Howard doesn't return Sakura's smile, instead checking the lock on his med kit one last time and stepping up closer to Zouichi. There's some palpable tension and he'd rather just get a move on. All the standing around is wasted time, and while three hours means they don't have to sprint, it's also not a long enough window to justify dawdling.

"Closer to the front and top's going to have more of the emergency care materials. If you guys go top, we should go nearer to the entrance." Also, staying on the outer ring will make it easier to escape to the outside if they have to.

He follows Zouichi. Did Zou really have to bring the coil rifle? That thing probably weighs more than Howard does. Not for the first time, Howard wishes he'd brought a gun of his own. Might be something to start seriously training with back home.

Time for some five-finger discounts!