"It was making significant steps in that direction, and you're right in that we should show our support... but the best way to do that is by pushing it to be the 'better' you and I both know it can be. The potential is there! Under assorted ingredients, but there." The banter was a welcome break, even if only for a few sentences; enough to get grounded, and so Sam heaved her most melodramatic sigh without a second thought. "Friggin' Dirge."

Her tone said 'that fucker,' quite clearly, overflowing with weary exasperation.

"I should've known---and that's a story. Before crackin' that can of worms, though..." She held up her hands, tone lightening---she'd've liked to laugh. "I'd sure like to think so. But, more than anything, I'm just me."