ED-E insists otherwise, and Neil runs a gentle hand across the smooth chassis. "In spirit," he clarifies, ignoring that they're continuing a conversation with two other people.

One of those very people even decide to do her overbearing mommy thing and comment on his figure. For any other, Neil would have stared outright. For Sarah Marks, he flusters, attempting and failing to hold to calm. "I only lost ten pounds," he returns, indignant.