Zero pat Marino on the shoulder once, glancing at the timer only one more time before closing his eyes. When his own internal clock finished the countdown, no pain came. Hell, he didn't even feel heat, or see a bright flash or anything.

Instead, a spray of confetti burst from the device with a little jingle and badly accented greeting, and he noticed Marino's did the same at the exact same time.

Zero could only stare in open-mouthed shock and befuddlement as the device came off and plopped onto the grass.

After a moment, the only thing he had peace of mind to do was huff a little. Geez.