^{@ourtani     /    continued.}

^{he expects a quick answer that will be a firm one,   an easily-distinguished   YES  or   NO,    but what he gets is only somewhat vague,   letting him spiral down into this conversation when he wants to think about something new.   make more progress by either continuing this or not.}   

^{“  uh —  i didn’t ask for you to get all philosophical on me.  it’s just a question,  tani :  yes or no ?   if yes then we’re doing something else.  “}