It was stupid, [Tony mutters, almost to himself.] I never should have tried this without my equipment.

[He still sounds upset, and now there's some frustration creeping into his voice. The rings are powerful, and dangerous, and at his fingertips - and as inscrutable as ever. He's trying to unravel the technological secrets of a galaxy-conquering alien race with tools that might as well be a tin can and a couple of sticks.]

I don't know why I even bothered, [he continues glumly, and sighs. After a few seconds of stewing in his melodramatic angst dejection, he sighs again, and turns to Raine.] If you're going to stay and watch Gene, do you want me to take a look at that jelly thing?

[It's the best he can do to salvage this thoroughly unfortunate situation.]