[sdjfhlk well now that Ford's confident that displays like this aren't all coldly calculated tricks to play on his sympathies, is he really going to say no?

His relationship with Betelgeuse is a little bit like someone who's been feeding a wild animal. Ford's well aware of what the animal's nature is. He's familiar with its type of behavior, enough to head off most problems directed his way. It knows it can come to him for food, but whether it feels any kind of affection is up in the air, and it could bite at any time. But while it's getting food from him, it isn't hunting anywhere else. A kind of friendship, but an uneasy one. And one where it's definitely tried to hump his leg.

Anyway, Ford's not hard-hearted enough to turn him out.]

Okay.

[A deep breath; a sigh.]

Listen, Betelgeuse. I was working with her during the port, and she was as lively as ever. I don't think she's fading away, so if she's still here at all, it's probably just a break. I think Hange's going to be just fine.

And Rhys -- that's an ordinary death toll, right?