"Criticism nothing," says Ratchet calmly, even a little cheerfully. "There's no point in talking when I'm just wasting my breath."

Then he gently lifts Auspex to her feet and puts his arms around her, feeling their boss touch her with comfort and reassurance... and wonders at the thought that there's anticipation there too. -Just what are you doing, sir?-

"This has been hard on you," he says softly, his hand smoothing her back in a fatherly manner. "But I think it's nearly over. And remember... neither our boss or his makes any junk. Teletraan's somewhere."