[God, if only he knew. As it is the best he can do is shake his head and splay out his hands like a pauper.]

No clue. I've outlasted far more capable and younger folks, and it's not like I've done a special amount of sucking up or community service. It's luck of the draw I'm afraid.

[Her fright doesn't escape him. And the pods, expansive and moodily lit, can't be helping alleviate her fears. Richie motions to her to come forward.] Maybe we should do a little exploring. Get you some better bearings of the place. This shit never fails to give me the willies.