"You're welcome," Howard says, with actual sincerity. It's some comfort to know that at least someone who witnessed that humiliating, painful beatdown from Harriet can see that he's not a worthless scrap of person.

But seeing as the immediate danger has left and taken the need for professionalism with it, he returns Kon's warning with rolled eyes. "I'm a medic, Jock Boy, not an idiot."

And he darts back for cover.