"Sure, totally after your throne." Dirk's voice is deadpan, but he doesn't really expect this guy to pick up on the sarcasm and it's not worth arguing otherwise. Besides, it apparently worked.

He has to crane his neck to look up at Eki as he approaches, but Dirk's eyes do catch on the mostly-hidden transceiver and it reminds him of something Senku had mentioned about attempts to open his up, something that had stopped Dirk from similarly experimenting even after he'd gained access to the airfield's tool supply.

"And yeah, I think I do," he answers coolly. "Ready to bow down, bitch?"