His expression is already sympathetic, but it strengthens into a grimace by the end; it's hard, knowing your pain can worsen someone else's, someone you're responsible for.

There are two lives he remembers, now, where he tried to be strong for Elias. He did well enough in the first, but the latest, in this port - well, there's a reason he's reaching over to grab his own bottle.

"The Barge is harder on him than most of us." There's an aimless, helpless frustration in his voice. "And it isn't really anyone's fault, except maybe the Admiral's." Even then, his tone lacks the harshness it once would have had. He's starting to believe the Admiral really is doing his best, and that does matter even when it falls short.

"I think - venting like this, with other people, is probably the best thing you can do." It's certainly a healthier option than he's ever taken.