[A slow nod. He holds out the mug of water after a moment, almost forgetting that he'd been holding it in the first place.]

I will do my best to be more forthcoming. [He glances toward the ashen remains, and then back.]

And... you needn't worry about me taking him up on that offer. Or... making any attempts in that vein. If nothing else, I have to remain here to ensure that we remain seventeen strong.