I’m working on a novella currently, and I just fixed a bit of awkwardness that I realized was a useful primer on what we mean when we say, “Line of direction.”

First version:

“I... oh!” [Name] said. “I downloaded a skin on how to use it. It’s an antique.”

“I see that.” The officer held the lockbox out unwaveringly, a gentle pressure of polite social expectation. She held her tongue on the effectiveness of whatever skin [Name] might be using. The weapon in question was so old it didn’t even have a palm lock, not to mention lacking smart targeting interrupts and other safety measures.