Oh, well, that's even more complicated than interpersonal issues. Her expression twists briefly with surprise and pity, which she banishes as quickly as she can, he's like her and he'll detest pity.

"I don't want to rule out the possibility that we could set our own spatial endpoint," she says, forcing herself to sound reasonable. "I mean, I never got that far in my efforts, but it's not impossible, it was a goal I was working toward."

Of course, to do this, they'll need to make significantly more progress on her arm than she thinks they are capable of.

"Either way," she says. "Uh. Yeah. I can't imagine the offer will close."

Okay enough of that. She swipes the bottle back and drinks a little bit more than would qualify as a single swig, sets it back down heavily and immediately drops her head onto the table.

"Oh-kay," she says, the full effect encroaching in earnest. "Yup. All right. Are you done yet, jeez."

His forty minutes have not elapsed, but surely he has to be getting close.