He gives you a startled eye but quickly deflates, giving up. “It doesn’t matter. You’re right. He and Joan are out there right now looking for those dumb crystals. Can you believe it? Who even cares, right? Just to get some airship tickets or whatever?

“And I’m stuck here.”

> “Yep, you’re stuck here.” Leave Jeff to his whining.
> “There’s no one else here. Maybe your boss can let you go early?”
> “I wonder if I could take over for you?”