"Oh, please. I am not being 'snarky', firstly. Second, who cares about Max? He saved you, but he's a thief. No doubt he was expecting a reward of some kind for it, that's all his kind are really good for. Third, would you please just humor me and stay here? Just for the one day? It won't hurt you, and it'll give your body time to heal." He leaned over to kiss her, soft and sweet, as persuasively as he could. "I won't make you do anything else if you just stay put, alright? And besides, you can't get around<i>that</i>well just yet. I saw how you wince whenever you take a step without leaning on me. Rest for now. I'll send Luke and the others to you, then tomorrow you can join them for their first lessons with me. Okay?" He kissed her again, then stood, hand lifting to stroke at the beard that wasn't there anymore. "Just sit tight, okay? They'll be here soon."<br/><br/>He turned and left at that, his step quick. The moment he was out of sight all the warmth in his expression drained away. He had no patience for these small kind things she wanted. Thank Natya? For what? Assuming a duty she wasn't equipped to handle? He had been the one with plans, not Natya. He couldn't begin to anticipate the damage she'd done. Instead of heading for her quarters he turned down to the dorms, where he found Luke and some of the others from her chapter still discussing... whatever it was rats discussed in packs. "Luke. Take a few of your friends, go keep Malia company. Your chapter can rest for tonight, but I expect you all to be ready tomorrow to learn." He turned away before Luke could even respond, and paused as Max came walking out of a room, yawning and stretching his arms in the stolen coat. "Ah. So you came, too. Join them. And take that fucking coat off. You haven't earned it, and we aren't going to tolerate your thievery here."<br/><br/>He brushed past the younger man and turned toward the armory to take stock of their weapons. Letto had visited at some point to tell him they'd found more armament in the bunker, but he hadn't really listened. Now, though, there was work to do. Weapons to be divvied up, progress to be measured, orders to be given. He supposed he should at least try to work with Natya, to make sure the transition was as smooth as possible. Carson heaved a sigh and shook his head. He had wasted so much time... too much, entirely.