claude shakes his head then cocks it sidelong, eyes back on the fire. ]

Hm, but that's too bad. I'll have to think of something better with which to impress you.