You can get better. [ Misinterpreting the emotion in his voice for a feeling of hopelessness in his weapons-handling, Ben tries for encouragement.

Not that it's the sort of thing he would condone, but learning how to defend oneself isn't a bad skill to have. More importantly, it could lead to defending others.

Perhaps that had been his failing, not focusing more on others when he should have. ] If you want to. It's just a matter of practice. Anyone can learn to wield a blaster or a blade.

[ He watches the boy for a moment before he decides to switch topics. Something a little more neutral, less focused on fighting, despite where they are. ]

But tell me: what sorts of things do you invent?