Dustin pauses to shoot Thrawn a wilting glare over his shoulder. The last storm's effects on his abilities have left him feeling distinctly self-conscious about his memory and comprehension in general, so anything that sounds even remotely like teasing makes him bristle in defense.

"That would be short-sighted," he answers, voice tight with irritation and ears growing hot under his hair. "Cultural bleed from two societies connected by a short train ride would be inevitable. Besides, neither one built the mural in Temba."