On impulse, Brady tapped his implant and breathed her name as he continued to ready himself. He didn't realize how much he relied upon Angel's soothing voice until he heard her answer. Brady hesitated to respond, feeling as though he should concentrate on supporting her, per Tim's directions, rather than reach out to her when he needed her.
"Hey, Angel," he said at last.
"Did you make it to the hospital?" she asked. Her soft voice was always calm. It stilled his nerves and helped him focus.
"We did," he confirmed. "You remembered the chocolate."
She chuckled, a sound he liked but rarely heard.
"Thank you," he said with warmth. "My friend wouldn't have made it otherwise."
"You're welcome. Is it still bad out?" she asked.
"Depends on how you define bad," he replied grimly. "This hospital is the only thing in a day's walk with power. We haven't seen any civilians in two days, though we've had some fierce battles with some sort of insurgency."
"We underestimated the PMF."
"I don't think it's them," he said carefully. "The guys we're facing don't fit the bill."
"Really? Why?"
"The guys we're running into are wearing uniforms from the war era. I think someone wasn't happy the war ended and has the power and money to reinvigorate it," he said. He stopped, awaiting her response.
"Interesting," she said. "I've been researching this as well. I'm afraid there aren't many people willing to look beyond the obvious in this circumstance."
"What do you think?" he responded.
"You're the second person to ask me for my opinion on something. I'm an analyst and skilled technician. I gather information and present findings, not give my opinions."
"C'mon, Angel. I'm not a politician. Tell me what you think."
She hesitated then said, "I think you're right, but I can't find proof of it anywhere."
He almost sighed. While he didn't understand why Tim wanted this woman protected, he saw her appeal: intelligence, artlessness, and perceptiveness combined with a general good will. No, she was not at all the type of person Tim normally surrounded himself with.
"Are you going out again for more bad guys?"
"Yeah. Still trying to get killed," he replied.
"Don't try too hard. I don't have anyone else to talk to."
He chuckled.
"The general is paging me. I'd better go," she said.