"...Well that last part sounds interesting..." Of course Otto's focus remains on his wondrous machines. They're so much easier to deal with than living things, controllable and dissect-able and they never talk back. In the lab, with his actuators, he seemed at home. Here in the sea of people he stands out, and while the other residents seem to give him the right of way there's a definite air of 'keep away from him' rather than courtesy. Unfortunately Abe may have allied himself with somebody unpopular, and it may rub off. On the other hand, Abe is probably used to people being wary of him on looks alone, so maybe this is a better reason.

"How do you mean it though? What can we get from toxic lumps of flesh that would enhance my work?" He walks faster once he's gotten the kinks out of his knees, interrupted dinner forgotten, brain back on scientific research.