Johnny sighs heavily. So much for that. Not like he blames the guy, this kind of stubborn refusal to talk shit out is pretty familiar. He's gotten a lot better at it lately.

Rush is still flipping out, and Johnny's instinct is to move forward and pat him on the back or something, but he reacted so badly to that last time that instead he stays put and feels useless.

"You know," says Nova after a moment. "Having Nathaira outside you has... advantages. If you try petting her, maybe... maybe that would help?"

She looks at the panther, then up at Johnny. "It helps us," she says.

Johnny says nothing, feeling embarrassed.