[ If Steve didn't have a jail sentence that included something to do, he'd probably be climbing the walls right now, but it's worked out so far. He really isn't that bothered by how things turned out, and as far as he's concerned, it could have been a whole lot worse. Aloy seems to understand that.

In his experience, Aloy's always strictly business, and he doesn't really mind that. They worked together on this and he knows it must feel odd to her that she's not facing any of the consequences, but that's just how it goes when they're separated by such strict borders. ]

I know. [ He nods; he would feel the same way in her shoes. ] But I also don't know if it would have been worth you risking that to be there in person. Just having you on call gave us what we needed.

[ Besides, he and Jesper had a whole lot of tricks up their sleeves.

Though then Steve sighs and leans his forearms up on the cafe table. ]

Chances are they're just going to rebuild. But... I don't know, at least this way it felt like I did something.