[ It's been several months for him-- is he ever going to get comfortable with what he is now? Catherine has about as much patience for it now as she had when they met, which is approximately none. She ends up holding some screws in her mouth as she takes off a panel, fiddles with a couple things, and then replaces it before answering. She has her priorities.

As far as she's concerned, difficult topic over, moving on. Catherine drags herself away from the strain of thinking about what had happened, and how little Simon understands still. ]

They'll be fine, [ she says dismissively. ] Animals can smell contaminated water. All right. [ Catherine sits back and starts putting things away, regaining personal space with some subdued relief. ] You should be okay, but I want to do a more thorough look when we're back. If we can get your helmet off so I can look at the internal electronics, that would be best.