"Probably longer time than the subtle method is worth," Tim said, with a raised eyebrow. In reality he had a fairly good idea of how easily people died in various situations, but that wasn't something he was divulging any time soon.

"I guess so," Tim agreed with Howard's assessment, and shrugged halfheartedly. "I suppose if people are into the whole... heroic, save the universe thing." Which Tim was, strictly speaking, 'into'. He didn't enjoy the time on the ship, but doing the 'hero thing' was what he did.

Tim didn't have a chance to say much else before Howard was running to the bushes and expelling the rotten fruit he'd been forcing himself to eat. He contemplated getting up to check on him, but he knew it was unnecessary. And he was hardly surprised. "That's okay," he said, watching quietly as Howard returns his attention to the fruit, regardless. That feeds Tim's growing assessment of the boy, but that was another matter. "I... imagine that was pretty rough," Tim said, frowning. Referring to the story Howard had told. But he won't offer pity or sympathy, because he can tell the boy wouldn't appreciate that, would likely close down at least partially. "I'm willing to bet you hate bugs, then, if nothing else." Then, he said, "I guess 'Stacy' doesn't seem as bad, in that light. More food, less murder. Some missions excluded."