“Okay. Got a bit of a ride to the nearest gateway, but we'll be there soon.” Sam nodded and reached out to close the connection, pausing before she actually touched the drone to add, “Thanks. Seeya.”

Call complete, she sighed, turned, and took the offered cloth with quiet thanks. Before moving to tie the makeshift mask, she flashed a rueful smile at her new friend. Hell of a first day, she wanted to say, but what would that help? There were better remarks to make. “Not wild about hospitals?” was one. Something (and it looked like unease) had eddied through the new guy's aura at the word, only to be eclipsed by something else through the course of the conversation. That 'something else' was guilt, Sam was certain; guilt edged with other upsets. Something to segue into addressing.

“Normally, I'm not too keen on 'em either. Haven's got a good one, though.”