[ It's a bit like playing chicken, Harold thinks. Ms. Shaw is especially like this, even more so than John; she doesn't want to be thanked or appreciated no matter how many times she does something good. Harold isn't about to press the sentiment on someone who isn't interested in receiving it, but he is paying attention, he does notice, and actions speak louder than words. ]

It's not as if I have any meaningful sense of pride left anyway, [ Harold sighs, openly sarcastic. He used to be an avid runner, and now here he is dreading several hours' walk. It's a loss he still hasn't fully become accustomed to.

But Krouse is right; this is not the time to be taking chances, and this much physical activity could make it difficult for him to function for a while as he recovers. He doesn't have his usual medication here. Whatever short-term nausea he experiences from the rapid teleporting is likely to be far better than the alternative. ]

Is your introductory spiel on parahuman science still on offer?

[ If they're going to be traveling together and need a topic of conversation, Harold may as well spend it productively. ]